Tue December 2010 11:00...Regional Centre in Leeds, on sday 7Tueth December 2010. The meeting will commence at 11:00 and finish no later than 15:00. In order to help with hospitality

NUCCAT Quarterly Meeting Agenda 07/12/10 Page 1

Company Number: 5016775 Registered Charity Number: 1115054 The next NUCCAT Quarterly Meeting will take place in the Conference Room at the Open University Regional Centre in Leeds, on Tuesday 7th December 2010. The meeting will commence at 11:00 and finish no later than 15:00. In order to help with hospitality requirements, please confirm with Laura Chambers (NUCCAT Secretary) that you are attending at [email protected]. If your institution's main contact person is unable to attend, you may wish to send an alternate or other member of staff nominated by your institution in your place. If this is the case, please notify the NUCCAT Secretary of their contact details. Members are reminded that each institution with NUCCAT membership may nominate an alternate in addition to the main contact person. The alternate will automatically receive an electronic copy of meeting agendas, papers and minutes. If your institution has not yet nominated an alternate please send details of the person who you would like to nominate to the NUCCAT Secretary. For new members and visitors, the OU Regional Centre is located on Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, just 400 metres east of Leeds railway station. A map is enclosed. There are several large pay and display car parks close by. A buffet lunch is included. Colin Taylerson Temporary Chair

AGENDA

Item number Title Document Reference

Speaker

PART A: GENERAL BUSINESS 017/QRT/10 Welcome to members C. Taylerson 018/QRT/10 Apologies for absence L Chambers 019/QRT/10 Minutes of the previous meeting QRT/01B/10 C. Taylerson Members are asked to approve the minutes of the

Quarterly meeting of NUCCAT held on Thursday 29th September 2010.

020/QRT/10 Matters arising (not elsewhere on the agenda) Verbal C. Taylerson • Appointment of a Chair for NUCCAT (item

009/QRT/10)

021/QRT/10 Updated calendar for 2010/11 QRT/02B/10 L Chambers 022/QRT/10 Regional workshop programme for 2010/11

QRT/03B/10 S Gilkes

mailto:[email protected]�


PART B: NUCCAT COMPANY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING This part of the meeting is restricted to members representing the institutions which have accepted the incorporation of NUCCAT as a limited company. 023/QRT/10 Minutes of the previous Annual General meeting

Members are asked to receive the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 3rd December 2009.

QRT/04B/10 C. Taylerson

024/QRT/10 Report of the Trustees and Independently Examined

Accounts for the financial year ended 31st July 2010 Members are asked to receive and adopt the report and the accounts.


025/QRT/10 Financial Statements and Budget for 2010/11

Members are asked to receive and adopt the financial statements and budget for 2010/11.


026/QRT/10 Appointment of the Independent Examiner

Members are asked to consider and approve the appointment of the Independent Examiner (Heaton Lumb Lisle) and authorize the trustees to fix the remuneration.

Verbal C. Taylerson

027/QRT/10 Appointment of a NUCCAT Representative for the

UK Credit Forum (UKCF) Members are asked to approve the current appointments of NUCCAT Representatives to UKCF (C. Taylerson and P. Bridges)

Verbal C. Taylerson

028/QRT/10 Appointment of Elected Directors of NUCCAT

Members are asked to note that the following members of the Board are willing to continue their period of office:

• Lisa Brooks • Gregory Clark • Stuart Gilkes • Leopold Green • Colin Taylerson • Anthony Turjansky


PART C: NUCCAT COMPANY GENERAL MEETING 029/QRT/10 Minutes of Board of Directors meeting QRT/08B/09 C. Taylerson Members are asked to receive the minutes of the Board

of Directors held on Thursday 4th November 2010.

030/QRT/10 Re-branding of NUCCAT as the Northern

Universities Consortium

C. Taylerson

PART D: DISCUSSION ON ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST TO NUCCAT MEMBERS


031/QRT/10 Draft research specification

Members are asked to consider the report.

QRT/09B/10 L. Green

032/QRT/10 Response to JISC mail query QRT/10B/10 L Chambers Members are asked to consider and comment on the

report compiling responses received to the following queries from F. Terry, Teesside University:

• The classification of Foundation degrees • The awarding of ‘Pass’ or ‘Ordinary’ degrees

033/QRT/10 Use of Level 0 L. Green Members are asked to consider and comment on the

above at their own institutions (L. Green, De Montfort University)

ALL

034/QRT/10 Procedures for professional unsuitability, unfair

means and students’ code of discipline S. Gilkes

ALL Members are asked to consider and comment on the

above at their own institutions (S. Gilkes, University of Hull)

Lunch 13.00 – 13.30

PART E: AFTERNOON SEMINAR 035/QRT/10 The Impact of the Brown Review Presentation by Rajay Naik, Senior Policy Advisor at

the Open University and member of the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance (the Browne Review)

036/QRT/10 Any Other Business 037/QRT/10 Date and Time of Next Quarterly Meeting

The next Quarterly meeting of NUCCAT (will take place on Thursday 10th March 2010 at the OU Regional Centre, Leeds

Directors of NUCCAT: Ms Lisa Brooks: Principal Officer (Regulations and Procedures), Academic Quality and Standards, University of Central Lancashire, Foster Building, Preston, PR1 2HE Tel 01772 892406, Email [email protected] Mr Gregory Clark (Membership Secretary): Associate Secretary, Governance Services Unit (1st Floor) 3 Acton Square, University of Salford, The Crescent Salford M5 4WT Tel: 0161 2955868, Email [email protected] Mr Stuart Gilkes: University Quality Officer, University of Hull, Cohen Building, University Quality Office, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX Tel: 01482 466715, Email: [email protected] Mr Leopold Green: Head of Curriculum Planning, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH Tel 0116 257 7314, Email: [email protected] Mr Colin Taylerson (Temporary Chair): Principal Assistant Registrar (Partnerships and Academic Strategic Support), Academic Development, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ. Tel: 01244 512937. Email [email protected] Mr Anthony Turjansky: Head of Academic Quality, Academic Quality Unit, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Lancashire, L39 4QP. Tel 01695 584375, Email [email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUCCAT Secretary: Ms Laura Chambers, Academic Planning Manager, Academic Quality Unit, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Lancashire, L39 4QP Tel 01695 584520, Email [email protected]









Directions: By car Visitors arriving by car from the North should approach using the city centre loop road. From the South, East and West follow the M621 towards the City Centre. Turn right onto Sovereign Street (opposite the Hilton Hotel), follow this to the end and turn left onto Swinegate looking for the entrance to the NCP multi storey car park which has pedestrian access to Trevelyan Square.

Parking Trevelyan Square is not open to traffic and parking is not permitted on Boar Lane, but there are several pay and display car parks in the city.

There are disabled driver spaces on all floors of the NCP multi story car park. After parking, take the lift to the entrance in New Station Street. It is then about 200yards, along a kerb free, moderately level route, down New Station Street, right along Boar Lane, to the OU Centre.

By bus From Markets bus station walk westward to Vicar Lane and then south to the Corn Exchange and round into Boar Lane.

By rail Walk up to City Square. Turn right into Boar Lane. It is about five minutes walk to the Regional Centre.

QRT/01B/10 - Chair’s Approved Draft

NUCCAT Quarterly Meeting 29/09/10 Page 1 of 8

Company Number: 5016775 Registered Charity Number: 1115054

Minutes of the meeting of the Quarterly NUCCAT Meeting held on Thursday 29th September 2010 at 11.00am at the Open University Regional Centre, Leeds Present

Lizzie Amies Simon Beecroft Lisa Brooks Gregory Clark Stuart Gilkes Leopold Green Nick Revell Tony Turjansky (Acting Chair) Dr Wayne Turnbull Laura Chambers (Secretary)

University of Durham University of Sheffield UCLAN University of Salford University of Hull De Montfort University Staffordshire University Edge Hill University Liverpool John Moores University Edge Hill University

Apologies Colin Taylerson (Temporary Chair) Enid Ashdown Jenny Beaumont Paul Birkett Paul Bridges Helen Grindley Laura Johnstone Emi King Clare McCauley Laura Pannett Kirsty Priestley Michelle Rushforth Stuart Sutcliffe Fiona Terry Nick Waters

University of Chester Northumbria University University of Bradford University of Bolton University of Derby University of Sheffield Newcastle University University of Huddersfield University of Birmingham University of Bradford Leeds Trinity University College University of Liverpool University of Sunderland Teesside University Leeds Metropolitan University

PART A: GENERAL BUSINESS 001/QRT/10 Welcome to Members

1 The Acting Chair welcomed all members to the meeting. 002/QRT/10 Apologies for Absence



1 The apologies for absence were noted as recorded above.

003/QRT/10 Minutes of the Previous Meeting Received QUART/01A/10

1 The Committee approved the minutes of the Quarterly meeting held on 10th

June 2010 as an accurate record.

