Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

Much of APAC’s accreditation work and assessments are undertaken remotely and that aspect of our work won’t change. The main impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is on our capacity to undertake site visits, which have been transitioned to a virtual platform at this time. We are working with education providers to explore ways in which elements of the site visit assessment can be undertaken remotely so that we can progress as much accreditation business as possible.

APAC asks that providers keep us updated on any impact COVID-19 may have on the delivery of accredited programs, including any material changes to the delivery of the accredited program.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow cycle assessments to progress this year, some elements of the site visit schedule for 2022 have been shifted to a virtual platform. APAC will continue to work closely with education providers in order to undertake reviews at this time. Please contact the office if you have any questions or concerns about a site visit scheduled for this year.

APAC is unable to prescribe how each education providers’ programs should meet the Accreditation Standards. APAC is looking for providers to articulate the ways in which its programs meet the Standards. Education providers are required to ensure that their students have acquired all the relevant graduate competencies to practice safely upon graduation. The outcomes focused 2019 Accreditation Standards and the graduate competencies enable providers to be innovative in delivering the intended learning outcomes and producing graduates who are proficient at the relevant graduate competency levels. Please continue to inform APAC of any material change made to an accredited program so an assessment of the impact on the program’s continued compliance to the Standards can be made.

APAC understands and recognises that education providers may need to review their practices for assuring the safety of staff and students and the quality of education and training during this time. We are unable to give you specific direction as every education providers situation is likely to be different and these changes will be reviewed on a case by case situation. We ask that education providers of accredited programs advise APAC of any proposed significant or material changes to their practices and proposed alternate mechanisms to ensure the quality of education, training and supervision, including the wellbeing of staff and students. APAC does not need providers to advise it of all minor changes, but of any change that is likely to fit the APAC definition of a material change, including a material change to the resources available to support delivery of the program, or to teaching settings. As such, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please let us know of any changes you will be making and advise us as to how these changes will ensure your programs continue to meet the Accreditation Standards.