Abstract
Ecctis is a global provider of solutions and services aimed at improving international understanding and portability of international qualifications.
Since 1997, when the UK signed the Lisbon Recognition Convention, Ecctis has managed on behalf of Government the UK national qualification recognition function, traditionally known as UK NARIC, now following the exit of the UKl from the European Union, known as UK ENIC.
This paper/presentation aims to outline the range of services that Ecctis offers the international education community to support international understanding of and confidence in international qualifications of demonstrated quality and standards. Particular attention will be given to four key innovative international services:
- Qualification Benchmarking: aimed at offering an independent assessment of the academic standing of a qualification against an agreed education system selected as benchmark, looking at the core component of a qualification and underpinning quality assurance mechanisms.
- TNE Quality Benchmark: aimed at providing independent and reliable reassurance that TNE provision, regardless of location of origin or delivery, meet international standards of good practice, as well as aiming to function at a platform capable to catalyse cross-border cooperation in the quality assurance of TNE.
- TVET Quality Review: aimed at benchmarking international TVET provision against European best practice in the QA of TVET, using a reference framework aligned with EQAVET, the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocation Education and Training.
- EMI Quality Review: aimed at reviewing English Medium of Instruction against best practice in EMI provision and quality assurance.
The rationale, benefits, methodology and process of the above services will be outlined, also looking at number of examples / case studies of how the above services have been applied.
It will also be an opportunity to address some of the overarching challenges, opportunities and trends associated with the internationalisation of education.
Biography
Fabrizio Trifiró is Head of Quality Benchmark Services at Ecctis, the agency that manages the national qualifications recognition function on behalf of the UK government. At Ecctis he oversees services aimed at supporting international understanding and recognition of international qualifications.
Fabrizio is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), and the Chief Advisor of the newly established International Association of Education Hubs (IAEH).
Recently he has also been supporting the Office for Students, the regulator for higher education in England, in engaging internationally to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the oversight of English TNE.
Prior to joining Ecctis Fabrizio has worked for the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education for over 10 years, where he led on the quality assurance of UK TNE, international strategic engagement with counter-part agencies overseas and their networks, and the international students experience
Richard Covington is a Project Manager at Ecctis has considerable experience and expertise in international education research activities and evaluation of international qualifications, specifically with qualifications with a particular focus on English language and transnational education . Richard has managed recent international education research projects such as Ecctis’ insights into UK TNE branch campus feasibility in Indonesia and also Ecctis’ EMI development work with Taiwan HEIs. Richard takes the lead in the development and delivery of the EMI services and also is Review Manager for other Ecctis’ quality assurance and benchmarking services.
As a principal analyst in Ecctis’ international projects and research functions, James Freeman’ main role is to lead on and conduct international qualification benchmarking and mapping projects, drawing on over 15 years’ experience in evaluating delivery, assessment and quality assurance within the international secondary, vocational and higher education sectors.
As part of his benchmarking work, he has been actively involved in reviewing qualification development, design and quality assurance processes as well as the review and development of methodologies for credential evaluation.