Database of Precedents
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3.3 Independence – AKAST – Partial compliance (2023) operational independence, decision-making
AKAST
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 3.3 Independence Keywords operational independence, decision-making Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “8. In its last decision, the Register Committee noted the strong role the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) plays in the governance of the agency.
9. Despite the changes made by the agency to further its operational independence, the Register Committee noted that DBK maintains a significant role in the organisational structure of AKAST.
10. The Committee underlined the possible influence that may be exerted by the DBK Episcopal Commissioner in the decision making of the Accreditation Committee. Although the Episcopal Commissioner is present in the Accreditation Committee (AC) of the agency in an advisory capacity, there is still the possibility of undue influence considering the fact that the Episcopal Commissioner still issues a separate consent impacting the programme.
11. Furthermore as noted by the panel, it also seems possible for the episcopal commissioner to express, even unintentionally, a preliminary opinion on particular study programmes, not necessarily based on the findings of the expert panel during the AC meeting.
12. The Committee noted the concentration of power in one place, i.e., the current Chairperson of the Executive Board of AKAST holds the position of Chair of the Accreditation Committee and Chair of the Advisory Board of AKAST. Furthermore, the DBK nominates the Chairperson of the Executive Board.
13. Considering the strong influence of one main stakeholder in the running of the agency, the Register Committee underlined the risk to the agency’s operational independence, as well as to its independent decision-making. The Register Committee therefore concurred with the panel’s view that AKAST complies only partially with ESG 3.3.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.4 Thematic analysis – AKAST – Partial compliance (2023) publication, analysis
AKAST
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 3.4 Thematic analysis Keywords publication, analysis Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “14. In its last decision, the Register Committee welcomed AKAST plans for further development of its thematic analysis after an appropriate number of programme accreditation procedures have been carried out.
15. The Register Committee noted that while AKAST has taken some steps in preparing thematic analysis since its last review, i.e., initiating a process for evaluation of the peer review processes carried out by AKAST, since 2022 at the time of the review, no thematic analysis have been made available nor any kind of such analysis have been published.
16. Considering the limited progress made since the inclusion on the Register and the limited development of thematic analysis, the Register Committee concurred with the panel that AKAST complies only partially with ESG 3.3.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.6 Internal quality assurance and professional conduct – AKAST – Partial compliance (2023) internal quality assurance, mechanisms
AKAST
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 3.6 Internal quality assurance and professional conduct Keywords internal quality assurance, mechanisms Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “17. The Register Committee, noted in the analysis by the panel the gaps and shortcomings in the implementation of the agency’s Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Regulations.
18. Furthermore, the Committee underlined that the mechanisms for fostering continuous improvement within the agency are weak and unsustainable on the long-term, i.e., the heavy responsibility of AKAST administrator for all of the IQA processes, the lack of systematic approach in gathering feedback and lack of evidence and example of enhancement based IQA.
19. The Register Committee further noted the lack of commitment in timely addressing the issues previously noted under ESG 3.3 and ESG 3.4 which impacts the overall effectiveness of the agency’s internal quality assurance arrangements.
20. In light of these concerns, the Register Committee could not follow the panel’s judgement of compliance and found that AKAST complies only partially with ESG 3.6.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.6 Reporting – ARACIS – Partial compliance (2023) reports sometime lacking depth of analysis, expert reports not always publlshed
ARACIS
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 2.6 Reporting Keywords reports sometime lacking depth of analysis, expert reports not always publlshed Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “7. The Register Committee noted from the panel’s analysis that the central part of the agency’s reports appears to be merely a check list “occasionally lacking depth of analysis and evidence-based material”. The panel further raised concerns with regards to the accessibility of reports on the ARACIS website, which the panel found somewhat challenging to navigate.
8. The Committee further noted that in the case of doctoral study programmes, study domain accreditation and study domain authorisation ARACIS does not publish the experts’ final proposals for decision. The Committee does not understand why the final proposal for decision/expert conclusion is left out, in particular since this is included in all other external quality assurance activities of ARACIS. The Register Committee underlined that this approach affects the transparency of the agency’s decision making processes in the case of third cycle reviews.
9. The Committee also found that for some of its external QA activities the agency had changed its approach from publishing the full expert report to only publishing a short excerpt of the expert report i.e., the second cycle study domain accreditation reports only include up to a one page excerpt from the expert review report. The Register Committee underlined that it can be of public interest to know the basis on which the final reports are being developed, and that the publication (at least as annex) of the full reports is important to ensure the transparency in the decision-making of the Council.
