Since 2012, Outcome Agreements have been the main way Scotland’s colleges and higher education institutions provided context to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), to assure them of the use of Scottish Government funding. The SFC’s 2021 Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability proposed evolutionary changes for the entire Scottish tertiary education, innovation, and research system. SFC is transitioning to the new Outcome Framework and Assurance Model, gradually replacing Outcome Agreements. 2024-25 saw the first roll-out of the new regime. The Outcomes Framework outlines SFC’s expectations for colleges and universities in exchange for funding. Unlike the Outcome Agreement process, SFC no longer sets individual targets. Outcomes are now expressed broadly across areas important to students, employers, the Scottish Government, and other key stakeholders.The Assurance Model enables SFC to engage with colleges and universities to monitor outcome delivery. It includes intervention strategies to address any issues, ensuring appropriate support is provided when institutions face challenges.A significant change from the Outcome Agreement process is that the Outcomes Framework doesn’t require institutions to agree on specific outcomes in advance. Instead, the Assurance Model assesses past academic year achievements, allowing institutions the flexibility to adapt during the year.Information which we have submitted to SFC under the OF&AM and are published will be posted here. Self Evaluation Action Plan 2023-24.pdfOther useful linksReview of Coherent Provision and SustainabilityOutcome Framework and Assurance Model This article was published on 2023-11-21
