External QA review in independent and private higher education
Book eventQQI will host a peer learning event at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin on 2 September 2025, bringing together quality assurance professionals from across the independent and private higher education sector.
The event will mark the launch of a thematic analysis of the 2024 CINNTE institutional reviews for the four largest independent and private higher education institutions (HEIs). It will also feature a briefing on the updated terms of reference and handbook for the upcoming external quality assurance (QA) reviews of independent and private HE providers scheduled for 2026–2027.
🔍 Insights from the 2024 CINNTE Reviews
The first session will spotlight the key findings and emerging themes from the 2024 CINNTE reviews. QQI will present the dual-methodology approach used in the thematic analysis, which has uniquely combined traditional review methods with generative AI tools (Microsoft 365 Copilot) to extract and synthesise insights from the review reports.
Attendees will hear first-hand reflections from:
- Professor Peter Purg, Chair of the Griffith College Review Team
- Lori Johnston, Academic Dean at Dublin Business School
They will be joined by a panel of contributors involved in the reviews:
- Frances Kiely, Student Representative, Hibernia College CINNTE Review Team
- Michael Bulman, Industry Representative, National College of Ireland CINNTE Review Team
- Robin Flynn, Quality Officer, Hibernia College
- Mary Doyle, Quality Officer, Griffith College
A Q&A session will follow, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the panel.
📘 Looking Ahead: QA Reviews for 2026–27
The second session will provide a high-level overview of the revised institutional review model for smaller private and independent HEIs. While closely aligned with the CINNTE model used for public and larger private HEIs, the updated framework has been tailored to reflect the scale and diversity of smaller providers. The new terms of reference and review handbook will be published in advance of the event.
This event is a valuable opportunity for those involved in quality assurance, institutional review preparation, and strategic planning within the independent and private HE sector.
🕘 Registration deadline - Tuesday 12 August
Attendance is limited to two representatives per provider.
