The 2009 conference is hosted by The Science Shop, Queen's University Belfast

Developing a quality framework for a Science Shop

After two years of operation, Science Shops Wales (SSW) set about developing a quality framework in order to facilitate systematic analysis of its provision:  the processes, procedures, outputs, outcomes, etc.  The framework takes as its basis the traditional cyclical evaluation model, akin to that used in action research.  The stages in the process are (self) evaluation to identify good practice and scope for improvement, self-assessment reporting, reflection and action planning for improvement, taking action, further evaluation to monitor changes, and so on. 

The starting point in designing the framework was to formulate a set of standards, articulated as statements, derived from value and mission statements, against which to assess performance.  These have been arranged in sections, each relating to one of the Science Shop’s ten areas of activity, e.g. the student project brokerage service; short courses and training.  The framework also provides a bank of evaluation instruments (cross-referenced to standards), a calendar for quality activities, and a scheme for allocating quality roles and responsibilities to various members of the team.

The team has been aware that a quality framework should be a dynamic and flexible instrument which evolves in response to changing remits, circumstances or context.  In addition to its use for self-evaluation and improvement action planning, the framework has potential for use as a focusing tool for planning, as a means of generating reports for funders and external evaluators, and for demonstrating professionalism to interested parties.  Parts of the framework will be piloted by SSW over the coming year with a view to further developing and refining the instrument. If perceived as potentially useful, SSW is keen to make the framework and instruments available to the Living Knowledge Network, and would very much welcome feedback and suggestions.

Theme:  Knowledge exchange, transfer or exploitation?

Presenters Name:  Nicola Shelswell

(possibly co-presenting with Kim Fitzgerald)

Presenters Institution:   Science Shops Wales, University of Glamorgan, Wales

Presenters Biography: 

Nicola Shelswell has been a Development Officer with Science Shops Wales (SSW) since 2006.  During this time, she has led on a community biodiversity auditing project, and the compilation of a handbook giving guidance to community groups wanting to do their own biodiversity audits.  She has also led in the production of a series of highly readable and accessible leaflets on sustainable development topics. She is currently working on an ‘Eco-communities’ Award scheme, and a quality assurance framework for use by science shops.

Before coming to SSW, Nicola worked in the field of adult basic education, and ran a busy department in a college of further education in south Wales.  She completed her MPhil in 2004, producing a dissertation on approaches to the integration of the teaching and learning of adult literacy and numeracy with the use of information communications technology.