At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of strategic regulatory policies for qualifications in Wales.
- Company: Join Qualifications Wales, an independent organisation shaping education standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 31 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by shaping policies that affect learners.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement in education required.
The predicted salary is between 61098 - 73057 £ per year.
About Us
We are Qualifications Wales, the independent organisation responsible for regulating general and vocational qualifications in Wales. Our strategic priorities over the next five years are:
- To develop a coherent and inclusive range of qualifications for learners aged 14–16
- To build an effective and sustainable qualifications offer
- To modernise assessment approaches
- To support the qualifications system through grants and expertise
We are now looking for a Head of Regulatory Policy to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week. Requests for alternative working patterns, including part-time, job share or secondments, may be discussed at interview.
The Benefits
- Salary of £61,098 - £73,057 per annum
- 31 days' annual leave (in addition to public holidays and up to three days’ office closure at Christmas)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Membership of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
The Role
As our Head of Regulatory Policy, you will lead the development and delivery of strategic, evidence-based regulatory policies that underpin the qualifications system in Wales. Working as part of the senior leadership team, you will shape the overarching regulatory framework and strategy, ensuring alignment with our principal aims and supporting qualification reform activity. You will engage with stakeholders, experts and internal teams to develop, review and implement policies, while evaluating their impact on learners, awarding bodies and the wider system to inform continuous improvement. Additionally, you will:
- Manage the Regulatory Policy team
- Evaluate policy impact and oversee regulatory impact assessments
- Support recommendations to the Board on regulatory strategy and development
- Lead horizon scanning and responses to external consultations
About You
To be considered as our Head of Regulatory Policy, you will need:
- Experience developing and writing policy and regulations in an education, training or qualifications-related context
- Experience developing and/or contributing to strategy in an education, training or qualifications-related context
- Experience of stakeholder engagement in a policy context
- Management experience
- Experience working within regulatory and/or quality assurance models
- Experience preparing advice on policy and its implementation, and presenting this to a range of audiences within a complex stakeholder environment
The closing date for this role is 9th April 2026. Interviews will be held on 27th April 2026.
Head of Regulatory Policy in Wales employer: Qualifications Wales
At Qualifications Wales, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and the opportunity for hybrid working, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the education system in Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Regulatory Policy in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and regulatory sectors on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way, and you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching our organisation and the role. Understand our strategic priorities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what we’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in policy development and stakeholder engagement makes you the perfect fit for the Head of Regulatory Policy role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Qualifications Wales.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regulatory Policy in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in developing and writing policy, especially in education or qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Qualifications Wales!
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement:Don’t forget to mention your experience with stakeholder engagement! We’re keen on seeing how you’ve worked with various groups in a policy context, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Qualifications Wales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the regulatory policies and frameworks relevant to education and qualifications. Brush up on recent changes and trends in the sector, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve navigated complex relationships or influenced policy decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to manage stakeholder engagement effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Regulatory Policy, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your management style and provide examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects that resulted from your leadership.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the organisation’s strategic priorities and how the role fits into their vision. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
