1. The Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research has requested information of the readiness of institutions for applying for accreditation.

2. As part of the reform program for higher education, and in order to optimise the efforts made by institutions in the transitional period 2005- 2008, the QAAP wishes to adopt and implement a follow-up process to review the progress in institutions that have completed funded projects and a developmental engagement in the period 2005-2007.

3. Up to January 2007, 24 institutions have completed developmental engagements. During the academic year 2006-07, up to 24 additional institutions will receive a site-visit. Summary information from the developmental engagements and reports provides an assessment of the range and the degree of difficulty of improvement plans that the institutions should be implementing to be ready to apply for accreditation. This proposal sets out a new follow-up method, together with the required evidence base, the criteria and a set of questions.

4. Follow-up is a standard phase for quality assurance and accreditation processes in higher education and is specified as good practice by INQAAHE and ENQA.