27 March 2023
COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR: TEACHING AND LEARNING
CONFIDENTIALITY AND THE CHE INSTITUTIONAL AUDIT SITE VISIT TO UKZN, 27-31 MARCH 2023
Dear Staff and Students
The Council for Higher Education is acutely aware of the need for confidentiality surrounding their visit, the interviews and the subsequent compiling of the Institutional Audit Report.
It should be noted that while UKZN staff have been organising the logistics of the site visit, the actual interview sessions with staff, students and other stakeholders will only be conducted and run by the Audit Panel along with the CHE Officer and Audit Administrator. In accordance with the CHE Manuel for Institutional Audits 2021, these individuals are bound by a code of conduct which includes a confidentiality agreement (Manuel, p.27, 48 & 63). In addition, there are ethical guidelines to be followed. Panel members are also expected to observe the level of discretion necessary.
Where necessary, and as determined by the panel chairperson, the Audit Officer may participate in the panel review discussions in order to support the work of the panel. This participation will, however, be kept to a minimum. The Audit Officer, as an employee of the CHE, is bound by its Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreements.
The Institutional Audit Panel must observe the confidentiality of all the information and evidence provided by the institution, especially the principle of protecting private information.
Staff and students are to liaise directly with the CHE in relation to the ‘Call for Submissions’ and ‘Open Session’.
With regard to the post interview period, interviewees are assured that when the CHE report is written, information and observations made by those who were interviewed are not ascribed to any individual. Such information remains confidential to the CHE panel.
If any interviewee has any concerns arising from the interview process, she/he should inform the chairperson of the panel.
Issued by
Professor Sandile Phinda Songca
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning