QAA Chief Executive appointed to the Board of Qualifications Wales

Today, Wales' Education Minister Kirsty Williams MS announced her decision to appoint QAA's Chief Executive, Douglas Blackstock, to the Board of Qualifications Wales.

Qualifications Wales is the independent statutory body tasked with regulating for non-degree qualifications in Wales. It offers regulatory oversight and independent expert advice on standards and requirements. Douglas will join the Board from 15 June 2021 for a term of three years.

Douglas brings 20 years' experience at QAA, where he has played a critical role in our work to maintain academic standards and enhance the quality and global reputation of UK higher education. He is due to step down as QAA Chief Executive at the end of 2021, but will continue to serve on the Board of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

Douglas said: “It's an honour to be appointed to the Board of Qualifications Wales. Its role is important and necessary as Wales moves towards a unified post compulsory education system, and as education across the UK adapts to the challenge of COVID-19. I'm looking forward to joining the Board in its work to ensure regulated qualifications taken in Wales are trusted and valued by learners, employers and education providers.”

QAA and Qualifications Wales have a shared interest in the regulation and recognition of Access to HE Diploma in Wales, and share a Memorandum of Understanding.