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Our networking communities give you access to peers across the UK and internationally.
These are safe, constructive online spaces where you can share challenges, compare solutions and work collaboratively on emerging issues. In a sector shaped by rapid change and complexity, trusted relationships help you respond faster and act with confidence. Whatever your role, there's a QAA networking community to help you connect with a vibrant network of professionals shaping the future of tertiary and higher education.
College-based higher education often reflects the strengths of further education practices applied to the depth and challenge of degree-level study. This dedicated networking community enables quality, professional services, and teaching and learning
professionals in QAA member colleges to stay informed, connected and supported as the tertiary education landscape continues to evolve.
Meeting online three times a year, the College HE Networking Community provides a space to explore the latest policy developments, discuss quality priorities and share effective practice with peers from across the UK. The sessions offer
practical insight, open discussion and a strong professional community for anyone shaping or supporting higher education in colleges.
The network is chaired by Ann Cotterill, Quality Manager at QAA, and Jane Nickisson, Assistant Principal and Dean of Higher Education at University Centre Reaseheath.
The Executive Leaders (Teaching and Learning) Networking Community is a dedicated space for senior leaders responsible for education, teaching and learning across higher education.
Designed exclusively for executive-level colleagues, this network offers a trusted space to connect with senior peers from QAA and from across the sector. Each session brings together strategic perspectives, sector updates and informed discussion, supported
by QAA’s expertise and insight.
Chaired by Steph Tindall, QAA's Head of UK and International Membership, the network meets online up to three times a year, alongside an in-person Spring Retreat that offers time for deeper discussion,
collaboration and reflection with sector leaders.
The Programme Leaders Network brings together colleagues who lead or oversee undergraduate, postgraduate and foundation degree programmes across UK higher education. Meeting online up to three times a year, the community offers opportunities
to explore developments in programme design, delivery and evaluation, while sharing innovation and effective practice with peers across the sector.
Whether you are refining curriculum or assessment strategies, responding to policy developments or enhancing the student experience, these sessions provide practical insight and a supportive professional network.
Open to programme leaders, course directors, associate deans and colleagues in similar academic and quality roles, the community is chaired by Lucy Leake, QAA Quality Specialist and Emma McDonald, Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The Specialist and Independent Providers Networking Community brings together colleagues working in roles related to quality assurance and enhancement, and teaching and learning, in specialist and independent higher education providers
across the UK. It enables professionals to stay informed, connected and supported while exploring the unique opportunities and challenges within this diverse part of the sector.
Meeting online up to three times a year, the community offers opportunities to explore current policy developments, share innovation and effective practice, and discuss the priorities that matter most to specialist and independent providers. These sessions
provide a space for the distinctive perspectives of these institutions to be shared and discussed with peers across the sector.
The community is chaired by Ann Cotterill, QAA Quality Manager, and Jane Fawkes, Deputy VC and University Secretary at University of the Built Environment.
The Student Engagement Networking Community is a vibrant space to engage with the latest developments in student representation, student engagement, and quality enhancement.
Meeting online up to three times a year, the community promotes meaningful student involvement in quality processes and policy discussions, offering the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, share innovative practice, and shape thinking on
engaging students as partners.
Open to staff with responsibility for student engagement, sabbatical officers, and student union staff, as well as quality and academic colleagues across universities, this community is chaired by Lucy Leake, QAA Quality Specialist, and Chase Greenfield,
Development Consultant at Student Partnerships in Quality Scotland (sparqs).
The Wales Quality Network (WQN) brings together colleagues from across the Welsh tertiary education sector to share practice, explore challenges, and strengthen quality cultures across further and higher education. We aim
to support quality practitioners in Wales on matters of policy and practice in areas relating to quality in learning and teaching, quality assurance, and quality enhancement.
The WQN provides a space for open discussion on quality assurance and enhancement, supporting alignment with sector-wide priorities and encouraging a collective approach to continuous improvement. Members are encouraged to bring colleagues and student
representatives to help shape conversations on the issues that matter most to staff and learners across Wales.
Chaired by Professor Stephen McVeigh from Swansea University and Phil Maull, Nations Enhancement Manager at QAA, the community needs your ideas, thoughts and help to shape the themes and areas of work that will have the biggest impact for our colleagues
and students.
Meeting online three times a year, the Global Quality and Partnerships Networking Community provides a space to explore the latest policy developments, discuss quality priorities, and share effective practice with peers from across the
sector.
The community brings together professionals responsible for managing quality and standards across partnership arrangements, global multi‑campus institutions, and online and distance learning, to stay informed, connected and supported in a rapidly evolving
global education landscape. The sessions offer practical insight, open discussion and a strong professional community for anyone involved in transnational education.
Open to Global Insights and Accredited International members, the network is chaired by Krisztina Ford, Quality Specialist at QAA, alongside sector chair, Professor Margaret Topping, PVC International, Queens University Belfast.
The internationalisation of higher education offers opportunities to enhance the experiences of students from all backgrounds and locations, including home and international students in the UK, as well as those participating in student exchange programmes
or transnational education.
Meeting online three times a year, the Global Experience and Mobility Networking Community brings together colleagues involved in global engagement, international education, student mobility programmes, and international student support,
to share effective practice and connect with one another. The sessions offer practical insight and a strong professional community for anyone involved in supporting and enhancing the experience of a globally mobile student population.
Open to Global Insights and Accredited International members, the network is chaired by Sarah Hunter, Quality Specialist at QAA alongside sector chair Campbell Powrie, Deputy Registrar & Head of Student Life at Heriot-Watt University.
The Executive Leaders (International) Networking Community brings together senior leaders responsible for international strategy, provision and partnerships across higher education.
Designed for Pro-Vice-Chancellors for International, and equivalent roles, this network provides a dedicated space to explore the rapidly evolving global higher education landscape. Connect with peers to discuss shared priorities, emerging
challenges and strategic developments shaping international provision.
Meeting online up to three times a year, each session offers insights from QAA’s global partners, updates from key regions of interest, and the opportunity to engage with colleagues influencing the UK’s international education
agenda. The community is open to Global Insights and Accredited International members, and is chaired by Shannon Stowers, Director of International Policy and Engagement at QAA.
