Precedents database

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	19/06/2019
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	human resources
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“In its analysis, the review panel commented that, while the situation of resources is acceptable in the short to medium term, some of PKA’s activities “cannot be addressed appropriately due to the lack of resources”. The Panel further expressed concerns with regards to the high turnover of the Bureau staff, who perform the functions of secretaries for the sections Committee. The Register Committee further underlined the review panel’s recommendations on the need to increase the agency’s capacity to perform thematic analysis. The Register Committee was therefore unable to follow the panel’s conclusion of (substantially) compliant but concluded that PKA complies only partially with the standard.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	05/11/2019
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“In the last review of the agency the Register Committee expressed concern regarding Unibasq’s capacity to ensure adequate resources for the increasing number of its activities.In the meantime, the agency has received additional funds which have allowed the agency to play a very active role in the international quality assurance community. The panel commended the agency for the achievements and the active role.The Register Committee considered that the flag was addressed and therefore concurred with the panel’s conclusion that Unibasq complies with ESG 3.5.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	03/04/2019
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“When SQAA was admitted to the Register in 2013, the financial sustainability of the agency after the cease of the funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) was flagged for attention. The Register Committee welcomed that the flag was addressed, as already determined in its decision of 18 March 2016”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	06/12/2018
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“[...]The panel, however, added that NEAQA’s predecessor lacked human resources for other tasks which would enhance the agency’s performance. Considering the financial management of the agency, i.e. a bank account managed by the Ministry, the panel found that the planning, management and operational efficiency of the agency were limited due to its dependence on the Ministry’s administrative and financial services. The agency stated in its additional representation that it now has its own accounts and, while it continues to receive financial support from the Republic of Serbia for its initial activities, the agency’s further actions will be financed exclusively from its own funds.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	16/11/2017
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“In its decision of inclusion, the Register Committee flagged the financial arrangements and sustainability of SKVC’s overall activity.The panel’s analysis showed that these concerns remain due to a wavering financial situation and decrease of project funds.The Register Committee noted the panel’s analysis that the financial arrangements remain uncertain and have not been adequately addressed within a realistic financial plan”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	03/12/2016
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	human resources capacities
Panel conclusion	Full compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“The Register Committee flagged in its decision of inclusion (ESG 2005: standard ESG 3.4) AI’s capacity to sustain and develop the capacities and qualifications of its professional staff. The panel’s findings showed that human resources have steadily increased and that AI offers seminars and courses for staff members.The panel also commended the yearly individual meetings with staff whereby considerations are given to workload and possible needs for competence development.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	20/06/2017
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“Apart from the greater autonomy in staff appointments that AEQES gained, the financial resources available to the agency have not changed since

2012. The review panel noted that an increase is not foreseeable in the near future and that AEQES might face a negative financial balance in 2020.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by GAC
Decision of	03/12/2016
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	human resources planning and estimation of workload
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“The review report described that financial losses experienced by ACQUIN have eventually been recovered by reducing activity costs. The Register Committee was able to follow the panel's concerns with regard to human resources planning and estimation of workload. Despite the fact that planning and documentation require improvement, the Register Committee did, however, not understand that the number of accreditation procedures conducted by ACQUIN significantly exceeds its capacity. Moreover, the Register Committee appreciated that an agency operating in a market-based system naturally experiences greater fluctuation than an agency in a monopoly situation”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	20/06/2017
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“The panel noted that ECCE’s level of financing was not fully ensured to professionally run external QA and make possible the further development of the organisation. In its additional representation (of 27/03/2017) ECCE informed that the membership fees of the agency have increased, that allowed the agency to improve its financial resources and employ a quality assurance consultant.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Initial
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	03/12/2016
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“The Register Committee noted that ACPUA’s main funding source comes from the regional government. The panel stated that the agency is considering possibilities to diversify its funding revenues and therefore reduce its financial dependence from the Ministry. While the panel commended the agency on the way it has dealt with its tasks considering its limited human and financial resources, it also expressed concerns regarding the agency’s ability to further sustain these efforts and ensure effectiveness in meeting its strategic goals.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Targeted, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	30/06/2023
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	state budget
Panel conclusion	Full compliance
Clarification request(s)	Agency (06/06/2023)
RC decision	Compliance

“The Register Committee noted that the proportion of HAKA’s activities financed through state budget has been decreasing. This is caused by the fact that HAKA has taken on activities for other education levels/types not falling under the ESG, which are financed through projects.

