Data Modification Governance

General Principle

Data Modification — any editing, updating, changing, adding to, or removing of a record stored in the Institution Management Portal or on any storage medium governed by the WEQSC framework — requires prior WEQSC approval.

The school may not directly alter any field in the Portal. Any correction requires the modification procedure set out in this page.

Purpose of Data Modification Governance

The purpose of data modification governance is to ensure that:

• The integrity of every record is preserved;
• Every modification is authorized by the appropriate authority;
• Every modification is recorded in a permanent audit trail;
• The authoritative version of every record is unambiguously identified.

Modification Procedure

Where an error is discovered in a record, the school must submit a modification request to WEQSC through the Portal.

The modification request must state:

• The record concerned;
• The field or fields to be modified;
• The current value;
• The proposed new value;
• The reason for the modification;
• Any supporting documentation.

Review and Approval

WEQSC reviews each modification request and determines whether the modification is to be approved.

Where the modification is approved, WEQSC applies the modification and records it in the audit trail.

Where the modification is refused, WEQSC notifies the school with reasons. The refusal is subject to appeal under the Accountability section of this portal.

Audit Trail

Every modification is recorded in an audit trail, showing:

• The date and time of the modification;
• The user who requested it;
• The user who approved it;
• The field or fields modified;
• The previous value;
• The new value.

The audit trail is retained indefinitely and is available for inspection at audit.

Prohibited Modifications

The following modifications are prohibited:

• Modification of a credential once issued, except through the correction procedure set out in the Secretariat's official bylaws;
• Modification of an examination result, except through the re-evaluation procedure set out in the Accountability section of this portal;
• Modification of a scholarship or support record, except by WEQSC;
• Modification of an attendance record, except through the correction procedure;
• Modification of any record for the purpose of concealing a breach of the WEQSC framework.

A prohibited modification is a Critical Finding, and may constitute grounds for suspension or termination.

Database Corrections

Corrections to the WISE credential database are processed free of charge, in accordance with the Financial Framework page of this portal.

A correction request must be submitted by the accredited school through the Institution Management Portal, supported by documentation proportionate to the nature of the correction.

Breach — Consequences

A breach of any provision of this page is subject to the audit regime and, where applicable, to the suspension and termination regime set out in the Accountability section of this portal.

Conclusion

The data modification governance requirements set out in this page ensure that the integrity of every record under the WEQSC framework is preserved. All data modification procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.