School Accreditation Processes

The recent news about the high level of corruption in NAAC accreditation is deeply concerning for the entire country. Education is the backbone of a nation, and when institutional ratings lose credibility, we must ask—what are we really building? Institutional credibility must be earned, not bought. This case highlights the urgent need for: 1. Strict guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in the accreditation process. 2. Ethical training for assessors to uphold integrity and professionalism. 3. Licensing requirements for assessors to ensure only qualified professionals evaluate institutions. 4. Independent monitoring across all accreditation and certification systems to prevent malpractice. 5. A shift from a rating-driven approach to binary certification—as done in EOMS—where an institution either meets the standard or commits to improvement. This approach fosters excellence over competition for star ratings. At COAE International, we understand the immense responsibility of being a third-party assessment body. Having assessed the management systems of numerous institutions, we firmly believe that assessors must uphold the highest ethical standards. That’s why, before conducting ISO 21001 audits, our auditors undergo rigorous training—not just in technical requirements and assessment skills but also in ethical principles like fairness, integrity, and professionalism. A strong education system relies on trustworthy assessments, and it is our duty to uphold that trust. Our goal is not just to evaluate but to add real value to educational institutions—ensuring that every audit fosters transparency, improvement, and long-term excellence. Now more than ever, it has become very crucial to measure quality in education with integrity and transparency. Once trust is broken, it is incredibly difficult to restore. Let’s work together to build an education system where quality is earned through commitment, not compromised by unethical practices. Read the sad story here: https://lnkd.in/grVHqA7t #EducationIntegrity #EthicalAssessments #ISO21001 #COAEInternational #AccreditationMatters

ISO 9001:2015 – Key Clauses and Documentation Requirements 🔍 🌐 What is ISO 9001:2015? ISO 9001:2015 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a structured framework for improving quality, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ensuring continuous improvement across organizational processes. ✅ Risk-based thinking ✅ Process approach ✅ Aligned with business strategy 📂 Documentation Structure Levels: ISO 9001:2015 allows flexibility in documentation, but a structured approach ensures clarity and consistency. Typically, it’s organized into four levels: 1️⃣ Level 1 – Quality Manual Overview of the QMS, scope, policies, and interaction of processes. 2️⃣ Level 2 – Procedures Documented processes and responsibilities to meet ISO requirements. 3️⃣ Level 3 – Work Instructions Detailed instructions or SOPs for performing tasks consistently. 4️⃣ Level 4 – Records & Forms Evidence that processes have been followed and requirements met. 🚀 Key Clauses (4 to 10) & Documentation Requirements: ➤Clause 4 – Context of the Organization 📄 Documentation: QMS scope Understanding of internal & external issues Needs of interested parties Process mapping/interactions ➤Clause 5 – Leadership 📄 Documentation: Quality Policy Evidence of leadership commitment Roles and responsibilities ➤Clause 6 – Planning 📄 Documentation: Risks and opportunities Quality objectives and action plans Planning of changes ➤Clause 7 – Support 📄 Documentation: Competency records Communication plans Control of documented information Infrastructure and calibration records ➤Clause 8 – Operation 📄 Documentation: Requirements for products/services Design and development files (if applicable) Supplier evaluations Production and service control procedures Nonconformance and corrective action records ➤Clause 9 – Performance Evaluation 📄 Documentation: Monitoring & measurement results Internal audit reports Management review minutes ➤Clause 10 – Improvement 📄 Documentation: Nonconformity reports Corrective action records Evidence of continual improvement 📢Final Thought: ISO 9001:2015 isn’t about paperwork—it's about creating a resilient, efficient, and quality-focused organization. Well-structured documentation supports consistency, accountability, and business excellence. 🔗 Let’s connect if you're navigating ISO implementation, audit prep, or system improvement! 👇 ====== 🔔 Consider following me at Govind Tiwari,PhD. #ISOStandards #QMSDocumentation #ProcessManagement #ISO9001Implementation #AuditReady #QualityLeadership #OperationalExcellence #quality #qms

