At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage regulatory projects to protect student interests and ensure high-quality education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your regulatory skills.
- Qualifications: Strong transferable skills and a collaborative mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45536 - 46701 £ per year.
Salary: £45,536 – £46,701 plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension
Fixed term contract: 18 months
Location: Bristol
We are the independent regulator of higher education in England. We aim to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. The higher education sector in England is complex and diverse and the OfS’s approach to regulation recognises this. Our strategy signals a shift from an organisation in a start–up phase to an established regulator that understands its regulatory tools and how best to use them to shape incentives across the sector we regulate. We work to ensure that students in England enjoy higher education provision that is high quality; that their access to opportunity, success and progression is not limited by background, location or characteristics; and that providers are well and sustainably led.
About the role
We are looking for a number of Regulation Managers to work across the Regulation directorate on a wide range of projects, building breadth and depth of regulatory experience over time. This is one of a number of agile roles that supports the OfS’s statutory functions and plays a key part in protecting the interests of students through proportionate, evidence–based regulation.
You may be involved in:
- managing and assessing provider applications for registration, degree awarding powers, and university title
- monitoring and investigating provider compliance with registration conditions, using regulatory intelligence to assess risk and intervene where needed
- managing and delivering quality and standards assessments and contributing to policy development
- leading work on financial sustainability, market exit, and student protection
- delivering funded programmes and initiatives
- improving internal systems that support provider services
- supporting complaints–handling work, including a future free speech complaints scheme
You will work collaboratively within and across teams and portfolios to deliver the OfS business plan, respond to urgent work requests, and support shared objectives. The role involves clear communication with internal and external stakeholders, managing complex relationships with professionalism and sound judgement. You will produce robust, evidence–based assessments and recommendations to support effective decision–making and consistent regulatory delivery. As part of this you may engage with providers to better understand their work and gather evidence, with some portfolios requiring a willingness to undertake 4–6 site visits per year (typically over two consecutive days).
How we do things is as important to us as what we do, and your approach will be grounded in our strategic attitudes – being ambitious, collaborative, vigilant, and vocal.
About you
While you don't need previous experience of working in a regulator, you will bring strong transferable skills and be ready to apply them confidently in a role that helps protect students and supports confidence in the higher education sector.
Person specification (essential skills)
Ability to:
- work as part of a flexible team and work closely with colleagues to support the delivery of the OfS’s regulatory functions
- understand and interpret the OfS’s regulatory framework and to use this to undertake assessments, risk assessments, and interventions; to implement and communicate aspects of the regulatory framework and support teams to do this
- reach and convey reliable and robust judgements on the basis of complex and, at times, imperfect information and articulate the OfS’s approach clearly to providers
- work with high levels of complexity and ambiguity
- think broadly about the theory and practice of regulation
- adopt a systems approach to service design and delivery
- work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver the team’s functions
- effectively communicate policies and requirements clearly when working in teams and teams that include external members
- produce clear written documentation to comply with the OfS’s tone of voice guidance
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should be no more than 1000 words and should clearly explain how you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification. Applications will be shortlisted against criteria 1, 4, 6 and 8, so please ensure you address these fully in your application.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. As part of the interview process, you will be asked to complete a case study based task on the day. During the interview, you will also be asked to present your findings from the case study, and discuss your approach. The remaining essential criteria will be assessed through competency-based questions and discussion.
Working for us
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that it can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation–wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams then use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two to three days in a typical week. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working, apply to this role.
In addition, our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits to suit your way of life. These include comprehensive learning and development, annual leave starting at 25 days per year (plus public holidays), access to the highly regarded Civil Service pension scheme and a variety of health benefits.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application stage, please contact us at recruitmentteam@officeforstudents.org.uk and we will be happy to help.
Closing date for applications: Monday 22 June at noon
Regulation Managers in Bristol employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Bristol, the OfS provides a flexible working environment, generous benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the vital mission of enhancing higher education for all students in England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regulation Managers in Bristol
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Office for Students, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Office for Students and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Regulation Managers in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Office for Students and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Office for Students, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Office for Students.
