There is a general consensus that a framework on licensing, accreditation and quality assurance in further and higher education is needed. This was confirmed during two seminars organised on January 28 by the National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE) to discuss its recommendations on 'A Quality Assurance Framework for Further and Higher Education in Malta.

The NCHE report outlining the recommendations is available online at www.education.gov.mt/NCHEqualityassurance.htm

The NCHE reiterates that such a framework is a necessity for Malta to have a reliable further and higher education system that is accountable nationally and visible internationally.

A new framework is a pre-requisite for the Government's vision of developing Malta into an international centre of excellence in further and higher education by 2015.

The framework aims to foster a 'quality culture' in further and higher education to improve the quality of education offered to students, to provide a means of accountability, and to make available reliable information about the quality of providers and their programmes to students, employers and the public.

The proposed framework envisages benefits for individuals who seek to have their qualifications recognised, and for providers of further and higher education who seek to enhance their marketing potential and develop home-grown programmes in niche sectors nationally and internationally.

Benefits are also envisaged for Malta, as the transparency of quality assurance outcomes has far-reaching implications for countries aspiring to be classified as knowledge-based, and to secure sustainable, long-term social and economic prosperity. In view of these benefits, arguments for the introduction of regulations for a new framework for licensing, accreditation and quality assurance, are based on the understanding that the envisaged process will not be an easy one.

The NCHE proposes the concept of a one-stop shop for institutional accreditation and licensing, in order for these to be managed through a streamlined process which avoids duplication. Yet the development of a quality culture is primarily based on the commitment and active participation of all providers of further and higher education, and all stakeholders.

These stakeholders were present at the NCHE seminars to discuss the implications of the framework in detail. The seminars formed the basis for further discussion within the decision-making and governing bodies of institutions, private providers, student councils, and staff unions.

The NCHE recommendations are currently in consultation phase and the commission welcomes the extensive interest being shown by all those affected by the proposed framework. The NCHE will continue to welcome written feedback on the recommendations until next Friday.

Dr Attard is an officer within the National Commission for Higher Education, responsible for Quality Assurance.