You're missing the key players in your healthcare tech strategy, and it's hurting your adoption rates. From doctors to patients, administrative staff to tech providers, each stakeholder plays a crucial role in successful implementation. Here's how to engage them effectively: Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Specialists) 1. Engage early in the decision-making process 2. Gather input on practical requirements and potential challenges 3. Involve in pilot programs to assess usability and integration challenges 4. Provide comprehensive training on new technologies Patients 1. Educate about new technologies and their benefits 2. Screen for digital literacy to identify those who may need extra support 3. Choose user-friendly technologies that don't require logins or downloads 4. Explain how new tools will save time or improve health outcomes Administrative Staff 1. Include in needs assessment to identify inefficiencies in workflows 2. Provide training on new systems and processes 3. Gather feedback on technology effectiveness and areas for improvement Technology Providers 1. Involve in stakeholder discussions to understand healthcare-specific needs 2. Collaborate on pilot programs and validation of technologies 3. Ensure technology is effective for healthcare professionals and interoperable with existing healthcare infrastructure 4. Ensure intuitive navigation in healthcare technology systems to facilitate adoption Organizational Leadership 1. Conduct thorough needs assessments to align technology with organizational goals 2. Develop a strategic plan with SMART goals for digital transformation 3. Establish key success metrics to evaluate technology effectiveness 4. Create a common forum for stakeholder discussions Including the different stakeholders can lead to: 1) Shared vision 2) Trust building 3) Addressing (and avoiding) conflicting interest 4) Improved compatibility 5) Ethical considerations What learnings do you have from implementing new technical tools in your organization?

Ever delivered an #evaluation report only to receive negative feedback on the methods used? It can be disheartening, especially after putting in a lot of work. Managing the evaluation process to invite early input can reduce late-stage criticisms. Here are 5 tips to enhance stakeholder satisfaction and handle criticisms constructively, with a link to the full article. Tip 1: Invest in genuine relationships with stakeholders Building genuine relationships with stakeholders creates a foundation of trust and respect. This doesn't mean avoiding unpopular findings, but it does mean fostering an environment where feedback is productive. Knowing each other as people and colleagues helps in this regard. Tip 2: Involve stakeholders in the evaluation design process Engage stakeholders, rights-holders, and end-users in designing the evaluation. Their expertise strengthens the design and reduces criticisms downstream. Co-designing an evaluation ensures a shared understanding of the appropriate questions, criteria, and methods, leading to greater stakeholder ownership. Tip 3: Use #rubrics to increase understanding of how judgements are made Rubrics make evaluative judgements transparent. Collaboratively developing rubrics with stakeholders ensures that their values are reflected and understood, increasing validity and reducing the risk of feeling blindsided by findings. Rubrics also facilitate precise conversations if specific aspects of the evaluation are challenged. Tip 4: Get formal sign-off on the evaluation framework Draw a clear line between the design phase and implementation phase of the evaluation. Formal sign-off on the evaluation framework ensures agreement on the approach and allows any valid criticisms of the methods to be addressed before implementation or recorded in the limitations section. Tip 5: Pinpoint the reasons for criticism Despite best efforts, criticisms may still arise. It’s important to pinpoint exactly what aspects are being criticised. The article provides tips for addressing common criticisms about the reliability of evidence, criteria, standards, and evaluative judgements, including issues of buy-in to the use of rubrics. Bottom line: Evaluation isn't just about methods - it's about reasoning and power dynamics. Criticisms levelled at methods may sometimes stem from discomfort with the reasoning process or power structures in the evaluation. By investing in relationships, involving stakeholders, using rubrics, and securing formal sign-off, we can enhance the evaluation process and address criticisms effectively. Scroll down for the full article👇

