Cardiff academic to set subject benchmark statement

Dr Jonathan Gillard, from the School of Mathematics, has been appointed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to the Advisory Board for the Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research Benchmark Statement.

Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas.

They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.

QAA leads the development of Subject Benchmark Statements and reviews them on a cyclical basis to ensure they serve as a useful resource and can inform a range of purposes - including as reference points in the design, delivery and review of academic courses.

To ensure that the Subject Benchmark Statement reviews take into account a diverse and broad spectrum of intelligence, opinion and experience on the subject areas considered, each subject area under review has its own advisory group, comprising of leading members of the academic community, employers, professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs), and students.

Dr Gillard is currently the Deputy Head of the School of Mathematics.

A Reader in Statistics, his work is intradisciplinary, straddling several separate disciplines within mathematics with a focus on industrial problems that have a societal impact.

This has led to collaborations with the NHS, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, Airbus and the Office for National Statistics.

On being appointed to the Advisory Board, Dr Gillard said: “I am delighted to be selected to work with colleagues across the UK to set the required standards and content of all undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics degree programmes. It is great to steer this important work which has significant national impact, further strengthening Cardiff’s reputation in the delivery of high-quality learning and teaching.”

Dr Ailsa Crum, QAA’s Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards said: “The commitment and dedication of our experienced advisory groups helps to ensure that Subject Benchmark Statements continue to be valued by disciplinary communities. We are grateful to all of those who have volunteered their time to support this vital activity and look forward to working closely with them in the review of Subject Benchmark Statements this year.”