Inside our approach to quality
Dawn Martin
Head of Governance and Quality Enhancement
Queen Margaret University
Real-world tips
- Let sector guidance shape your next steps
When new advice or principles are released, use them as a prompt to review and strengthen your own processes - whether that’s updating manuals, refining documentation or adjusting internal workflows. - Make the most of structured resources
Tools like diagrams, scenarios and reflective prompts can help clarify thinking and support teams to test whether your current approach aligns with expectations. - Recognise the complex and many demands on student representatives
Use established frameworks to build student partnership into everyday work in a proportionate way. These provide a shared understanding of what partnership looks like, help teams judge the right level of student input, and ensure student insights lead to real improvements. - Stay active in sector networks
Taking part in review activity, forums and events provides valuable insight into how other institutions are approaching similar challenges and helps keep practice current. - Use external support to stay ahead of issues
Keeping open lines of communication with QAA - especially during major review cycles - can help surface questions early and avoid surprises later on.
Dawn Martin, Head of Governance and Quality Enhancement at Queen Margaret University, offers a practitioner’s view of quality work - from shaping internal processes to collaborating with sector colleagues.
Building capability and confidence
I have worked in quality for over 20 years, during which I have experienced an increasing and welcome sector focus on enhancement. Our team’s core activities are oversight of programme development, monitoring and review, and provision of professional support to senior committees. I most enjoy being able to make a difference to the student experience, including through partnership work with students. The main priority for me this year is planning for our participation in TQER.
Working through shared expertise
I work closely with QAA in relation to institutional review, including QMU’s participation in previous review methods, and as a reviewer for other universities. I enjoy participating in sector events, including the former Enhancement Themes Conference, and I am a member of The Quality Forum (TQF). I also make regular use of QAA resources to support and inform my day-to-day work, including the development of policies, procedures, and regulations.
Embedding quality in everyday practice
As new sections of the Quality Code Advice and Guidance are released, we use these to inform practice. For example, we plan to develop Operating Manuals for collaborative partners in response to Principle 8. I find the diagrams, reflective questions, and scenarios especially valuable to focus thinking. For example, through our ongoing Student Partnership Project, we are engaging with the Recognition of Student Contribution table (Principle 2).
Streamlining processes with trusted support
I have found it valuable to know that QAA colleagues are always available and approachable if I have queries or concerns, including under the ‘no surprises’ approach. I greatly appreciate the role of QAA in bringing institutions together to share practice across the Scottish sector, and I look forward to seeing this evolve to align colleges and universities more closely through the new TQEF.
