Head of Academic Quality and Regulatory Standards (FE & HE) in London

Head of Academic Quality and Regulatory Standards (FE & HE) in London

London Full-Time 46000 - 52000 Β£ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Randstad Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead academic quality assurance and compliance across multiple campuses in a dynamic educational environment.
  • Company: Thriving multi-campus further education college focused on social value and community leadership.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent training packages, and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Other info: Flexible commuting required; commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare is crucial.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on educational standards and help shape the future of learning.
  • Qualifications: Degree required; experience in quality assurance and regulatory compliance in FE/HE is essential.

The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 Β£ per year.

A methodical, forward-thinking, and driven compliance specialist is sought for a high-impact leadership position. This role offers operational ownership of academic quality, standards, and regulatory compliance across a diverse portfolio of educational pathways. Reporting directly to the Director of Quality and Academic Standards, you will act as the key authority on institutional governance, helping protect the academic integrity of an organisation that believes deeply in the transformative power of learning.

About the Setting: A thriving, multi-campus further education college operates across seven campuses in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, and Lambeth. With the ethos of a social enterprise, this institution focuses heavily on generating social value, building community leaders, and supporting social mobility for all. They pride themselves on a "People First" approach, cultivating an inclusive, innovative environment where staff are actively supported with competitive salaries, benefits, and excellent training packages.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

  • Operational Leadership: Lead the operational delivery of academic quality assurance, standards, and regulatory compliance across FE provision, HE provision, and apprenticeships.
  • Regulatory Alignment: Act as the operational lead for HE quality, ensuring absolute alignment with Office for Students (OfS) Conditions of Registration, specifically covering conditions B1, B2, and B3.
  • Data Integrity & Submissions: Manage critical HE regulatory returns and reporting, including OfS data submissions, NSS, TEF, and HESES/HEIFES returns.
  • Audit Readiness: Oversee institutional preparation for external verifiers, university partner reviews, and major regulatory inspections from bodies such as Ofsted and the ESFA.
  • Academic Governance: Maintain, update, and implement academic regulations and frameworks while supporting the Academic Board, assessment boards, and quality committees.
  • Risk & Case Management: Investigate complex quality issues, student appeals, and suspected cases of malpractice or maladministration.
  • Apprenticeship Monitoring: Develop and review internal quality assurance (IQA) records, sampling strategies, and documentation to track learner progression and ensure End-Point Assessment (EPA) readiness.

What I Am Looking For:

  • Qualifications: A degree or equivalent professional qualification is essential. A Master's degree or a professional qualification in FE/HE administration, quality, or leadership is highly desirable.
  • Experience & Knowledge: Significant, proven experience working within quality assurance, academic standards, or registry functions across both FE and HE environments. Deep knowledge of awarding body compliance, OfS frameworks, and regulatory data reporting is required.
  • Characteristics: High attention to detail, strong analytical problem-solving capabilities, and the capacity to confidently influence stakeholders while translating complex regulations into clear guidance.
  • Transport & Commute: A flexible approach to commuting, with the absolute willingness to work on-site on a weekly basis across all campuses to meet operational business needs.

Safeguarding & Compliance: This role involves a strict commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check, provide a complete CV history accounting for any employment gaps, and verify their right to work in the UK.

Randstad Education

Contact Details:

Randstad Education Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academic Quality and Regulatory Standards (FE & HE) in London

Operational Leadership
Academic Quality Assurance
Regulatory Compliance
Data Integrity Management
Audit Preparation
Academic Governance
Risk Management