Resolved: To approve the minutes of the 10th June 2010 Quarterly meeting

004/QRT/10 Matters Arising (not elsewhere on the agenda)

1 Arrangements for Professional Services Support for NUCCAT (item 2 under Section B) The Acting Chair informed members that at its meeting of 3rd August 2010 the Board had approved the application from Edge Hill University to host the secretariat services for NUCCAT from 1st October 2010 for three years.

2 Response to Calls for Deputy Chair (item 3 under Section B)

This item was considered under 009/QRT/10.

3 In addition to these items, the Acting Chair asked members to circulate details of this year’s annual conference, being held on 20th October in York, to all interested parties.

005/QRT/10 Final Calendar for 2010/11 Received QRT/02A/10

1 Members noted the schedule of key events in 2010/11, and the Secretary confirmed that the Board meetings taking place on 3rd February and 12th May 2011 would be held at Armstrong House (part of Edge Hill University) in Manchester. The dates of the regional workshops would be added once confirmed.

Resolved: To note the current schedule of key events in 2010/11 Action: Secretary / S. Gilkes

006/QRT/10 Regional Workshop Programme for 2010/11 Received QRT/03A/10

1 Members noted the regional workshop programme for 2010/11. S. Gilkes informed the meeting that dates and venues were still to be confirmed, and commented that a speaker had been located for the workshop concentrating on credit-rated CPD programmes (Kathryn Lowe from Edge Hill University).



The session on HEFCE non-completion rules and data returns was likely to change in title and focus to reflect recent changes in the higher education sector. Further suggestions for speakers and session titles were welcomed, and a finalised programme with dates and venues would be circulated at the next Quarterly meeting.

Resolved: To receive the current schedule of regional workshops for 2010/11 Action: S. Gilkes

007/QRT/10 Possible Future Projects

1 Members agreed that in view of NUCCAT’s intention to re-brand itself and review its remit and activity it would be timely to engage in research projects that were of practical and strategic value to its member institutions. The Acting Chair confirmed that there was some funding available for such activity.

2 One suggestion focused on the web archiving of all of the issues of common interest that had been discussed under Part C at previous Quarterly meetings. These could be pooled into a resource bank only available to member institutions, and could act as the basis for a series of generic frequently asked questions. Members agreed that this would be a useful resource to have within a members-only section of the NUCCAT website once re-designed.

3 A second suggestion focused on the student experience relating to the

transition from foundation degrees to Level 6 top-up routes. Such a project would be of interest to both HEIs and further education colleges, and the remit could also be extended to include other qualifications such as those offered by private providers. Members agreed that the project could utilise a number of case studies and include interviews, and L. Green agreed to draft a research project outline for consideration at the next quarterly meeting. The Acting Chair requested that any additional suggestions for a project were sent to the Secretary for discussion at future meetings.

Resolved: To draft a research project outline that focuses on the student experience during transition from Foundation degrees to Level 6 top-up programmes Action: L. Green

PART B: NUCCAT COMPANY GENERAL MEETING 008/QRT/10 Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting Received QRT/04A/10

1 Members received the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday 9th September 2010.



Resolved: To receive the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting from 9th September 2010

009/QRT/10 Appointment of a Chair for NUCCAT

1 The Membership Secretary informed the meeting that all institutional representatives had been sent an electronic letter of invitation for the two-year position of Chair of NUCCAT over the summer, and they had been asked to forward this to their institution’s Vice-Chancellor for circulation amongst senior management teams. Although the closing date for expressions of interest was not until 30th September, no interest had so far been received. Members discussed whether the next course of action should be to target specific individuals or to extend the current deadline, and agreed the following:

• To re-send the original request via a hard copy letter addressed directly to the vice-chancellor of all member institutions

• To set a final deadline for expressions of interest as 2nd November, two days before the next Board meeting

• To broaden the target to include senior managers such as Deans and Registrars, instead of concentrating solely on pro vice-chancellors

• To identify explicitly the support available from the professional secretariat services provided by Edge Hill University

2 In the event of no Chair being secured, members agreed to the Board’s

suggestion to have a rotating Chair-ship amongst all of the Directors every 6 months. Members acknowledged the need for a new Chair who would work to raise the profile of NUCCAT, and aim to increase the number of membership institutions. Discussion of what members were seeking from a Chair included knowledge of national (and possibly international) agendas, a willingness to contribute to discussions and publications on behalf of the organisation, and to act as a spokesperson for northern universities within the national arena. For this reason, members felt that the Chair should be recruited from a member organisation instead of advertising the position to a wider audience. Resolved: To re-issue the invitation for the position of NUCCAT Chair, incorporating the key points outlined above Action: Membership Secretary / Secretary

010/QRT/10 Re-branding of NUCCAT

1 The Acting Chair opened the discussion on how the organisation may wish to proceed in terms of re-branding itself by inviting members to outline what they felt the key focus of NUCCAT was, particularly as recent years had seen a move towards discussing wider curriculum and quality assurance issues as opposed to those specifically related to credit. Members agreed that the organisation had started to focus more on topics such as the student experience and negotiated learning, and it was felt that the importance of the student experience across the sector should be reflected in the organisation’s mission statement.



2 It was agreed that the organisation now functioned in a manner akin to a practitioner’s forum for members working within quality assurance and enhancement and registry areas. In view of this, members discussed widening NUCCAT’s remit to enable a broader range of potential issues to be considered at its meetings. However, it was felt that it was still important to include issues relating to the use and portability of credit, and therefore members agreed the following broad mission statement: ‘A forum for Northern university practitioners with an interest in the design and implementation of credit-based curriculum, and its implications for the student experience’.

3 With regards to re-naming the organisation, all members agreed that it was important to retain reference to it representing the interests of a number of ‘northern’ universities. The Acting Chair agreed to take the outcomes of this discussion to the next Board meeting where further suggestions for a name and mission statement would be considered. The Acting Chair also highlighted that the name Northern Universities Consortium (NUC) may not be permissible in view of its similarity to The Northern Consortium, NCUK.

4 Members noted that a website demonstration had not been possible at the

meeting due to network issues at the venue, but the Acting Chair pointed members towards the Council of Validating Universities’ website (hosted by Edge Hill University) as a suggested model that could be used by NUCCAT. In terms of the existing website, members agreed to set up a holding page on the existing NUCCAT domain stating ‘website under construction’.

Resolved: For Directors to suggest possible names for the organisation at the next meeting of the Board / to set up a holding webpage Action: Board of Directors / Secretary

PART C: DISCUSSION ON ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST TO NUCCAT MEMBERS 011/QRT/10 Response to JISC Mail Query Received QRT/05A/10

1 G. Clark prefaced the summary paper concerning potential strategies for improving the engagement of students in their own learning experience by outlining that the University of Salford had been reviewing its regulations in response to Hefce non-completion arrangements. Students at the University who failed a module had one opportunity to resit during the same year, but also had two additional opportunities to make up the failed credits during the following year. This was considered to be too liberal, and therefore the University was considering decreasing the number of resit opportunities. The existing policy had also generated a significant number of student appeals as module results were not considered until assessment boards held at the end of the academic year, and therefore it was necessary to consider monitoring the non-engagement of or non-submission by students at an earlier stage. Members suggested that the assessment boards devolved responsibility to Departments to trigger a mechanism that identified when any assessment components had not been completed much earlier in the year, and also suggested the addition of a generic clause within the general regulations that permitted a penalty to be invoked upon non-submission or the non-



attendance. However, it was acknowledged that a broader change in student culture was required concerning the submission of assessment alongside restricting the grounds for student appeal.

2 W. Turnbull highlighted the example of Oxford Brookes University where opportunities for re-assessment were not given as an automatic right, and were instead awarded at the discretion of the assessment board following an initial ‘reasonable’ attempt. This did, however, lead to questions of the definition of ‘reasonable’.

