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Nature of committees and appointment criteria

Committees of Council

[ 1 ] Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC)

The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) is a permanent committee established to perform the quality assurance functions of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The CHE is an independent statutory body established in terms of the Higher Education Act, No. 101 of 1997 and as the Quality Council for Higher Education in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, No. 67 of 2008. The CHE advises the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation on all higher education issues and is responsible for quality assurance and promotion.

The functions of the HEQC include promoting quality in higher education, auditing the quality assurance mechanisms of higher education institutions, and accrediting programmes offered by higher education institutions.

The quality promotion and assurance functions of the CHE are peer-driven. The membership of the HEQC is comprised of academics who combine disciplinary expertise with knowledge of, and commitment to, quality assurance and promotion in higher education and who demonstrate a deep understanding of the transformative role of higher education in social and economic development.

People who meet several of the following criteria will be considered for appointment as members of the HEQC for a period of three years and members of the HEQC can serve for a maximum of two terms:

  1. A high-level knowledge and experience of higher education, some of which should be in a senior management role in the Post School Education and Training (PSET) and/or related sectors; alternatively, in governmental, non-governmental or industry sectors related to PSET;
  2. An understanding of the challenges of transformation in the PSET sector or society more generally;
  3. A sound understanding of quality assurance and related challenges PSET and/or developments internationally;
  4. Ability to critique and contribute conceptual depth to the methods and approaches of the CHE;
  5. Knowledge of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in higher education and the learning design implications thereof;
  6. Ability to make sound and consistent judgements against the criteria for institutional reviews, accreditation and national reviews;
  7. A minimum qualification of a Master’s degree with extensive experience in PSET or related sectors. A PhD will be a recommendation;
  8. Compliance with any other requirements as determined by the CHE.

Sub-Committees of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC)

1.1 ) Standards and Capacity Development Committee (SCDC)

The SCDC is a sub-committee of the HEQC that supports the HEQC in the areas of standards development and capacity development across the Council on Higher Education sub[1]programmes. The SCDC monitors, supports, guides and quality assures the efficient and effective implementation of the Qualification and Higher Education Practice standards and capacity development, the improvement plans arising from quality reviews and accreditation processes, the institutional profiles and the management of communities of practice that support this work. The SCDC performs these responsibilities in line with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF) as mandated by the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997 as amended) and the National Qualifications Framework (Act 67 of 2008). Its main functions are to:

  • Recommend to the Director: Standards and Capacity Development, the Executive Director: Quality Assurance, and the HEQC possible areas of standards development.
  • Analyse institutional improvement plans for their quality, coverage and thoroughness in addressing the recommendations that emanate from quality reviews.
  • Review progress reports to confirm that improvement plans have been implemented and completed. The Committee recommends to the HEQC either that the review process can be concluded, or that further engagement with an institution is required.
  • Support and advise on the efficient and effective implementation of the HEQC standards and capacity development mandate.
  • Raise systemic issues which may arise out of the quality review and accreditation processes for the attention of the HEQC and the CHE.
  • Recommend areas where capacity development is needed to the Director: Standards and Capacity Development, the Executive Director: Quality Assurance, and to the HEQC.
  • Review, monitor and evaluate the implementation of capacity development initiatives of the sub-programme, to build and enhance the competencies and skills of for institutions, peer academics and CHE staff on various aspects of quality and quality assurance.
  • Advise the Standards and Capacity Development Sub-Programme on any aspect of its mandate.
  • Review and approve draft standards for public consultation and make recommendations to the HEQC for the approval of draft standards after public consultations.
  • Consider reports or documents produced by Communities of Practice for recommendation to the HEQC for approval.
  • Advise generally on the implementation of the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF).

The Committee consist of thirteen – A Chairperson (who is a member of the HEQC) and an additional member of the HEQC. The terms of office of the two HEQC members are linked to that HEQC membership. Eleven (11) competent experts with experience in teaching and research, who are drawn from higher education institutions. No more than three (3) members may also be co-opted by Council following a recommendation by the SCDC and the NGC, if necessary. The Committee must include the following skills:

  • Management experience
  • Academic governance experience
  • Teaching and learning expertise
  • Knowledge of accreditation and quality assurance
  • Standards development experience
  • Capacity development and training experience

The Director: SCD in an advisory capacity.

The members of the SCDC are appointed for a period of five years. The term of office is renewable for one additional term.

