APPENDIX PV18b
School Audit Checklist
This checklist is provided to assist School Audit Teams in preparing for and conducting a
School Audit. It may be used to support:


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analysis of the Self-Evaluation Document prior to the review
the collection of evidence during the review
the preparation and compilation of the Audit Report
The checklist is structured around the main headings of the Self-Evaluation Document and
the Audit Report but it is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. The Self-Evaluation Document
and discussions during the Audit Visit may result in additional questions.
1.
Characteristics of the School
Criteria for consideration:
Does the School’s historical development give rise to
any specific areas for exploration?
Yes/No
Comment
Yes/No
Comment
Does the description of the School as it stands today
give rise to any specific areas for exploration?
Is the School’s academic portfolio balanced and
appropriate? Does it have any unusual or distinctive
features?
Are there any programmes or modules with very few
students enrolled? What impact does this have on
timetable issues for the School and staff?
Does the School regularly review the number of
programmes and modules available and the number of
students enrolling on these programmes?
2.
Previous audits
Criteria for consideration:
If there has been a previous audit of the School, is there
evidence that the School has responded appropriately
to any recommendations?
Do any issues from previous audits appear to be
outstanding or ongoing?
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APPENDIX PV18b
3.
Organisation and management
Criteria for consideration:
Does the School appear to be organised effectively?
Yes/No
Comment
Yes/No
Comment
Does the School appear to be resourced appropriately?
Is a strategy in place for allocation of resources?
Has the School managed any restructuring challenges
effectively?
Does the School offer an appropriate number of degree
programmes in proportion to the staff resources
available?
Are roles and responsibilities of individuals and
committees clear?
Have the committees met frequently and adequately
discussed the issues raised?
Is the process of decision-making clear?
How does the School communicate with its staff and
students? Are there any weaknesses in its approach?
Does the School appear to have an
programme management structure for
programmes?
effective
all its
If the School delivers any provision across campuses,
does this appear to be managed effectively?
Are workloads fairly distributed?
Does the School appear to have a sound management
structure that can carry it through future opportunities
and/or problems?
4.
Contribution to the Faculty Plan
Criteria for consideration:
Is there evidence that the School is making an
appropriate contribution to the Faculty Plan in relation to
recruitment and retention?
Are the publicity materials produced by the School
accurate and appropriate? Could they be enhanced?
Are the materials produced for current students
accurate and appropriate? Do they adhere to University
templates? Could they be enhanced?
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APPENDIX PV18b
Are mechanisms in place for checking and monitoring
the materials provided for prospective and current
students?
Is an appropriate strategy in place for student support?
Is there evidence that the School is making an
appropriate contribution to the Faculty Plan in relation to
programme development?
Is there evidence that the School is making an
appropriate contribution to the Faculty Plan in relation to
learning, teaching and quality enhancement? Does your
answer apply at both undergraduate and postgraduate
levels?
Is there evidence that programme design and delivery is
informed by:
- recent developments in techniques of teaching,
learning and assessment?
- opportunities for technology enhanced learning?
- current research and scholarship?
- University priorities such as sustainability and
employability?
Is there evidence that the School is making an
appropriate contribution to the Faculty Plan in relation to
staff engagement in scholarly activity?
Is there evidence that the School is making an
appropriate contribution to the Faculty Plan in relation to
collaborative partnerships (where applicable)?
Is there evidence that the School is thinking creatively
about future challenges, both within the University and
in the external environment?
5.
Quality assurance
Criteria for consideration:
Does the School provide appropriate opportunities for
all students to engage in the quality assurance and
enhancement of their educational experience? Could its
current arrangements be enhanced?
Does the School respond appropriately to external
examiners’ reports and other forms of external
feedback? Could its current arrangements be enhanced
Does the School make good use of statistical
information in evaluating its programmes of study?
Could its current arrangements be enhanced?
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Yes/No
Comment
APPENDIX PV18b
Where applicable, does the School provide appropriate
support and monitoring for its flexible and blended
learning? Could its current arrangements be enhanced?
Is there evidence that the School supports and monitors
staff development to ensure teaching quality? Could its
current arrangements be enhanced?
Is the School implementing the University’s policy on
peer observation of teaching?
Does the School make appropriate arrangements for
inducting and supporting part-time and visiting staff?
Does the School make appropriate arrangements for
ensuring that its research degree provision is of an
appropriate quality and standard? Could its current
arrangements be enhanced?
Does the School make appropriate arrangements for
working with other Schools both within the Faculty and
in other Faculties? Could its current arrangements be
enhanced?
Where applicable, does the School make appropriate
arrangements for supporting its collaborative
partnerships? Could its current arrangements be
enhanced?
6.
Conclusions
Criteria for consideration:
Has the School produced an appropriate analysis of its
strengths and weaknesses?
Has the School produced evidence of how it intends to
address its weaknesses and threats and turn them into
opportunities or strengths?
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Yes/No
Comment