The educational provider has a clear sense of purpose and direction, which is informed by national priorities as well as by the quality demands of cost-effective educational provision.

1. The mission statement of the educational provider sets out clearly and unambiguously the goals and the principles according to which it operates, and areas of legitimate operation.
2. Policy statements and strategic plans arising from the mission statement are appropriate for the national and local context and responsive to changing contexts.
3. If slogans and mottoes are used, they reflect the mission, goals and principles and do not contradict policy.
4. There are policy statements on
   • programme development;
   • course design;
   • course materials development;
   • services to and responsibilities of learners;
   • learner support, including tutors and mentors;
   • assessment;
   • language of teaching and learning, as well as of internal and public communication;
   • human resource strategy;
   • management and administration;
   • finances, fees and payment regulations;
   • quality assurance and review;
   • evaluation and research;
   • marketing;
   • accreditation; and
   • collaboration.
5. There is a published statement of the educational provider’s commitment to learners.
6. Implementation plans are realistic and designed to enable targets to be met.
7. Policy statements and methods of implementing them are recorded, readily available, and fully understood by members of staff.
8. There are monitoring procedures to ensure that all policies are implemented, evaluated, and amended as and when necessary.
9. Equal opportunities are ensured for all learners, staff and other clients.