Association of Colleges

An Overview of the Charter Framework

A full description of the framework can be found in the AoC International Charter Guidance Handbook.  A brief overview is as follows:

The annual subscription and assessment costs
The annual Charter subscription is £1,500.

The cost of the Charter Review, which takes place every three years following the award of the Charter, is additional to the subscription and will depend on the length of time needed to complete this process in the case of individual Colleges. It is anticipated that the cost of the full review will range from £950 to £1,800 (if the award of the Charter is deferred, a follow-up review is likely to cost between £625 and £900).


The subscription provides access to resources and support which are designed to assist Colleges in developing and implementing an International or Global Strategy and working towards the Charter standard.

Preparing for Assessment

Colleges should undertake a self-assessment in accordance with the elements of the Charter Review Instrument. The final version of the self-assessment is recorded in the Self-assessment Matrix and will be the source of reference for the external reviewers. Colleges may find that engaging in Peer Review and Development (PRD) will add value to their preparation for external review and improvement planning.



The Importance of the International Strategy

The College’s International or Global Strategy (however this is entitled) will be seen as a key document which reflects the commitments made by the institution to quality management and quality improvement. Particular emphasis will be placed on the process by which the Strategy has been developed. It should encapsulate organisation-wide commitment to working towards the Charter assessment.

The AoC recognises that Colleges are involved in a range of international activities, they have varying aspirations and they are at different stages within the process of achieving these. The Strategy should reflect a realistic and appropriate journey for the College during the next three to four years.

The AoC International Charter Members' Web Site

The AoC International Charter web site is a key resource for Charter members:  
 

• It will serve as a single portal to information and resources relating to international/global activity for the sector, including the services offered by other national agencies
• It will provide a dynamic vehicle for an online ‘community of practice’ which evolves in form and content to accommodate the changing environment and to meet the varied needs of the Colleges working in the international/global arena.

The public area of the site is designed to promote the International Charter to potential members and raise awareness of the Charter among stakeholders. However the main purpose of the website is to create a space which is available only to Charter members. The ‘Members Only’ area is designed to enable College staff at all levels to exchange experience with their peers via the web forums, to develop collaborative partnerships and to design innovative approaches to the implementation of their International/global strategies.

Initially, the web site will focus on ensuring that it contains the core resources which will assist Colleges in meeting the principles of the Charter and preparing for external review, including through peer support. The AoC will maintain the Charter web site and will progressively expand its content, adding relevant links to useful sites, developing new resources and tool kits (including those produced by or in partnership with, other agencies) and highlighting funding and other opportunities.

Members are strongly encouraged to submit resources which may be published on the web site. Examples include: reports, model ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with international partners and other documents and case studies highlighting good and innovative practice.

We welcome feedback from Charter Members on what they find useful or would like added to the web site.  Whenever possible, this will feedback will be used to inform its continued development.

 

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The Charter Award Process 

Apply now

Enquiries to: charter@aoc.co.uk

 

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Return to AoC International Charter homepage.