Head of Quality and Regulatory Affairs (Permanent)

Head of Quality & Compliance Salary: £55,162 per annum Contract: Permanent | Full-time | 37 hours per week Holiday: 35 days per annum Sector: Further Education We are recruiting for an experienced Head of Quality & Compliance to join a large and ambitious Further Education organisation. Reporting to the Vice Principal – Quality of Education , this is a key leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering the organisation’s approach to quality assurance, quality improvement and compliance . The role will work closely with curriculum leaders and senior stakeholders to drive continuous and measurable improvement across the quality of education, curriculum planning, self-assessment and performance. This would suit an established Head of Quality , senior quality leader or experienced curriculum leader with significant quality responsibility who understands what excellent FE provision looks like and can translate data, insight and quality processes into meaningful improvement. Lead the implementation of the Quality Assurance Strategy and continuous improvement across Study Programmes, Apprenticeships, Adult provision, High Needs and subcontracted provision. Lead the organisation-wide Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) processes. Develop and maintain a robust internal quality and review cycle that supports sustained improvement and inspection readiness. Lead analysis of in-year performance data, producing clear reports, insight and recommended actions for senior leaders. Support curriculum leaders with curriculum planning, design and quality improvement , ensuring decisions are firmly linked to improving the quality of education. Lead and support organisational readiness for Ofsted inspection , including the development of guidance and support for curriculum leaders and managers. Work towards undertaking the role of Shadow Nominee during an Ofsted inspection. Lead specific quality improvement projects and priority areas. Oversee quality assurance and improvement within subcontracted provision . Lead the implementation and embedding of robust Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) processes. Maintain oversight of Awarding Body regulations, EQA activity and verification , ensuring consistently high standards of compliance. Lead and develop a team responsible for quality improvement, stakeholder voice and regulatory compliance. Keep abreast of developments across FE quality, pedagogy, assessment, digital learning and AI, ensuring quality processes remain current and future-focused. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of Further Education quality, curriculum and teaching & learning who can combine strategic thinking with a practical, collaborative approach. Significant experience of quality assurance and quality improvement within Further Education . Experience of developing and implementing quality frameworks and improvement cycles that have delivered measurable improvement. Strong knowledge of Ofsted expectations and inspection readiness . Experience of using performance data and insight to identify priorities and drive improvement. Excellent written communication and report-writing skills. A strong understanding of inclusive practice and contemporary approaches to pedagogy, digital learning and AI. Experience of quality assurance within subcontracted provision and stakeholder/learner voice would also be valuable. Degree-level qualification or equivalent academic ability in a relevant discipline. Minimum Level 2 Maths and English. Master’s degree in Education or a related discipline. Leadership and Management qualification above Level 3. Experience as an Ofsted Inspector. Project leadership experience. This is an opportunity to take on a genuinely influential quality leadership position within a substantial FE environment. You will have the scope to shape quality processes, work closely with curriculum teams and senior leaders, and influence how quality improvement is embedded across a broad and diverse range of provision. For an experienced FE quality professional looking for their next challenge, this offers the opportunity to combine strategic influence with hands-on quality improvement and make a visible impact across the organisation.