This week, the National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE) published a report presenting the feedback received from public and private further and higher education providers, as well as representatives of staff and student unions, and the Education Ministry on its recommendations for A Quality Assurance Framework for Further and Higher Education in Malta, published in December.

The consultation report is available on the NCHE's website www.education.gov.mt/nchemalta.htm and will be sent to all who participated in the consultation. Those interested in receiving a hard copy may contact Angele Attard via e-mail angele.attard@gov.mt.

With the report the NCHE has concluded its consultation and will now be submitting a revised draft of the regulations for a licensing, accreditation and quality assurance framework to the Minister of Education.

The NCHE said the feedback, which comprises reactions to the proposed quality assurance framework and its remit, on the proposed licensing body and accreditation agencies, and regarding students, has led to constructive developments which build over the commission's original recommendations. The NCHE secretariat also carried out extensive research through consultation meetings both locally and abroad.

NCHE officer Dr Attard said the stakeholders' insight and valid input had contributed extensively to improving and finalising its recommendations on quality assurance and the commission was confident that the final outcome would be more acceptable as a result.