• These developmental engagements provide an opportunity for institutions to develop
and test, in co-operation with the Agency, the effectiveness of the institution’s quality
assurance systems, the robustness of the evidence base and the reports that they
generate in those systems. The Agency will agree on a suitable schedule, compose a
peer review team (annex A), appoint a review chair and invite the institution to nominate
a facilitator (annex C).

• The benefits to an institution of participating in a developmental engagement include,
in addition to the opportunities to test, develop and refine internal review processes:
the dialogue with peers; receiving external structured comment; and the written review
report, which should offer an agenda for further improvement. All of these may assist
further with the institution’s arrangements to identify strengths and weaknesses, enhance
the programmes and disseminate good practice.

• The developmental engagements and the outcomes will not lead to accreditation.
However, the conclusions reached will include a judgment on: the extent to which the
quality assurance systems in place are effective; and the quality and academic standards
of the programmes.