Reference Guide for EAQUALS inspections - Support

The inspectors are professionals with experience of both teaching and of the management oflanguage teaching institutions. The aims and ethos of EAQUALS govern the way in whichinspections are managed and carried out. The following fundamental principles are to be respected byall EAQUALS inspectors:ConfidentialityIt is imperative for the integrity of EAQUALS that all written and orally communicated informationabout institutions undergoing inspection – including requirements and recommendations or theoutcome of the inspection - is kept confidential and only discussed between the inspectors concernedand the Accreditation Panel.Professional colleagueship and supportivenessAt all times inspectors need to remember that those they are dealing with are colleagues, withexperience, qualifications and know-how similar to their own. It is to be remembered at all times thatone aim of the inspection process is to ‘hold up a mirror’to the institution and to enable it to benefitfrom the inspection and to improve where possible, whatever the outcome of the inspection.Complete impartiality is the overriding principle and informality is avoided.Absolute impartiality and fairnessWhile a spirit of colleagueship is essential, if the aim of support and advice is to be achieved,impartiality is essential for a fair report and result. EAQUALS rules forbid hospitality between staffand inspectors before, during or at the end of inspections.ComprehensivenessThe EAQUALS Charters, as laid down in this document, cover every aspect of the institution’s work. Allthe basic criteria specified in the summary table on page 16 of this document need to be inspectedand assessed with equal thoroughness.ConsistencyInspectors must apply the same standards from inspection to inspection. When doing re-inspections,inspectors receive the previous report.ClarityThe oral report to managers and the written report to the Accreditation Panel must include clearinformation about the institution and a straightforward evaluation of each area of its work. A cleardistinction should be made between areas where the institution does not meet EAQUALS standardsand any recommendations or suggestions for improvement which are not required for accreditation.4Reference Guide to the Inspection Scheme for Institutionsversion 6.2© EAQUALS 2011