The Register Committee understood from the agency’s clarification (see minuted response of 2023-06-06) that the financial concerns do not affect the agency’s ability to carry out its regular external QA activities.

The Register Committee therefore concluded that the agency continues to comply with ESG 3.5.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Targeted, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	04/04/2024
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	resources
Panel conclusion	Compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“38. In its past review, the Register Committee noted concerns related to the lack of resources, the high turnover of the Bureau staff and the agency’s capacity to perform thematic analysis.

39. The Register Committee noted from the findings of the latest review (review report of 2023) that the agency now benefits from an increase in support and resources, a decrease in staff turnover, an improved focus on thematic analysis and a legislative recognition for this activity. The panel also found that staff, managers and stakeholders were satisfied with the current resources of the agency.

40. Based on the findings of the review panel, the Register Committee was able to concur with the judgement of compliance with standard 3.5.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Initial
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	25/10/2022
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	shortage of staff positions addressed
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	Panel (05/10/2022)
RC decision	Compliance

“24. The review panel noted a lack of human resources at GAC's disposal, leading to staff having to prioritise initial accreditation in their work, with reaccreditation procedures taking longer than they should in turn.

25. In its comments on the review report, GAC informed EQAR that a staff increase by 9.25 FTE was now confirmed.

26. The Register Committee sought clarification from the panel on the resources in light of this increase. The Committee understood that this staff increase would address the resourcing in quantitative terms, but that the positive impact of this would remain limited as long as the reservations about the organisation of the Council's work remain, as noted under ESG 2.5.

27. In light of the staff increase, the Register Committee considered that GAC now complies with standard 3.5, while noting that the serious concerns stated under standard 2.5 relate to the question whether GAC effectively deploys its resources, especially in terms of organising the Council's work.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Initial
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	18/03/2021
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	Human resources
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“According to the panel’s analysis the allocation of the budget has not been made considering the agency’s real financial needs and its Strategic Plan for 2019-2023. The panel further expressed concern regarding the sustainability of agency’s processes as they do not rely on permanent professional staff, but almost entirely on the ‘voluntary’ nature of the work of evaluators and staff seconded to the agency. In its statement to the review report THEQC responded that it had made its budget plan within the scope of Strategic Planning in Public Institutions, following the Law on Public Finance Management and Control (No. 5018). The agency added that the strategic plan also includes a budget, which can be provided at request. In its additional representation the agency explained that the number of its permanent employees increased from 10 to 21 in over a year an a half. While the agency still has 14 staff members seconded and paid by higher education institution, the Committee concluded that human resources are nevertheless sufficient to allow THEQC to carry out its activities within the scope and in line with the ESG. Considering the additional representation and the changes to THEQC’s staffing the Register Committee concluded that THEQC now complies with ESG 3.5.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by NASM
Decision of	02/11/2020
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability (relience on its founding organisation)
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“In its last review the Register Committee noted that MusiQuE did not have sufficient firm agreements with higher education institutions to achieve financial self-sustainability and thus concluded on partially compliance. The Register Committee learned that since its last review, MusiQuE has managed to expand its activities, and to increase its annual income from its reviews and other activities substantially. MusiQuE's has also reduced its reliance on the Association Européenne des Conservatoire (AEC)’s financial support, who has been covering a high proportion of its staff costs. The Committee welcomed these positive developments and concurred with the panel's conclusion that MusiQuE complies with the standard.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	22/06/2020
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	Allocation of resources; Financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Compliance

