Kay joined the University in 2013 to project manage the institution's successful application for Taught Degree Awarding Powers and University Title, and concurrent engagement with QAA Higher Education Review. Kay is now responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements and expectations of the OfS in relation to quality and standards; the development and ongoing enhancement of quality assurance procedures; the University's engagement with the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF); and the quality management of partnership activity.
Prior to joining the University, Kay spent several years working for the University of Essex. As Academic Standards and Partnerships Manager, Kay was responsible for overseeing the quality and academic standards of provision on the main University campuses and for the strategic and operational management of the University's collaborative partnerships (including University Campus Suffolk).
In terms of broader engagement with the higher education sector, Kay has taken a lead role in the production of the Council of Validating Universities' handbook for practitioners involved in managing partnership arrangements (2013; updated 2015), liaising with the QAA to ensure alignment with the UK Quality Code.
Kay possesses an undergraduate degree, a Master's degree and a PhD in the field of history.