1.2 ) Quality Reviews Committee (QRC)

The (QRC) is a sub-committee of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) that supports the HEQC in the area of quality reviews. The QRC monitors, supports, guides and quality assures the efficient and effective implementation of the HEQC’s quality reviews processes, in line with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF) as mandated by the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997 as amended) and the National Qualifications Framework (Act 67 of 2008). Its functions will be to:

  • Critically analyse draft quality review reports and documentation and recommend these to the HEQC for approval or endorsement to be sent to institutions for their input.
  • Recommend to the Director: Quality Reviews, the Executive Director: Quality Assurance, and the HEQC possible areas of quality reviews.
  • Provide input and advice to the CEO and Quality Reviews Sub-Programme on matters within the domain of the QRC.
  • Make recommendations to the HEQC on the review of the Quality Reviews manual and associated review instruments.
  • Recommend quality reviews panels to the HEQC for approval.
  • Consider and recommend the institutional quality review reports to the HEQC for approval.
  • Support and advise on the efficient and effective implementation of the HEQC quality reviews mandate.
  • Raise systemic issues which may arise out of the quality review and accreditation processes for the attention of the HEQC.
  • Identify the need for and recommend the review of particular aspects of higher education through themed or special reviews.

   Advise generally on the implementation of the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). The Committee consist of thirteen members – A Chairperson (who is a member of the HEQC) and an additional member of the HEQC. The terms of office of the two HEQC members are linked to that HEQC membership. Eleven (11) competent experts with experience in teaching and research in the relevant discipline who are drawn from higher education institutions. No more than three (3) additional members may also be co-opted by Council following a recommendation by the QRC and the NGC, if necessary. The Committee must include the following skills:

  • Management experience
  • Academic governance experience
  • Teaching and learning expertise
  • Knowledge of accreditation and quality assurance
  • Research and community engagement
  • Student affairs
  • Institutional planning

The Director: Quality Reviews (QR) in an advisory capacity.

The members of the QRC are appointed for a period of five years. The term of office is renewable for one additional term.

1.3 ) Accreditation Committee (AC)

The Accreditation Committee is a sub-committee of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), which is established to assist the HEQC in the performance of its quality assurance functions, specifically, its programme accreditation function.

The functions of the Accreditation Committee are to:

  • Consider the programme accreditation applications submitted by public and private higher education institutions and make recommendations to the HEQC as to whether the programmes should be accredited or not, including recommending the conditions to be attached.
  • Consider institutional representations in relation to the outcomes of the accreditation process and make recommendations to the HEQC in this regard.
  • Advise the HEQC on systemic issues which may arise out of the accreditation process, including the impact of relevant policies on programme accreditation.
  • Advise on the efficient and effective implementation of the HEQC Accreditation Framework and Criteria.

The membership of the AC consists of 29 members but 20 of such members should be from public and private higher education institutions with expertise in programme design, teaching and learning, including academic planning across the three broad fields of study, namely, business/commerce, humanities/social sciences and science engineering and technology and the different qualification types.

Members of the AC are appointed for a period of five years, and they can serve for a maximum of two terms.

1.4 ) Executive Committee of the Higher Education Quality Council (HEQC EXCO)

There is no need to send out a call for nominations as members of the HEQC EXCO are drawn from the members of the HEQC.

1.5 ) Management of Higher Education Qualifications Committee (MQC)

The MQC is a working sub-committee of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The MQC assists the HEQC in the performance of its function of managing the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF) as mandated by the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997 as amended) and the National Qualifications Framework (Act 67 of 2008). Its functions will be to:

  • Provide strategic guidance and support on the conceptualization of projects and activities of the M-HEQSF Programme including:

-   Providing support and guidance on the implementation of the HEQSF and CHE policies that have been developed to support the implementation of the HEQSF.

-   Providing input on the development of any new policies related to the HEQSF, and reviews of existing HEQSF-related policies, and on the review of the HEQSF when such reviews take place.

-   Conceptualization, establishment, maintenance of the HEQSF-online and analysis of data to provide evidence for decision-making.

-   Conceptualization, establishment, maintenance of the HEQCIS-online and analysis of data to provide evidence for decision-making.

-   Conceptualization of the National PQM project and guiding implementation, review, reporting and strategic use of data.

