Database of Precedents
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3.4 Thematic analysis – ACCUA – Compliance (2024) thematic report
ACCUA
Application Renewal Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 27/11/2024 Standard 3.4 Thematic analysis Keywords thematic report Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Compliance “20. The Register Committee learned that ACCUA has created a statistical analysis unit and produced five thematic reports since the last external review. However, as noted by the panel, out of the five reports only one can be considered as a thematic analysis in the sense of the standard, since the other four reports provided useful inputs for policy debates with regional stakeholders and for improvements in quality assurance at universities.
21. The Register Committee finds, in line with its interpretation of the standard, that the thematic analysis report in question is sufficient for achieving compliance with the standard and therefore could not follow the panel’s judgement of partial compliance and concluded that ACCUA complies with ESG 3.4.
22. The Register Committee nevertheless underlined the panel’s recommendation that the agency should devise a clear plan for thematic studies and use its evaluation reports to produce these studies.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.4 Thematic analysis – ACSUG – Partial compliance (2024) Collaborative thematic analysis, lack of regularity
ACSUG
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 26/11/2024 Standard 3.4 Thematic analysis Keywords Collaborative thematic analysis, lack of regularity Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “20. In its last decision, the Register Committee found that no thematic analysis)
was performed, and therefore concluded that ACSUG complies only partially with
ESG 3.4.
21. The Register Committee understood from the analysis of the panel that
ACSUG relies on collaboration with, and contributes to, the thematic analyses
coordinated by the Spanish Network of University Quality Agencies (REACU).
However, The Committee also understood that ACSUG does not have any stand-
alone thematic analyses that they conduct themselves and that thematic analysis is
still not included in the regular workflows and task distribution of the agency (see
also Register Committee remarks under ESG 3.1).
22. The Register Committee emphasised that conducting thematic analyses
under the partnership with REACU does not fulfil the requirements of the standard
because the regularity of such activities is sporadic, and ACSUG is dependent on the
thematic analysis coordinator (REACU).
23. Following the lack of thematic analysis conducted by ACSUG, the Register
Committee concurred with the panel that ACSUG complies only partially with ESG
3.4.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.4 Thematic analysis – BAC – Partial compliance (2025) Lack of thematic analysis
BAC
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 27/06/2025 Standard 3.4 Thematic analysis Keywords Lack of thematic analysis Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “13. In its last decision for renewal of registration (of 2020-11-02), the Register Committee found the agency to be partially compliant with the standard due to the limited thematic analysis, both regarding volume and content of the report. At the time, the agency had produced only one thematic analysis, which was descriptive and summarised the contents of inspection reports.
14. The Register Committee learned from the review report that BAC had not produced any thematic analysis since the last external review. Nevertheless, the Committee found that the agency had started working on a new approach to writing thematic analysis and had included stakeholders in the process.
15. The Register Committee therefore concurred with the panel that the agency only partially complies with standard and emphasised the panel’s recommendation to urgently develop precise plans for conducting thematic analysis and start conducting them.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.5 Resources – SKVC – Partial compliance (2022) reliance on temporary funding sources, state budget allocations insufficient
SKVC
Application Renewal Review Targeted, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 25/10/2022 Standard 3.5 Resources Keywords reliance on temporary funding sources, state budget allocations insufficient Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “20. The panel discussed SKVC funding, relying on sources from several channels. In particular, SKVC's activities still partly depended on EU structural funds, which are temporary by nature. The panel further noted that the funding from Lithuania's state budget seemed to be insufficient to support the agency's activities sustainably.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.5 Resources – EQ-Arts – Partial compliance (2021) volatile resources
EQ-Arts
Application Initial Review Focused, coordinated by ECA Decision of 18/03/2021 Standard 3.5 Resources Keywords volatile resources Panel conclusion Substantial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “28. The 2018 external review discussed that EQ-Arts' financial situation was volatile. While the resources were sufficient to sustain the (currently) small number of reviews, the medium-term perspective was not clear.
29. The panel reported that staff increased to 1.3 FTE in 2019, then fell to 0.5 FTE as result of the Covid-19 pandemic and a drop in activities.
30. While the panel found that the “agile and collaborative approach” assured that workload could be handled, the Register Committee considered that the resources of EQ-Arts remain highly volatile; this has not changed since the initial review.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.5 Resources – UKÄ – Compliance (2021) Human resources planning and work overload; Staff overturn
UKÄ
Application Initial Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 18/03/2021 Standard 3.5 Resources Keywords Human resources planning and work overload; Staff overturn Panel conclusion Full compliance Clarification request(s) Panel (15/03/2021)
RC decision Compliance “The review panel noted the continuously high workload and turnover of staff. It further elaborated that the staff and the management had different positions in regards to the reasons (p. 19). The review panel informed the Register Committee about several measures that the agency plans to introduce, including replacing site visits by online interviews and deploying a single expert panel to several institutions. The panel considered that these were welcome measures that enhance UKÄ's activities and their efficiency. The panel saw that some improvements have already taken place, resulting in decreased staff overturn.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.5 Resources – PKA – Partial compliance (2019) human resources
PKA
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
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3.5 Resources – Unibasq – Compliance (2019)
Unibasq
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
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3.5 Resources – SQAA – Compliance (2019) financial sustainability
SQAA
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
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3.5 Resources – NEAQA – Compliance (2018) financial sustainability
NEAQA
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
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3.5 Resources – SKVC – Partial compliance (2017) financial sustainability
SKVC
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
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3.5 Resources – AI – Compliance (2016) human resources capacities
AI
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
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3.5 Resources – AEQES – Partial compliance (2017) financial sustainability
AEQES
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
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3.5 Resources – ACQUIN – Compliance (2016) human resources planning and estimation of workload
ACQUIN
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
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3.5 Resources – ECCE – Compliance (2017) financial sustainability
ECCE
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
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3.5 Resources – ACPUA – Partial compliance (2016) financial sustainability
ACPUA
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
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3.5 Resources – HAKA – Compliance (2023) state budget
HAKA
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
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3.5 Resources – PKA – Compliance (2024) resources
PKA
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
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3.5 Resources – KAA – Partial compliance (2025) staff's competences, human resources
KAA
Application Initial Review Full, coordinated by ENQA Decision of 27/06/2025 Standard 3.5 Resources Keywords staff's competences, human resources Panel conclusion Partial compliance Clarification request(s) – RC decision Partial compliance “The Register Committee acknowledged that the agency has increased the number of employees and drafted new plans for staff development since the panel’s site visit. The Register Committee, however, could not verify whether the human resources, including their competence profiles and professional expertise, are fit for purpose of implementing the agency’s new approach in the foreseeable future.”
Full decision: see agency register entry
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3.5 Resources – GAC – Compliance (2022) shortage of staff positions addressed
GAC
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