Collaboration is the KEY
As technologies converge it is not sufficient that we do our own jobs properly, we must understand the needs of those working around us. We need to collaborate. We need to be able to help others do their job properly by communicating and applying our own competences. In the final analysis we need to make the client happy by delivering a successful project, on time and in budget.

Collaboration is a SKILL
Collaboration involves the ability to see the context of a situation as well as its content. Seeing the “Whole-picture” facilitates the good choice making essential for creativity. It develops responsibility – the ability to respond and communicate.

The successful outcome of all projects in the Creative Industries rely on the cooperation and collaboration of many individuals, groups and organisations.

We only have to watch the titles of any feature film or television drama to realise how many people are involved in a successful production, each of whom has to rely on every other member of the crew to be efficient and professional.

Collaboration is PARAMOUNT
Colleges and Universities accept considerable challenge when offering to prepare and provide students with the skills and attitudes required by industry. Communication through Collaboration is not only desirable, it is a vital ingredient in what employers are looking for in employees (including freelancers).

Industry workplace experiences, where the 'apprentice' can learn by example whilst watching professionals at work, are becoming increasingly rare. Universities must deliver, as far as is possible, a similar experience along with the valuable academic and other skills demanded of a good education.

Graduates should not only be required to demonstrate the necessary skills but should be able to adapt and update those skills. This will develop the confidence to be able to operate effectively in their working environment.

Teamwork and mutual respect are keys to success. Working in teams across different disciplines and across different courses encourages students to develop the interpersonal skills needed in industry. It allows students to appreciate different disciplines. It develops the notion of a system or organisation as a “learning organisation”. This must also be evident, as good examples, in the working relationships of academics and technical staff, who are structuring collaboration.

Collaboration is the key to success
JAMES has created the award (ILC) that recognises and supports institutions that are seeking to develop in this way. The award may only be given as the result of satisfying the extra requirements laid out in this document. This is in addition to the application of the standard rigorous JAMES course accreditation process.

A JAMES Integrated Learning Centre will be a university, college or collective group:
⦁ Already running one or more accredited courses.
⦁ Running 4 or more undergraduate and postgraduate level courses that enable students to have a choice of pathways, study and research options across disciplines.
⦁ Able to demonstrate mechanisms are in place to facilitate student collaboration across creative industry courses.
⦁ Able to demonstrate the fostering of good industry practice.

ILC Requirements
Courses should include one of at least three distinct pathways:

* The courses will be appropriately titled with clear introductory explanations on the institution web site and in the Student Handbook. *

This will include:
⦁ A concise breakdown of the modules undertaken over the duration of the course.
⦁ A clear description of the subject and learning points covered by each module.
⦁ Clearly written career opportunities for each pathway that will assist students identify their most appropriate choice of study.
⦁ Assignments should be set requiring teamwork and collaboration between students across creative industry courses. (This will fulfil individual development, whilst working to deliver a brief, preferably set by industry that provides a ‘client’ experience for the marketplace of work).
⦁ A realistic appreciation of setting up and operating as a freelance trader and a working understanding of business budgeting and project management.
⦁ An awareness of relevant organisations and associations that govern or represent areas of industry and practitioners within the relevant areas.
⦁ The prospectus and website will very clearly publish which pathway will benefit and deliver the expectations to students for each of the courses.
⦁ The website will also emphasise the practice of collaboration.

Strong ongoing links with industry will be evident:
⦁ In the design of course material, assessment and research briefs.
⦁ Within the course team, supplemented by use of visiting guest speakers.
⦁ Relevant work placement opportunities.
⦁ Students should be aware of relevant industry bodies and supported to join as student members and partake in the events and opportunities offered.

The process:
Having previously accredited at least one course at the institution, the facilities and library will be familiar to JAMES, hence the focus will be on any changes to the courses and the way that they are delivered. The previous accreditation report will be reviewed and the adoption of any recommendations made will be sought. (Some courses may have been recently introduced in which case a provisional report and award will be forthcoming).

The application will include a detailed submission for each course to be accredited, in accordance with existing HE & FE course accreditation requirements. They will highlight any changes to the course content, delivery or resource provision since the previous accreditation. Industry Assessors with relevant experience and background to each course [or specialist module] will review the submission.

Two [or more] assessors will conduct an inspection visit focusing on:
⦁ Interviewing and questioning the course teams.
⦁ Establishing how any previous recommendations have been integrated.
⦁ Talking to students across all the courses and addressing issues raised.
⦁ Looking at student work and assignments in advance of the visit.
⦁ Inspection of resources.
⦁ Seeking evidence of student collaboration across disciplines.
⦁ Seeking evidence of industry partnerships in course design.

Education Support Package:
An ILC award will be encouraged to include an ‘Education Support Package’. This will be a provision to be used over the three year accreditation period. It could be used for:
✓ Industry guest lectures or Master Classes,
✓ JAMES personnel attending Student Poster days,
✓ JAMES personnel attending course open days,
✓ JAMES personnel sitting on industry validation advisory panels

The fees:
The fees for the multi-accreditations associated with ILC will be scaled to the number, type and location of courses to be reviewed and will be negotiated case by case.
The fee will include;
⦁ All assessor travelling expenses. *
⦁ Reading fees to review course content module by module.
⦁ Inspection visit by 3 or 4 industry assessors covering a visit of two or three days or more.
⦁ Writing inspection visit reports.
⦁ Report compilation and final report provision by the accreditation committee.
⦁ Education Support Package.
⦁ Administration.

* Assessor accommodation costs if required are NOT included and should be arranged and covered by the institution.