10. Based on the above raised concerns, the Register Committee could not follow the panel’s conclusion of compliance and therefore concluded that ARACIS complies only partially with ESG 2.6.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.7 Complaints and appeals – ARACIS – Compliance (2023) Lack of transparency in the agency’s appeals processes, accessibility of Appeals Procedure
ARACIS
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 2.7 Complaints and appeals Keywords Lack of transparency in the agency’s appeals processes, accessibility of Appeals Procedure Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Compliance “11. In its past decision, the Register Committee raised a concern regarding the lack of transparency in the agency’s processes concerning the members nominated to act in the Appeals Committee. The Committee also noted at that time that the appeals procedure was not easily accessible on ARACIS’s website.
12. The Register Committee noted from the analysis of the panel that ARACIS has appointed a Permanent Appeals Commission for a four-year term and published the composition of the commission. The Committee also learned that as of October 2022, ARACIS has a new, integrated and simplified Appeals and Complaints procedure that can be easily retrieved from the website1.
13. The Committee welcomed the newly updated procedure, and while noting that the procedure is rather generic in what concerns handling of complains, that it satisfies the requirements of the standard.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.6 Internal quality assurance and professional conduct – ARACIS – Compliance (2023) internal quality assurance (IQA) system not implemented
ARACIS
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 3.6 Internal quality assurance and professional conduct Keywords internal quality assurance (IQA) system not implemented Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Compliance “15. In its past decision the Register Committee found that the internal quality assurance (IQA) system had not been implemented at that time. In particular it found that the IQA had yet to prove its role in supporting the internal activity of its speciality commissions and in providing the agency with a sound basis for reviewing and improving the effectiveness with which it works.
16. The Register Committee noted from the detailed analysis of the review repot that ARACIS has set up a functional internal QA system including relevant documentation, structures and personnel. Having considered the evidence presented, the Committee can follow the panel’s conclusion that ARACIS now complies with the requirements of standard 3.6.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.6 Reporting – SAAHE – Compliance (2023) publication of reports
SAAHE
Application Initial Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 2.6 Reporting Keywords publication of reports Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) Agency (28/11/2023)
RC decision Compliance “9. The panel reported that it could not identify any clear links where the decisions and the evaluation reports of the review panels are being published on the agency’s website.
10. The Register Committee sought further clarification from the agency (see minuted clarification) in order to understand the agency’s practice regarding the publication of reports and decision.
11. The agency explained (and presented) how the reports are being published on its website i.e. via links within a document uploaded on its website each time a new report is finalised. SAAHE further explained that the agency also publishes, the applications and self-assessment reports of higher education institutions undergoing review procedures. The agency is aware that the current way of publishing reports and decision is not ideal but explained that it was hesitant in making any changes during its review process.
12. The Register Committee sought further clarification on the lack of published reports in 2022 and
2023.
13. The agency explained that following a change in legislation, in 2021, all higher education institutions are required to undergo institutional accreditation and had to apply for such a review by the end of
2022. The agency clarified that while all 33 higher education institutions are have applied for an institutional accreditation, at the moment no procedure has yet been finalised. A pending decision by SAAHE’s Executive Board is expected in February
2024. (see minuted clarification)
14. Having considered the report and the clarification by the agency, the Committee concluded that despite the difficulty in accessing the links of published reports, that SAAHE has been publishing full reports and decisions on its website. The Register Committee underlined the recommendation by the panel to ensure the publishing of reports and decisions in a more accessible and informative way than the current practice.
15. The Register Committee noted that the agency is expected to inform the Register once it has concluded its first institutional accreditation procedure.
16. Having considered the review report and the clarification by the agency, the Register Committee was unable to concur with the panel’s judgement of partial compliance, and concluded that SAAHE complies with ESG 2.6.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.1 Activities, policy and processes for quality assurance – SAAHE – Partial compliance (2023) student, stakeholder involvement
SAAHE
Application Initial Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 3.1 Activities, policy and processes for quality assurance Keywords student, stakeholder involvement Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “17. The Register Committee noted the panel’s concerns in terms of a lack of student perspective in the Executive Board of the agency. While the agency has two nominated student representatives in the Executive Board, neither one is a student or a recent graduate of a higher education institution.
18. Furthermore, the Committee noted the unrealistic requirements for one of the two student representatives to hold a third-level university degree and have at least 15 years of academic or professional experience.
19. Considering the lack of diverse stakeholder representation within the governance of the agency i.e., the limiting conditions in allowing the representation of a student or employer perspective the Register Committee could not follow the panel’s judgement of compliance and found that SAAHE complies only partially with ESG 3.1.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.3 Independence – SAAHE – Partial compliance (2023) ministry involvement, organisational independence
SAAHE
Application Initial Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 12/12/2023 Standard 3.3 Independence Keywords ministry involvement, organisational independence Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “20. The Register Committee noted the panel’s analysis that the members of the Executive Board, of the Board of Appeal, the agency’s auditor and the Head of Office are all appointed by the Ministry (following a public selection procedure).
