Wonkhe SUs · The 2026 webinar box set
Quality in the Nations
Why quality matters to students, unis and you – and why England regulates while the others review, enhance and let students in.
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We explain the difference between standards and quality, what the UK Quality Code is and its twelve principles, and how students move from being surveyed to co-creating. We compare the review regimes across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, show how to turn a student experience issue into a question about standards, and set out an SU operating model for capturing, translating and escalating quality evidence. Please note: this session refers to a student who died by suicide. If you are affected, support is available any time from Samaritans (call 116 123, free).
What we cover
- Standards versus quality – does the award mean what it says, and are students getting what they need to achieve it?
- The UK Quality Code – the sector-agreed framework of twelve principles, and the three SUs use most.
- From surveyed to co-creating – the ladder from data about students to students designing quality with staff.
- From issue to principle – turning real review findings into the questions reps should ask.
- Three nations at a glance – the funders, review methods, bodies and student roles across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Wales – the SU inside assurance, the Learner Engagement Code, and learner protection plans.
- Scotland – the five-part quality calendar, student partnership through sparqs, and the national review of awarding arrangements.
- Northern Ireland – the current annual provider review and the enhancement-led method in development.
- Why the European standards matter – ESG alignment, recognition, and student voice as infrastructure, not decoration.
- An SU operating model – capture, translate and escalate quality evidence up the right ladder.
Things to read
- What SUs need to know about a revised Quality Code
- What Scotland's quality reviews tell SUs about the rights students should expect
- How the National Review of Awarding Arrangements will work in Scotland
- What SUs can learn from the QAA's report on assessment practice at Glasgow
- The future of student involvement in quality in Wales
- Scotland's new tertiary education act – what SUs need to know
- Medr's regulatory framework is a fair-weather friend to students
- Why should I care about QAA and HESA?
- Wonkhe briefings for SUs – Quality & standards
- Wonkhe briefings for SUs – Scotland
- Wonkhe briefings for SUs – Wales
- Quality on Wonkhe – tag archive