SPECIALISTS

Appointment of Specialists

Peer review is one of the guiding principles and is at the heart of the quality assurance process of HKCAAVQ.  For this purpose, HKCAAVQ identifies prospective specialists from its established networks including the Industry Training Advisory Committees, trade unions, trade associations, industry training organisations, professional bodies, representatives of educational institutions, and other local and international quality assurance organisations. HKCAAVQ does not accept self-nomination. Suitable nominees are appointed as Specialists of HKCAAVQ on the basis of their experience and expertise in relevant industries and /or disciplines as well as in quality assurance and/or qualifications frameworks. 

Policy on Specialists Appointment and Management

HKCAAVQ has established a Specialists Selection Committee to consider and endorse, among other things, the appointment of Specialists.  The Committee also advises the Executive Director of HKCAAVQ on policies and guidelines.  The policy on the Specialists appointment and management, which also outlines training and engagement of Specialists, can be downloaded from the following link:

Training of Specialists

To prepare Specialists for their roles and to keep them up-to-date, training activities are held on a regular basis.  Prior to their participation in the accreditation exercises, Specialists will be briefed about the work and their roles.  At the same time, Specialists may access the Online Specialists Resource Centre to register for the latest training activities and keep track of the contemporary quality assurance practices and latest development of HKCAAVQ through the self-paced learning section.

Engagement of Specialists

HKCAAVQ maintains a Register of Specialists from which we shortlist Specialists with relevant experience and expertise for participation in accreditation exercises, and other assessment and consultancy work as required.  When selecting Specialists for participation in accreditation exercises, the following will normally be considered:

• Nature of the accreditation exercises;
• Relevancy of Specialists’ qualifications, expertise and experience;
• Training undertaken by Specialists, including that provided by other local and non-local quality assurance agencies.

Specialists participate in the work of HKCAAVQ on a voluntary basis.  In terms of serving on Accreditation Panels, Specialists serve in their personal capacity.  Prior to commencing their duties, Specialists are required to declare any potential conflicts of interest and their participation is subject to a Code of Conduct for Panels which includes a commitment to confidentiality.

Collection of Feedback

HKCAAVQ values every opportunity for collecting feedback from Specialists to improve its services and activities.  Typically, feedback is collected from the Specialists who have served on the Accreditation Panels or attended events and workshops organised by HKCAAVQ.  Specialists may approach staff members of HKCAAVQ for general information via ssenquiry@hkcaavq.edu.hk.