21. The Committee further noted the panel’s concerns regarding a high involvement of the minister in oversight of the agency i.e, in appointing the Chair of the Executive Board, in maintaining authority to dismiss the Chair and all members of the Executive Board (if there are any infringements of legislation or internal rules of the agency).
22. Taking into consideration the panel’s analysis, the Register Committee expressed its concern that the organisational independence of the agency is constrained by its close link and dependency on the Ministry. The Committee underlined the panel’s recommendation to ensure that the agency becomes fully independent and is able to act autonomously without any influence from the Ministry or other authorities. The Register Committee concurred with the panel that SAAHE complies only partially with ESG 3.3.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.4 Peer-review experts – QAA – Compliance (2023) Involvement of students in review panels
QAA
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 13/10/2023 Standard 2.4 Peer-review experts Keywords Involvement of students in review panels Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Compliance “11. The Register Committee already noted in its change report decision (of 2022-10-28) that QAA has changed its policy since the last review and addressed the concerns raised as regards to student involvement in review panels.
12. The Committee was reassured by the panel’s analysis that showed that QAA ensures there is always a student included in its panels for all of the activities under review, except for follow-up visits. The Register Committee understands that follow-up visits are part of an external QA activity, and not a separate activity on its own and therefore finds this approach acceptable.
13. The Register Committee therefore finds the earlier issues addressed and concur with the panel’s recommendation that QAA should extend its pool of international reviewers in light of its own increasing rate of international reviews.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.5 Criteria for outcomes – QAA – Partial compliance (2023) lack of a body to ensure consistency of outcomes
QAA
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 13/10/2023 Standard 2.5 Criteria for outcomes Keywords lack of a body to ensure consistency of outcomes Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “14. The Register Committee understood from the review panel’s analysis that there is no independent commission that reviews and checks all reports and their application across the agency, which may question whether criteria are being applied uniformly.
15. The Register Committee concurs with the panel’s recommendation that QAA should strongly reflect on its approach to ensuring the consistency of outcomes including the potential need to establish an independent commission that validates reports and makes the final decision.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.1 Activities, policy and processes for quality assurance – QAA – Partial compliance (2023) presentation of activities within and outside the scope of the ESG
QAA
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 13/10/2023 Standard 3.1 Activities, policy and processes for quality assurance Keywords presentation of activities within and outside the scope of the ESG Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) Panel (03/10/2023)
RC decision Partial compliance “17. The Register Committee noted the following concerns with the way QAA has separated its consultancy and related activities from its external QA activities within the scope of the ESG. In particular the Register Committee remained in doubt whether:
• readers (at least lay readers) are able to distinguish whether the reviews carried out in Albania (with the national QA body) fall within the scope of QAA's registration on EQAR, as they were not officially certified as in line with the ESG and
• how the agency ensures a clear communication and separation of the QE-TNE activity from QAA’s activities within the scope of the ESG, given that the activity can be easily misconstrued as an ESG activity (see change report of 2023-02-13).
18. The Register Committee noted that these concerns have not been addressed in the self-evaluation and external review report and therefore the Committee sought further clarifications from the panel to clarify how are the services rendered by QAA itself (internationally or domestically) separated from QAA’s regular ‘ESG activities’.
19. The panel explained (see minuted call of 2023-10-03) that in its understanding the QE-TNE activity is outside the scope of the ESG and thus outside the scope of the review. While the panel did bring this matter up during its discussion with the agency, the panel was reassured by the agency that this activity is not within the scope of the review. The panel was also unaware of the concerns raised by the Register Committee with regards to the consultancy activity carried out by the agency in Albania.
20. The Register Committee could not establish how the agency ensures a clear separation between ESG-type external quality assurance activities especially in cases where such a risk has been previously noted. The Committee therefore could not follow the panel’s judgment of compliance and found that QAA complies only partially with ESG 3.1.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.4 Thematic analysis – QAA – Partial compliance (2023) the geographical coverage of thematic analysis
QAA
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 13/10/2023 Standard 3.4 Thematic analysis Keywords the geographical coverage of thematic analysis Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “21. The Register Committee noted that QAA carries out systematic thematic analysis within Scotland, sector-wide analysis in Wales, while UK-wide QAA has only carried out “The Quality Assurance of Alternative Providers: A Retrospective View”.
