Our approach to delivering an outsourced Educational Development Unit is based on three core principles: (1) partnership, (2) impact and (3) sustainability. This approach has been designed so our team feel and operate like part of the institution.
Our outsourced Educational Development Unit (EDU) service
What is an Outsourced EDU (also known as outsourced Educational Development)?
This is a key question and an important one to answer. This is where a institution outsourced its educational development to a third party and that third party works in partnership to deliver a shared service. Depending on the arrangement, they will often ‘feel’ and operate like part of the institution.
We feel there are three reasons that an educational institution may wish to consider an outsourced EDU; either a full or part time solution to their educational development requirements.
COST
Hosting and running an internal Educational Development Unit (EDU) is not a cheap endeavour. Depending on the size of the institution the costs can be disproportionate for the investment.
For example, an EDU comprising a team of four people and a team manager will most likely have operational costs of over £300,000 per year (see below)
Additionally, this is most likely not a fixed cost, with annual changes, end-of-year budget targets as well as sector pressures linked to recruitment and subsequent budget availability. With institutional requirements changing fast, budget is often slower to catch up.
SPECIALISM
An institutional team will comprise great people, but unless it is a particularly large team it may not cover all the specialisms required for an educational institution. This will result in the need for additional external input to bridge any gaps – often a challenge to source and onboard in a short time frame.
FLEXIBILITY AND AGILITY
Educational development will have periods of intense work and then periods of lower sustained activity. Additionally, there will be periods when significantly intense activity is required, for example, launching a new course, responding to an external survey or preparing for a new academic year.
The maximum possible work and therefore impact will be limited by the FTE and capacity of the internal team. Additionally, extra capacity may not need to be sustained and permanent recruitment may not be the best use of funds. The ability to pivot and respond is essential.
APPROACH AND SERVICES
There are a number of services we can offer as part of our outsourced Educational Development Unit model. These are listed below. If there is something specific you require, please contact us.
Performance & KPIs
Integrating, mixing and analysing module, course, and institutional data to help inform decisions and future activities. Reports, recommendations and action plan construction to inform decision-making and work.
Curriculum Design
Working with course teams, module leaders, departments and schools to design an impactful curriculum aligned to sector benchmarks and requirements. Providing support through validation processes.
Course Delivery
Working at the individual, module and course level to support the logistical and academic running of modules including timetabling, assessment and feedback, classroom engagement and the pedagogical theory and practice.
Digital Transformation
Leading and managing the introduction and use of digital technology including LMS/VLE implementation, e-Assessment and e-Portfolios as well as designing and delivering staff and student technological CPD and guidance.
Staff Development
Designing and delivering targeted and impactful staff development and CPD including 1:1 mentoring and team support. Activities spanning the breadth of academic practice to enhance the work of the individual and institution.
Pedagogical Research
Integrating innovative pedagogic research and practice into the work of educational academic practice including action research, writing for publication and the creation of a sustainable culture of pedagogic research and publication.
HOW WE WORK
We take a programme management approach to running a virtual EDU. All targets, budget and milestones are agreed in advance and so there are no surprises. Importantly, we are agile in our approach and if a change is required, a change control process is followed working with the client.
STEP 1
Meet with your dedicated EDU Manager to explore requirements, define targets and KPIs and receive a quote for the virtual EDU
STEP 2
Review and refine scope of work, agree budget and ways for working with the client and their team(s).
STEP 3
Engage in activity working in partnership with the client and their team(s).
STEP 4
Monthly meeting to discuss progress, review performance, explore any required adaptations and discuss opportunities / challenges.
STEP 5
Review performance and outcomes again initial targets and KPIs.
We have a five step approach for setting up, delivering and evaluating an outsourced Educational Development Unit and this is shown in the diagram on the left. Every client will have their own Dedicated EDU Manager who will work as the main point of contact and will be responsible for monitoring engagement and performance against the client’s requirements. All targets, budget and milestones are agreed in advance and so there are no surprises. Importantly, we are agile in our approach and if a change is required, a change control process is followed working with the client.
A core part of an outsourced EDU’s success is the relationships it builds with the client and their team. The approach is adapted to meet the needs for the client. We use a client’s core institutional documentation to ensure we are on message and brand. All data is retained by the client and anything we create on their behalf is licensed indefinitely for their use.
FAQs
Is a Virtual EDU online only?
We are able to deliver online, face-to-face and hybrid activities and adapt these according to the needs of the client and the activities required.
Is there a minimum contract length?
Generally, we would suggest a minimum of 12 months to integrate into your institution. If a shorter piece of work, or a specific project ,is required we can also undertake this. It will be good to discuss.
Can I choose who I work with?
We have a great team comprising experts in their field. All Virtual EDU customers have a consistent relationship manager and depending on the activities required, we will assign the most appropriate people from our team. In most cases, it is likely the same people will be involved throughout the engagement to support building working relationships, institutional knowledge and trust.
What sort of activities could be included?
Innovative approaches to curriculum design and delivery: We collaborate with your staff to create and develop new ways to design and deliver the curriculum that will keep your students engaged and excited about learning.
Transforming learning through digital technologies and artificial intelligence: Our experts help your staff revolutionise how they teach and how your students learn by utilising cutting-edge digital technologies and AI to take your institution’s performance to the next level.
Managing institutional change evaluation: We offer a theory of change approach to assist your staff in evaluating the impact and effectiveness of institutional changes, ensuring that your institution is always moving forward.
Conducting pedagogic research: We provide professional development to help your staff move towards incorporating the most effective pedagogic research methods and applying these methods to achieve more effective and efficient teaching practices.
Leading end-to-end project management: We provide leadership and support in managing projects from start to finish, developing a comprehensive project plan, providing support and guidance throughout the project, and ensuring that all projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
Developing and implementing learning, teaching, and assessment strategies: We work with your staff to develop and implement effective, customised teaching, learning, and assessment strategies to enhance your institution’s overall performance. Assessment is a key component of the learning process. We help your staff improve assessment by identifying the most effective assessment tools and techniques, giving good feedback and feed-forward to enhance student learning outcomes and ensuring that your students always receive the best education.
Enhancing performance metrics: We help your institution meet the standards set by the Office for Students, ensuring that your institution performs at the highest level. We also work with course and module leaders to identify areas for improvement and improve performance.
Contact one of our experts
To learn more about our services and how we can help you, please use the form or contact us.