QAA signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Dutch division of the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders

QAA has strengthened its partnership work with NVAO, The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding with its Dutch division.

NVAO is a quality assurance agency that safeguards the quality of the higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders, in an expert and independent manner, and that fosters the quality culture pursued within higher education institutions.

The agreement will lead to the sharing of information between both parties on key developments and intelligence in their respective higher education systems. Through the agreement, NVAO and QAA will share practice and collaborate on areas of mutual interest including student engagement, micro-credentials and transnational education.

QAA’s Chief Executive, Vicki Stott commented: ‘The relationship between higher education institutions in the UK and the Netherlands and Flanders has grown in recent years and we are delighted to recognise and support that through the signing of this new Memorandum of Understanding. We look forward to exploring the opportunities for collaboration in the coming years, working to the benefit of higher education institutions in our respective jurisdictions.

Luut Kroes, Director of NVAO said: ‘For NVAO, cooperation is crucial. For years, this has been the key to success in the Netherlands and Flanders. We are therefore pleased with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and believe that the partnership with QAA will have a positive influence on higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders. In addition, the signing matches well with the cooperation that already exists in many of the institutions in the countries where we are responsible for the quality of higher education.”

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham Glyndŵr University and QAA Board Member who also witnessed the signing commented: ‘This is a welcome development for QAA Members in Wales and across the UK, recognising the significant contribution that cross-border collaboration makes to the enhancement of quality in higher education. I look forward to seeing the impact that this partnership will have for UK higher education.’

The Memorandum of Understanding will last for a three-year period and can be extended subject to the agreement of both parties.