Actueel
Introduction international activitiesInternational networksMutual recognition of accreditation decisionsNational Qualifications FrameworkRecognition of qualificationsInternational developmentsProjectsDownloads bij deze pagina
ECA London report February 2007Mutual recognition of accreditation decisions
Mutual recognition of accreditation decisions is one of NVAO’s main objectives. If accreditation decisions taken by NVAO would be automatically recognised by international accreditation organisations and recognition bodies, it would increase mobility of Flemish and Dutch students and alumni. In reverse, it would also make it easier for foreign students and alumni to continue their studies or find a job in the Netherlands and Flanders.
At present, institutions that offer international programmes are confronted with different accreditation procedures and regulations in the countries involved. These institutions would equally benefit from mutual recognition of accreditation decisions. As mutual recognition of accreditation decisions is one of the major objectives of ECA’s member organisations, NVAO invests a lot of its resources in the membership of ECA.
Thanks to the joint effort of ECA members and the Dutch and Flemish governments, the Bologna ministers decided to incorporate an encouragement for mutual recognition of accreditation decisions in the Bergen Communiqué. This was followed by a similar act of support in the Recommendation for Quality Assurance in Higher Education issued by the European Council and the European Parliament.
Several bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects have been set up which, in accordance with the road map established by ECA, should lead to mutual recognition of accreditation decisions. NVAO welcomed observers from other accreditation organisations who participated in NVAO’s (initial) accreditation procedures and, on their turn, NVAO sent out staff members to act as observers with other organisations. NVAO staff members have written observation reports on twelve accreditation procedures carried out by other ECA members. In addition, joint accreditation procedures were undertaken with three German accreditation organisations (ACQUIN, FIBAA and ASIIN). And finally, NVAO has contributed to the ‘Reakkreditierung’ of FIBAA by the German Akkreditierungsrat.