Quality, Improvement & Workforce Lead in Essex

About the Role

Fixed‑base role: you will be contractually based in your preferred ACL office and may work from home. You will attend ACL sites 2‑3 days a week in line with business need.

Location: Essex

Working Style: Fixed‑base worker

Closing Date: 4th June 2026

Role Responsibilities

• Manage the development and delivery of the quality assurance policy so that Adult Community Learning (ACL) provision meets the expectations set out in the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and other relevant standards.
• Oversee self‑assessment and improvement planning processes, including the annual Self‑Assessment Report (SAR) and maintaining an up‑to‑date and effective Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), ensuring actions are evidence‑based and monitored for impact.
• Manage internal quality processes, observation of teaching and learning, and moderation activities to maintain consistency and compliance across all curriculum areas.
• Lead workforce development planning and implementation, including professional development programmes, teaching qualifications and continuous improvement initiatives for staff that continually build a skilled and motivated workforce that meets service quality standards.
• Collaborate with safeguarding, sector and performance leads to ensure that quality and workforce strategies align with learner needs, funding requirements and council priorities.
• Use Management Information Systems (MIS) and learner voice data to monitor performance, identify risks and inform improvement actions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, funding rules and external audit standards, and contribute to strategic planning and risk management.
• Promote digital innovation and inclusive practice in teaching, learning and workforce development to improve learner outcomes and staff capability.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Educated to RQF Level 6 (or equivalent by experience) in a relevant field such as education management or quality assurance, with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance frameworks, including the Education Inspection Framework (EIF), and experience of leading self‑assessment and improvement planning in Further Education (FE) or adult learning contexts.
• Proven experience in workforce development, including planning and delivering professional development programmes and supporting teaching excellence.
• Knowledge of funding and regulatory frameworks relevant to Adult Community Learning (ACL), including guidance from the DfE.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence decisions and collaborate across functions.
• Commitment to inclusion, digital innovation and continuous improvement, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insight into actionable plans.

Additional Requirements

This role requires mobility throughout an operational area. The post holder must have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or alternative means to meet the role’s mobility requirements.

Benefits

• Support for unpaid carers.
• Flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal circumstances.

Equal Opportunities and Codes of Conduct

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interview all disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. As part of employment, if the role requires a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. All employees and volunteers are expected to uphold safeguarding, the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and adhere to the code of conduct and the Nolan principles.