QAA welcomes new members of student committee

The Quality Assurance Agency has welcomed a new cohort of members to its Student Strategic Advisory Committee (SSAC).

SSAC's membership comprises students, student representatives and staff from students’ unions or representative bodies in higher education, whose expertise, experience and perspectives provide QAA with essential guidance and advice.

QAA is committed to the involvement of students throughout its work. This reflects one of the key principles of the UK Quality Code – the commitment "to engage students as active partners in assuring and enhancing the quality of the student learning experience".

During the current academic year, SSAC will support QAA in setting priorities and promoting opportunities for student engagement across the agency. 

Our new SSAC members include UCL's B.B.M. Gajjar, who describes himself as "passionate about supporting the enhancement and assurance of high educational standards, both in the UK and globally" – and Lincoln Bishop University's Jessica Sanders, who has stressed her belief in "the power of student voice to shape meaningful change".

Meanwhile, the University of Edinburgh's Shirley Tian has emphasised that "student engagement in quality is vital because quality assurance in higher education is not a one-time evaluation, but an ongoing process of enhancing the relevance, inclusivity, and accessibility of learning".

Wrexham University's Shani Louison-Thomas has added that "student engagement in quality is important because it keeps education accountable and ensures decisions are based on real experiences, not assumptions".

This is a point also stressed by the University of Manchester's Hannah Walton: "When students are actively involved in shaping standards and processes, the entire education system becomes more transparent, accountable and empowering."

Our new members have joined continuing SSAC members Jimena Alama and Calum Campbell.