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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Regulation directorate, ensuring effective delivery of qualifications in Wales.
- Company: Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator for qualifications, promoting learner needs and public confidence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, civil service pension, 30 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of education in Wales with impactful leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and extensive experience in regulatory or qualifications contexts required.
- Other info: Relocation support available; flexible working patterns can be discussed during interviews.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 97000 £ per year.
We're pleased to be supporting Qualifications Wales with the appointment of a new Executive Director of Regulation. Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator of qualifications and the qualification system in Wales. It is responsible for ensuring that qualifications and the qualifications system are effective in meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales, and for promoting public confidence in these.
Qualifications Wales has a publicly appointed Chair and Board who are accountable for the fulfilment of Qualifications Wales' statutory functions and of its obligations to Welsh Government as a Welsh Government Sponsored Body. Executive Directors have a shared responsibility for the effective leadership of Qualifications Wales, for defining strategic direction and priorities, managing control mechanisms and ensuring overall stewardship and performance management of the organisation.
Key Information
- Location: Newport with a hybrid approach, relocation support could be considered.
- Contract: Permanent and full-time, requests for alternative working patterns can be discussed at interview.
- Salary: £85,000 - £97,000 depending on experience, along with civil service pension (employer contribution of 28.97%), 30 days' annual leave, and other competitive benefits.
- Deadline: 15th June 2025
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Executive Director of Regulation will provide strategic leadership to the Regulation directorate, comprising of four teams; Approval and Designation, VQ Monitoring and Awarding Body Compliance, GQ Monitoring and Standards, and Regulatory Policy. The directorate is responsible for the development and implementation of regulatory policy, and for the ongoing review of the effectiveness of awarding bodies in their work to deliver qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales. The post holder is accountable for the operational delivery of a range of key regulatory duties and activities and, within the scheme of delegation, is responsible for making a range of enforcement decisions in the exercise of Qualifications Wales' powers.
The Executive Director is responsible for the design and implementation of an effective regulatory framework and approach that engenders positive and appropriate relationships with the awarding bodies that we regulate. The role is also the primary point of leadership in relation to operational cooperation and coordination across fellow qualifications regulators - ensuring positive relationships are maintained.
Summary of Requirements:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- A track record of effective strategic leadership and management which demonstrates the ability to build, develop and manage teams of professionals.
- Evidence of extensive experience in a regulatory or qualifications context.
- Experience of engendering a structured and effective approach to the management of programmes and projects
- A thorough knowledge of regulatory principles, and how to apply these, and managing regulatory burden.
- A thorough knowledge of the risks inherent in regulatory systems.
- A good understanding of UK qualifications systems.
- Leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead and motivate their directorate to deliver. Delegating delivery of operational priorities to their direct reports and supporting them in the management and leadership of their teams.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide written and oral advice. Diplomacy and the ability to lead and influence in a sophisticated manner.
For the full responsibilities, requirements and further information, please find the full candidate pack on our website.
To Apply
Qualifications Wales have retained Acorn by Synergie to support and manage this round of recruitment. To learn more, please find contact details on Acorn's website. If you would like to apply, please submit the following for consideration ahead of the deadline on 15th June 2025:
- Updated CV
- Supporting statement (maximum of 2,000 words) detailing your motivation for applying and your suitability with the person specification in consideration.
Our intention is to interview on Thursday 3rd July in Newport. If you have any issues with these dates or require any further reasonable adjustments as part of the process then please contact Acorn by Synergie who will be happy to assist. We look forward to hearing from you.
Executive Director - Regulation in Newport employer: Acorn by Synergie
Contact Detail:
Acorn by Synergie Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Regulation in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape in Wales, particularly focusing on Qualifications Wales and its role. Understanding their mission and current challenges will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and regulatory sectors. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet individuals connected to Qualifications Wales. Building these relationships can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams effectively. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in a regulatory context, as this will be crucial for the Executive Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and issues within the UK qualifications system. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Regulation in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Executive Director of Regulation position. Familiarise yourself with Qualifications Wales and their mission to ensure qualifications meet the needs of learners in Wales.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Use it to detail your motivation for applying and how your experience aligns with the person specification. Be specific about your strategic leadership experience and how it relates to regulatory contexts.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and supporting statement, emphasise your track record in regulatory environments, project management, and team leadership. Provide concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and implement effective regulatory frameworks.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn by Synergie
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory principles and frameworks that govern qualifications in the UK, particularly in Wales. This knowledge will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to lead the Regulation directorate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your strategic leadership and team management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built and motivated teams to achieve operational priorities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally. Given the importance of communication in this role, be prepared to provide examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and maintained positive relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Qualifications Systems
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of the UK qualifications system and the inherent risks within regulatory systems. This will show your capability to design and implement effective regulatory frameworks.