3 Members noted the responses received to this query from Edge Hill University, De Montfort University, Leeds Trinity University College and the University of Sheffield. Resolved: To note the summary paper

012/QRT/10 Use of APL

1 G. Clark explained that the University of Salford’s regulations limited the use of APL to two-thirds of the total credit counted towards a final qualification, and therefore it was permissible to APL Levels 4 and 5 for admission to the final year of an Honours degree. However, some health and social care programmes were seeking permission to APL additional credits at Level 6, and therefore members were asked what provision their own institutions had, particularly in response to programmes that were required to meet professional statutory and regulatory body regulations.

2 L. Green identified that, up until two years ago, De Montfort University had adopted the same position as that of the University of Salford in terms of allowing APL of up to 240 credits. However in response to the needs of the Nursing and Midwifery School, an additional 60 credits at Level 6 could now be counted as APL, with the student being able to choose the remaining 60 credits from those available across the whole of Level 6 of the programme - provided there was no duplication of what they had previously studied. The rationale for this was to recognise formally any continuing professional development (CPD) modules the student may have done at other institutions.

3 W. Turnbull stated that the regulations for Liverpool John Moores University

permitted up to 75% of an award to be counted as APL, although international students transferring to the University from overseas partners could bring in up to 300 credits. The Post Qualifying Framework for Nursing also counted credit awarded from CPD modules, and students only need to complete one additional module for a degree – provided the CPD modules had been taken at the University. Staffordshire University permitted a maximum of 75%, with the caveat that up to 90 credits at Level 6 had to be completed in order to be awarded a degree, although articulation agreements permitted a lower number of credits to be undertaken at Level 6. Edge Hill University and the University of Hull both permitted a maximum of up to 240 credits to be counted as APL for all programmes, and UCLAN was the same although Nursing programmes could count up to 340 credits. The general rule at the University of Sheffield was to allow up to 50%, although there may be specific programme arrangements that permitted more than this. Finally, the University of Durham only allowed up to a third of a degree to be considered as APL, but no nursing or midwifery programmes were available.



Resolved: To note the discussion

013/QRT/10 Use of the Third Semester

1 L. Brooks (UCLAN) opened the discussion on this item by stating that UCLAN were considering ways to make greater use of the ‘third semester’ in order to offer better value for money for students. One way in which they were considering this was to run enhancement activities over the summer period, and members were asked how they utilised the third semester. S. Gilkes stated that the academic calendar at the University of Hull did not officially acknowledge a third semester although Health programmes did include this. The Acting Chair stated that a similar situation was evident at Edge Hill University, although a number of Health programmes operated over 48 weeks meaning that students were on campus over the summer. A number of Masters programmes also ran research projects during this period, and a selection of enhancement modules also ran during this period.

2 De Montfort University utilised the third semester for its Nursing and Social Work provision, but called it Semester X as students on these programmes could start their programme during either Semester 1 or 2, meaning their Semester 1 could be at different points in the year. Members noted that the University of Salford also used a semesterised system, but the summer often saw the continuation of postgraduate programmes and Foundation degree bridging courses. However, although the University defined semesters 1 and 2, there was only a short break of one week between them. Members discussed the potential difficulties that the introduction of accelerated degrees would bring within a semesterised system, including the scheduling of reassessment opportunities and when students would make module choices.

Resolved: To note the discussion PART D: AFTERNOON SEMINAR 014/QRT/10 BTEC Higher Nationals and QCF Credit (John Davies, Head of

Professional Development, EdExcel)

1 The presentation from EdExcel focussed on the changing national environment regarding work-based learning and the status of BTEC awards, highlighting the following:

• Higher National (HN) awards had now been mapped on to the Qualifications and Credit Framework, which had necessitated a change to the structure of Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Diplomas (HND)

• Both HNCs and HNDs were now of Diploma level (Level 5), although the HNC still acted as a progression route to the HND

• HNCs could be considered as an exit award from the HND provided the right number of credits had been achieved

• Alternatively students could register for the HNC and then progress to the HND, using the credits gained at HNC level to count towards the final HND qualification



• HN awards now equated learning hours with credit (i.e. 1 credit = 10 learning hours)

• HNCs now equated to 120 credits and HNDs 240 credits • The overall classification awarded for the HND was dependent upon

the best 75 credits achieved at both levels • Revised structures had been implemented for HNCs and HNDs:

- HNC: maximum of 30 credits could be used from Level 3 study, with a minimum of 65 credits from Level 4 and a maximum of 55 credits from Level 5; totalling 120 credits

- HND: minimum of 65 credits from Level 4 and a maximum of 120; with an additional minimum of 125 Level 5 credits (max. of 175), totalling 240 Level 5 credits

- Both HNCs and HNDs included a 20 credit project assignment • All licensed centres were expected to move towards the new

structures by the end of next year • EdExcel hoped to work with HEIs to develop top-up routes from HNDs

to purely vocational Level 6 programmes, but this was dependent upon government support as QAA frameworks currently emphasised academic research skills at Level 6 study

015/QRT/10 Any Other Business

1 There was no further business.

016/QRT/10 Date and Time of Next Quarterly Meeting:

1 The date and time of the next Quarterly meeting (also including the Annual General Meeting) was noted as Tuesday 7th December 2010 at the OU Regional Centre in Leeds at 11.00am.

Directors of NUCCAT: Ms Lisa Brooks: Principal Officer (Regulations and Procedures), Academic Quality and Standards, University of Central Lancashire, Foster Building, Preston, PR1 2HE Tel 01772 892406, Email [email protected] Mr Gregory Clark (Membership Secretary): Associate Secretary, Governance Services Unit (1st Floor) 3 Acton Square, University of Salford, The Crescent Salford M5 4WT Tel: 0161 2955868, Email [email protected] Mr Stuart Gilkes: University Quality Officer, University of Hull, Cohen Building, University Quality Office, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX Tel: 01482 466715, Email: [email protected] Mr Leopold Green: Head of Curriculum Planning, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH Tel 0116 257 7314, Email: [email protected] Mr Colin Taylerson (Temporary Chair): Principal Assistant Registrar (Partnerships and Academic Strategic Support), Academic Development, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ. Tel: 01244 512937. Email [email protected] Mr Anthony Turjansky: Head of Academic Quality, Academic Quality Unit, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Lancashire, L39 4QP. Tel 01695 584375, Email [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUCCAT Secretary: Ms Laura Chambers, Academic Planning Manager, Academic Quality Unit, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Lancashire, L39 4QP Tel 01695 584520, Email [email protected]

NUCCAT Website: www.nuccat.ac.uk








http://www.nuccat.ac.uk/�

QRT/02B/10

Schedule of key events 2010/11

Month Board of Directors

Quarterly Meetings

Annual Conference

Regional Workshops (TBC)

Reports

August 2010

September 2010

9 September 29 September

October 2010

20 October

November 2010

4 November

December 2010

7 December AGM

January 2011

18th January – The New Economics of Higher Education, Manchester

Annual Conference

February 2011

3 February*

March 2011

10 March 8th March – Credit-Related CPD Programmes, Manchester

April 2011

May 2011 12 May* 6th May – Making Sense of Credit & Qualification Frameworks, Derby

June 2011

9 June

*Taking place at Armstrong House in Manchester. All other Board and Quarterly meetings will take place at the OU Regional Centre in Leeds.

1


QRT/04B/10

MINUTES A NUCCAT Quarterly Meeting took place at the Open University Regional Centre at Leeds on Thursday 3 December 2009 commencing at 11:00. Present: P Birkett (Chair) University of Bolton R Bowyer Loughborough University L Brooks UCLAN C Cathrow Open University G Clark University of Salford L Cookson Sheffield Hallam University L Green De Montfort University J Jurica University of Leeds K Priestley Leeds Trinity University College N Revell Staffordshire University A Roberts University of Sunderland K Swanton Durham University C Taylerson University of Chester T Turjansky Edge Hill University W Turnbull Liverpool John Moores University N Waters Leeds Metropolitan University In attendance: A Nuttall University of Bolton Part A : General Business

Action

1. Welcome to members

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting.

2. Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from: T Abbott Lancaster University E Ashdown Northumbria University S Beecroft University of Sheffield C Bamforth Huddersfield University G Bell Newcastle University

2

P Bridges University of Derby A Faulkner University of Ulster S Gilkes University of Hull H Grindley University of Sheffield N Hall University of Northumbria J Share Leeds Trinity University College F Terry University of Teesside L Walmsley University of Manchester K Williams University of Leicester

3. Minutes of Quarterly meeting held on Thursday 1 October 2009 (NUCCAT/QUART/2009/15)

It was noted that Katrina Swanton, representing Durham University, had been omitted from the list of attendees but had been present. With the one exception, the minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 1 October 2009.

