What a development plan is
A development plan is a written, time‑bound set of recommendations and actions that identifies strengths, gaps and priority improvements in governance, academic provision, quality assurance and student protections. It is intended to help an institution progress through ITAA’s institutional maturity framework (Foundational, Developing, Established).
When ITAA provides a development plan
ITAA may issue or recommend a development plan after an initial review, site visit, or accreditation evaluation when assessors identify areas needing improvement. Plans are normally issued to institutions undergoing accreditation, re‑accreditation, or to applicants in a supported development pathway.
What the plan includes
Typical elements are: a summary of findings; prioritized actions; responsible officers; timelines and measurable indicators; required documentation; and recommended capacity‑building support. The plan focuses on institutional systems (governance, curriculum, assessment, QA), not doctrinal content.
Limits and legal responsibilities
Important: ITAA is an independent theological accreditation agency and does not grant governmental recognition, nor does ITAA’s development plan replace any legal, statutory or regulatory requirements. Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state/provincial and local laws and for holding any licences or approvals required to operate or to award qualifications.
How institutions use a development plan
Institutions should treat the plan as a roadmap for internal change, publish agreed actions where appropriate, assign responsibility for milestones, and submit evidence of progress to ITAA within agreed reporting cycles. Failure to act on mandatory corrective actions may affect accreditation status.
Frequently asked questions
Is a development plan a guarantee of accreditation?
No. A plan supports improvement but accreditation depends on meeting ITAA standards and compliance evidence.
Does ITAA provide funding or legal services?
No. ITAA may advise on capacity building but does not provide legal, financial or statutory authorisations.
A development plan equals government approval.
ITAA development plans are advisory and quality‑improvement tools; they do not provide statutory recognition or replace government licences or degree‑awarding powers.
ITAA will implement the plan for the institution.
ITAA recommends actions and may offer guidance, but institutions are responsible for carrying out and resourcing changes.
ITAA’s role and limits
The International Theological Accreditation Association provides independent theological accreditation and quality‑assurance support to help institutions improve. ITAA may issue development plans to guide institutional improvement, but ITAA is not a governmental authority and does not grant statutory degree‑awarding powers. Institutions must comply with all applicable laws and hold any required government licences or registrations before issuing qualifications.