🔍 Spotlight on Adult Education and Training (AET): The OECD Education and Skills's latest report, Quality Matters, explores how quality assurance can transform adult education systems to meet the demands of rapidly evolving labor markets. 👉 See: https://lnkd.in/dHDu4sBu 🎯 Why it Matters: In the face of digital transformation, globalization, climate change, and demographic shifts, AET systems must ensure high-quality, inclusive learning opportunities for all. Reskilling and upskilling are critical for sustaining employability, economic growth, and social cohesion. 🛠 Key Insights: 🏗 Quality Assurance Mechanisms: ▪️Certification remains the most widely adopted model across OECD countries (63%), but the complexity of AET systems demands greater harmonization of practices. 📊 Tracking Outcomes: ▪️Robust data collection and analysis are critical to improving program effectiveness and aligning education with labor market needs. 🌐 Digital Learning Challenges: ▪️The shift to online education during the pandemic underscored the need to modernize quality standards for course design, assessment integrity, and learner engagement. 📚 Empowering Learners: ▪️Accessible platforms and tailored guidance can help learners make informed choices and prevent mismatches between training and career aspirations. 📌 Enhanced Recommendations for Strengthening AET: 🌍 Increase Inclusivity and Equity: ▪️Develop integrated information platforms and outreach programs to guide adults, particularly disadvantaged groups, toward relevant learning opportunities. ▪️Offer targeted support mechanisms, such as individual learning accounts, subsidies, and vouchers, to reduce barriers to participation 🧮 Strengthen Data Infrastructure: ▪️Establish a consistent data taxonomy to track enrollment, learner demographics, and labor market outcomes across AET systems ▪️Promote data partnerships between governments, education providers, and industry to align AET programs with emerging skill demands 💻 Adapt Quality Assurance for Digital Learning: ▪️Create frameworks that address unique challenges of online AET, including assessment integrity, user verification, and data security ▪️Leverage real-time data analysis to monitor and improve the quality of digital learning environments 🏆 Foster Continuous Improvement in AET Systems: ▪️Align curricula with evolving skill demands, including sustainability and digital innovation ▪️Introduce incentives for quality, such as awards, certifications, and funding tied to program outcomes, to drive innovation in teaching and learning 🌱 Key Takeaway: Strengthening quality assurance in AET is more than a policy priority—it’s a strategic necessity for creating resilient and inclusive societies. By aligning systems to learners’ needs and market realities, we can enable adults to thrive in an age of constant change. #LifelongLearning #QualityAssurance EU Employment & Skills Cedefop European Training Foundation

The 2025 Proper Regulation in Indonesia is pivotal for the Program Penilaian Peringkat Kinerja Perusahaan (Proper), ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of businesses' environmental practices. This evaluation framework, overseen by national, provincial, and local environmental authorities, covers various stages from planning and assessment to ranking and acknowledgment. Evaluation criteria include essential compliance elements like environmental permits, pollution control, and waste management, as well as voluntary initiatives such as eco-friendly technologies and community engagement. Reviews entail meticulous scrutiny of documentation through the SIMPEL system and on-site inspections based on risk evaluations. Businesses are categorized from Black (indicating significant violations) to Gold (representing consistent excellence), with Green and Gold distinctions reserved for compliant organizations showcasing exceptional performance. Attaining Green/Gold status requires substantial evidence like permits, progress updates, monitoring information, and employee certifications. These assessments lead to commendations, guidance, or enforcement measures, underscoring Proper's critical role in enhancing environmental stewardship and fostering accountability in the corporate realm.

--- ✅ Basic Documents Required for ISO Certification (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 22000, etc.) 1. Business Registration Proof Company registration certificate (e.g., partnership deed, proprietorship certificate, or incorporation certificate) 2. Scope of the Business A document clearly defining what your company does (products/services) 3. Organization Chart A flowchart showing departments, roles, and reporting structure 4. Quality Manual or Food Safety Manual Depending on the ISO type (ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 22000 for food safety), a manual describing how your system works 5. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Written procedures for each process (e.g., production, packaging, QC, cleaning, etc.) 6. Process Flow Diagrams Clear flowcharts of key processes (from raw material to finished goods) 7. Internal Audit Report (if already done) A record showing you have internally checked your compliance 8. Risk Assessment & Control Measures For ISO 22000 or ISO 45001, include HACCP plan or risk analysis documents 9. Training Records Proof that employees are trained on hygiene, quality, safety, etc. 10. Customer Complaint Handling Record (if any) A file showing how customer complaints are received and resolved 11. Calibration and Maintenance Records For equipment/machinery, especially in production or testing 12. Legal Compliance Documents Any licenses required by the local food/drug/environmental authorities (e.g., FSSAI, FDA, EPA, etc.) --- 🛠️ Steps to Get ISO Certified: 1. Choose the right ISO standard e.g., ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 22000 (Food Safety), ISO 14001 (Environment), etc. 2. Gap Analysis Compare current practices with ISO requirements. 3. Documentation Prepare all the documents listed above. 4. Implementation Train staff and apply the documented procedures. 5. Internal Audit Perform internal checks to ensure compliance. 6. Management Review Top management evaluates the performance of the system. 7. External Audit (Certification Body) An accredited ISO body audits your facility. 8. Certification Issued If passed, you receive the ISO certificate (valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits). --- If you let me know which specific ISO standard you're targeting (e.g., ISO 9001, 22000, 22716), I can tailor this list further for your industry.