  • Consider applications for changes to accredited programmes and qualifications to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements of the HEQSF.
  • Support the work of the programme to ensure that the HEQSF effectively contributes to the goals of the NQF including facilitating access to, and mobility and progression within, the HEQSF and across other sub-frameworks.
  • Provides support to the work of the M-HEQSF sub-programme to ensure that HEQSF qualifications continuously meet the requirements of the National Qualifications Framework including relevant Policy and Criteria.
  • Provide support on the M-HEQSF sub-programme to ensure that the CHE meets the requirements for reporting on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) on the National Qualifications Framework Management Information System (NQF-MIS).
  • Provide strategic support for collaborative work with partners in the system of collaboration envisaged by the NQF nationally as well as international partners.

The Committee consist of seven members – Two members of the HEQC (one of whom will serve as a chairperson). Five members from diverse disciplines drawn from the sector (private and public institutions) who work with or have experience with implementation of the various aspects of the HEQSF including management of the institutional Programme Qualification Mix (PQM), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT), professions and industry. The CHE will also strive to ensure that equity concerns are considered in constituting the committee. Ex-officio members provide specific expertise related to national policy on higher education qualifications, registration of private providers, registration and reregistration of qualifications, Higher Education Management Information Systems and other areas pertinent to the work of the programme. The MQC will draw up to three Ex-officio members from:

  • A representative of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) University Branch responsible for managing the Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) of institutions.
  • A representative of Private Higher Education Registration Directorate of the DHET.
  • A representative of the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) of the DHET.
  • A representative of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • A representative of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
  • A representative of Umalusi.

Other additional members may also be co-opted by Council following a recommendation by the MQC and the NGC, if necessary.

The following CHE staff members will attend meetings of the MQC to provide advisory and administrative support:

  • Director: M-HEQSF Programme
  • Senior Managers and Managers in the M-HEQSF Programme
  • Administrative staff in the M-HEQSF Programme.

The members of the QRC are appointed for a period of five years. The term of office is renewable for one additional term.

[ 2 ] Executive Committee of Council (EXCO)

There is no need to send out a call for nominations as members of EXCO are drawn from the members of Council.

[ 3 ] Nominations and Governance Committee (NGC)

There is no need to send out a call for nominations as members of the NGC are drawn from the members of Council.

[ 4 ] Audit and Risk Committee (ARC)

The ARC is established by the Council in terms of the PFMA, Sec 51 (1) (a) (i) & (ii) and the Treasury Regulations (TR) 27.1.1. The ARC is constituted as a Committee of Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities, and as a committee of the Council in respect of all other duties and responsibilities assigned to it by the Council. The Committee oversee compliance by the Council with the requirements set out in these Terms of Reference of the ARC. The Committee assists Council in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Committee reviews the financial reporting process, the system of internal control and the management of financial risks, the audit process, and the CHE’s process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. In performing its duties, the Committee maintains effective working relationships with the Council, the Management and the Internal and External Auditors. Each Committee member develops an understanding of the detailed responsibilities of Committee membership as well as the CHE’s business, operations and risk to perform their roles effectively.

Members of the ARC should not be employed by the CHE or be members of the CHE Council or the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC). Any individual employed by a firm providing services to the AGSA or the internal audit firm will be automatically excluded from consideration for ARC membership. Each member should be capable of making a valuable contribution to the Committee. Audit and Risk Committee members must be willing to commit to the following principles:

  • Integrity;
  • Independence;
  • Recognition of Audit and Risk Committee’s significant role;
  • Dedication of time and energy;
  • Understanding of the CHE’s business, products and services;
  • Knowledge of the Council’s risks and controls and the ability to offer insights;
  • Willingness to offer new and different perspectives and constructive suggestions.

Members will be appointed for a three-year term of office, and they can serve for a maximum of two terms. Council ensures periodically that the mix of competencies, experiences and skills of ARC members provides an appropriate balance for the Committee’s successful performance.

[ 5 ] ICT Committee of Council (ICTCoC)

The ICTCoC is constituted as a Committee of Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities, and as a committee of the Council in respect of all other duties and responsibilities assigned to it by the Council. The Committee oversee compliance by the Council with the requirements set out in these Terms of Reference of the ICTCoC.

The Committee inform and make recommendations to Council on significant ICT issues; recommend corporate level ICT strategies and plans that ensure the cost-effective application and management of ICT systems and resources throughout the CHE; review current and future technologies; monitor and evaluate ICT projects and achievements against the ICT Strategic Plan and; provide overall ICT governance oversight and make recommendations to the CEO and Council on the ICT architecture, and strategic development of ICT capacity and infrastructure.

