References – Quality Assurance

This document, published by ENQA, ESU, EUA, and EURASHE, outlines the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). It serves as a foundational framework for internal and external quality assurance in European higher education institutions (HEIs), ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

ESG does not prescribe quality standards but provides a reference framework for quality assurance in higher education. The framework applies to:

• Internal quality assurance (within institutions)
• External quality assurance (national and international agencies)
• Quality assurance agencies themselves

ESG aligns with Bologna Process tools like ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and national qualifications frameworks. Purpose of the ESG:

• Create a common framework for quality assurance systems.
• Improve trust and facilitate recognition of qualifications across Europe.
• Promote a quality culture within institutions and ensure transparency.
• Support student-centred learning and institutional autonomy

Standards for Internal Quality Assurance

• Quality assurance policy: Institutions should have a publicly available QA policy embedded in their strategic management.
• Programme design and approval: Programmes must be aligned with learning outcomes and national/international frameworks.
• Student-centred learning, teaching, and assessment: Flexible, interactive learning approaches should be implemented. Assessment must be transparent, fair, and aligned with intended learning outcomes.
• Student admission, progression, and recognition: Fair and transparent processes must be in place for admissions and academic recognition.
• Teaching staff: Institutions must ensure the competency of academic staff and provide opportunities for professional development.
• Learning resources and student support: Adequate funding, infrastructure, and academic support services must be available.
• Information management: Data on student demographics, performance, and satisfaction must be collected and analysed.
• Public information: HEIs must provide clear, accurate, and accessible information about their programs, policies, and outcomes.
• Monitoring and periodic review of programs: Institutions must conduct regular reviews to ensure that programs remain relevant.
• Cyclical external quality assurance: HEIs should undergo external quality assurance reviews regularly.

Standards for External Quality Assurance
External quality assurance mechanisms evaluate institutions' internal QA systems. Key aspects include:

• Link to internal QA: External reviews must assess how well institutions implement internal QA measures.
• Fit-for-purpose methodologies: QA processes should be designed for efficiency and stakeholder involvement.
• Implementation and consistency: External QA must include self-assessment, site visits, reporting, and follow-ups.
• Peer-review experts: External reviews should be conducted by independent experts, including students.
• Transparency in decision-making: All QA outcomes must be based on clear, publicly available criteria.
• Public reporting: Full QA reports must be accessible to stakeholders.
• Appeals and complaints procedures: Institutions must have a mechanism to challenge QA decisions.

Standards for Quality Assurance Agencies

Quality assurance agencies must adhere to high professional and ethical standards. Key principles include:

• Independence: QA agencies must operate without external influence from governments or institutions.
• Legitimacy and recognition: Agencies should be formally recognized and legally established.
• Transparency and accountability: Agencies should publish detailed reports on their QA activities.
• Sufficient resources: Agencies must have adequate funding and expertise to function effectively.
• Regular external review: QA agencies must undergo external evaluations every five years.


Reference: ENQA, ESU, EUA, EURASHE, EI, BUSINESSEUROPE, & EQAR. (2015). Standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). Brussels, Belgium. Accessible at https://www.enqa.eu/esg-standards-and-guidelines-for-quality-assurance-in-the-european-higher-education-area/.

This document outlines the process, purpose, and methodology for ENQA Agency Reviews, which evaluate quality assurance agencies in the EHEA. The guidelines establish standards, review processes, and compliance measures for agencies seeking ENQA membership and registration in the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR).

Purpose and Scope of ENQA Agency Reviews

• Primary Aim: To assess compliance of QA agencies with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA (ESG).
• Eligibility: QA agencies must undergo an external ENQA review every five years.
• Scope: The review applies to all external QA activities, whether within or outside the agency’s home country.
 

ENQA reviews follow a structured four-phase process:

1. Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
The agency under review submits a Self-Assessment Report (SAR), detailing:
- Its mission, governance, and QA procedures.
- Compliance with ESG standards.
- Improvements made since the previous review.
 

2. External Review

- A review panel of independent experts evaluates the agency.
- The site visit includes interviews with agency staff, higher education institutions, students, and policymakers.
 

3. Review Report and Compliance Judgment

The External Review Report (ERR) assesses the agency’s compliance with ESG:

          - Compliant: Fully aligns with ESG.

          - Partially compliant: Some gaps exist.

          - Non-compliant: Fails to meet ESG standards.

4. Follow-Up and Continuous Improvement

Agencies submit a progress report within two years, demonstrating actions taken on review recommendations.

Key Principles of ENQA Agency Reviews:

• Independence – External reviews are conducted by unbiased experts.

• Transparency – The full review process and findings are publicly available.

• Stakeholder involvement – Reviews involve students, institutions, and regulators.

• Development-oriented – The process encourages continuous QA improvement.

The European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) was established in 2000 to promote European cooperation in quality assurance (QA) in higher education. Initially known as the European Network for Quality Assurance, it was transformed into an association in 2004 while maintaining the acronym ENQA.

ENQA plays a key role in shaping quality assurance policies and practices across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and serves as a central network for QA agencies. ENQA’s role is threefold:

1 - Representation
ENQA advocates for its members at the European and international levels, particularly in policy discussions and collaborations with stakeholders.
 

2 - Development of QA Systems
Functions as a think tank to develop and refine QA processes and policies within the EHEA.
 

3 - Information Sharing and Expertise Exchange
Provides a platform for knowledge-sharing, organizing conferences, workshops, and transnational projects related to QA.

 

ENQA is a membership-based association with:

• 53 full members
• 3 candidate members
• 57 affiliate organizations from 45 Bologna signatory countries (as of 2018).

Full members must meet the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA (ESG). Affiliate status is available to QA organizations that do not meet full membership criteria but are engaged in QA activities.
 

ENQA’s Key Activities:

• Conferences, workshops, and seminars – Facilitates QA discussions across Europe.
• Publications – Produces policy papers, research reports, and occasional papers on QA developments.
• Transnational QA projects – Works with institutions to enhance QA systems and implement best practices.
• Stakeholder collaboration – Engages with higher education institutions, students, public authorities, and employers to improve quality assurance.


Reference: European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. (2017). ENQA in a nutshell. ENQA. Accessible at https://www.enqa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ENQA-in-a-nutshell_full-background1.pdf.