ENG-2002 — Page 200

EDUCATION

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organised into different levels. It will provide clear information on standards of courses and providers in the mainstream, vocational and continuing education sectors. With clear and flexible progression pathways, learners can draw up their own road maps to upgrade their skills and pursue lifelong learning. Given a transparent quality assurance mechanism and through employers' participation in the process, qualifications in the QF will be given wide recognition.

The Government has consulted the public on the proposal and is in the process of examining the feedback received. The Government will develop the QF step by step with the advice of the Manpower Development Committee, which was set up in October 2002 to advise the Government on policies for developing Hong Kong's human resources.

Regulatory Framework and Governance Structure

The Government's Role and Organisation

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, who heads the Education and Manpower Bureau of the Government Secretariat, formulates and reviews education policy, secures funds in the government budget, and oversees the effective implementation of educational programmes.

The Director of Education, who heads the Education Department, implements policies at the kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. The department's main responsibilities include the enforcement of the Education Ordinance; the provision and allocation of public sector school places; provision of education opportunities for children with special educational needs; development of school curricula; assurance of school education quality; monitoring of teaching standards; and support to schools with public funding and other facilities. The department also contributes to policy development and review.

ED/EMB Merger

To strengthen the link between the formulation and implementation of education policies, the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Education Department will merge from January 2003. The new organisation will retain the title of Education and Manpower Bureau. The Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower will assume the functions of the Director of Education.

Education Ordinance

School education services come under the Education Ordinance. School operators must comply with the provisions of the ordinance and the subsidiary legislation covering areas such as registration of schools, teachers and managers, health and safety requirements, fees and charges and teacher qualifications.

Vocational Training Council Ordinance

The Vocational Training Council Ordinance provides for the establishment, functions and management of the VTC, which is the main body responsible for vocational education and technical training. The VTC administers the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, the industrial training and development centres, the skills centres for persons with a disability and the provisions under the Apprenticeship