STAR Memorandum of Understanding

The following document is sourced from NZQA and outlines the contents of a Memorandum of Understanding between schools and external providers.

Use of Accredited External Providers - Schools

Memorandum of Understanding

In addition to the normal documentation required to be submitted for accreditation/extensions to accreditation, the application must include a completed copy of the formal Memorandum of Understanding that identifies the responsibilities between the two parties: the accredited school and the accredited external provider involved (or between accredited schools).

The purpose of the memorandum is to define the means by which the school ensures: the required standards of teaching, assessment and moderation will be maintained; that collaborative arrangements are clearly set out and operate smoothly; and that clear channels of authority, accountability and executive action are clearly identified.

The memorandum must be signed by the legally recognised signatories who represent the school and the accredited external provider/s to which the agreement applies before the delivery of any standard.

The memorandum must specify, as appropriate to the application:

• The names of the parties to the agreement;
• Procedures and responsibilities for verifying the accredited provider;
• The allocation of responsibility for the management of quality systems to oversee and maintain standards;
• Procedures and responsibilities for the management of the standards delivered, and to include procedures for on-going monitoring;
• Assessment and moderation arrangements;
• Responsibility for all candidate entry procedures;
• Responsibility for communication of all necessary reporting results and any other information required by the Qualifications Authority;
• Responsibility for all administrative arrangements such as student enrolment; student welfare services; decisions relating to progress through the course, assessment, appeals; reporting student results; and remuneration of monitors and moderators (if applicable);
• Procedures for agreeing on all necessary financial arrangements and the provision of resources, both physical and human;
• The procedures for resolving any differences which might arise between the parties to this agreement;
• Duration of agreement;
• Procedures for the protection of students should the arrangement terminate;
• Access to both parties by NZQA to quality assure all related processes and procedures; and
• Acknowledgement that NZQA reserves the right to not recognise any results reported on behalf of an unaccredited school if issues arise as a result of an inadequate `Memorandum of Understanding' or if the agreed procedures are not being followed.