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

Location: South and East London (Cross-Campus Travel Required)

Working Pattern: Full Time: 37 hours per week

Salary: Spine Points 41 to 46, plus London weighting

The Opportunity

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.

About The Setting

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.