Strengthening the Role of EQAVET National Reference Points Insights from the study of NRPs work programmes under the Erasmus+ programme 2016-2017 EQAVET Annual Network meeting Sofia 21/06/2018 Giorgio Allulli-Eqavet expert

The Erasmus+ call for proposals 2016-2017 Three priorities: Complementing the current EQAVET Framework in order to ensure continued relevance to the needs of the policy context by developing an EQAVET+ Framework. Strengthening mutual cooperation among NRPs in order to address implementation – NRPs and the work with VET providers. Deepening the culture of quality assurance of VET – the importance of feedback loops and the review phase of the quality cycle. 19 National Reference Points participating

A broad range of activities The activities were mostly aimed at communication and information (developing website, promotional material, conferences, national networks, training of trainers) and linking and cooperating with other NRPs. They were also developed studies and analyses on the VET system (reports, surveys, seminars, focus groups and collection of good practices) and materials for implementing the EQAVET Recommendation (policy briefings, manuals and guidelines, pilot activities, questionnaires, etc.).

A broad range of topics The topics mostly addressed went from implementing the EQAVET and EQAVET+ Framework (self-evaluation, evaluation and review phases, external QA, QM) to developing the national approach for QA in VET and supporting the VET system (also collecting indicators and data and improving the visibility and awareness of VET and QA). And from QA of work based learning to integrating the European tools as EQF, ECVET, etc..

Strengths The Erasmus+ grant supported well the activity of the NRPs, and ensured the promotion and implementation of activities and preparation of materials, significant and relevant for implementing the Eqavet Recommendation in the national context. The activities carried have consolidated the role and the image of the NRPs in the national context. The actions undertaken have promoted dialogue and cooperation among a number of stakeholders involved at national level. These facilitated steps towards greater convergence with other European tools, i.e. Euroguidance, EQF, Europass, Eures, Eurodesk. The projects have facilitated national and international cooperation on the theme of QA.

Points for attention The participation in the call was incomplete; not all EU Member States participated. The CVET sector was not always addressed. The evaluation of outcomes and impact was mainly restricted to the reporting of activities undertaken, material produced or gathering the satisfaction of people involved in the activities. The links between the actions undertaken on EQAVET and the policy making processes are not always evident.

Lessons learned Five key issues: Strategic approach, Integration, Involvement, Differentiation, Networking.

Strategic approach Performing the task assigned to the Reference Points requires a careful planning, keeping in mind: the goals to be achieved, the time-span, the resources available, the existing constraints, the possible alliances, and the operationalization of the EQAVET implementation.

Integration within national policy making The Reference Points should be embedded within the national and local policy making, so that the dissemination of the Eqavet Recommendation become an integral part of national education and training policy.

Involvement It is advisable to involve the various stakeholders (Social partners, Associations of Vet providers, etc.) when developing actions and the materials; this enhances their awareness and ensures the adherence of the activities performed to the needs of the final users.

Differentiation To increase the effectiveness of NRPs' materials and proposals, it is necessary to calibrate the various activities and initiatives on the specific needs of the different target groups, adopting an appropriate language for each.

Networking At national level it is necessary to set local and national alliances (they may be stakeholders, experts, associations of Vet providers or companies) to share the task of disseminating contents and methodologies of the EQAVET Recommendation At transnational level networking between NRPS facilitates mutual learning, sharing of experience, practices, tips or transfer of actions; which in many cases it serves as a sources of inspirations for developing new actions at national level, or detecting risks to avoid.

At European level These findings demonstrated that it is advisable to continue financing the activity of NRPs, since they represent a strategic instrument to implement the Eqavet Recommendation within each Member State. It should also be considered: the need to support actions addressed to Work Based Learning and to CVET, giving priority to the projects which privilege these fields of activity. The need to stimulate the participation of NRPs who have not yet taken part in the Erasmus calls.

The EQAVET Network could support… Those countries that have not participated by providing individualised support by request Networking at national and international level (PLAs, Peer reviews); providing that they focus on actual impact and improving the participation by targeted representatives with a multiplier role.

However… …NRPs have to be conscious that raising awareness of VET and developing a QA culture is a long term construction and is giving long term return. It is a slow process rather than an epiphany!

How the NRP projects can contribute to the work of the EQAVET Network? There are many ways to contribute to the EQAVET Network; every NRP has to choose its way and approach considering national needs and its possibilities and capabilities. In the study there are a lot of examples of good practices which provide suggestions for new actions, but it should never be forgotten the need of a strategic approach when planning a new activity. In other words, the NRPs should practice themselves those QA principles and methodologies which they want to disseminate to the VET system.

Thank you for attention!