Standard 08 of 08
Continuous Improvement
Evidence-led review, with a plan that changes what needs changing.
Accreditation is a snapshot; quality is a habit. This standard asks whether the institution keeps looking honestly at its own results, acts on what it finds, and tells HCDE when something important changes.
What HCDE expects
- Regular collection of feedback from learners, instructors and, where relevant, employers.
- Use of the institution's own data on completion, progression and results to judge whether programs work.
- Documented improvement plans with owners and dates, and a record of what was done.
- Periodic review of every program, not only when a problem appears.
- Prompt, honest response to HCDE findings, recommendations and conditions.
- Notification to HCDE of significant changes: ownership, delivery model, new programs, partners or closure.
Evidence reviewers look for
- Survey instruments and a summary of results over time
- Program review reports and the actions that followed
- Improvement plan with a record of progress
- Risk register and how it is used
- Correspondence with HCDE about earlier findings
Questions a reviewer may ask
- What is the most important thing the institution changed in the last cycle, and why?
- Which of the institution's own figures would tell you a program is failing?
- How does the institution decide that a change is significant enough to report to HCDE?
How this standard is judged
Reviewers read the evidence, may ask for more, and may speak with staff and learners. They record whether the standard is met, met with recommendations, or not yet met, and explain why. The way these findings lead to a decision is set out on the Decisions and Status page.
Questions before you begin?
Write to HCDE and we will explain the route that fits your institution, program or situation.