Head of Governance, Quality and Compliance

Location: 30 Bedford Square, WC1B 3EE

Salary range: £62,000 - £69,000 per annum

Contract type: Full-time and permanent (35 hours per week)

About Us

Sotheby's Institute of Art and Vogue College of Fashion are owned by Edconic, an organisation that partners with prestigious companies to deliver relevant, experiential learning programmes taught by industry experts from the world's best brands.

Role Purpose

The Head of Governance, Quality and Compliance is responsible for shaping, supporting and delivering the governance, quality and regulatory compliance framework for Sotheby's Institute of Art and Vogue College of Fashion.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Governance and Compliance
  • Serve as clerk to the institutional Governing Body and its committees, engaging with governors, dealing with logistics, ensuring effective governance, accurate records and compliance.
  • Work with the Quality Manager in liaising and coordinating with the Internal Auditors, supporting audit planning, reporting and follow-up actions.
  • Have oversight of the institutional risk register, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and reported appropriately.
  • Have oversight of the organisation's regulatory compliance framework including CMA, Safeguarding and Visa Compliance.
  • Work with and provide leadership for staff involved in compliance, governance and quality and to ensure a responsive and high-quality service to both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Have broad oversight of the library, and line management of the Librarian.
  • Support pending Governance review.
• Regulatory Reporting and Assurance
  • Oversee Office for Students (OfS) data returns, in collaboration with the Quality Manager and other colleagues, to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory assurance.
  • Oversee the Access and Participation Plan for Vogue College of Fashion, ensuring compliance with OfS requirements and alignment with institutional strategy.
• Quality
  • Contribute to institutional strategic development.
  • Lead on strategic and policy development for governance, compliance and academic quality.
  • Work with the Quality Manager on aligning policies across both institutions, where appropriate.
  • Chair or support the Academic Standards Committees for both institutions and attend the Academic Board meetings.
  • Oversee student feedback mechanisms, including surveys and student committees and reporting outcomes at appropriate committees.
  • Participate in student casework including complaints, academic appeals, student disciplinary and misconduct processes where required.

Person Specification - Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Substantial experience of quality assurance and enhancement, compliance and regulation in English higher education with particular reference to the Office for Students.
• Significant experience of working in Higher or Further Education in a Governance / Quality / Compliance role.
• High level understanding of the implications of higher education policy in the context of quality assurance and enhancement procedures and processes, and previous experience of translating strategies into operational policies and procedures.
• Experience of leading and chairing meetings, committees and working groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• Ability to forge relationships with colleagues in partner institutions, oversee and influence the implementation of quality assurance processes.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise the workload of self and others.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines both internal and external.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant postgraduate qualification and/or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Active knowledge of the developing role of AI in higher education.
• Experience of line management.

Application Process

Please complete an online application form. You will be required to upload your CV and cover letter to your application, demonstrating your interest in this position and how you meet the person specification. CVs without a covering letter will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 16th August 2026.

Benefits of working for Sotheby's Institute of Art / Vogue College of Fashion include:

• 25 days annual leave plus up to 4 days additional discretionary leave during the Christmas period.
• Hybrid working.
• 2 discretionary Company Global Celebration Days.
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days annual leave on a salary sacrifice basis.
• 24/7 access to Spectrum.Life, a comprehensive health and wellbeing platform giving staff support across the full spectrum of life.
• Access to any course within the Edconic online course portfolio free of charge.
• Employee and family discounts on all Edconic courses.
• Volunteering days.
• Life insurance.
• Discount for gym membership.
• Access to a comprehensive e-learning platform.
• Enhanced maternity and sickness payment benefits.