4. Matters Arising

The Conference Organiser reported on the Annual Conference which had been held in Sheffield on 10 November 2009. He had received the summary and raw data from Conference21 which indicated a very positive response. Attendees had commented most favourably on the keynote speakers, networking opportunities and the workshops. Particular thanks were expressed to Paul Skelton of Teesside University who had stepped in at the last minute to lead a workshop on Employer Engagement when the proposed workshop facilitator had been unable to attend. Attendance at the Conference had been lower than previous years with only a 50 – 60% uptake. The Chair expressed thanks to CT for his organisation of the Conference.

Members discussed possible reasons for the low uptake, suggesting costs, the concept of credit currently being less appealing, conference-fatigue, timing and publicity as possible factors. It was noted that the Conference brochure had been widely distributed, in hard copy and electronically, to the HE and FE sectors, LLNs, other sector bodies, eg FdF, UCAS and GMSA and via electronic distribution lists. Members suggested that the use of quotes, from evaluation forms, could help to advertise future conferences. It was agreed that plans would continue for a 2010 Conference.

CT

On the subject for workshops for 2010, the Chair confirmed that details for two had been finalised: P Bridges’ workshop and HEFCE completion rules. A further workshop on the HEAR was planned for Spring/Summer and JJ indicated that P Aldous from York St John University had agreed to lead the event. It was agreed that the Secretary would ask SG to make contact with PA.

AN/SG

3

It was noted that electronic versions of the May UKCF minutes and

SEEC level descriptors had not been forwarded to members and it was agreed that the Secretary would progress the matter with P Bridges.

AN/PB

GC reported that he had received some amendments to members’ details and it was agreed that further amendments, as they arose, should be sent to him at [email protected]

All members/

GC

5. Higher Education Achievement Report – outcomes from National HEAR Update Conference 4 November 2009 (NUCCAT/QUART/2009/16)

Slides from the Conference had been distributed prior to the meeting. It was noted that the name had been changed from Higher Education Achievement Record to Report. Members who had attended the Conference reported that some successful pilot schemes had run and more institutions were being sought to take part in pilot schemes. A press release reported that there had been ‘successful trials’ although it was not known what criteria had been used to judge the success. A sector-wide roll-out had been agreed for 2011/12 although a number of details had still to be finalised. It was unclear if the HEAR would be frozen on graduation or whether the electronic sites would have to be maintained in perpetuity. Members discussed the difficulties that could be encountered with verifying students’ personal information and soft skills. Full details could be found at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2009/04_Nov_HEAR_National_Update_Conference

6. JISCMAIL – to consider establishing a NUCCAT JISCMAIL list

The Chair reported that, at a previous Board meeting, the establishing of a NUCCAT JISCMAIL list had been discussed. Such a discussion forum would allow members and those nominated by members to enter into discussion on credit-related matters through the establishment of a NUCCAT community. Members were in favour of establishing a JISCMAIL list, commenting that it would facilitate a more open sharing of NUCCAT’s work and interests. It was agreed that the Board would investigate possibilities and aim to implement such a discussion forum in the new year.

GC/Board

Part B : Discussion on issues of common interest to NUCCAT members

1. F Terry from Teesside wished to discuss whether other institutions classified their final Integrated Masters award, what the interim awards were (if any) and whether it would be MEng (Hons) or not.


http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2009/04_Nov_HEAR_National_Update_Conference�

http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2009/04_Nov_HEAR_National_Update_Conference�

4

Members reported the following from their institutions:

• Not offered; • Classified, but not (Hons). Interim awards were DipHE,

CertHE, degree; • Award BEng (Hons) and MEng at the end of Year 4, thus

award would be MEng (Hons). Intermediate awards would be Ordinary degree, DipHE and CertHE, decided by the relevant School;

• Award MEng, MMath, MPhys, MComp with Hons; • No integrated awards at Masters stage, fallback position

would be a Bachelors degree; • As the last two years of the Masters degree were different

from the Bachelors degree, an early withdrawal from the Masters would not necessarily achieve the Bachelors degree;

• Masters year should not be seen as a bolt-on, but rather a deepening and broadening of studies;

• Advice would be taken from the relevant professional body on what should be awarded if a student left at the end of Year 3.

The Chair thanked members for sharing their information.

2. C Taylerson from the University of Chester wished to discuss how the accumulation of credit was handled on a programme from which a learner had already withdrawn, but subsequently wished to rejoin. Was it necessary to invoke APL procedures and regulations or not?

CT reported that, at his institution, a student who suspended or stopped their studies and subsequently decided to return to complete the programme would currently have to go through the APL process with the implication that previously awarded grades would not be carried forward. Members made the following comments:

• Only at the end of the maximum registration period would an interim award be made;

• Own students should not be treated less favourably than those joining from other institutions. The time issue was critical; if a student returned after the normal end time then they would go through the APEL procedure, otherwise they would be permitted to step back on to the programme;

• Use APCL and, depending on currency, marks could be used towards classification of the end award;

• Funding implications could be encountered. Need to establish what the target award is at enrolment. Subsequent early withdrawals should agree a period of suspension; should the learner not return then the relevant award would be made. Subsequent returners would be treated as

5

applicants; • Impact of ELQs; • It would be most unfortunate if funding were to drive

practice. The aim should be to neither devalue the qualification, nor disadvantage the student.

The Chair thanked members for sharing their information.

Part C : NUCCAT Company Annual General Meeting

The Chair reminded members that this part of the meeting was confined to incorporated members.

1. To receive minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 4 December 2008 (NUCCAT/QUART/2008/34)

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 4 December 2008 were accepted as a true and accurate record.

2. To receive and adopt the report of the Trustees and the independently examined accounts for the year ended 31 July 2009 (NUCCAT/QUART/2009/18)

A revised report, which incorporated a statement from the independent examiner, was distributed to the meeting. Thanks were expressed to the Accountant and Secretary for their work in arriving at an acceptable set of accounts, having taken them over mid-way through the year. A slight surplus for the year was noted and total funds were shown as £37,438 at the year end. Members adopted the report and it was agreed that it would be sent, together with the minutes, to the Company Secretary for onward despatch to Companies House and the Charities Commission.

AN/CS

3. To receive and adopt the Financial Statements and Budget for 2009/10 (NUCCAT/QUART/2009/19)

It was noted that the outturn for 2008/09 had been comfortingly close to budget. A deficit had been budgeted for 2009/10 due, in large part, to the writing-off of overdue members’ subscriptions which had accumulated over recent years. It was noted that a budgeted surplus of £500 for the Conference and Workshops might be slightly ambitious. Members agreed to adopt the budget for the year 2009/10.

4. To consider the consolidation of the restricted funds with the unrestricted funds for 2009/10

The Chair explained that NUCCAT had absorbed some of MIDCATS’ funds when that organisation had been dissolved. At that time it had been agreed that those funds would be restricted and used for the purposes of funding the subscriptions of former

6

MIDCAT members for 7 years (2002/03 to 2008/09) and to fund specific projects to further the objectives of NUCCAT. As the period of subscriptions’ funding had now come to an end it was proposed to consolidate the restricted and unrestricted funds from 2009/10 and onwards. It was further proposed to use some of the surplus funds to undertake worthwhile and interesting projects. It was agreed to consolidate the previously restricted funds with those which were unrestricted and to use some of the surplus to fund relevant projects. Topics for possible projects would be discussed at future meetings.

Accountant

All members

5. To appoint the Independent Examiner and to authorise the Trustees to fix the remuneration

Members agreed that they were content to retain the services of Heaton, Lumb Lisle as the independent examiners and authorised the trustees to fix their remuneration.

Chair

6. To appoint a NUCCAT representative for the UK Credit Forum (UKCF)

The Chair explained that NUCCAT had two representatives on the UKCF – the Chair and J Jurica. As JJ had indicated her intention to step down from the NUCCAT Board a replacement was sought. The Chair reported that one expression of interest had been received from C Taylerson of the University of Chester. As no other expressions of interest were received, it was agreed to appoint C Taylerson as a NUCCAT representative to the UKCF.

CT

7. To appoint elected Directors of NUCCAT

It was noted that P Birkett, G Clark, S Gilkes, L Green and C Taylerson were willing to continue with their respective periods of office. The Company’s Articles indicated that a minimum of five Board members was required and the Chair asked members to send expressions of interest in joining the Board to him at [email protected] Members noted that J Jurica had retired from the NUCCAT Board and was attending her last Quarterly meeting. The Board offered Janet their good wishes and thanked her for her contributions to NUCCAT over the years, particularly for her extremely valuable insights to the European dimension.

