At its meeting on 14 April 2014, ASC received the 12-month update report from the review of Nursing and Healthcare which detailed the responses and the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations. ASC noted that the Convener considered the recommendations have been mainly, given full and appropriate consideration, however, considered that Recommendation 8 may need to be monitored. The ASC reviewers considered that the subject area should be commended on their engagement with the recommendations and found a number of the responses were positive and imaginative. However it was noted that there were a number of conditional responses in the report and that it was to be hoped that subsequent updates would display more evidence of substantial progress.

ASC noted that the actions taken to address Recommendations 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 appeared to be reasonable and appropriate. It was agreed that reports on further progress should be requested in relation to the following recommendations:

Recommendation 1: ASC requested an update on the progress of the Trans National Education (TNE) initiatives. Information should also be provided regarding the anticipated numbers to be enrolled on the new PGT programmes.

Recommendation 2: The response was brief and not entirely satisfactory. ASC considered that the College Newsletter and University news were rather limited forums and would like to see evidence of more detailed engagement with external communication.

Recommendation 6: ASC considered that there was a need for further work to be undertaken to adequately address this issue. The School should identify and set recognisable targets. An update should be provided to ASC outlining what steps had been taken to manage workloads of probationers.

Recommendation 7: An update on how plans were developing for the introduction of a process improvement exercise to alleviate pressure on the School.

Recommendation 8: ASC considered that this response was insufficient and that the School should consult with other Schools to determine what other methods were used to select and train GTAs. ASC noted that that some of the tasks listed, such as assisting with the operation of scanners, did not appear to be an appropriate use of a GTA’s time or skills.

Recommendation 14: ASC considered that greater engagement was required to encourage students to chair meetings of the Staff/Student Liaison Committee. An update should be provided to ASC.

Academic Standards Committee is asked to consider the adequacy of the responses and the progress made.

As identified.

No direct resource implications have been identified.

As outlined.

No specific implications identified, although the School should continue to embed consideration of equality and diversity in all its procedures and provision.