22. The Committee finds that the current activity is sufficient in its understanding and interpretation of the standard and therefore could not follow the panel’s judgment of partial compliance and concluded that QAA complies with ESG 3.4.
23. The Register Committee nevertheless underlines the panel’s recommendation that QAA should develop a clearer plan for thematic analyses for all of its external QA activities in all nations of the UK and publish them on its website.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.1 Consideration of internal quality assurance – ECTE – Partial compliance (2023) Coverage of ESG Part 1, issues re descriptors for alternative providers
ECTE
Application Initial Review Focused, coordinated by ASIIN Decision of 30/06/2023 Standard 2.1 Consideration of internal quality assurance Keywords Coverage of ESG Part 1, issues re descriptors for alternative providers Panel conclusion Full compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “11. ECTE was found to be non-compliant with ESG 2.1 following its initial review (see report of 2021-08-06) and the following Register Committee decision of 2022-06-28.
12. The Register Committee’s first concern was whether all ESG Part 1 were clearly enshrined in the ECTE standards for their new integrated review, covering both institutional and programme accreditation.
13. In its focused review, the panel analysed and confirmed that the integrated standards “cover all ESG I criteria”, based also on an analysis of the five accreditation procedures that took place since January 2022; these procedures featured programmes of various levels, profiles and types of providers. The Register Committee therefore found the issue addressed.
14. The Register Committee’s second concern was whether qualifications awarded by alternative providers refer to the correct level of the QF-EHEA.
15. The Register Committee found that the review panel's analysis was very generic containing no specific insights or findings on whether the concern was addressed. In particular, the Committee was not persuaded by the statement that ECTE Standards and Guidelines apply “uniformly to all ECTE programme levels (here 5-7), all types of providers (Higher Education Institutions as well as Alternative Providers) and all programme orientations (research and practice-oriented programmes)” given the fact that the learning outcomes in the Certification Framework differ between levels.
16. In its addendum to the report (submitted May 2, 2023) the panel clarified that all programmes accredited by the ECTE are classified as higher education and match the QF-EHEA descriptors, including practice-oriented programmes. The panel further explained that their formulation “of uniformly applied” meant to emphasise the use of one framework for different levels, in the way that programmes use one framework for evaluating different levels of programmes.
17. The Register Committee further found it hard to understand why the panel did not discuss the change of ECTE’s descriptors given the significant reduction in its detail and specificity. The Committee thus requested a comprehensive assessment on how ECTE’s subject-specific descriptors are considered in its new Certification Framework and on how the broad QF-EHEA descriptors themselves has impacted ECTE’s accreditation in practice.
18. The panel explained that they have not been aware of a different version of ECTE Certification Framework (earlier version published in 2019, analysed version published in September 2022)1, and thus only commented on the latest version.
19. In the view of the panel, ECTE’s documentation is consistently clear in requiring the application of ECTE standard B.2.1 (that concerns the application of QF-EHEA).
20. In its addendum to the report, the panel further provided an analysis of 16 reviews covering Short Cycle, First Cycle and Second Cycle qualifications delivered by alternative providers. The panel’s finding show that alternative providers have been specifically asked to link the learning outcomes of their programmes to the Dublin Descriptors and the associated higher education cycle.
21. The panel also checked whether ECTE evaluates the qualifications awarded by alternative providers at the correct QF-EHEA level and whether the intended learning outcomes and qualifications were in conformity with nationally agreed standards for theological education.
22. Following the consideration of the additional documentation, the Register Committee could follow the panel’s conclusion that ECTE is, in practice, examining whether qualifications at different levels match the QF-EHEA level.
23. Considering the effectiveness of how ECTE addresses these standards within its review reports (B2.1 and B5.1), the Committee found there’s a wide variation in the level of detail and specificity, that may hinder the successful application and interpretation. The Committee thus found that this concern was only partially addressed.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.1 Activities, policy and processes for quality assurance – ECTE – Compliance (2023) Distinction between HEIs and alternative providers/ Stakeholder involvement in governance
ECTE
Application Initial Review Focused, coordinated by ASIIN Decision of 30/06/2023 Standard 3.1 Activities, policy and processes for quality assurance Keywords Distinction between HEIs and alternative providers/ Stakeholder involvement in governance Panel conclusion Full compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Compliance “28. The Register Committee found ECTE to be only partially compliant with the standard (see decision of 2022-06-28), given the lack of a clear and transparent distinction made between officially-recognised higher education institutions (HEIs) and alternative providers (APs).
29. The panel analysed ECTE’s comprehensive measures introduced and how they have been implemented by both ECTE itself and the accredited providers.