All members


7

Part D : NUCCAT Company General Meeting

1. To receive minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting held on Thursday 5 November 2009 (NUCCAT/EXEC/2009/16)

The minutes of the Board meeting held on 5 November 2009 were accepted as a true and accurate record. On the subject of the election of a Deputy Chair, the Chair reported that the issue had been discussed and Board members had agreed that, although not a current post, it was customary to have a Deputy Chair. It was proposed to pend further discussion until possible expressions of interest in becoming Board members had been received. A Deputy Chair could then be elected from the wider Board membership. It was noted that, although not dictated in the Articles, it had been custom and practice for the Deputy Chair to accede to the role of Chair.

AN/Board agenda

item

2. Application for membership received from The College of Teachers

It was noted that, although there had been an initial enquiry, no formal application for membership had been received to date from The College of Teachers.

Part E : Afternoon Seminar “Would you credit it? Considerations of level, learning outcomes and volume of learning in the design of module-based curriculum” (NUCCAT/QUART/2009/20)

Presentation by Tony Turjanksy, Head of Academic Quality and University Learning and Teaching Fellow, Edge Hill University

The Chair welcomed Tony Turjansky who delivered a presentation

which considered credit from a course-designer’s perspective and highlighted that credit was more than just a building block, but rather was concerned with volume and levels of learning.

1. Date and time of next meeting

The next Quarterly meeting will be held on Thursday 11 March 2010 at 11:00 am at the Open University Regional Centre, Leeds. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday 11 February 2010 at 10:30 am at the Open University Regional Centre, Leeds.

2. Any Other Business

There being no other business presented for discussion the meeting closed at 2:45 pm.

8

Directors of NUCCAT: Dr Paul Birkett, (Chair) Dean of Academic Quality and Standards, University of Bolton, Deane Rd, Bolton BL3 5AB, Tel 01204 903051, email [email protected] Mr Gregory Clark (Membership Secretary), Associate Secretary, Governance Services Unit (1st Floor) 3 Acton Square, University of Salford, The Crescent Salford M5 4WT Tel: 0161 2955868. E-Mail [email protected] Mr Stuart Gilkes, University Quality Officer, University of Hull, Cohen Building, University Quality Office, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX Tel: 01482 466715. E-mail: [email protected] Mr Leopold Green, Head of Curriculum Planning, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH Tel: 0116 257 7314,E-mail: [email protected] Ms Janet Jurica, Senior Assistant Registrar, Quality Management and Enhancement Unit, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT. Tel: 01132 431751. E-mail [email protected] Mr Colin Taylerson, Senior Assistant Registrar, Academic Development, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ. Tel: 01244 512937. E-Mail [email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meeting Secretary: Angela Nuttall, Quality Assurance and Enhancement Unit, University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton BL3 4AB, Tel: 01204 903452. E-mail [email protected]

NUCCAT Website: www.nuccat.ac.uk








QRT/05B/10

cOMPANY NUMBER 5016775 CHARITY REGISTRATION NO: 115054

NUCCAT

NORTHERN UNIVERSITIES CONSORTIUM FOR CREDIT ACCUMULATION AND TRANSFER

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 July 2010

QRT/05B/10

NUCCAT Annual Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 July 2010 Contents Page References and administration information 1 Report of the Board of Trustees 2 Independent Examiner’s Report 5 Statement of Financial Activities 6 Balance Sheet 7 Notes to the accounts 8

QRT/05B/10

NUCCAT

Report of the Board of Trustees For the year ended 31 July 2010

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity name: NUCCAT Charity registration number: 1115054 Company Number: 5016775 Registered office: Governance Services Unit (1st Floor) 3 Acton Square University of Salford The Crescent Salford M5 4WT Operational address: Quality Assurance and Enhancement Unit University of Bolton Deane Road Bolton BL3 5AB Board of Trustees Paul Birkett (Chair from January 2009 until June 2010) Lisa Brookes (Appointed May 2010) Gregory Clark Stuart Gilkes Leopold Green (Appointed November 2009) Colin Taylerson (Chair from June 2010) Anthony Turjansky (Appointed May 2010) Secretary Clyde Saddler Governance Services Unit (1st Floor) 3 Acton Square University of Salford The Crescent Salford M5 4WT Independent Examiners Bankers Heaton Lumb Lisle NatWest Thorpe House Commercial Banking UK 61 Richardshaw Lane 4th Floor Pudsey 2 Whitehall Quay LS28 7EL Leeds LS1 4HR

1

QRT/05B/10

NUCCAT Report of the Board of Trustees For the year ended 31 July 2010

The Board presents the report and financial statements of NUCCAT for the year ended 31 July 2010. The statements appear in the format required by the 2005 Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The report and statements also comply with the Companies Act 2006. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT NUCCAT is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 15 January 2004 and registered as a charity on 4 July 2006. The company is established under a Memorandum of Association which sets the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Board of Trustees The Directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the Board. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the directors are elected by the members for a three-year term of office. The board may also co-opt up to two additional directors for a term of up to three years. The Chair and Vice Chair are appointed annually and are drawn from the membership of the Board. Induction and training for new Directors is led by the Chair. New members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the remit and work of NUCCAT. This includes:

• The obligations of Directors; • Key documents which set out the operation framework for NUCCAT including the Memorandum

and Articles; • Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts, and • Future plans and objectives.

Upon appointment, all members complete a register of interests, which is reviewed and updated annually. Risk management NUCCAT has a culture of seeking to mitigate risk through adopting appropriate policies, procedures and systems. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure they continue to comply with statutory requirements and the needs of NUCCAT. As NUCCAT does not employ any staff, the Board is responsible for reviewing and assessing all major risks which may impact on NUCCAT. Organisational structure The Chair has responsibility for the day-to-day management of the company within the overall direction set by the Board. Other individual directors fulfil other unremunerated roles in taking forward actions agreed by the Board. There are no staff employed by the company. The organisational arrangements for the conference and workshops are undertaken by Conference21 at Sheffield Hallam University. Secretariat is provided by the Chair's institution.

2

QRT/05B/10


OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The company's Objects are to advance education for the benefit of the public by promoting and sharing best practice in the development of modularity, credit frameworks and related academic matters in the United Kingdom by:

• Debating issues of common interest with regard to modularity, credit frameworks and related academic matters;

• Undertaking projects in the areas of modularity, credit frameworks and related academic matters;

• Promoting, marketing and securing further recognition of modularity, credit frameworks and related academic matters; and

• Undertaking such tasks and businesses in furtherance of the Objects as the members of the company shall from time to time determine. NUCCAT works on behalf of its members mainly across northern England, but it also works in collaboration with other organisations with similar objectives from other parts of the United Kingdom. Activities NUCCAT activity is focused on the provision of quarterly meetings and discussion forums for the members, and on the delivery of an annual conference and programme of workshops in support of members' work in areas covered by the Objects. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE During the year NUCCAT continued to undertake successfully its role on behalf of its members. The Annual Conference and four staff development Workshops were held, and the regular quarterly meetings enabled members to debate a range of matters of topical interest concerning credit. Position on reserves NUCCAT has an operating position, by the decision of the Board, that approximately 50% of the unrestricted expenditure should be held as reserve funds to allow for possible future funded activity. Position on investments NUCCAT receives income on an annual basis through membership subscriptions, and from the annual conference and workshop programme, although these are designed merely to break even. The current position is that all income should be available immediately or on short-term deposit rather than invested for the longer term. Consequently funds are being invested to secure the best rate available. NUCCAT recognises financial institutions and banks. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS The work in the forthcoming year is expected to continue the established pattern of quarterly members' meetings, the annual conference and the workshop training programme on topics of interest to members.

3

QRT/05B/10

NUCCAT


RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Company law requires the Board to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Board should follow best practice and:

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, and • Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume

that the company will continue on that basis. The Board is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The Board is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Members of the Board, who are Directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1. In accordance with company law, as the company’s Directors, we certify that so far as we are aware:

• There is no relevant financial information of which the company’s independent examiners are unaware, and

• We have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant financial information and to establish that the charity’s independent examiners are

aware of that information. INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION Heaton Lumb Lisle has been requested to carry out an independent examination in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in March 2005) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities. Approved by the Board on 5 November 2010, to be signed on the board’s behalf by : Colin Taylerson

4

QRT/05B/10

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of NUCCAT

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 July 2010, which are set out on pages 6 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act; • to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under

section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act; and • to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements

of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Angela Carr Chartered Accountant Heaton Lumb Lisle 61 Richardshaw Lane Pudsey LS28 7EL 18th October 2010

5.

