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A University of Hertfordshire academic has been appointed Deputy Chair for a major national review set to shape the future of paramedic education across the UK.
Associate Professor Dr Vince Clarke, the university’s Programme Lead for Paramedic Science, will take a senior role in the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) review of the Paramedics Subject Benchmark Statements for 2026–27. These Statements underpin the academic standards for paramedic science degrees, defining what graduates should know and be able to do, and guiding universities in the design and delivery of courses that prepare students for contemporary clinical practice.
As the UK’s independent authority on higher education quality, the QAA works with universities and regulators across the UK and internationally to safeguard and enhance academic standards. Subject Benchmark Statements form a key part of this work, setting out the knowledge, understanding and skills expected of graduates in individual disciplines.
Dr Clarke described his appointment as an important opportunity to support the continued development of the profession.
“I am very proud to have been appointed Deputy Chair to the Review Panel,” he said. “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.”
Associate Professor Dr Vince Clarke.
The work comes at a significant moment for the sector. Since the Benchmarks were first published in 2004, paramedic practice has evolved substantially, reflecting an expanded clinical scope and a rapidly growing higher education footprint. The imminent transition of the College of Paramedics to the Royal College of Paramedics in January 2026 marks another milestone.
“Ensuring that the Benchmarks reflect current expectations in learning, teaching and clinical practice is of vital importance,” Dr Clarke added.
The 2026–27 review will also integrate 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. These themes will be embedded across the Statements to provide deeper insight for reviewers and the wider academic community.
With nearly 30 years’ experience as a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, Dr Clarke has been closely involved in professional development across the sector. He helped establish in-house training routes enabling emergency medical technicians to progress to paramedic roles, and earlier this year was awarded a Fellowship from the College of Paramedics.
He noted that Hertfordshire academics played a formative role in the original creation of the Benchmarks.
“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,” he said. “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.”
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