Donna Simpson

She is responsible for leading and managing the Admissions Department via:

Strategic Oversight

Oversees the creation and implementation of admissions policies to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with equality legislation and institutional standards.

• Define and maintain entry criteria for all programmes.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and external regulations (e.g., UKVI).
• Liaise with internal and external partners to uphold quality standards.

 Operational Management

Sets the direction for recruitment and admissions strategies, aligning them with the university’s goals

• Oversee application processing and decision-making for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes.
• Manage enrolment workflows and admissions-related systems.
• Ensure accurate data handling and reporting.

 Policy and Compliance

Ensures compliance with University Policy and wider legislation for both Admissions and UKVI Immigration requirements

• Implement and update admissions policies for fairness and transparency.
• Monitor adherence to criminal conviction policies and widening access initiatives.
• Oversee UKVI legislation and ensure implementation into Admission policy and process

 Quality Assurance

Ensures that all Admission Policies are reviewed and fit for purpose, oversees admissions staff and accredited agents are trained to an appropriate standard, competent to make fair and sound judgements, confirms adherence to QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) Fair Admissions Policy

• Conduct spot checks and quality reviews of partner admissions processes.
• Coordinate with academic quality teams to maintain standards across collaborative programmes.

 Team Leadership and Development

Manages the day-to-day operations of the admissions office, ensuring workflows run smoothly and service-level agreements (SLAs) and KPIs are met. This includes monitoring peaks in application volumes and reallocating resources to maintain turnaround times.

• Lead and support admissions teams, including training and onboarding.
• Encourages teamwork and motivates staff to work effectively within internal and external teams, fostering a positive and collaborative environment
• Leads critical operational activities such as UCAS data interface management

 Specialist Areas

• Oversee the review of current and new international qualifications and documents with a view to detection of fraudulent applications.
• Create, manage and oversee immigration processes and policies for incoming students.
• Develop and manage operational timetables for complex partnership programmes.

Donna is an experienced Professional Services colleague who began her association with RGU as a Law and Management student in 1998. After graduating, she worked in the private sector for several years, gaining valuable insights into administrative practices and management skills. Donna returned to RGU in 2004 to join the International Office as an Immigration Officer. Over time, she progressed through roles including International Admissions Officer, School Liaison Officer, Immigration Lead, and Admissions Manager.
In 2022, Donna was appointed Head of Admissions.

She is currently focused on enhancing the University’s Customer Relationship Management systems to provide applicants and support teams with a personalized service across all communication channels, ensuring a consistent and seamless customer experience.

Register of Interests