New appointments to strengthen QAA's senior team

Earlier this year, QAA embarked on a number of new projects, including the launch of a new membership programme for universities and colleges across the UK, and the delivery of new quality assessments in English higher education. To meet the needs of a changing sector and support these new priorities, QAA has strengthened its senior leadership team with the following appointments:

Ben Potter, Director Quality Assessment, England
Ben will oversee QAA's work as the designated quality body for higher education in England. He will be the main point of contact for our ongoing working relationship with the Office for Students. In his most recent role as Higher Education Assurance Manager and University Principal Examiner at Pearson, Ben was responsible for developing strategy and processes used to quality assure over 500 approved centres. Prior to Pearson, he worked for the Health Care Professions Council where he regularly monitored 1,000 accredited programmes. Ben will begin his role with QAA on 16 December.

Ian Bassett, Director Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards
Ian oversees QAA's offer to member institutions, ensuring that the services we offer to universities and colleges across the UK represent real value and help them to deliver excellent learning experiences for their students. Ian has worked for international HE experts UK NARIC for the past 10 years. In his most recent role as Head of the Commercial Division, he was responsible for the development and delivery of the provision of all core services. Ian brings a high level of knowledge and experience of membership models.

Stephanie Sandford, Director International and Professional Services
Stephanie is responsible for delivering QAA's international strategy, allowing QAA to represent the UK HE's reputation for quality education on the global stage. She also oversees income-generating projects in support of the wider mission of QAA, ensuring that they are delivered to a high standard. Stephanie was previously at Coventry University where she has most recently held the role of Deputy Director, Partnership Development and Operations.

We are also recruiting to the post of Director, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, responsible for delivering quality assurance and enhancement approaches that suit the policy contexts in each UK nation. We hope to announce the successful candidate soon.

Commenting on these appointments, Vicki Stott, QAA's Executive Director of Operations and Deputy CEO, said:  'I'm delighted to welcome Ben, Stephanie and Ian to the team. In recent months, QAA has adapted to make sure we are fit for the future and are equipped to meet the evolving needs of universities and colleges in a fast-changing environment.

'Our new colleagues join at an important time for QAA, and for UK higher education. The skills and knowledge that they bring will not only be a vital part of future success, but will serve to strengthen the expertise that QAA is known for'.

Ben, Ian and Stephanie join QAA's Senior Leadership Team, responsible for delivering QAA’s services to the UK higher education sector and internationally.

You can find out more about all members of our senior leadership team on our website.