This policy is linked to the overall quality assurance of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.The policy relates to the quality assurance processes and procedures that are intended to ensure and improve the quality of the Qualifications Authoritys functions and processes, now and in the future.
The Qualifications Authority is a corporate body funded by the Department of Education and Science.The Qualifications Authority is informed by the Code of Practice (click here to view) or the Governance of State Bodies and has adopted appropriate processes and procedures in line with this Code.The Qualifications Authority has established one permanent committee of the Authority, the Internal Audit Committee and has published a list of reserved functions (click on the below link to view) which are matters that are specifically reserved for Authority decision.
In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies the Qualifications Authority promotes best practice in all areas of management and governance and ensures that the organisation
To meet these objectives the Qualifications Authority has developed structures and processes to ensure that Authority members have the ability to objectively and effectively assess management and organisational performance. The Authority completes regular reviews of its policies and practices which is a central element to its philosophy on internal quality assurance.
The internal quality assurance of the Qualifications Authority comprises the following elements:
A key task of the Authority is to define the mission of the body in accordance with government policy, decide the strategic aims needed to carry out the mission, and develop the policies required to achieve those aims. In carrying out this task, the Authority oversees the production of a Corporate Plan on a biennial basis which moves it strategically towards the achievement of its mission.Each Corporate Plan is for a 3 year period.To date 2 such plans have been prepared and published by the Authority. The first plan, published in December 2003, related to the period 2004 – 2006 and the second plan, published in December 2005,relates to 2006-2008.A further plan for 2008-2010 is to follow the completion of Authority’s quality review. Please click here to view Coporate plans.
Budgeting is the process where decisions are made about the amount of resources that will be allocated over the period of the budget to implement the action lines that have been identified in the Corporate Plan.Because resources are finite, the budgeting process will inevitably require clear identification of the priorities among the aims and objectives of the Authority.Budgeting is an annual process and is closely allied to the Corporate Plan.
The Authority engages appropriate external audit experience which operates, on an annual basis, in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The Authority’s Risk Management Policy is a statement of commitment to the adoption, introduction and implementation of an effective organisation-wide risk management framework throughout the organisation.Risk management is reviewed annually in the context of the Authority’s internal audit.
The external audit of the Authority is carried out by the Comptroller and Auditor General.The Comptroller and Auditor General annually audits the financial statements of government departments and other state bodies and reports the results of their examinations to Dáil Éireann.The Comptroller and Auditor General also examines for efficiency and effectiveness in the use of financial and other resources by those state bodies which he/she audits. Please click here to view Annual Reports which include annual reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The Authority also publishes a report on its work, particularly relating to the implementation of the action lines in its Corporate Plan, on a biennial basis.Reports were published in December 2003 and December 2005.
Code of Conduct for Members and Employees
The Code of Business Conduct covers all the activities of the Authority for both members and employees and demonstrates that the Authority conducts all its business in a manner which is impartial and based on sound ethical principles.The Code is intended to establish an agreed set of ethical principles for the conduct of the Authority’s business; promote and maintain confidence and trust in the Authority; and prevent the development or acceptance of unethical practices in the Authority.
The following are the key structures that are used internally to ensure effective execution of the Authority’s corporate aims and objectives:
Internal Structure |
Purpose |
Type and Frequency |
Senior Management Team |
To meet, discuss and make decisions on organisation management and matters of importance to the Qualifications Authority. |
Meet weekly |
Management Policy |
To disseminate information amongst senior staff, to discuss current projects and policy developments and to exchange ideas. |
Meet bi-monthly or more frequently |
Development Team |
To discuss specific project developments and explore new ideas for future development |
Meet bi-monthly or more frequently |
All Staff Briefings |
To ensure that all members of staff are informed of policies, projects and future developments in all functional areas. |
Monthly or more frequently as the need arises |
All staff policy sessions or “away days” |
To provide staff with an opportunity to consider important information and to create an environment for staff to collectively feedback on specific items (eg. Quality Review) |
As necessary |
3 Bodies Senior staff forum |
To provide an opportunity for the senior staff of the Authority and the awards Councils to discuss matters of common relevance. |
At least annually |