DIV Training Course for Quality Management Representatives: “The Boarding Schools Association” Visits the Steinmühle

From September 18–21, the DIV (Die INTERNATE VEREINIGUNG e.V.) met at the Steinmühle as part of a training program for quality management officers. The DIV is an association of renowned boarding schools in Germany and Switzerland. The boarding schools undergo regular internal and external evaluations, collaborate with research institutions and universities, and place great emphasis on the professional development of their staff.

Quality management—including the planning and implementation of quality improvement initiatives at member boarding schools and within the association—is one of the DIV’s core responsibilities.

In 2014, the DIV General Assembly therefore unanimously adopted the “Framework Concept for Quality Management in Boarding Schools.” The gradual implementation of the quality standards set forth in this document is mandatory for DIV members and is reviewed at regular intervals.

Since March 2021, the DIV has been training quality management officers at each of its member boarding schools; these officers are responsible for establishing and gradually implementing the DIV’s framework for quality management in boarding schools.

The first generation of QMBs successfully completed their training in March 2022.

The participants in the current training program are already the second generation of QMBs, as the DIV is constantly welcoming new boarding schools into its ranks or existing members wish to have another QMB trained.

As part of their practical training, which is specifically tailored to the boarding school context, participants will acquire not only the theoretical foundations of quality management and hands-on experience with supporting tools, but also the ability to conduct quality management audits at member institutions.

In this regard, the DIV places particular emphasis on ensuring that trainees receive a quality management (QM) certification in accordance with the requirements of the DIN EN ISO 19011 audit standard.

The training program is divided into several sessions (some in-person, some online). Following an initial Zoom kick-off at the end of June 2023, the current session at the Steinmühle marked the first in-person block; two additional training blocks will follow before the second generation of QMBs is expected to complete their training in September 2024.

In addition to the technical content, participants were also treated to an engaging social program. A guided tour of Marburg’s picturesque Upper Town and a group visit to one of the university town’s most charming venues, the “Sonne,” rounded out the conference.