“In its last decision of inclusion the Register Committee flagged AAC-DEVA’s ability to acquire and consolidate the resources required to organise site-visits as part of its periodic re-accreditation procedures. As AAC-DEVA has been able to carry out site-visits within its procedures, the flag has been addressed. The Register Committee noted that AAC-DEVA acknowledged in its SWOT analysis that it did not achieved what it aspired it set out to do in the past five years. These concerns were mainly due to the current organisational structure of the agency and lack of strategic planning which has lead to difficulties in the proper allocation of resources and development of prospective units for the full implementation of thematic analysis. In its additional representation AAC-DEVA stated that it had been able to provide all the necessary resources to set up and maintain its external QA activities and that its budget has been approved without any reductions. Concerning the problems related to the structural organisation of the agency, AAC-DEVA explained that this are addressed in the development of its Strategic Plan. ”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Initial
Review	Full, coordinated by NASM
Decision of	06/06/2016
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	financial sustainability
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“The External Review Report reported that the initial costs for the setup of MusiQuE were borne by AEC, as its main founder. At the time of the review – MusiQuE did not have a sufficient amount of contracts or firm agreements with higher education institutions that would fully assure its ability to achieve self-sustainability.MusiQuE submitted the statement “Information on the financial sustainability of MusiQuE”, which included an update on the number of reviews planned and contracted for the years 2016 and 2017, as well as a financial commitment by AEC, EMU and Pearle*, for the years 2016 and 2017, applicable in case MusiQuE will not achieve self-sustainability. Beyond that, further support would be at the discretion of the organisations’ boards.The Register Committee considered that the financial commitment ensured MusiQuE’s equipment with sufficient resources for 2016 and 2017, while sustainability from 2018 onwards remained dependent on the number of reviews MusiQuE was able to carry out in practice.The Register Committee further underlined that MusiQuE is expected to make a Substantive Change Report (see §6.1 of the EQAR Procedures for Applications) in case its resource situation changes materially.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	13/10/2023
Standard	3.5 Resources
Keywords	resources, financial independance
Panel conclusion	Partial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“26. The panel noted that the main challenge for NEAA remains the fact that it cannot manage its own finances in a manner that will enable NEAA to ensure the best quality of its activities. Even if the majority of the funding comes from its external quality assurance activities i.e., mostly accreditation fees, due to the strict regulations and rules defined on national level, NEAA cannot access these revenues. The Committee concurs with the panel that this could have a negative impact on the sustainability and the quality of its processes.

27. The panel underlined that despite the improvements and increase of staff members since its last review, from 8 to 19 staff members, NEAA still had a high number of vacant positions.

28. The Committee emphasised the panel’s recommendations on the need for the agency to pursue with the Ministry changes in its financial management and to continue the recruitment of new staff to ensure optimal workload and implementation of external QA processes on time.

29. In its representation, NEAA reported of a further increase in its staff (i.e., from 19 to 23 employees), with recruitment for some of these positions currently underway. The Committee noted that the agency has taken active steps addressing specific proposals to increase pay rates to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Ministers office. Similar efforts are directed towards the Council of Rectors. Further, the agency stated that there are constant efforts made towards the responsible national authorities with a request to increase the budget of the agency.

30. The Register Committee welcomed the actions taken by NEAA. The Register Committee, however, noted that despite the improvements in NEAA’s permanent staff, the agency’s financial independence, due to external factors, remains constrained, and while the limitations in resources may not pose an immediate concern as to the sustainability of the agency, it may negatively impact the scope and quality of the activities undertaken by NEAA.

31. The Register Committee therefore concurred with the panel’s conclusion that NEAA complies only partially with ESG 3.5.”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	13/12/2021
Standard	3.6 Internal quality assurance and professional conduct
Keywords	Weak management of staff development and not addressing earlier flags
Panel conclusion	Full compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“Partial compliance due the need for a more structured management of the professional development of the staff and the lack of a comprehensive response to the issues raised in the previous external reviews (i.e. instances of partial compliance from the previous renewals of the registration: the training of experts (ESG 2.4) is still weak (a concern raised in 2011) and the publication of thematic analyses (ESG 3.4) remains not systematic (a concern raised in 2016).)”

Full decision: see agency register entry

Application	Renewal
Review	Full, coordinated by ENQA
Decision of	15/10/2021
Standard	3.6 Internal quality assurance and professional conduct
Keywords	Informal approach to IQA; Not addressing flags from previous review
Panel conclusion	Substantial compliance
Clarification request(s)	–
RC decision	Partial compliance

“AI has adopted an overall framework for internal QA, which is publicly available. The panel, however, found that agency’s approach to internal QA is often informal and flexible. This was reflected in the self-evaluation report,

which the panel found to be lacking self-reflexivity and deeper analysis of agency’s internal needs. The Register Committee noted that the agency has not addressed the issues that led to a partially compliant conclusion in the

previous decision for renewal of registration (namely ESG 2.7 and ESG 3.1).”

Full decision: see agency register entry