Background
Following successful pilot phases, the NNECL Quality Mark was publicly launched in June 2021.
Our approach was built on the pioneering work and legacy of the initial Buttle Trust kite mark, which significantly raised awareness of care experienced students in HE and FE but was sadly discontinued in 2015.
With initial grant funding from the UPP Foundation, we developed a new Quality Mark and ran an initial pilot in 2019 involving seven universities and four FE colleges. The outcomes of that work, alongside regulatory changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, further shaped the project. As a result, the Quality Mark model creates developmental change and has a stronger focus on mental health and wellbeing as well as more detailed written guidance, templates and support for institutions with evidenced practice at the heart of submissions. We also benefited from the engagement and feedback of an Advisory Board involving many other expert organisations, sector bodies, researchers and policy-makers.
In early 2021, we completed a collaborative Quality Mark project with a group of 8 universities and colleges in Greater Manchester, funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of its commitment to care leavers. This project further enabled us to test and refine the process on a collaborative basis, using a mix of one-to-one virtual consultations alongside whole group meetings every three weeks to discuss issues and emerging evidence.
The Quality Mark was designed from the outset to evolve in response to sector learning and emerging needs. Now that it has been operational for over four years and with institutions beginning the renewal process, we are seeing significant impact, demonstrated through improved enrolment, progression, and continuation data for our CEES community.
Drawing on feedback from awarded institutions, alongside an independent evaluation, we have reviewed the model to ensure it remains both robust and effective. As a result, the Quality Mark Guidance has been updated and expanded where needed. This will continue as we learn from ongoing submissions and the emerging practice across the sector.
