QAA publishes ESG consultation response

QAA has published its response to the draft Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) 2027.

We strongly support the continuation of the non-prescriptive nature of the ESG, which enables flexibility across varied contexts. We also endorse the explicit reference to the twin purposes of accountability and enhancement, as these underpin a robust quality culture. 

Our response details areas of clarification we have identified and our recommendations in relation to each Standard of the revised ESG.

We also strongly recommend that ENQA/EQAR develop a transition plan which should be consulted on by agencies to ensure that agencies are given adequate time to become compliant with the new ESG before they are reviewed.

We strongly believe that the ESG should remain a standalone single source of truth that should reflect the authors’ intent and not be subject to external interpretation. Supplementary interpretations risk misalignment with the approved text, as they will not have undergone consultation or, perhaps more significantly, ministerial approval. Such documents could lead to inconsistent outcomes when agencies are reviewed against the ESG and undermine its authority. 

Our full response is available on our website.