QAA has developed procedures for handling Causes for Concern in English and Welsh institutions that provide higher education. A Cause for Concern is strictly defined for this purpose as 'any policy, procedure or action implemented or omitted by an institution that appears likely to jeopardise the academic standards and quality of its higher education programmes and/or awards'.
A guide to Causes for Concern
It is important that causes for concern are not confused with individual complaints relating to staff employment disputes or personal grievances against institutions. QAA has no remit or powers to become involved in staff employment disputes or individual complaints relating to personal grievances.
To clarify our position on this and to offer advice on how students, staff or others can resolve their complaint, whether these be individual disputes or possible Causes for Concern, we have published a visual guide to help identify the nature of your complaint.
If, once you have read this guide, you believe that a Cause for Concern exists with in an institution, please read the appropriate procedure for handling these.
Procedures in England and Wales
The procedures for handling Causes for Concern in England and Wales are slightly different. If you are looking to bring a possible Cause for Concern to our attention, please read the relevant procedure carefully.
A step by step guide to the Causes for Concern procedure
Handling causes for concern in further and higher
education institutions in England – HTML | PDF
Handling causes for concern in further and higher
education institutions in Wales – HTML | PDF
Possible Causes for Concern in England and Wales should be submitted in writing to:
Chief Executive
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Southgate House
Southgate Street
Gloucester
GL1 1UB
Email: causesforconcern@qaa.ac.uk
Procedure in Scotland
In Scotland, a protocol for managing potential risks to quality and academic standards is in place and is intended to have a similar role to the Causes for concern arrangements that operate in other parts of the UK, while addressing the distinctive features of the Scottish higher education sector.
Managing potential risks to quality and academic standards - HTML | PDF
Any enquiries about using the protocol should be directed to:
Director, QAA Scotland
183 St Vincent Street
Glasgow
G2 5QD
Email: causesforconcern@qaa.ac.uk
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