QRT/05B/10

NUCCAT


NUCCAT Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31/07/2010

Total Total

Funds Funds

31/07/2010 31/07/2009

Notes £ £ Incoming resources

Incoming resources from generated funds Members' subscription

9225 9735 Bank interest 4 30 292 Income resources from charitable activities

Total Incoming Resources

9255 10027 Resources expended

Costs of generating funds Governance Costs 5 1980 2744

Charitable Activities 6 10658 6930 Total Resources Expended

12638 9674

Net incoming resources before other recognised gains and losses

(3383) 353 Net movement in funds 9 (3383) 353

Reconciliation of funds

Total funds brought forward

37438 37085 Total funds carried forward

34055 37438

The net movement in funds referred to above is the net incoming resources as defined in the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charity Commission for England & Wales and is reconciled to the total funds as shown in note 10. All activities derive from continuing operations

6

QRT/05B/10


NUCCAT Balance Sheet As at 31/07/2010

Notes 31/07/2010 31/07/2009

£ £ The assets and liabilities of the charity:

Current assets

Cash at bank and in hand

36724 33338 Debtors 7 450 6525 Total current assets

37174 39863

Creditors:-

Amounts due within one year

3119 2425 Total Creditors 8 3119 2425

Total assets less current liabilities

34055 37438

Net assets

34055 37438

The funds of the charity: Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted revenue accumulated funds

34055 37438

Total charity funds 10 34055 37438

The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 July 2010. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2010 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:

(a) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 396 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008). The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 5 November 2010 and were signed on its behalf by: Colin Taylerson

7

QRT/05B/10


NUCCAT Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31/07/2010 1 Accounting policies The following accounting policies have been used consistently in preparing the financial statements. a) Basis of preparation of the accounts The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and comply with the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of recommended practice" published in March 2005 and applicable accounting standards. Comparative figures for last year’s accounts have been provided in the 2009/10 accounts. b) Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the charitable objectives of NUCCAT. As the period of restriction of the MIDCATS funds has now expired, those funds have been placed with the previously unrestricted funds to give a total fund. c) Incoming resources Subscriptions and interest received are accounted for in the year to which they apply. Major income has been generated through subscriptions from members and included in voluntary income as per SORP 2005 recommended practice. c) Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been listed under headings that aggregate all the costs related to that activity. 2 Taxation As a registered charity, the company is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the company, and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities. 3 Payment to trustees or person connected with trustees Travel expenses payments to the members to attend exclusive NUCCAT business meetings, conferences and workshops totalled £250 (2009 : £123). 4 Investment Income 31/07/2010 31/07/2009 £ £ Other Bank deposit interest received 30 292

8

QRT/05B/10


31/07/2010 31/07/2009

5 Analysis of Governance Costs £ £ Accounts Management Fee 20 583 Accountancy Fees and Company Expenses 888 2026 Travel & Subsistence Expenses 250 123 Company House/Company Secretary Fee 822 12

1980 2744

6 Analysis of Charitable Expenditure Meetings and Fees 3286 2321

UK Credit Forum Expenses 419 455 Contribution to UK Credit Forum 750 750 Secretariat Costs 3019 3294 Bank Charges 127 110 Conference/Workshops Deficit 357 0 MIDCATS Members subscriptions 675 0 Bad Debts Written-off (subscriptions) 2025 0

10658 6525

7 Debtors Trade Debtors 450 6525

8 Creditors

Trade Creditors and Accruals 3119 2425

3119 2425

9 Analysis of the Net Movement in Funds Net movement in funds from Statement of Financial Activities (3383) 353

9

QRT/05B/10


10 Total Funds

Balance Brought

Net Incoming Charitable Funds Closing

Forward Resources Expenditure Transfers Balance

£ £ £ £ £

Unrestricted 22976 9255 (12638) 14462 34055 Restricted 14462 0 0 (14462) 0

Total 37438 9255 12638 0 34055 11 Related Party Transactions The company is controlled by its members. There were no material transactions with any related party during the year.

10

QRT/06B/10 - NUCCAT SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND BUDGET 2010/11

£ £ £ Notes 2009/10 2009/10 2010/11 INCOME Budget Actual Budget Opening Balance 37438 37438 34055 1. Subscriptions 9675 9225 14615 37 member institutions; subscription fee increased to £395 2. Bank interest 500 30 40 Quarterly payment of £10 TOTAL INCOME 10175 9255 14655 EXPENDITURE Governance Costs 3. Accounts Management Fee 1600 20 0 Included within secretariat costs 4. Audit Fees and Company Expenses 775 888 1058 5. Travel & Subsistence Expenses 350 250 300 6. Company House Fee 700 822 15 Cost of annual return only; Company Secretary fee included last year

now subsumed within secretariat costs Charitable Expenditure 7. Meetings costs 3450 3286 2000 Board and quarterly meeting costs 8. Workshop Deficit/(surplus) N/A (310) (1020) 2009/10 workshop costs were included in ‘Meetings and Fees’ 9. UKCF Expenses 800 419 800 10. Contribution to UK Credit Forum 750 750 750 Annual subscription fee 11. Secretariat Costs 2300 3019 16900 12. Web maintenance costs 500 0 300 Hosting fee for discussion forum 13. Annual Conference Deficit/(Surplus) (500) 357 3600 Venue hire loss and estimated Conference 21 fee 14. Bank Charges 120 127 120 15. Bad Debt Write-off 2025 2025 225 MMU/GMSA from 2008/09 – agreed by Board 04/11/10 16. Restricted Funds Expenses 0 0 0 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 12870 12638 25048 Surplus (deficit) (2695) (3383) (10393) Closing Balance 34743 34055 23662

QRT/07B/10

NUCCAT Directors 2010/11

Executive member Start date (Dec)

Office Finish date/ *planned retirement

Lisa Brookes May 2010

Dec 2013

Greg Clark 2006 Membership Secretary from Dec 2006 Dec 2012 (2nd term)

Stuart Gilkes May 2009

Regional Workshop Co-ordinator Dec 2012

Leopold Green Oct 2009

Dec 2013

Colin Taylerson 2005 Dec 2011 (2nd term)

Tony Turjansky May 2010

Acting Chair from 1st January 2011 Dec 2013

A rotating Chair-ship of a period of six months will be in operation from 1st January 2011 until a permanent Chair is appointed.

Laura Chambers was appointed as NUCCAT Secretary from 1st October 2010 for a period of three years until 30th September 2013.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Aspect Description of the task Member 1. Directors meetings Set the agendas, take/arrange minutes and

chair the meetings. Chair Secretary

2. Quarterly Meetings Set the agendas, take/arrange minutes and chair the meetings; arrange speakers.

Chair Secretary

3. Annual Conference Devise the conference programme; identify and invite speakers; invite and brief facilitators for break-out sessions; provide guidance for facilitators and rapporteurs; write short biographies of speakers and facilitators; write conference report.

C Taylerson Secretary

4. Regional Workshops Devise workshop programme; identify and invite speakers, identify venues; arrange publicity and organisation through Secretary; report on outcomes of workshops to the Directors’ and Quarterly meetings.

S Gilkes Secretary

5. Membership Secretary To keep a record of the institutional representatives and their deputies. To produce annually in January a list of the representatives and their contact details. To send an updated information pack to new members. Information pack to include recent Annual Report, Conference Report, list of representatives and contact details and most recent publication.

G Clark

6. Treasurer To have oversight of the financial health of NUCCAT; to invoice the membership for the

Secretary

QRT/07B/10

annual subscriptions; to present the proposed budget for the year ahead at the June meeting and to prepare and present the final financial accounts for the previous financial year at the December meetings. Any proposed change to the subscription charge for the next year is considered at the June meeting. The Treasurer also advises on financial policies.

7. NUCCAT Web To maintain the NUCCAT website by reviewing, updating or deleting existing materials and adding new materials.

Secretary

8. Annual Report To prepare a report on the activities and accomplishments of NUCCAT. The report is normally sent to the VC/Principal of each F/HE institution. The report is accompanied by the audited accounts for the past year and the Conference Report.

Chair

9. The UK Credit Forum To attend the quarterly meetings of the forum and advise on credit developments.

Chair & 1 other member

10. Organise elections Identify when elections are due; arrange nominations and ballots.

Chair Secretary

11. New members Invite new member institutions in line with NUCCAT policy and with the approval of the membership.

Membership Secretary

12. Responses to general queries

To respond to queries from external bodies and practitioners on aspects of credit practice.

