(1) The functions of the Council are —
(a) to determine conditions and set standards for accreditation for tertiary institutions and programmes of study offered in Saint Lucia;
(b) to accredit and re-accredit tertiary institutions;
(c) to maintain a record of the tertiary institutions that are accredited under this Act;
(d) to ensure that the quality of tertiary education in Saint Lucia meets the standards set by the Council for an award or credit;
(e) to ensure the maintenance of the standards, whether set by the Council or by any other accreditation body having jurisdiction to set standards to be followed by the Council;
(f) to provide for the validation and recognition of new programmes of study offered by tertiary institutions;
(g) to advise on the recognition of foreign-based tertiary institutions and the programmes of study offered;
(h) to determine equivalency of programmes of study and qualifications;
(i) to develop and maintain a unified system of credits for tertiary institutions;
(j) to ensure transfer of credits granted by other accredited bodies;
(k) to establish relationships with national, regional and international accreditation bodies and quality assurance bodies and keep under review the systems of accreditation, procedures and practices by such bodies;
(l) to provide advice on the process and requirements of accreditation and related matters including the conferral of award on tertiary institutions;
(m) to enhance the quality of tertiary education in Saint Lucia and to disseminate good practices by conducting research and training;
(n) to promote quality assurance and a programme of validation and accreditation in Saint Lucia;
(o) to protect the interests of students pursuing a programme of study;
(p) to establish and implement a national qualification framework that sets out the levels at which qualifications and equivalencies of awards granted in other jurisdictions are recognized;
(q) to provide the public with information on the quality and recognition of programmes of study and institutions including the annual publication of a list of accredited programmes of study and tertiary institutions in order to protect the public interest;
(r) to undertake audits, reviews and evaluations independently or in co-operation with other bodies as the Council considers necessary for the discharge of its functions;
(s) to recognize courses or programmes of study successfully completed by students in partial fulfilment of programmes and examinations recognized by the Council;
(t) to collect fees in connection with the exercise of its functions;
(u) to revoke a certificate of accreditation;
(v) to do or cause to be done other things as the Council considers expedient or necessary for the performance of its functions under this Act; and
(w) to discharge other related functions as the Minister assigns to the Council.
(2) Prior to employment in Saint Lucia under the Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals Act the Council shall examine and verify certificates of qualification of a citizen of a qualifying Caribbean Community State.
(3) In subsection (2), “qualifying Caribbean Community State” has the meaning assigned to it under section 2 of the Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals Act.