INTRODUCTION
The purpose of these standards is to ensure that a school’s organisation and support within the institutional structure, its relationships with other organisations and external practice and research entities, and its internal organisation, leadership, and governance, are developed and function in a manner that fosters the school’s mission and goals.
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL AND ORGANISATION RELATIONSHIPS
| (a) |
The school must function at an appropriate level of autonomy within the institution. |
| (b) |
Responsibility and authority for administration of the professional aspects of the programmes in pharmacy, including specialisations where appropriate, must be vested in the school. |
| (c) |
The definition and delivery of curricula are a responsibility of the school within the framework of organisational policies and authorities. |
| (d) |
The school may encourage and promote postgraduate study according to the PQM. |
Within institutional policies, responsibility and authority for administration of pharmacy programmes, including curriculum development and delivery in line with the scopes of practice and respective ELOs established by Council, must be vested in the school to ensure appropriate autonomy.
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION
| (a) |
The school must be organised and staffed to facilitate the accomplishment of its mission and goals. It must have defined lines of authority and responsibility, foster organisational unit development and collegiality, and allocate resources appropriately. |
| (b) |
The school must have an organogram which clearly defines units and lines of management and communication. |
| (c) |
The school must be organised in a manner which facilitates the accomplishment of its overall mission, promotes the goals and objectives of the programmes in pharmacy and pharmacy disciplines, and uses resources effectively. |
| (d) |
The administrative structure must provide for a head (see section 2.4 below), who has ready access to the senior officials charged with final responsibility for the school. |
| (e) |
The organisational and administrative structure of the school must clearly identify lines of responsibility as well as evidence of mutual understanding and agreement among members of staff and the head on the mission, goals and objectives of the school, as well as evidence of acceptance of the responsibilities necessary for their achievement. |
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEAD OF SCHOOL
| 2.1.1 |
Qualifications of the head |
| • |
The head must be qualified to provide leadership in pharmacy professional education and practice, including research, scholarly activities and service. |
| • |
They must unite and inspire administrators, faculty, staff, mentors and students toward achievement of the mission and goals. |
Extra Qualifications:
| • |
Undergraduate pharmacy qualification enabling registration with Council as a pharmacist, for example, the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. |
| • |
Registration as a pharmacist with Council. |
| 2.1.2 |
Functions and responsibilities of the head |
| (i) |
the chief administrative and academic officer of the school and must have direct access to the institution’s management at the highest level |
| (ii) |
the pharmacist responsible for ensuring that all accreditation requirements of Council are met |
| (iii) |
expected to demonstrate progressive, constructive, academic and professional leadership. |
| (b) |
Together with the institution and members of staff the head is responsible for the: |
| (i) |
development of the mission statement and strategic plans |
| (ii) |
recruitment, retention and development of a competent body of staff |
| (iii) |
development, implementation, evaluation and enhancement of the educational, research and service programmes |
| (iv) |
selection, initiation, implementation and maintenance of programmes for the recruitment, admission and qualification of students |
| (v) |
establishment and implementation of standards for quality assurance, academic performance and progression |
| (vi) |
monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of staff and student performance |
| (vii) |
resource acquisition, allocation, management and control |
| (viii) |
preparation, compilation, presentation and publication of reports |
| (ix) |
maintenance of the visibility of the school both on campus and to external constituencies |
| (x) |
submission of data and information, required by Council, in the prescribed format. |
| (c) |
To accomplish these responsibilities, the head must have the assistance and full support of the administrative leaders of the institution and the school’s organisational units and adequate staff support. |
| (d) |
In instances where the head is assigned other substantial administrative responsibilities within the institution, arrangements for additional administrative support to the office of the head must be made to ensure effective administration of the affairs of the school. |
| (e) |
The head is responsible for compliance with Council’s accreditation standards, policies, and procedures. In the event that remedial action is required to bring the school into compliance, the head must take the necessary steps to ensure compliance in a timely and efficient manner, including seeking advice from and consulting with Council as needed. |
Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998