Chair

13. Attend functions Attend functions that relate to NUCCAT business.

All, as available

November 2010


NUCCAT Board Meeting 04/11/10 Page 1 of 7


Minutes of the meeting of the NUCCAT Board of Directors held on Thursday 4th November 2010 at 9.30am at the Open University Regional Centre, Leeds Present

Colin Taylerson (Chair) Lisa Brooks Gregory Clark Stuart Gilkes Leopold Green Tony Turjansky Laura Chambers (Secretary)

University of Chester UCLAN University of Salford University of Hull De Montfort University Edge Hill University Edge Hill University

013/EXEC/10 Welcome to Members

1 The Chair welcomed all members to the meeting. 014/EXEC/10 Apologies for Absence

1 There were no apologies for absence recorded.

015/EXEC/10 Minutes of the Previous Meeting Received EXEC/01B/10

1 The Committee approved the minutes of the meeting of the NUCCAT Board of Directors held on 9th September 2010.

Resolved: to receive the minutes of the 9th September 2010 meeting

016/EXEC/10 Matters Arising (not elsewhere on the agenda)

1 Venues for future meetings

The Secretary confirmed that Armstrong House in Manchester had been booked for the 3rd February 2011 and 12th May 2011 meetings. Directions and a map would be provided for Board members in advance.



017/EXEC/10 Future Direction of NUCCAT Received EXEC/02B/10

1 The Board reflected on the number of attendees at the last quarterly meeting, noting that fewer members had been in attendance than expected. This increased the importance of regenerating the consortium, particularly in view of the increase in members’ subscription fees. The Board agreed that the name ‘Northern Universities Consortium’ should be adopted as the overall brand, being very similar to the existing company name. The name was viewed to be sufficiently different enough to the Northern Consortium, NCUK, to justify such a name. However, NUCCAT would continue to be used as the legal ‘trading’ name for the purposes of Companies House and the Charities Commission. The Secretary agreed to contact Companies House in order to determine whether such a change required initiating a formal process. In addition, the Board agreed to consider a range of new logos that incorporated the revised name with a view to presenting both the name and a logo to the December quarterly meeting for formal approval by the members.

2 The Chair commented that the suggested broad mission statement agreed at the September quarterly meeting acted as good starting point for considering revising the company’s mission statement and terms of reference. However, it was agreed that it should be amended further to include reference to progression in relation to the student experience in order to reflect the changing dynamics of the sector. Whilst the student experience and the idea of progression had always been implicit in the organisation’s remit, the Board agreed that these ideas should now be brought to the forefront. The Board also conferred that it was important for the organisation to increase its engagement with national consultations, such as drafting responses on behalf of its members, and subsequently agreed that the existing terms of reference of the organisation should be amended to reflect its intention to raise its profile through engagement with such activities. Furthermore, the Board considered whether to include the notion of mentorship within the revised terms of reference, with existing members of the Board possibly acting in a mentor role for any new members who were also new to the sector. Using the brief description of NUCCAT used on conference publicity and the existing articles of association, the Board agreed to start drafting a new mission statement and terms of reference that would be brought forward to the March quarterly meeting for consideration by members.

3 The Board agreed that that main appeal of NUCCAT was its role as a

practitioner forum, and this was reflected in the attendance figures at workshops as well as the JISC mail list. There was also a case for retaining the ‘Northern’ component of the organisation’s name as representative of its membership institutions within a set locality, and this should also be captured within the organisations’ revised terms of reference.

4 The importance of having a working website was reinforced in terms of

assisting with the promotion of the organisation. The Board discussed features of the website, and agreed that it should contain the following:

• Links to other organisations and publications • A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section, that could contain a glossary

of frequently used terms



• Events information (workshops, the annual conference and forthcoming quarterly meeting speakers)

• Summaries of quarterly meeting discussion items • A repository of publications produced by NUC, such as the outcomes

of research projects • A members only area, containing a discussion board and a repository

of workshop and quarterly speakers’ presentations The Board agreed to contact the Secretary to confirm what the key links on a NUC website should be, with a view to having a website up and running no later than the beginning of March.

5 Members agreed that advice could be sought from SEEC in terms of how they

had been successful in establishing themselves as a long-term consortium. T. Turjansky stated that this could be broached through his attendance at a SEEC event taking place in December.

Resolved: to rebrand NUCCAT as the Northern Universities Consortium (NUC) / to revise the current mission statement and terms of reference / to develop a NUC website Action: Board members / Secretary

018/EXEC/10 Arrangements for a Chair of NUCCAT Verbal Report

1 The Membership Secretary informed the Board that no expressions of interest had been received for the position of Chair of NUCCAT following the second call-out. The Board therefore considered whether there were any recently retired vice-chancellors or pro vice-chancellors who may be interested in the position, or similarly any chief executives of any recently-abolished quangos (such as the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency). The Temporary Chair stated that he would ask UK Credit Forum members for possible suggestions at its next quarterly meeting in December. In the interim, the Board agreed that each Director would act as Chair for no longer than a period of six months each, with T, Turjansky volunteering to act as Chair from January 2011 following the current Temporary Chair’s end of office.

Resolved: to seek possible suggestions for a Chair through the UK Credit Forum / to establish a rotating Chairship from existing Board membership for a maximum period of six months each from January 2011 Action: Temporary Chair

019/EXEC/10 Review of Annual Conference 2010 Verbal Report

1 The Temporary Chair informed the Board that the overall loss as a result of cancelling this year’s annual conference due to lack of interest was currently



estimated at £3,224. This cost represented the payment to the venue, and the Chair agreed to contact Conference 21 to establish what their fee would be so that a final deficit figure could be calculated.

2 The Board discussed the future of the annual conference, noting that the conference fee had been sustained at a constant level for the past four years. The lack of interest in this year’s conference had been particularly disappointing in view of the strong keynote and workshop speakers, and therefore the Temporary Chair suggested using some of these speakers for possible workshops instead. It was felt that lack of interest in the conference had not been due to the conference’s content, but may be been due to a lack of hard copy publications that could have been circulated to other interested parties outside the organisation’s membership. An active website may also have assisted in giving the conference more visibility. However, the Board also acknowledged that the timing of the conference had unfortunately coincided with the publication of the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and the Browne Review, and therefore the Board agreed to review the timing of the conference. However, the rebranding of the organisation should be allowed to bed in before considering organising another annual conference, and the Board therefore agreed to review ideas for a conference and its timing at the June 2011 meeting.

Resolved: to review the timing and organisation of the next annual conference at the June 2011 Board meeting Action: Board members

020/EXEC/10 Outstanding Members’ Subscriptions Received EXEC/03B/10

1 The Secretary stated that the confusion surrounding the missing payment relating to the University of Derby’s 2009/10 subscription fee had been resolved. Payment had been sent in error to the previous secretariat’s account at the University of Bolton instead of to NUCCAT’s bank account. The Secretary had contacted Bolton regarding this issue, who promptly arranged for the payment of £225 into NUCCAT’s account. Regarding the 2008/09 missing subscription for MMU/GMSA, no response had been received by the Secretary following further investigations, and therefore the Board agreed to write off this debt.

2 The Secretary confirmed that annual membership subscriptions had been issued for the 2010/11 academic year, and to date four institutions had withdrawn their membership. The University of Ulster had withdrawn during the summer, before the issuing of this year’s invoices. The Membership Secretary proposed contacting those northern universities who had never been members during the spring to solicit interest, and would also contact those institutions who had recently taken the decision to withdraw to emphasise the revised role of the organisation and to offer the invitation to re--join. The Membership Secretary and Secretary agreed to collaborate over this issue during the spring.



Resolved: To write off the MMU/GMSA subscription for 2008/09 in this year’s accounts / to issue letters of invitation to non-member institutions and to previous members during the spring Action: Secretary / Membership Secretary

021/EXEC/10 Consideration of Accounts from 2009/10 and Draft Budget for 2010/11 Received EXEC/04B/10

1 The Secretary introduced the 2009/10 accounts, informing the Board that the independent examiner had completed their analysis. S. Gilkes suggested that the list of individual costs on page 9 could be enhanced by including a separate breakdown of both conference and workshop costs, and the Secretary agreed to ensure that this was included in future accounting reports. To assist with the 2010/11 draft budget, S. Gilkes agreed to contact Conference 21 to obtain a full costings breakdown for workshops. The Board agreed some minor changes to the draft budget for 2010/11, acknowledging that a greater loss was expected than in previous years due to the cost of supporting a professional secretariat service.

