Premier Conference on Corporate Governance

Samuel Isaacs

Chief Executive Officer

SAQA

7 September 2010

Policy and criteria for Recognising a professional body and for Registering a professional designation for the purposes of the NQF Act of 2008

Overview of presentation• Context• Purpose and objectives • Definitions• Scope• Policy and criteria for recognising a professional body• Policy and criteria for registering a professional designation

1. Create an integrated national framework for learning achievements2. Facilitate access to and mobility and progression within education, training and career paths3. Enhance the quality of education and training4. Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities5. Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large

Objectives of the South African NQF

CONTEXT

Providers

Ministry of Higher Education andTrainingNational Skills Authority

Sector Education and Training Authorities

Learners

Statutory and non-statutory professional bodies

SAQA Quality Council for Trades and Occupations(QCTO)Council on Higher Education (CHE)

Ministry of BasicEducation

NQF Forum

General and Further Education and Training Quality Council(Umalusi)

Governance of the South African NQF

CONTEXT

Academic qualificationProfessional qualification

and/or RegistrationGranting of designationRight to practice Ongoing retentionIncluding workplace experienceCompetence assessment/ examination (formal or informal) CPD, Code of ethics, Fees

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3Example 1: TeacherExample 2: Medical doctorExample 3: Plumber

BSc & PGCE or BEd Registration with SACE CPD (150 points over 3 years)MBCHB Registration with HPCSA CPD, Fees, Ethical Award of practice number 2-year apprenticeship Trade TestCompliance withor learnership towards Register with the Institute of industryNational Certificate Plumbing of SArequirements

Locating professional designations

CONTEXT

Professional bodies and professional designations

CONTEXT

2003 to 2007 2008 to 2010 2010/11

This policy and criteria outlines the manner in which SAQA recognises statutory and non-statutory professional bodies for the purposes of the NQF, as well as the manner in which professional designations from recognised professional bodies are registered on the NQF by SAQA.

Policy and criteria

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

• Advance the objectives of the NQF• Promote public understanding of, and trust in, professions through the establishment of a nationally regulated system for the recognition of professional bodies and for registration of professional designations • Encourage social responsibility and accountability within the professions relating to professional services communities and individuals.• Promote pride in association for all professions, including traditional trades and occupations.• Promote the protection of the public by professional bodies from malpractice related to the fulfilment of the professional duties and responsibilities of professionals registered with them.• Encourage international best practice for all professions in South Africa, including continuing professional development.• Facilitate access to, and analysis of, data related to professions, including traditional trades and occupations for the purposes and use as prescribed by the NQF Act. • Support the development of a national career advice system.

Policy and criteria

DEFINITIONS

“NQF Act” means the National Qualifications Framework Act (Act No.67 of 2008). “Occupational qualification” means a qualification associated with a trade, occupation or profession resulting from work-based learning and consisting of knowledge unit standards, practical unit standards and work experience unit standards. “Professional body” means any body of expert practitioners in an occupational field, and includes an occupational body.  “Professional designation” means a title or status conferred by a professional body in recognition of a person’s expertise and right to practice in an occupational field. “Provider” means a body that offers any education programme or trade and occupational learning programme that leads to a qualification or part-qualification on the NQF. “Qualification” means a registered national qualification.

Policy and criteria

SCOPE

This policy and criteria applies to all professional bodies in South AfricaIn terms of Sections 28, 29, 30 and 31 read with paragraphs 13(1)(i)(i), 13(1)(i)(ii) and 13(1)(l) of the NQF Act, and notwithstanding the provisions of any other Act, a statutory or non-statutory professional body shall: •Co-operate with the relevant quality council(s) in respect of qualifications and quality assurance in its occupational field.•Apply in the manner prescribed by SAQA to be recognised as a professional body in terms of the NQF Act.•Apply in the manner prescribed by SAQA to register a professional designation on the NQF.

Policy and criteria for Recognising a professional bodyfor the purposes of the NQF Act of 2008

Policy

RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES

“Professional body” means any body of expert practitioners in an occupational field, and includes an occupational body  

Criteria

RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES

Criteria

RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES

Policy and criteria for Registering a professional designation for the purposes of the NQF Act of 2008

Policy

REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

“Professional designation” means a title or status conferred by a professional body in recognition of a person’s expertise and right to practice in an occupational field

Criteria

REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

Criteria

REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

Policy and criteria

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Where can I find the draft policy and criteria document?• Download from www.saqa.org.za • In the Government Gazette• Request a copy from professionalbody@saqa.org.za • Approach your professional body/associationHow do I submit comments?• Email to: professionalbody@saqa.org.za• Fax to: 012 431 5144• Post to: SAQA, Postnet Suite 248, Private Bag X06, Waterkloof, 0145• Deliver to: 1067 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, PretoriaWhat is the due date?• Submission must reach SAQA before close of business on 15 October 2010What happens thereafter? • Comments will be considered by the Professional Bodies Reference Group • Changes will be made• The final document will be presented to the SAQA Board and thereafter to the Minister of Higher Education and Training for approval• Implementation is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2011

Policy and criteria for Recognising a professional body and for Registering a professional designation for the purposes of the NQF Act of 2008

Premier Conference on Corporate Governance

Samuel Isaacs

Chief Executive Officer

SAQA

7 September 2010