QAA announces next Deputy CEO

QAA has announced the appointment of Alastair Delaney as QAA’s next Executive Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive. He will replace Vicki Stott in the role from 1 September, when she takes over as QAA’s acting Chief Executive.

Alastair is currently QAA’s Director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As Deputy CEO he will be responsible for the delivery of QAA’s services nationally and internationally, while building key strategic partnerships.

QAA’s CEO-designate Vicki Stott said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Alastair into the role. His experience leading QAA’s work across three of the UK nations and in Europe will be invaluable in helping us work with regulators and funding bodies, support our members in enhancing the quality of provision for their students, and develop our international relationships’.

QAA’s Chief Executive Douglas Blackstock added: 'This is an excellent appointment for QAA. Alastair brings a wealth of experience, and is ideally placed to ensure that QAA retains its vital cross-UK role within the higher education sector.'

Alastair Delaney said: ‘I’m looking forward to working with regulators, funding bodies and governments from across the UK to consider how best the quality and standards of higher education can evolve in light of new policy developments. I am also keen to ensure that the services we offer to our UK Members and international partners continue to meet their diverse needs.'

Before joining QAA in 2020, Alastair was Director of Quality Assurance at Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Previous to this, he was the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Inspection for Education Scotland. In this role Alastair was responsible for the independence, quality, delivery and future direction of all Education Scotland’s scrutiny work, from nurseries to further education. Alastair joined HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) as an HM Inspector in 2000 after having worked in Community Learning and Development in both the local authority and voluntary sectors.