QAA announces Professor Isabel Donnelly as new Chief Executive

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Isabel Donnelly as its next Chief Executive following an open and rigorous recruitment process led by QAA's Board.  She will take up the role early in the new year. 

Professor Donnelly will join QAA from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where she is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education. She has previously served as Director of Quality & Standards at Blackburn College, Dean & Director of Business Development & Partnership at the University of Central Lancashire, and Head of Learning & Teaching Development at the University of Cumbria. She also currently serves as a member of the executive committee of the Heads of Educational Development Group, and as a member of the board of governors of Knowsley Community College & St Helens College.  She has supported the work of QAA as a reviewer, and as an expert reader for the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. 

Her career has encompassed both higher and further education sectors, with deep experience in areas including quality and standards, student experience, internationalisation and transnational education.    

Christian Brodie, Chair of QAA's Board, said: 

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Isabel Donnelly as QAA's next Chief Executive, at this crucial moment for the UK tertiary education sector. She brings an outstanding combination of strategic leadership, deep sector knowledge and international experience that will serve QAA, our members and the sector exceptionally well. 

"This was a highly competitive process, and Isabel stood out for her people-centric approach to leadership and her strong values, as well as her wealth of relevant expertise and experience.  I am confident that under her leadership, QAA will continue to grow in influence and impact in the UK and globally. 

“The Board is enormously grateful to Karl Leydecker for his thoughtful and very successful leadership as Interim CEO since April.  His work alongside the executive team has ensured that QAA remains in excellent shape for its next chapter." 

Isabel Donnelly, QAA’s Chief Executive designate, said: 

“I am beyond thrilled to be joining QAA as its next Chief Executive, and feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead an organisation that plays such an important role across UK tertiary education and internationally. 

“The strength of UK tertiary education rests not only on what we offer, but on the confidence that students and partners can place in its quality and standards. QAA has an important part to play: working in partnership to protect standards, support enhancement and help the sector respond confidently to the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

“I am looking forward to working with QAA’s talented team and, importantly, to listening to our members and partners across the UK and internationally. I want us to build on QAA’s considerable expertise and reputation, work collaboratively with others across the sector, and ensure that QAA continues to be relevant, trusted and valuable to those it serves.” 

Professor Karl Leydecker, who has served as Interim Chief Executive since April, said: 

"It has been a privilege to lead QAA during this period, and I am proud of everything the team has achieved. I am delighted at Isabel’s appointment, and I know she will find an organisation full of committed, expert colleagues and with supportive members. I look forward to working closely with her to ensure a smooth transition." 

Professor Leydecker will continue as Interim Chief Executive until Professor Donnelly takes up post.