⛔Why Accreditation Matters⛔ Think of your ISO certification like a driver’s license. If your license comes from the DMV, others know that you've validated your history (experience) and actually passed a real test. If your license was printed at home, it may look official, but it’s completely meaningless. Accredited certification bodies (#CBs) are like the DMV. They themselves are checked and approved by an independent authority (called an accreditor, ANAB - ANSI National Accreditation Board, UKAS). That oversight forces them to follow strict rules, use qualified auditors, and prove they’re impartial. A non-accredited body doesn’t go through that scrutiny. Some will just “rubber stamp” certifications, meaning they hand out certificates without doing the real work of legitimate testing or auditing, they just fire up the printing presses. The end product may look the same on paper, but it doesn’t hold weight when regulators, partners, or customers look closer. ➡️The risk of a “rubber stamp” 🔸Regulatory compliance: Regulators often only accept accredited certificates. A fake one won’t pass muster. 🔸Market trust: Customers and partners know the difference. A rubber-stamped certificate can, and likely will, damage your credibility. 🔸Risk exposure: If something goes wrong (say, a breach), the lack of real assurance can make your liability worse. ➡️The value of accredited certification 🔸Independent proof you actually meet the standard. 🔸Assurance that auditors were trained and competent professionals. 🔸Certification recognition across industries and national borders. 🔸Protection of brand reputation, because it shows you didn’t take shortcuts. ➡️Put simply: An accredited certification is an investment in #quality, trust, and resilience. A rubber-stamped cert is just like a cheap paper towel, it looks nice until someone tests it. A-LIGN International Association of Algorithmic Auditors (IAAA) #TheBusinessofCompliance #ComplianceAlignedtoYou International Accreditation Forum Inc

How a company should proceed professionally for getting ISO certification, Step by step.. Step 1: 1. Hire a Management Representative , who will oversee the ISO certification process and keep management in loop for progress. 2. Hire an experienced QA/QC Manager who will develop and implement the Quality Management System (QMS). 3. Assemble a team of qualified professionals to support the ISO certification process. Step 2: 1. Develop a Quality Policy that outlines the organization's commitment to quality. 2. Establish Quality Objectives that are measurable and achievable. 3. Develop a QMS manual that outlines the organization's quality policies, procedures, and processes. Step 3: 1. Perform a gap analysis to identify areas where the organization's current processes and systems do not meet the requirements of the ISO standard. 2. Use tools such as checklists, questionnaires, and process mapping to identify gaps. 3. Prioritize the identified gaps based on their impact on the organization. Step 4: 1. Create an implementation plan that outlines the steps needed to address the gaps identified in the gap analysis. 2. Establish a project timeline and milestones. 3. Define roles and responsibilities for each team member. Step 5: 1. Provide training and awareness to employees on the ISO standard, its requirements, and the organization's QMS. 2. Use training methods such as workshops, seminars, and online training. 3. Ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in the QMS. Step 6: 1. Implement the changes and controls identified in the implementation plan. 2. Develop new policies, procedures, and documentation as needed. 3. Establish a document control system to manage documents and records. 4. Implement a records management system to manage records and data. Step 7: 1. Conduct an internal audit to ensure that the organization's QMS meets the requirements of the ISO standard. 2. Use audit tools such as checklists and questionnaires. 3. Identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to address them. Step 8: 1. Research and select a certification body that is accredited by a recognized accreditation body, such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). 2. Ensure that the certification body has experience in certifying organizations in your industry. Step 9: 1. Submit an application to the selected certification body, providing documentation and evidence of the organization's conformity to the ISO standard. 2. Ensure that the application includes all required documentation and information. 3. Pay the certification fees. Step 10: 1. The certification body will conduct a Stage 1 audit to review the organization's documentation and systems. 2. The certification body will conduct a Stage 2 audit to assess the organization's implementation of the ISO standard. Step 12: Receive Certification Step 13: Maintain certification through regular surveillance audits and recertification audits.