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The first meeting of the North West Collaborative Quality Assurance (CQA) Network will be held in Warrington on 2 December. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for colleagues across the region to continue to share practical insights on how developments in collaborative quality assurance are progressing. An overarching aim in establishing the network is to strengthen peer learning within and beyond the region. All areas are encouraged to identify particular examples of criteria, agreements, processes and actions which are improving practice in implementing CQA to share on the day.

Learning visits this term have demonstrated how well they are succeeding at disseminating experiences and learning, not only at the event itself but through the subsequent exchange of materials and networking of participants and hosts.

Last year, the North West region began to test the potential of peer learning events. The focus on collaborative quality assurance grew out of feedback from Consortium Support Conversations. Two parallel workshops were designed targeted towards leaders with central responsibility for quality assurance. The aim was to provide opportunities to explore practical approaches to collaborative quality assurance based on agreement about the characteristics of effective Diploma learning.

Feedback from consortia about the value of their support conversations is very positive. A Consortium Adviser is able to be a 'critical friend' and review plans and offer suggestions or advice when requested. They are networked into local consortia, are in close contact with local authorities and may be able to facilitate solutions to consortium problems.

Recent analysis of participant evaluations showed that over nine out of 10 leaders receiving individualised support and over seven out of 10 of those involved in group events expressed 'good or better' confidence levels in their ability to implement the Diplomas.

Since January 2009, 38 learning visits have been managed by NCSL involving 482 participants. Learning visits have attracted participants from across the country rather than just locally or within a region, including Northern Ireland. The numbers attending each visit has ranged from four to 33.

40 consortia responded to the evaluation of the summer consortium support conversation (CSC) and the role played by their Consortium Adviser. Ninety per cent of consortia rated their summer term conversation with their Consortium Adviser as good or excellent.

Consortia welcomed the increased flexibility of this CSC and felt that it better responded to their individual stage of development. They also appreciated the supportive professional relationship which had developed with their Adviser.