16 September 2004

Quality Commission the right move for private tertiary education providers

The new, private student protection and complaints service is a responsible move by private education providers, the Education Forum says.

The New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers yesterday launched an independent Quality Commission to take responsibility for increased self-regulation and to resolve student grievances.

Education Forum policy advisor Norman LaRocque said it was pleasing to see the private sector taking responsibility for quality assurance.

"The private sector has a significant role to play in maintaining quality of provision in New Zealand. Overseas, it is common - for example, there are private accreditation schemes for tertiary institutions in the USA and Philippines."

Quality assurance schemes by private organisations were well-known and highly-regarded: corporate accreditation - such as the Microsoft programme, and international accreditation - such as for business schools, being two examples.

It was pleasing to see the association taking pro-active steps to justify students' confidence in the private education industry, Mr LaRocque said.

ENDS

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