Herts academic appointed Deputy Chair for national review shaping future standards in paramedic education
Associate Professor Dr Vince Clarke will play a key role in the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) review of the Paramedics Subject Benchmark Statements for 2026–27. These benchmark statements set out what graduates in paramedic science should know and be able to do, guiding universities in designing courses that meet professional standards and prepare students for real-world practice.
The QAA is the UK’s independent expert body on higher education quality. Trusted by universities and regulatory bodies in the UK and internationally, it works to maintain and enhance academic standards across the sector and involves students in every part of its work.
Subject Benchmark Statements define the nature and scope of study within individual disciplines. They outline the academic standards graduates should meet and describe the knowledge, understanding, and skills students are expected to develop during their degree. These Statements play a crucial role in guiding the design, delivery and review of higher education programmes across the UK.
Dr Clarke said:
“I am very proud to have been appointed Deputy Chair to the Review Panel. I look forward to working closely with the Chair and Advisory Groups to ensure the Paramedics Subject Benchmark Statements continue to serve as valuable resources to subject communities.
“Since the Statements were first published in 2004, the profession has evolved considerably. The College of Paramedics will become the Royal College of Paramedics in January 2026, marking another major milestone for the profession. Ensuring that the Benchmarks reflect current expectations in learning, teaching and clinical practice is of vital importance.”
The 2026–27 review will incorporate several cross-cutting priorities for UK higher education, including equality, diversity and inclusion; education for sustainable development; disability inclusion; enterprise and entrepreneurship; and generative AI. Each theme will be considered across the Benchmark Statements, providing additional layers of insight for the review panel.
Dr Clarke has worked as a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service for nearly 30 years and helped establish in-house training enabling emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to progress to paramedic roles. Earlier this year, he was awarded a prestigious Fellowship from the College of Paramedics.
He added:
“The original 2004 QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Paramedics were produced with input from colleagues at the University of Hertfordshire, at a time when only around six universities offered paramedic education.
“Now that more than sixty providers exist across the UK, I am honoured to continue the work of former Hertfordshire colleagues in shaping the ongoing development of these Statements.”
Dr Andy Smith, Quality and Standards Manager at QAA, said:
“We’re hugely grateful to colleagues across the sector who dedicate their time, expertise and enthusiasm to this important work. We look forward to supporting the teams as they take forward the reviews.”
Learn more about studying paramedic science at the University of Hertfordshire.