The ICTCoC shall comprise of three external ICT experts; two members of Council with ICT knowledge; one member of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC); the Director: Corporate Services in an ex officio capacity; the Chief Financial Officer in an ex officio capacity and; the Chief Executive Officer in an ex officio capacity.

The three external ICT experts hold office for a period of three years, and they can serve for a maximum of two terms.

[ 6 ] Human Resources and Remuneration Committee (HRRC)

The HRRC is constituted as a Committee of Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities, and as a committee of the Council in respect of all other duties and responsibilities assigned to it by the Council. The Committee oversee compliance by the Council with the requirements set out in the Charter of the HRRC.

The HRRC assist and advise the Council in fulfilling its corporate governance responsibilities from a Human Resources perspective on the following:

  1. To develop and recommend to the Council an appropriate Remuneration and Benefits Policy for the organisation. This policy should contain all the Council on Higher Education elements required to empirically guide the work of the HRRC in terms of good remuneration governance and management and should serve to guide remuneration changes during the normal course of operations.
  2. To approve mandates for overall annual organisational remuneration increments in consultation with the Chairperson of the Council and in accordance with institutional affordability, appropriate market comparisons, and the principles of remuneration differentials between and within grades.
  3. To approve and oversee the development and implementation of a credible and appropriate Performance Management system within the organisation and to ensure that the principles of this system are applied throughout the organisation, in line with the aspirations of the Council on Higher Education’s values, culture, vision and mission.
  4. To ratify or recommend to EXCO all performance management moderation outcomes including rewards.
  5. To annually review the grading mechanisms and remuneration structures for the organisation and make appropriate recommendations to the Council.
  6. To ensure the development and monitoring of a recruitment and retention strategy, in particular, for the Top Management, Programme Directors, Chief Financial Officer and senior managers.
  7. To ensure the development and monitoring of the organisation’s employment equity strategy;
  8. To ensure the development and monitoring of a comprehensive Staff development and training strategy, including the allocation of resources to support the strategy;
  9. Review major changes in the organisational structure and development of management as proposed by the CEO.
  10. To ensure good governance in respect of remuneration policies, benefits and practices;
  11. Identify and manage Human Resources risks;
  12. To ensure that CHE’s Human Resources policies, procedures and systems are aligned with best practice;
  13. To ensure compliance with all the relevant Human Resources legislation.
  14. To make any other recommendations to Council as and when required that have a bearing on Human Resources and Remuneration matters for the organisation.

The Committee consist of seven members – not less than three members of Council nominated at the discretion of the Council and two external members who are Human Resources specialists, one who must be a Remuneration and Performance Management expert, respectively. The Chief Executive Officer and the Director: Corporate Services of the CHE are ex-officio members of the Committee.

The two external Human Resources specialists hold office for a period of three years and they can serve for a maximum of two terms.

[ 7 ] Monitoring, Research and Advice Committee (MRAC)

The MRAC is constituted as a Committee of Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities, and as a committee of the Council in respect of all other duties and responsibilities assigned to it by the Council. The Committee oversee compliance by the Council with the requirements set out in the MRAC Terms of Reference.

The MRAC provides guidance and support in developing and strengthening the work of the Research, Monitoring and Advice Directorate, including the following:

  1. Advising on the conceptualisation and execution of projects on monitoring the performance of the higher education system in collaboration with other science councils and sectoral bodies such as USAf in terms of research and other related developments, including the development of appropriate performance indicators, in line with stated national policy goals and objectives.
  2. Advising on the conceptualisation and execution of projects on monitoring funding trends and the impact on access, success, research, staffing infrastructure.
  3. Contributing to the development of a research agenda through identifying critical policy issues.
  4. Identifying critical issues for initiating advice to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
  5. Advising the Council on the establishment of Working Groups and/or Task Teams to facilitate the development of advice to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
  6. Reviewing drafts of advice prepared by the Directorate, after which the RMAC can then recommend the advice to Council for approval. If advice is drafted in between meetings of the RMAC, the members of the RMAC can review the draft by round-robin and recommend for approval to Council.

The Committee consist of seven members – three members of Council and four external experts. The Chief Executive Officer is an ex-officio member of the Committee. The Director: Research, Monitoring and Advice is an advisor of the Committee.

The four external experts hold office for a period of three years and they can serve for a maximum of two terms.