Peer Evaluation

As part of the overall evaluation of Lifelong Learning Networks, HEFCE has asked for there to be an element of ‘peer’ evaluation. This is intended to be largely formative rather than summative in nature and will also help in the sharing of good practice which is a characteristic of the national LLN community. The section below includes a peer evaluation framework with supporting documents.

The purpose of Peer Evaluation

Peer evaluation is a process whereby professionals from similar work circumstances exercise collective judgments about the quality, importance, value and standards of provision, as well as develop joint responsibilities for improvement and the sharing and transfer of good practice. The LLN Peer Evaluation process will allow a team of people – who understand the pressures and challenges of developing a LLN - to review the practices of others in a challenging but supportive way. Peer evaluations are not inspections: they provide an opportunity to obtain constructive comment and advice from respected peers who are also experts in the field. Done well, a Peer Evaluation can be an important catalyst in delivering improvement from within and for building a consensus on priorities.

The purpose of a peer evaluation therefore is to:

  • improve and enhance the work of each LLN and improve outcomes for a Network in meeting business aims
  • benefit all parties directly involved through a process of dialogue and sharing practice
  • provide a progress check and information for individual LLNs to help them plan and undertake development activities as required
  • identify examples of good practice that can be disseminated more widely to the LLN community
  • provide appropriate evidence to support quality assurance and enhancement requirements
  • provide tangible evidence for HEFCE and key stakeholders on the effectiveness of LLN work
  • aid continual improvement by pointing out strengths and weaknesses that may not be apparent

The LLN Evaluation Strategy has identified key areas for consideration through Peer Evaluation:

  • Partnership working and engagement
  • Leadership and governance issues
  • Practice in establishing progression agreements, curriculum development, IAG systems, arrangements for tracking and re-engaging learners

Peer partners may decide to focus on some key differences in approach to areas of activity and/or identify areas of difficulty/challenge on which they would like peers to investigate and advise on.

The initial stage of the peer evaluation process was to identify pairings and a suggested time-table for undertaking the process. A Peer Evaluation Framework was then developed and this was approved at a meeting of LLN directors 27th September 2007.

To download the Peer Evaluation Framework document and supported appendices please see below.

HEFCE CONTACTS

Further details on the overall evaluation strategy and interim evaluation are available from Jennifer Allen, e-mail j.allen@hefce.ac.uk, tel 0117 931 7054.

For information on peer evaluation, please contact Jessica Trahar, e-mail j.trahar@hefce.ac.uk, tel 0117 931 7290.

www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/lln/monitoring/eval.htm

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