The Governance domain covers the overarching institutional structures and frameworks that enable effective oversight, leadership, compliance, and strategic direction at NCI. Policies in this domain support transparent decision-making, good governance practice, and institutional accountability. 

Policies 

• Policy on Policies  

• Interim Chapter 2: Governance and Quality Assurance Structures (June 2025) 

_{Note: Interim Chapter 2 supersedes selected content from the 2019 QA Handbook Chapter 2. It is intended as a transitional version and will remain active until a full redraft of the Governance domain is completed. Further updates will be tracked and published on this page.} 

The Staff domain covers the policies, procedures, and institutional frameworks that govern the recruitment, development, and support of academic and professional staff at NCI. It ensures that the College attracts, retains, and supports staff who contribute to high-quality teaching, research, and service delivery in line with NCI’s strategic goals. Policies in this domain promote a fair, inclusive, and professional working environment, aligned with national employment legislation and best practice in higher education. 

Policies 

• HR Policies 

Legacy QAES Content 

The following chapter of the 2019 QA Handbook remains in effect and is accessible through this domain until formally reviewed and replaced: 

• Chapter 8: Staff Recruitment and Development

_{Note: A number of institutional HR and staff-related policies have been developed since the publication of Chapter 8. These may supersede elements of the chapter in practice; however, formal cross-referencing and integration into the QAES Refresh is still in progress. Chapter 8 remains active in its entirety until this process is complete.}

The Partnerships domain governs the frameworks, policies, and oversight mechanisms for NCI’s formal relationships with external academic institutions, industry bodies, employers, and other strategic partners. These partnerships support programme delivery, promote employer engagement, and enable learner mobility and progression across diverse educational contexts. Policies in this domain ensure that all partnership arrangements are strategically aligned, appropriately governed, and compliant with regulatory and quality assurance standards. 

Policies  

• Policy on Collaborative Provision and Academic Partnerships 
• Policy on Erasmus+ Student Mobility 

The Compliance domain covers the policies and frameworks that ensure NCI meets its statutory, regulatory, and contractual obligations across academic and institutional operations. It supports a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability by embedding compliance requirements into institutional practices and systems. Policies in this domain provide the governance infrastructure for legal compliance, information governance, data protection, and institutional risk management. They also ensure that learners and staff operate in a safe, secure, and lawful environment.

Policies 

• Information Governance Policies 
• Data Protection Policies 
• Records Management Policies 
• IT Policies 
• Critical Incident Policy 
• Employee Media and Social Media Policy 

Legacy QAES Content 

The following chapters of the 2019 QA Handbook remain in effect and are accessible through this domain until formally reviewed and replaced: 

• Chapter 9: Information Governance and Compliance
• Chapter 10: Public Information 

_{Note: A substantial number of standalone policies, procedures, and operational documents now govern areas previously covered in Chapters 9 and 10. A full cross-referencing and mapping exercise is underway as part of the QAES Refresh Project. Until this is complete, both chapters remain active in their entirety and should be consulted alongside relevant institutional policies.}

The Programmes domain encompasses the full lifecycle of academic programme development, validation, delivery, monitoring, and review at NCI. It ensures that all programmes are strategically aligned, academically robust, and compliant with national and institutional quality standards. Policies in this domain support systematic and transparent processes for programme approval, evaluation, and enhancement, in line with the College’s delegated authority and QQI expectations.

Policies

• Policy on Programme Development 
• Policy on Programme Validation 
• Policy on Programme Monitoring  
• Policy on Programme Review  

_{These policies supersede content previously contained within Chapter 3 of the QAES}

The Teaching domain encompasses the academic and operational structures that support high-quality teaching, inclusive learning environments, and pedagogical innovation at National College of Ireland. It ensures that teaching is student-centred, evidence-informed, and aligned with programme learning outcomes and institutional goals. Policies in this domain support the design and delivery of effective learning experiences across multiple modes of provision, including face-to-face, blended, and online formats. 

Policies 

• Policy on Blended and Online Learning Programmes 
• Online Exams Policy 
• Asynchronous Learning Development Policy 
• Policy on Timetabling  
• Policy on Apprenticeships 

Legacy QAES Content 

The following chapters of the 2019 QA Handbook remain in effect and are accessible through this domain until fully reviewed and replaced: 

• Chapter 4: Assessment
• Chapter 5: Learning and Teaching Environment

_{Note: Selected sections of Chapters 4 and 5 have already been superseded by the new policies listed above. The remainder of these chapters will remain active until fully reviewed and replaced as part of the QAES Refresh Project. Changes will be clearly tracked and published on this page.} 

The Learners domain covers the policies, procedures, and institutional commitments that ensure a high-quality, inclusive, and supportive experience for students throughout their educational journey at NCI. It supports the design and delivery of learner-facing services that promote access, engagement, wellbeing, and success from admissions through to graduation. Policies in this domain ensure that students are provided with accurate information, appropriate academic and personal supports, and a learning environment that values equality, participation, and integrity. 

Policies

• English Language Policy 
• Fees Policy 

Legacy QAES Content 

The following chapters of the 2019 QA Handbook remain in effect and are accessible through this domain until fully reviewed and replaced: 

• Chapter 6: Admission, Registration and Curriculum Policies
• Chapter 7: Support Services for Learners 

_{Note: Selected sections of Chapters 6 and 7 have already been superseded by the new policies listed above. The remainder of these chapters will remain active until fully reviewed and replaced as part of the QAES Refresh Project. Changes will be clearly tracked and published on this page.} 

The Research domain covers the quality assurance and governance of research activity at National College of Ireland. It ensures that research conducted under the College’s name is ethically sound, aligned with strategic priorities, and supported by appropriate institutional structures and resources. Policies in this domain uphold academic freedom while ensuring integrity, transparency, and accountability in the conduct of research. They also define the College’s responsibilities in relation to research funding, collaboration, supervision, and scholarly dissemination. 

Legacy QAES Content 

The following chapter of the 2019 QA Handbook remains in effect and is accessible through this domain until fully reviewed and replaced: 

• Chapter 11: Research

_{Note: Chapter 11 will remain active until it is formally reviewed and replaced as part of the QAES Refresh Project. Any changes to this chapter will be clearly tracked and published on this page.} 

The below tables indicate changes made as of August 2025