Head of Quality Assurance in England

Our University's DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join the Academic Registry's Senior Leadership Team as Interim Head of Quality. This pivotal role shapes and safeguards the academic integrity of the University's programmes, awards, and overall student experience. The opportunity has arisen due to the internal secondment of the permanent postholder. As the institutional expert for your allocated Section within the Academic Registry, you will act as the recognised authority on all matters relating to academic quality, contributing to the effective delivery of the University's quality management and academic regulatory framework. You will ensure that all quality assurance approaches are maintained, reviewed and developed in line with national expectations and external agency requirements. You will lead your Section to deliver agile, customer‑focused services that support the University's strategic objectives. Central to the role is ensuring high‑quality user experience and effective engagement with stakeholders across the institution and beyond.

• Programme Approval
• Programme Monitoring, Review and Enhancement
• Programme/Module Amendments
• Accreditations and External Reviews
• External Examining
• Academic Framework and Regulations
• Academic Registry policies, processes and associated casework

Direct responsibility for a team of approximately 5.5 FTE, including one Senior Registry Officer, and two Registry Officers (Quality Assurance). Champion an inclusive approach, supporting the development of a university community where people feel valued, respected and able to be themselves. Deliver an effective and efficient service to clients of the Academic Registry, including where appropriate colleagues within the Academic Registry. Drive improvements to the services within the allocated Section, contributing actively to the delivery of the Academic Registry strategy. Ensure integrated working across the five sections of the Academic Registry, promoting effective communication, data flows and efficient operations. Act as Programme Manager for designated projects, ensuring deliverables are achieved and benefits maximised. Lead organisational responses to initiatives, developments and audits within the postholder's remit. Lead policy and regulatory development – researching, drafting, presenting, operationalising and continuously improving regulations, policies and procedures. Undertake horizon scanning, monitor changes to national regulatory frameworks and recommend institutional responses. Act as business owner for the development of the student records system and other relevant systems. Provide clear and innovative leadership to designated teams – recruitment, objective‑setting, coaching, performance management. Manage Section resources, determine requirements and agree allocations within budget constraints. Ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements (Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, Health and Safety, UKVI, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Consumer Rights Act). Maintain effective risk management escalation within remit. Ensure participation of the Section in Academic Registry‑wide services, including graduation ceremonies and registration/enrolment activities. Undertake other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

Qualifications

• Post‑graduate qualification or professional equivalent.
• Expert knowledge of quality assurance related policy, perspectives and processes for UK Higher Education.
• Significant leadership experience gained in a quality assurance section or equivalent in UK Higher Education.
• Expert knowledge of your field and how it inter‑relates to other areas of the business.
• Line Management experience.
• Crisis Management experience.
• Experience of developing innovative solutions and contributing to strategic planning.
• Experience of leading complex change projects or programmes.
• Excellent management skills in meeting objectives and dealing with people at all levels in a UK Higher Education institution.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays and closure days).
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs).
• Training & development support opportunities.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym.
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU's workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles. Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.