At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead academic quality and compliance across diverse educational pathways.
- Company: Thriving multi-campus college focused on social value and community leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent training, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Other info: Flexible commuting with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational standards and student success.
- Qualifications: Degree required; experience in quality assurance in FE/HE is essential.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 51600 £ per year.
I am seeking a methodical, forward-thinking, and driven compliance specialist for a high-impact leadership position. This role is a fantastic opportunity to take 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.
I am partnering with a thriving, multi-campus further education college operating across seven campuses in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, and Lambeth. Operating 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 and 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 and 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 Masters degree or a professional qualification in FE/HE administration, quality, or leadership is highly desirable.
- Experience and 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 and 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 and 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academic Quality and Regulatory Standards (FE and HE)
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like TipTopJob looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academic Quality and Regulatory Standards (FE and HE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at TipTopJob. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with TipTopJob’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
