NON-RECOGNISED BUT LEGITIMATE INSTITUTIONS

RECOMMENDATION

How to research the legitimacy of institutions

Where possible, request that the individual provide further information about the institution. Where possible, conduct research into the legitimacy of the institution and the qualification. Take particular note of any third party quality assurance measurements as well as any information which may be available at the national accreditation authority. As detailed in Section VIII of the Lisbon Recognition Convention, the information which should be provided by the competent authorities in each country will vary depending on whether or not they have an established system of recognition/accreditation.

Develop a knowledge base of the recognition processes and quality assurance measures across different education systems worldwide as well as in one's own country, and the variety of institutional types and potential recognition and accreditation issues. This will facilitate the research necessary into the legitimacy of institutions and qualifications and how best to deal with non-standard situations.

Issuing a statement on a legitimate institution

Consider issuing a statement explaining the status of the institution/qualification in cases where the institution and the course programme are confirmed legitimate, but are not officially recognised by national authorities.

You may wish to keep a record of institutions and qualifications that you have researched for future reference.

Example 1: Non-accredited religious institution

Example 2: Police qualification not belonging to national education system

Example 3: Programme validated by Engineering Council