CITY College receives maximum unconditional BAC accreditation until June 2020

I am very pleased to inform you that we have been re-accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) for Independent Higher Education, gaining maximum accreditation for  years with no conditions. The inspection took place over two days in December 2016 and involved a team of two BAC inspectors and a student representative. The team had several meetings with senior managers, academic and administration staff  and a group of students. The inspectors reviewed a wide range of written and other evidence prepared by the Institution, have observed six teaching sessions and carried out a thorough tour of both premises. All 27 standards are fully met. No actions have been identified.  

Here is a summary of strengths:

GOVERNANCE, STRATEGY AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• There are clear and well-defined arrangements for governance and management, within the context of the close relationship with the University of Sheffield.
• A robust and effective strategic planning process includes inputs from key staff, at various levels.

ACADEMIC MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

• There are well-established and effective communication arrangements at all levels across the Institution.
• Close monitoring of progress, with defined action plans, is undertaken.

TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

• This is a student-centred Institution, that encourages innovative teaching and learning practices.
• Committed and enthusiastic teaching staff use a range of teaching methods.
• The Institution makes successful use of a wide variety of methods of assessment feedback.
• Teaching sessions draw heavily upon current research findings.
• A range of imaginative extra-curricular activities and projects effectively supports learning.
• Excellent academic professional development opportunities are available and the Institution actively encourages individual academic development and research.

STUDENT RECRUITMENT, SUPPORT, GUIDANCE AND PROGRESSION

• Excellent pastoral support arrangements are provided for students.
• There is a highly effective careers support and guidance facility, which is open both to current students and alumni.

PREMISES, FACILITIES AND LEARNING RESOURCES

• There is an excellent library facility, which is well used and highly valued by students.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT, ASSURANCE AND ENHANCEMENT

• The Institution is well served by comprehensive and effective quality assurance processes.

No actions are required to any of the above.
 
The inspectors have identified some areas for improvement:

• The Institution might consider whether an element of externality in the composition of its Executive Board could further enhance its deliberations.
• Formal performance appraisal arrangements should be extended to the administrative staff.
• There is some confusion between the use of the terms policy and procedure and the Institution could explore ways of differentiating between statements of overall intent, which are policies, and descriptions of operational tasks, which are procedures.
• Visitors to both sites should receive some initial information or briefing about health and safety, including fire prevention and fire evacuation arrangements.

Following the completion of the BAC audit, I would like to thank:

• the Accreditation Officer, Dr Paschalia Patsala, for compiling the necessary documentation and the self-assessment document and conducting the thorough inspection tours, as well as the Academic Quality Adviser Ms Lena Gassi, for  the collection and indexing of the massive documentation;
• all participants in the meetings, all colleagues who provided us with the necessary documentation as well as all members of the academic staff whose classes have been observed.

It is great news and this is due to the hard work of each one of you. 

Congratulation to all staff members!!!

Petros Kefalas

IF Director of Learning & Teaching