As part of their European study tour, students from the Bavarian Master’s Programme in Political Management (MPM) visited the European Institute of Public Administration(EIPA) in Maastricht for a focused session on innovation and quality management in the public sector.
The highlight of the visit was a discussion on the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) – a quality management tool designed to help public sector organisations enhance their performance and promote continuous improvement.
Building Better Public Administration with CAF
The day began with a presentation by EIPA senior expert Wolfgang Koeth, who provided an overview of EIPA’s structure and operations. This was followed by a session led by Giovanna Belisario, from the European CAF Resource Centre team at EIPA. She outlined the core principles, structure, and practical applications of the CAF model – a widely adopted framework used by hundreds of public organisations across Europe to evaluate performance and drive internal reforms.
The presentation emphasised how the CAF model fosters a culture of excellence, transparency, and evidence-based leadership within public administration. Importantly, it also explored how CAF connects to broader themes such as new ways of working, sustainability, and the challenges posed by skills shortages in the public sector. The session concluded with an open discussion on how the CAF can contribute to strengthening trust in public institutions, particularly in times of complexity and uncertainty.
Connecting Practice with Political Education
For the MPM students, public sector professionals undertaking their Master’s degree alongside full-time employment, the session at EIPA offered a valuable connection between theoretical knowledge and the practical realities of effective governance. It highlighted how strategic self-assessment tools like the CAF can empower institutions to adapt, innovate, and better serve their communities.
Students also shared insights from their own experiences within their organisations, including the challenges they face in implementing European policy at national and local levels.
Strengthening Governance
The visit to EIPA in Maastricht reinforced the importance of equipping future public sector leaders with both practical tools and a deep understanding of institutional performance.