2 The Membership Secretary noted the high bank charges in comparison to the

amount of interest accrued on the current account, and queried whether improved rates of interest were available. The Secretary agreed to contact Natwest about this. The Secretary also informed the Board that the bank had the incorrect details in terms of authorised signatories (despite the correct paperwork being submitted in the past), and therefore all Directors signed an up-to-date mandate authorising all Directors to be account signatories. As T. Turjansky would be taking up the role as Acting Chair from 1st January 2011, it was agreed that he would act as the Main Account signatory in addition.

Resolved: To amend the draft budget for 2010/11; S. Gilkes to contact Conference 21 to establish a breakdown of workshop costs Action: Secretary / S. Gilkes

022/EXEC/10 Regional Workshop Programme for 2010/11 Received EXEC/05B/10

1 S. Gilkes outlined the current position in terms of workshops, and asked the Board whether it wished to impose a maximum limit for room hire at hosting institutions. After some discussion, the Board concluded that any fee for room hire of above £100 would need to be considered by at least two Directors, and where speakers’ home institutions quoted above this amount the Board would investigate alternative options at their own home institutions. The Temporary Chair thanked S. Gilkes for his work in compiling a workshop schedule that contained a range of diverse and interesting topics.

Resolved: To finalise the schedule of workshops for the next quarterly meeting Action: S. Gilkes



023/EXEC/10 Arrangements for the Quarterly Meeting to be held on Tuesday 7th

December 2010

1 The Board agreed the following agenda items: • Part A Minutes of the quarterly meeting held on Thursday 29th

September 2010 • Updated schedule of key events for 2010/11 (to include workshop

dates where confirmed) • Part B Annual General Meeting – items to include:

o AGM minutes from 3rd December 2009 o Receipt of the report of the Trustees and independently

examined accounts for the year ended 31st July 2010 o Receipt of financial statements and budget for 2010/11 o Appointment of the independent examiner o Appointment of a NUCCAT representative for the UK Credit

Forum o Appointment of elected Directors of NUCCAT

• Part C Minutes from the Board meeting held on 4th November 2010 • Re-branding of NUCCAT as the Northern Universities Consortium • Part D Draft research specification – the student experience during

the transition from Foundation degrees to top-up programmes (L. Green, De Montfort University)

• JISCMail discussion item – registering for pass/ordinary degrees and classifications for Foundation degrees (F. Terry, University of Teesside)

• Members’ discussion items: o the use of Level 0 (L. Green, De Montfort University); o procedures for professional unsuitability, unfair means and

students code of discipline (S. Gilkes, University of Hull) • Part E Afternoon seminar by Rajay Naik, Senior Policy Adviser at the

Open University, on the impact of the Browne Review

2 The Board commented that linked to the item on the rebranding of NUCCAT as NUC could be the discussion of a timeline of development activity, culminating in an agreed date for a formal re-launch event.

3 The Board was pleased to welcome Rajay Naik to the next quarterly meeting, and the Secretary agreed to contact members immediately to publicise the speaker. The Secretary would also contact the UK Council for Graduate Education for a potential speaker for the June quarterly meeting. Resolved: To agree the agenda items for the December quarterly meeting Action: Secretary / S. Gilkes / L. Green

024/EXEC/10 Any Other Business

1 There were no further items of business.



025/EXEC/10 Date of Next Meetings:

1 The following dates were noted: • Quarterly Meeting (incorporating the Annual General Meeting):

Tuesday 7th December 2010 at 11.00am at the OU Regional Centre in Leeds

• Board Meeting: Thursday 3rd February 2011 at 10.30am at Armstrong House, Manchester

Directors of NUCCAT: Ms Lisa Brooks: Principal Officer (Regulations and Procedures), Academic Quality and Standards, University of Central Lancashire, Foster Building, Preston, PR1 2HE Tel 01772 892406, Email [email protected] Mr Gregory Clark (Membership Secretary): Associate Secretary, Governance Services Unit (1st Floor) 3 Acton Square, University of Salford, The Crescent Salford M5 4WT Tel: 0161 2955868, Email [email protected] Mr Stuart Gilkes: University Quality Officer, University of Hull, Cohen Building, University Quality Office, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX Tel: 01482 466715, Email: [email protected] Mr Leopold Green: Head of Curriculum Planning, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH Tel 0116 257 7314, Email: [email protected] Mr Colin Taylerson (Temporary Chair): Principal Assistant Registrar (Partnerships and Academic Strategic Support), Academic Development, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ. Tel: 01244 512937. Email [email protected] Mr Anthony Turjansky: Head of Academic Quality, Academic Quality Unit, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Lancashire, L39 4QP. Tel 01695 584375, Email [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUCCAT Secretary: Ms Laura Chambers, Academic Planning Manager, Academic Quality Unit, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Lancashire, L39 4QP Tel 01695 584520, Email [email protected]








QRT/09B/10

NUCCAT

Propos a l fo r NUCCAT to undertake res earch on the is s ue o f p rogres s ion from founda tion degrees to honours degrees

Introduction The naming of one or more honours degrees as a progression route for students on foundation degrees is taken as read across the sector. In many cases this progression is of the ‘2+1’ model which presupposes that the 240 credits of the foundation degree are functionally identical to the first 240 credits of the honours degree. P ropos a l It is proposed that it would be valuable to research the following:

• How universities design progression routes from foundation degrees to honours • Is the process as reductively simple as described above? • Now that foundation degrees have reached a critical mass of student numbers, is

there evidence that students want to progress to honours, does this vary by subject, do students want to progress directly (without a gap in study) or are foundation degrees genuinely the end goal in some or many vocational disciplines?

• Where students progress to honours, how successful they are and how different types of progression, for example ‘bridging courses’ affects this.

• Whether universities typically teach students who have progressed from foundation degrees alongside students who registered for honours degrees, or in discrete groups.

• Whether existing research in this area is available to draw on. Research based upon a sample of universities could prove invaluable to the future design and management of foundation degrees and progression routes to honours. It would also go beyond the current marketing ‘spin’ attached to foundation degrees. Leopold Green De Montfort University

QUART/10B/10 – Response to JISCMail Query A query was circulated to all NUCCAT members by Fiona Terry from Teesside University via the JISC email group ([email protected]) at the end of October asking the following questions:

1. Do your institutions ‘classify’ foundation degrees, and if so, what terminology is used (e.g. pass, merit, distinction) and how are these classifications derived (e.g. 60%+ merit, 70%+ distinction)? Follow-up question for members to consider (from F. Terry): are classifications just based on the Level 5 credits, or are Level 4 credits included?

2. Do your institutions award ‘pass’ or ‘ordinary’ degrees, and if so, what is the credit structure and what are they called? Can students enrol on such awards, or are they only offered as interim awards?

A summary of responses to the first question are outlined in the table on page 2. For the second question, the following institutions responded: University of Bolton – pass degrees are only offered as a fallback award when an unsuccessful attempt at Honours has been made. This requires a minimum of 300 credits, with a minimum of 120 credits at Level 5 and 60 credits at Level 6 being achieved. Ordinary degrees are permitted within the regulations, but very few programmes opt to include this within their programme design. Edge Hill University – pass degrees are only awarded to students registered for an Honours degree who have passed (or been condoned in) at least 300 credits (and at least 60 credits at Level 6), and where validated as an exit award. Pass or ordinary degrees of 300 credits are not therefore offered within the University’s prospectus. Leeds Metropolitan University – ordinary degrees can be awarded with the attainment of 300 credits with 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 60 at Level 6. They may be awarded as an exit award, although some programmes offer an ordinary degree as a target award. Laura Chambers NUCCAT Secretary


Foundation Degrees Institution Classified (Yes/No) Method/Notes Salford No Chester No Edge Hill Yes 60+ Merit

70+ Distinction Liverpool John Moores Yes 60+ Merit

70+ Distinction Just introduced in 10-11

University of Leicester Yes 60+ Merit 70+ Distinction

Hull No Leeds Metropolitan Yes 60+ Merit

70+ Distinction Classification needs to be a

Coventry Yes 60+ Merit 70+ Distinction

Bolton No Sunderland Yes “Commendation” if you

achieve at least 65% in 100 credits at L5.

Teesside No Fdf suggest variable response depending upon the overall purpose of the FD

Documents

Tue December 2010 11:00...Regional Centre in Leeds, on sday 7Tueth December 2010. The meeting will commence at 11:00 and finish no later than 15:00. In order to help with hospitality