Executive Head of Education in London

Charity People is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for a new Executive Head of Education, a pivotal executive-level appointment at a time of cultural reset and strategic transformation. With over 20,000 members across 74 countries, IBMS is the leading professional body for biomedical science. Education sits at the heart of its charitable mission, and this role will be critical in shaping the future of professional standards, qualifications, and accreditation both in the UK and internationally.

Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Executive Head of Education will provide strategic leadership across the Institute’s entire education portfolio, ensuring IBMS continues to be recognised as an authoritative standard setter and HCPC-approved education provider. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for building trust, strengthening team culture, and leading a high-performing, multidisciplinary Education Department through change. The postholder will work closely with the CEO, Council, trustees, committees and external stakeholders, influencing at the highest levels and playing a central role in the organisation’s executive leadership.

While IBMS is rooted in biomedical science, the organisation is intentionally open-minded about background. This appointment is about leadership, credibility and strategic education expertise rather than narrow technical specialism.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Education Department, including quality assurance, accreditation, qualifications, examinations and digital learning.
• Lead organisational and cultural change, setting clear direction and rebuilding confidence and engagement within the team.
• Act as senior lead for HCPC-approved programmes, regulatory compliance, and UK and international degree accreditation.
• Advise the CEO, Council and committees on education strategy, regulation, policy and emerging sector developments.
• Work in close partnership with the Education & Professional Standards Committee to deliver strategy, standards and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with academic institutions, regulators, professional bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee education budgets and ensure robust governance, risk management and performance reporting.
• Represent IBMS externally as a credible and authoritative voice on education and professional standards.

Who We’re Looking For

IBMS is keen to hear from two broad but equally welcome groups of candidates:

• You may be a senior Biomedical Scientist with significant leadership experience, deep understanding of education, training and accreditation, and the confidence to operate at executive level.
• Or you may be a senior education leader from a life science, healthcare, medical or health-related professional or membership organisation, royal college, regulator or education body, bringing transferable expertise, strong credibility and a sophisticated grasp of regulated professional education.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in senior leadership, with a strong track record of people management, cultural leadership and delivery through change.
• Significant experience of education, training, accreditation or quality assurance within a regulated or professional context.
• Credibility operating at executive and trustee level, with the ability to influence, advise and challenge constructively.
• Strong understanding of professional standards, regulation and governance in healthcare, life science or adjacent sectors.
• Experience of committee work and managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Strategic thinking combined with delivery focus, sound judgement and excellent communication skills.
• Experience of managing budgets and operating within organisational governance frameworks.

Desirable (but not essential)

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Direct experience of biomedical science, pathology or laboratory practice.
• Background in degree accreditation or higher education quality processes.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of professional education within a respected, values-led membership organisation whose work underpins patient care across the UK and beyond. You will join a committed executive team and have genuine influence over strategy, standards and culture during a critical period of change.