As part of its continuous efforts to strengthen institutional capacities and enhance information management systems, employees of the National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NEAQA) successfully completed the short study programme “Protection of Classified Information and Trade Secrets” at the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade.
Certificates of successful completion were awarded to:
- Prof. Dr. Stefan Milojević, Assistant Director and Head of the Director’s Office;
- Božidar Dingarac, Secretary of NEAQA;
- Jadranka Sušić, Legal Associate for Accreditation Affairs
Upon successful completion of the programme, the participants obtained the professional qualification of “Manager for the Protection of Classified Information and Trade Secrets”, together with the competencies required for performing duties related to the protection of classified information and trade secrets, including risk assessment, information classification, implementation of security measures, and the establishment of procedures for handling confidential information.
The programme was designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills necessary for the proper classification of information, risk assessment, implementation of security measures, and establishment of procedures for handling confidential information in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Serbia and contemporary security management standards.
As the national institution responsible for the accreditation of higher education institutions and study programmes, NEAQA handles a significant volume of documents, reports, analytical materials, and other information that require a responsible approach, a high level of protection, and clearly defined handling procedures.
In recent years, NEAQA has continuously worked on improving its document management systems, digitalizing its processes, strengthening information security, and increasing institutional resilience. In this context, particular attention has been devoted to establishing procedures for the proper classification of information, determining levels of confidentiality, and implementing protective measures in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
The knowledge acquired through this programme will contribute to the further improvement of NEAQA’s internal procedures, particularly in the areas of:
- risk assessment in data handling processes;
- determining the classification level of specific documents and information;
- protection of information against unauthorized access;
- alignment of internal regulations with legal requirements;
- development of a security culture and responsible information management practices.
Beyond its direct application in everyday operations, this form of professional development also contributes to strengthening NEAQA’s overall institutional capacities, which is especially important in an environment characterized by increasing digitalization, electronic document exchange, and cooperation with numerous national and international partners.
By successfully completing this programme, NEAQA has further strengthened its human resources capacities in the fields of data protection and information security, reaffirming its commitment to legality, professionalism, accountability, and the implementation of the highest operational standards.
The National Entity for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education will continue to invest in the professional development of its staff and the advancement of mechanisms that ensure reliable, secure, and responsible management of information relevant to the higher education system of the Republic of Serbia.