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Qatar Strategic Partnership Board (QSPB)

In this section
Qatar Strategic Partnership Board (QSPB)
Remit

PURPOSE

To provide strategic direction and oversight for the Partnership.

REMIT:

To ensure effective partnership delivery in compliance with the terms of the Partnership’s Academic Cooperation Agreement and the licensing requirements of the Ministry of Education & Higher Education, Qatar.

This includes:

  • the articulation of strategic objectives for the partnership.
  • approval, monitoring and review of the partnership KPI framework and performance.
  • consideration of the development of the partnership and contribution to the Qatar region.
  • ensuring that appropriate resources are available for the operational delivery of the partnership.
  • consideration of development opportunities for the partnership.

In this regard, the External Members of the QSPB are expected to provide their considered, independent advice to the Board in areas of strategic importance with relevance to the operating context in Qatar and to provide support to the Partnership and the College as it transitions to a more broadly based higher education establishment operating at greater scale and disciplinary scope.

In particular, External Members are expected to provide an independent perspective in, and constructive guidance to, the strategic planning and development of the Partnership, particularly in relation to:

  • the development of the range of educational activities and the programme portfolio in response to skills development needs, providing insights into employer demand and alignment to the Qatar 2030 priorities.
  • the development of industry, government and education sector partnerships within Qatar which will support and enhance the employability of our students; and,
  • the development of research priorities and areas of research impact that are supportive of Qatar 2030.

External Members will additionally be expected to provide ambassadorial support to the Partnership, which may include:

  • attendance at Partnership events; and,
  • supporting the development of new strategic relationships for the Partnership.

REPORTING LINE AND INTERFACE WITH OTHER COMMITTEES

Partners report to their respective governance bodies:

  • UoA Court and Senate
  • AFG Educational Holdings and Trustee Board.

Interface with other committees:

  • Provides executive authority to the Partnership Management Group to manage the operational aspects of the Partnership.

FREQUENCY AND TIMING OF MEETINGS

Three to four times per year – either online or in-person.  In-person meetings should alternate between campuses.

The timings of meetings will take account of the different time zones and will be conducted at an appropriate time consistent with respective normal business hours.

Composition & Membership

COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP

Composition

Co-chaired by the Chairperson of AFG College (Co-chair responsibilities may be delegated if unavailable to the Principal of AFG College) and by the Principal of the University of Aberdeen (Co-chair responsibilities may be delegated if unavailable to the Senior Vice-Principal).

Additional Members:

  • A representative of the Al-Faleh Group to be advised by the Chairperson of AFG College
  • University Secretary (UoA)
  • 5 External, Independent Members (to be selected)

In attendance:

  • Vice-Principal (Global Engagement), UoA
  • Principal, AFG College
  • Qatari Ministry of Education & Higher Education representative

External, independent members will not be Directors of the Partnership. They will be expected to act with due care and regard for the Partnership, but are not fiduciaries nor are they charged with fiduciary duties or responsibilities.
External, Independent Members will be drawn as evenly as possible from:

  • Business/Industry
  • Senior leaders in Education in Qatar
  • Government and civic role holders in Qatar
  • Partnership alumni

Four members (one from each of AFG College, University of Aberdeen, and External Members) represent, with the agreement of the co-chairs or one co-chair in the absence of the other, a quorum.

Membership 2024/2025

  • George Boyne
  • Sheikha Aisha Bint Al-Thani
  • Brian Buckley
  • Siladitya Bhattacharya
  • Saeed Al-Sayed
  • Debbie Dyker
  • Mark White
  • Mohammed Yousef Al-Mulla
  • Abdulla Fahad Al Mushairi
  • Paul Palmer
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