QAHE is a higher education provider that delivers courses leading to degrees and other qualifications, either independently or in partnership with universities.
The organisation is governed by its Board of Directors, which is responsible for setting the overall direction, ensuring the organisation is well run, and making sure it meets all legal and regulatory requirements. The Board’s role is to provide clear leadership while protecting the interests of students and maintaining high standards across everything QAHE does.
The Board follows the Independent Higher Education (IHE) Code of Governance and is committed to acting openly, transparently, and with integrity, building trust and confidence among our students, partners, regulators, and the wider community.
While the Board has set up sub-committees, the Board remains collectively and fully responsible for QAHE’s overall financial oversight, strategic direction, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Mary Curnock Cook, CBE – Independent Director and Chair of the Board
Professor Ian Dunn – Independent Director
Udaibir Banga – Investor Director
Simon Nelson – Executive Director,Chief Executive & Accountable Officer QAHE
Tim Slater – Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer QAHE
Phil Young – QA Group Counsel and Board Secretary
Samantha Waters – Chief Governance & Transformation Officer
The Finance and Strategy Committee is a sub-committee of the Board with delegated authority to oversee how QAHE plans, invests, and uses its resources. Its main role is to support the Board in making sure the organisation remains financially sustainable and that its resources are aligned with its long-term strategy.
The Committee reviews financial plans, major investments, and how effectively resources are being used to support QAHE’s priorities. It provides advice and recommendations to the Board, helping to ensure decisions are well-informed and focused on long-term success.
Udaibir Banga – Investor Director and Chair of the Finance & Strategy Committee
Mary Curnock Cook – Independent Director
Simon Nelson – Executive Director, Chief Executive & Accountable Officer QAHE
Tim Slater – Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer QAHE
Samantha Waters – Chief Governance & Transformation Officer
The Remuneration and Nominations Committee is a sub-committee of the Board with delegated authority to oversee that QAHE has the right leadership in place, with fair and appropriate pay arrangements, and clear plans for future leadership and succession.
The Committee looks at areas such as Board and senior appointments, leadership pay, governance effectiveness, and how conflicts of interest are identified and managed. It provides independent advice and recommendations to help the Board make well-informed and balanced decisions.
The Committee works within QAHE’s governance framework and follows legal and regulatory requirements, helping to ensure decisions are fair, transparent, and aligned with the organisation’s values and responsibilities.
Professor Ian Dunn – Independent Director
Simon Nelson – Executive Director, Chief Executive & Accountable Officer QAHE
Samantha Waters – Chief Governance & Transformation Officer
The Academic Board is a sub-committee of the Board. Academic Board is the senior academic governance body of QAHE. Academic Board is responsible for overseeing the quality of teaching, learning, ensuring the overall student academic experience remains high, and that academic standards are consistently maintained.
While QAHE works in partnership with universities that award degrees, the Academic Board makes sure that the courses delivered meet those universities’ standards and all regulatory expectations. The Board shapes academic strategy and policies, promotes a strong focus on student outcomes and experience, and ensures that QAHE meets the requirements of regulators and quality bodies.
The Academic Board regularly reviews academic performance and provides assurance to the Board that QAHE is delivering high-quality education as a trusted partner. It also plays an important role in supporting and upholding Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech across the organisation.
Chief Academic Officer, Chair of Academic Board
Chief Executive & Accountable Officer
Chief Governance & Transformation Officer
Chief Technical Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Director of Quality
Director of Education Transformation
Senior Dean(s) of Faculty
Director of Student Operations
Director of Admissions
Head of Careers and Employability
Assistant Director Safeguarding, Student Life & Wellbeing
Director of Strategy
Senior Student Representatives (x2)
Governance Officer
Board and committee meeting minutes are available on request. For further information, please contact the Governance Team at governance@qa.com.