Reference Guide for EAQUALS inspections - Support

7. Staff terms andconditions8. Staff qualifications,experience and trainingThe institution offers excellent employment conditions for allcategories of staff: Evidence of an excellent package of terms and conditions,safeguarding staff security and assuring staff welfare Opportunities for permanent or continuous employment for asignificant proportion of staff Opportunities within the institution for promotion and careerdevelopment Appropriate arrangements for providing proper pensionprovision, with clear information for staff on planning theirretirement provisions Finance or time granted to study for additional qualifications Opportunities for hourly paid and freelance staff fordevelopment (e.g. paid hours for internal training) Any other evidence of innovative and creative good practiceThe staffing of the institution combines an excellent level of staffqualifications and experience, with procedures to maintaincontinuous professional development: A good proportion of staff with an above basic level ofcompetence and experience –the EAQUALS teacher profileprovided by the institution can give clear indicators of theoverall level of the teaching team A rich programme of in-house training, with input from outsidetrainers, involvement of the institution’s own staff An appropriate mix of experienced and more junior staff, withcare taken to promote the professional development of allEncouragement of creativity and initiative on the part of staffOpportunities to take part in training courses and conferencesoutside the institution and encouragement to be involved inseminars, giving presentations Any other evidence of innovative and creative good practice9. Communications The institution has the right balance of formal and informalcommunications channels and these are used effectively: A good mix of formal and informal communication in theinstitution with evidence of problems being raised andaddressed Evidence of professional development reviews and/orappraisals procedures which are thorough and contribute toprofessional and career developmentEvidence of opportunities for all staff to contribute theiropinions and ideas for the running and development of theinstitution Existence of a variety of procedures to elicit feedback betweenmanagement and staff Any other evidence of innovative and creative good practice10. Information For grade two, fully accurate and comprehensive informationneeds to be provided for clients. Features which can lead to theaward of a grade one include:High quality design and attractiveness of information andpublicity materialsPublicity which gives outstandingly clear advice to potentialparticipants about levels, exams, approach to teachingUse of the Internet in ways which are user-friendly and allowparticipants and others to get information in an interactivewayOpportunities for participants to contribute to newsletters,34Reference Guide to the Inspection Scheme for institutionsversion 6.2© EAQUALS 2011