Quality & Accreditation Standards Manager in Stockton-on-Tees

Help shape quality across a national organisation. We're looking for an experienced Quality & Accreditation Standards Manager to lead our approach to quality, compliance and accreditation across Fedcap. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how we deliver services, ensuring we meet the highest standards while driving continuous improvement across the organisation. You'll work closely with operational teams and support functions to embed a culture of quality, maintain key accreditations, regulatory inspections and help improve the experience of the people and communities we support. If you're passionate about quality assurance, enjoy working collaboratively, and have experience managing accreditation frameworks, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary: £42,000

Location: This is primarily an on-site role, based in Thornaby, Stockton (TS17 6EX). There is the option to work from home one day per week; however, a commitment to working on-site for at least four days each week is essential.

Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours

Travel: Regular travel is an essential part of this role. All business travel expenses are covered, however, if you are unable to commit to regular travel, we kindly ask that you do not apply.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of our quality and accreditation programmes.
• Maintain and enhance management systems, including Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and continual improvement of other accreditations.
• Plan and deliver internal audits to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the key point of contact for accreditation bodies and external auditors.
• Work with operational teams and support functions to resolve non-conformities and drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor quality performance through KPIs, audits and customer feedback, using insight to improve services.
• Produce high-quality reports, action plans and management information for senior leaders and governance groups.
• Ensure quality policies, procedures and documentation remain accurate, accessible and up to date.
• Deliver training and guidance to colleagues, promoting a culture of quality, accountability and compliance.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, industry standards and accreditation requirements, ensuring Fedcap remains compliant.

What we're looking for:

You'll be someone who thrives on improving processes, influencing others and maintaining high standards. To be successful, you'll have:

• Experience working in quality assurance, accreditation and compliance.
• A recognised quality management qualification (such as ISO 9001 Lead Auditor or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, accreditation standards and regulatory requirements including DfE and Ofsted standards.
• Experience planning and conducting internal audits.
• Excellent organisational, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence colleagues at all levels.
• Confidence working independently while collaborating across multiple teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
• The flexibility to travel across the UK when required.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience within the employability, skills, health or public service sectors.
• Knowledge of local labour markets and government-funded employment programmes.

What We Offer:

We’re a mission-led organisation with social value at our core. We’ve been trusted for nearly a century to help people improve their economic wellbeing. We’re a Disability Confident Leader and proud to reflect the communities we serve.

• You’ll make a real impact: Every success story you help write will be felt in homes, workplaces, and communities across the county.
• You’ll grow: With access to training, reflective practice, and a national network of likeminded colleagues.
• You’ll be supported: We believe in team working, wellbeing check-ins, and manageable caseloads.
• You’ll be part of something bigger: From mental health awareness to inclusive recruitment and sustainable employment, your work contributes to broader change.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated fairly, feels they belong, and can do their best work. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and communities, and we value the different perspectives and lived experiences they bring. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Fedcap Employment is a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and, where required, in the workplace. We will not exclude a candidate with a disability unless they are unable to carry out a duty that is intrinsic to the role, after reasonable adjustments have been considered.

We are positive about employing veterans, serving personnel, and spouses/partners and family members, as part of our commitment to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

As a Ban the Box employer, we assess applicants on their skills and potential. We do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and any relevant information is considered fairly and in line with the role. If you need any adjustments to apply for this role or to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know. We’re committed to making our recruitment process fair, accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Benefits:

• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• £500 annual benefits scheme to spend at over 900 retailers.
• Cycle to Work scheme open all year round.
• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer match.
• Free life assurance worth 4x your salary.
• Health & wellbeing support, including access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.
• Digital gym, mindfulness resources, virtual GP and more.

About Fedcap UK:

In the UK, Fedcap is a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving people’s economic mobility. We support people to find work and access better health, education and learning opportunities. Working across our four integrated practice areas – education, workforce development, health, and economic development – we deliver research-based solutions that remove barriers and open doors to economic mobility and wellbeing for individuals and communities. We’re part of The Fedcap Group which serves more than 332,000 people each year through a network of not-for-profit affiliates in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

Our Values:

• Kindness: Be kind to each other, treat all those around you the way you would like to be treated.
• Respect: Always be respectful to each other, our customers, partners, stakeholders and funders – we are dedicated to exceptional service.
• Integrity: Act with integrity– always be open and honest in our dealings with all people and stakeholders.
• Innovation: Be innovative – always try to do things better, to look for new solutions that improve our services to customers.