ENG-2006 — Page 188

156 Education

Regulatory Framework and Governance Structure

The Government's Role and Organisation

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, who heads the EMB, formulates, develops and reviews education policies, secures funds in the government budget, and oversees the effective implementation of educational programmes. The Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower assists him in formulating, coordinating and implementing educational policies with the help of the bureau.

Education Ordinance

School education services are regulated by 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.

The Education (Amendment) Ordinance 2004, which provides for

for the implementation of a school-based management governance framework in aided schools through the establishment of incorporated management committees, came into effect on January 1, 2005.

Vocational Training Council Ordinance

The Vocational Training Council Ordinance provides for the establishment, functions and management of the council, which is the main body responsible for vocational education and technical training. Its membership comprises representatives from industry, commerce, the service sectors, employee representatives and government officials.

Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance

The Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance covers institutions offering post- secondary courses. There are currently three approved post-secondary colleges registered under the ordinance, namely the Hong Kong Shue Yan University, the Caritas Francis Hsu College and the Chu Hai College of Higher Education.

Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

The Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance came into effect in June 1997 to protect Hong Kong consumers by guarding against the marketing of substandard non-local courses conducted in Hong Kong.

Management of Schools and Tertiary Institutions

School-based Management

All aided schools are required to set up by 2009 an incorporated management committee (IMC) comprising sponsoring body managers, the principal, parent managers, teacher managers, alumni manager(s) and independent manager(s) to run the school. With the participation of these key stakeholders in the school decision- making process, the operation of the school will be more transparent, accountable and tailored to the needs of the students. To facilitate schools' implementation of