A Framework for Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures are an integral part of the Institute’s Quality Assurance and Enhancement Framework. DkIT has developed a framework of policies and procedures in the context of best practice within the higher education sector. The policies and procedures are aligned to QQI’s Core and relevant Sector and Topic-specific Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines, with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area 2015 (ESG) (https://www.enqa.eu/esg-standards-and-guidelines-for-quality-assurance-in-the-european-higher-education-area/) and other national and international best practice policies, procedures, guidelines, frameworks and strategies.
DkIT Policies and Procedures Management (Categorisation Scheme)
Policies and procedures (and associated documentation) are stored in an Institute centralised repository which is managed by the Registrar’s Office (specifically the responsibility of the Head of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance). There is one single centralised repository which is utilised as appropriate across the Institute by academic Schools and Professional Support Units (Student Services, etc.) and postgraduate research students and staff. The policies and procedures categorisation scheme / taxonomy has been derived from the dimensions of the European Standards and Guidelines 2015 with the addition of a category for Research and Knowledge Exchange (Figure 3).
A snapshot of Policies and procedures (and associated documentation) for a particular reporting period are made available to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) as part of the Annual Quality Report (AQR), which is available in Reports and Publications section.
Policy Review Schedules
Policies and procedures (including guidelines, frameworks and strategies) are regularly reviewed in accordance with a Policy Review Schedule and a Standard on DkIT Academic Policy. Revisions are carried out at least every three years or sooner if deemed necessary and the effectiveness of policies and procedures is regularly monitored through consultation with staff and students.
Development and amendment of academic policies and procedures, and related documentation, is primarily the responsibility of the Registrar’s Office in collaboration with all Institute stakeholders (academic staff and professional services area staff). All academic policies are subject to Academic Council approval and some are also subject to Governing Body approval. Most are developed and/or reviewed by sub-committees or working groups of the Academic Council, the members of which determine best practice within the higher education sector to ensure that policies and procedures (and related documentation) are relevant, effective and continually being enhanced. Feedback from students, staff members and other stakeholders is also taken into consideration.
