On January 12, 2022, NAQA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the British Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The procedure was held online. QAA was represented by the Chief Executive Vicki Stott, Stephanie Sandford — Director of International and Professional Services, Dr. Alison Felce — Accreditation, Partnerships and Policy Manager, QA Specialist Ian Welch and graduate George Prentice. From the NAQA side a meeting was attended by NAQA Head Serhiy Kvit, Vice-Head Natalia Stukalo, International Project Manager Albina Tsiatkovska and Iryna Zhaloba — specialist of Public Relations and International Cooperation department.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding, NAQA and QAA will share information and ensure mutual trust and confidence in one another’s higher education systems.
The partnership will be underpinned by collaboration between NAQA and QAA on agreed areas of mutual interest such as academic integrity and the knowledge and training of quality experts. Both parties will also support one another with projects of significant interest, such as preparations for NAQA’s forthcoming application to the European Network for Quality Assurance (ENQA), and the development of a report for QAA members on transnational education in Ukraine.
Speaking upon signing the agreement, QAA’s Chief Executive, Vicki Stott said: “QAA’s partnership with NAQA has grown in strength over recent years, something we are delighted to recognise through the signing of this agreement. Working together, we aim to build capacity for collaboration and partnership between Ukrainian higher education and QAA members.”
Serhiy Kvit, Head of NAQA commented: “We highly appreciate the support that QAA has been providing to NAQA since the launch of our agency. Joint projects and initiatives will benefit both agencies and the higher education systems in Ukraine and the UK. This Memorandum is one step forward in our cooperation.”
The Memorandum of Understanding will last for three years, with the potential of an extension upon the agreement of both parties.