Each year, ENQA organises the Seminar on the European Dimension of Quality Assurance. As its title suggests, the seminar covers topics such as the Bologna Process, the European Commission’s priorities in quality assurance (QA) and higher education, the role of key stakeholder organisations in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), and key issues in QA practice.
The seminar is primarily aimed at new staff members of QA agencies, as well as those who wish to strengthen their understanding of QA at the European level. The event has a dual value: it provides a solid understanding of the European dimension of QA while creating opportunities to build lasting professional connections. By bringing together colleagues from various agencies and organisations, the seminar helps strengthen a shared understanding of QA and reinforces the spirit of cooperation that underpins the EHEA and ENQA’s work.
This year’s seminar brought together 60 participants, primarily representing QA agencies, alongside representatives of higher education institutions and other organisations. Participants also had the opportunity to attend ENQA’s annual reception with higher education stakeholders in Brussels, allowing them to connect with representatives of other higher education associations, policymakers and ENQA Board members, and extending networking opportunities beyond the seminar participants.
Federico Morán, Director of the Madrimasd Knowledge Foundation (madri+d, Spain), has sent staff from his agency to participate in the seminar on several occasions. He explains why the event is an important part of their professional development:
“At madri+d, our policy is to send technical staff to the Seminar on the European Dimension of Quality Assurance a few months after they join the agency, whenever feasible. This reflects our commitment to supporting their professional development from the beginning. By this stage, they are familiar with the regional and national QA frameworks, as well as the agency’s procedures and practices. The seminar completes this knowledge with a broader understanding of the European Higher Education Area. It helps our staff to situate national practices in a European context and understand how different higher education systems implement the ESG shared principles.
“We also see the seminar as a valuable introduction to European cooperation and professional networking. Participants exchange views with colleagues from other countries and learn about different approaches. They also begin to build relationships within the European QA community. For madri+d, this experience strengthens our team’s international outlook and brings fresh insights into our work.”
Jelena Manojlović, from the National Body for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NEAQA, Serbia), was among this year’s participants. She reflects on the value of the seminar for her organisation and the importance of connecting with colleagues across Europe:
“I would like to highlight that the seminar was exceptionally useful and meaningful for our organisation’s work. Of particular relevance were the discussions and presentations dedicated to the ESG standards and the DEQAR database.
“In addition to the highly engaging and informative working sessions, the overall organisation of the event was of the highest standard. However, I would highlight the opportunity for networking, informal communication, and direct exchange of experience as the most enjoyable and valuable part of the seminar. Alongside colleagues from other European agencies, it was a great pleasure to engage in conversations with ENQA Board members and other seminar participants. The opportunity to share challenges and examples of good practice in a relaxed and constructive atmosphere added special value to this gathering and further strengthened our cooperation within the European Higher Education Area.”