30. The Register Committee commended ECTE for the steps taken and concurred with the panel that these address the earlier mentioned issues.
31. The Register Committee considered that the panel's concerns regarding the Accreditation Commission's (AC) dominance by staff and the lack of other stakeholder representation (e.g. students and business) are an issue related to the requirement of stakeholder participation in ESG 3.1 rather than related to ESG 3.3.
32. The Committee took note of ECTE’s immediate steps to ensure the appointment of stakeholder members (see ECTE statement of 2022-12-21). The Committee further considered the analysis provided by the panel in its addendum to the review report, on the new composition of the Accreditation Commission, that now ensures a broader stakeholder representation.
33. Given that the issues related to the involvement of stakeholders' perspectives on the AC was addressed, Register Committee was now able to concur with the panel's conclusion of compliance.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.3 Independence – ECTE – Partial compliance (2023) Appointment process for accreditation body
ECTE
Application Initial Review Focused, coordinated by ASIIN Decision of 30/06/2023 Standard 3.3 Independence Keywords Appointment process for accreditation body Panel conclusion Non-compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “34. The Register Committee considered ECTE partially compliant with the standards 3.3 (see decision of 2022-06-28), due to concerns with regard to ECTE’s structure, the composition and overlapping functions of the ECTE Council and the possible conflict of interest in the role of some staff members; while steps to resolve this were taken, these had not been analysed by an external review panel.
35. The Register Committee took note that the new governance structure of ECTE separates the governance role of the Council from the accreditation decision-making role of the Accreditation Commission (AC) and that members of the committee hold no other positions within ECTE. The Committee further noted that ECTE has put additional measures in place to remove all staff representation from the Accreditation Commission.
36. The Committee however maintained that the practice whereby the Accreditation Commission nominates candidates for the same body is problematic in terms of ensuring the agency’s operational independence. Even if the candidates are nominated by the Board, the Register Committee found this approach may lead to conflict of interest scenarios and can affect the agency’s operational independent and fair selection process.
37. The Register Committee also found the appointment period of the AC confusing and ill-designed as it did not provide a limited term or a clear period for the mandate of the Commission i.e. ‘members of the Accreditation Commission are appointed by the Board for a period of two-four years, re-appointments are possible.
38. Given the above mentioned issues, the Register Committee found ECTE to be partially compliant with the standard as established previously.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.1 Consideration of internal quality assurance – NOKUT – Partial compliance (2023) Insufficient coverage of ESG 2.1
NOKUT
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 30/06/2023 Standard 2.1 Consideration of internal quality assurance Keywords Insufficient coverage of ESG 2.1 Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “Looking at systemic level, the
different regulations touch upon the three particular standards of Part 1 of the ESG. However, the full coverage of all the standards of Part 1 is still not ensured through agency’s own criteria. Partial coverage of aspects through national legislation does not substitute coverage through external QA procedures and coverage of the ESG part 1 by higher education institutions’ internal QA is a prerequisite for EQA being able to assess their implementation”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.7 Complaints and appeals – NOKUT – Partial compliance (2023) Lack of formal complaints procedure
NOKUT
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 30/06/2023 Standard 2.7 Complaints and appeals Keywords Lack of formal complaints procedure Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “Partially compliant with the standard due to the lack of formal complaints’ procedure– the higher education institutions could express their dissatisfaction with the process only informally throughout the review process. The agency is yet to establish a clear
complaints procedure that is known by higher education institutions”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.3 Independence – THEQC – Partial compliance (2023) Infringement of the operational independence
THEQC
Application Initial Review Focused, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 03/03/2023 Standard 3.3 Independence Keywords Infringement of the operational independence Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “Dependency of the agency on staff paid by higher education institutions”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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2.5 Criteria for outcomes – EAEVE – Partial compliance (2023) Inconsistent application of criteria
EAEVE
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 13/10/2023 Standard 2.5 Criteria for outcomes Keywords Inconsistent application of criteria Panel conclusion Compliance Clarification request(s) Agency (18/07/2023)
RC decision Partial compliance “The current set up brings confusion not only for the higher education institutions, but also for the
agency itself. The Committee found that agency’s criteria are not always applied consistently in the reviews and this leads to different standards being covered in the reports. During the clarification call, the agency explained that the SOP 2023 will be stabile - only reviewed and amended after 3 years again. The Committee welcomed these changes but found that the agency still enables usage of different SOPs – a practice that can lead to different outcomes and inconsistencies in the conclusions of its reports. This is especially problematic considering the regulatory function of the agency’s reviews for veterinary education.”
Full decision: see agency register entry