HEPP-QN:
A NATIONAL QUALITY NETWORK FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
HEPP-QN was founded by Professor Jane Fernandez in 2014 and sponsored by Avondale University until 2021 when Professor Fernandez moved to Excelsia University College as Provost. Excelsia continues to sponsor the HEPP-QN currently. Professor Fernandez is supported by a Steering Group [Em Professor Geoff Scott, Associate Professor Carolyn Rickett, Ms Tess Coughlan, Associate Professor Andy West, Professor Albert Haddad, Dr Glenda Hepplewhite and Dr Sean Cox]. The HEPP-QN grew from a handful of providers to become a network of more than 100 institutions who are passionate and dedicated to enhancing the quality of Australian higher education.
The HEPP-QN brings to its platform a range of stakeholders including TEQSA, government regulators, sector experts, and higher education leaders. HEPP-QN drives quality through dialogue, review and purposeful collaboration. It focuses on promoting self-assurance, the robust management of sector risks and quality-assured practice through conferences, workshops, benchmarking, capacity-building initiatives and project work. Members learn and grow and support the building of frameworks that strengthen quality and compliance across institutions. Guided by HEPP-QN's signature motto, "Achieving Together," HEPP-QN believes in advancing best practice, building leadership, advancing innovation and supporting quality assurance, regulatory commitment and good governance - all in the service of its members and the public good.
This collaborative ethic is HEPP-QN's raison d'être. Within this network, competitors become collaborators, united by a shared mission: to advance the integrity of Australian higher education and strengthen its national reputation.
ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT
Over nearly a decade, HEPP-QN has delivered more than 200 presentations through keynotes and panels at twenty national conferences, alongside extensive project work that has shaped its focus - much of it profiled in its 10th Anniversary publication, Achieving Together.
Today, HEPP-QN is a vital corridor for collaboration across the sector. Born from the need to share knowledge, test ideas, and co-develop resources and strategies, HEPP-QN has become a national force for quality assurance and standards. Several member institutions have successfully scaled into new provider categories.
HEPP-QN ACTIVITIES
HEPP-QN runs two national conferences each year and monthly workshops and operates an online forum which enables members to connect on a day-to-day basis.
The HEPP-QN invites all institutions to connect to its vision for an enriched journey of collaboration and purpose in the interest of its students and graduates.
Professor Jane Fernandez
HEPP-QN National Founder and Convenor