Action Plan
A structured document outlining steps to address recommendations or conditions arising from the review. It includes deadlines, responsibilities and indicators of success.

Appeals Board
The panel that reviews complaints about accreditation decisions ensuring that all procedures were fairly and accurately followed without any procedural errors. In the case of ICAPHE the acronym ERCAD is used for this board.

Assessment Report
A document created by the review team summarising their findings and recommendations following the evaluation of a school or programme.

Conditional Accreditation
A temporary accreditation status given when a school meets core requirements but must correct specific deficiencies within a set timeframe to retain accreditation.

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Structured learning that helps public health professionals update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Includes short courses and training.

Criteria (Accreditation Criteria)
Standards or benchmarks that schools or programmes must meet to gain or retain accreditation. They cover areas like governance, curriculum and student support.

Denial / Revocation of Accreditation
The status given when a school fails to meet essential accreditation requirements. The institution is no longer recognised as accredited until deficiencies are resolved.

ESG2015 (European Standards and Guidelines 2015)
A set of principles for quality assurance in higher education across Europe used to guide both internal and external evaluation processes.

External Review
An independent evaluation conducted by professionals outside the institution. It helps verify quality and integrity through evidence-based assessment.

Full Accreditation
The highest accreditation status granted to a school meeting all criteria. It usually lasts up to six years and may include follow-up recommendations.

ICAPHE (International Council for Accreditation and Advancement of Public Health Education)
An organisation responsible for accrediting public health education institutions and programmes globally to ensure quality and accountability.

Internal Quality Assurance
Processes developed by an institution to monitor and enhance the quality of its own teaching, research and governance functions.

ISG (International Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education)
Developed by the International Network of Quality Assurance in Higher Education (INQAAHE) to “acknowledge and embrace the diversity of tertiary education provisions and promote the relevance of quality assurance measures.”

Panel (Accreditation Review Panel)
A group of experts assigned to carry out the review of an applicant institution. They conduct interviews, assess evidence and make recommendations.

Peer Review
Evaluation conducted by individuals from similar professional backgrounds to ensure fair judgment based on shared expertise and standards.

QRP (Quality Review and Progress)
A system that monitors whether schools are making improvements based on recommendations. It involves periodic reporting and follow-up evaluations.

(Accreditation) Review Board
The governing body within ICAPHE that makes the final decision on accreditation status based on the review panel’s findings and recommendations.

Self-Evaluation Report (SER)
A detailed internal analysis submitted by the applicant institution. It reflects on strengths, weaknesses and how the school meets accreditation standards.

Site Visit
A scheduled review where panel members visit the institution in person, online or in a hybrid format to conduct interviews and inspect facilities and documentation.

Stakeholder
Any individual or group with an interest in the institution’s operations. Includes students, employers, staff and community partners who provide input during reviews.

SWOT Analysis
A structured reflection tool used in the self-evaluation process to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats affecting the institution’s goals.