Education performance review cycle

Initial Data Review meetings take place early in the academic year and provide a space for departments to reflect on current educational performance and identify priorities for the year ahead. 

• Heads of Department and Directors of Education – who provide an overview of key issues and highlight two to three departmental priorities.
• PVC (Education) and Faculty Deans (UG/PG) – who may flag areas they wish to explore further or share feedback from a wider institutional lens.
• QUAD – to support the discussion and capture actions that feed into Planning.
• Faculty Managers and Department Managers – to help link departmental insights to planning and institutional priorities. These meetings also surface innovative practice — departments may be invited to present examples at the Senior Staff Away Day.

Following the Initial Data Review, departments are encouraged to carry out a more in-depth review of educational performance.

There is no fixed template – departments can structure this in a way that suits their priorities and culture. It might take the form of:

• A single Education Away Day
• A series of meetings
• Alternative activities involving both staff and students

• Tailor your approach around departmental priorities and institutional themes.
• Use data meaningfully – share key datasets in advance and during sessions to help colleagues engage with trends.
• Engage your team – communicate clearly about why the review is happening and how staff can contribute.
• Identify clear actions – design sessions to lead to outcomes that can feed into your ARC submission and Departmental Plan.

The most meaningful reviews are those that bring together a range of perspective. All academic staff should be included wherever possible. If not all can attend, consider other ways for them to contribute. Professional Services colleagues and other internal teams can offer valuable insights. Inviting them fosters collaborative working and shared solutions. Student representation is essential. At minimum, include your student reps and consider involving other students of the Students' Union where appropriate.

The insights and actions identified during your departmental review should directly inform:

• Your Annual Review of Courses (ARC) submission
• Your Departmental Plan for the next academic year (as part of Planning round)
• By embedding education-focused reflection into the annual cycle, we ensure a consistent, joined-up approach to enhancement and strategic planning.