Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships) in City of London

Position: Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships)

Academic Group/Centre: Off Campus Division – London-based

Reference: 0024-26

Status: Permanent

Responsible to: Head of the Centre for Academic Partnerships

Grade: 8 (plus £5,000 annual London weighting allowance)

Hours: Full-Time

Main Function of the Post

• Lead the operationalisation of key functions and developments, including implementing OFCD strategies into partnership management and development.
• Oversee dedicated partnership portfolios, including link tutors, external examiners, and local tutors.
• Liaise with stakeholders and University services, supporting day-to-day people and resource management (recruitment, performance, academic quality, and compliance).
• Manage partnerships operationally, including commercial negotiations and due diligence.
• Chair key meetings such as Examination Boards, Partnership Development Meetings, and Academic Misconduct Panels.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Academic & Operational Management

• Manage timetabling, module allocation, academic staff, and teaching delivery.
• Oversee day-to-day partnership operations, ensuring academic quality and compliance.
• Recruit and manage External Examiners, Link Tutors, and Local Tutors.
• Undertake teaching and assessment duties as required.

Strategy & Development

• Develop and implement growth strategies for partners.
• Support strategic direction through Annual Review of Partnership Operations (ARPO).
• Lead delivery and performance of strategic partnership initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of OFCD and Centre practices through research and development activities.

Quality & Compliance

• Implement and embed quality and compliance initiatives across the Division.
• Ensure partners meet corporate and statutory documentation requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate partnership performance, identifying risks and best practices.
• Maintain data integrity and confidentiality in line with data protection requirements.

Governance & Meetings

• Chair Examination Boards, Partnership Development Meetings, and Task & Finish Groups.
• Coordinate KPI activities such as the National Student Survey and other partner surveys.
• Contribute to University committees and decision-making processes.

Risk & Performance Management

• Conduct strategic analysis and risk management to improve recruitment, retention, and student outcomes.
• Ensure effective timeline management for ARPO and commercial negotiations.

People & Culture

• Support staff recruitment, performance management, and planning.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and collegiate culture across partnerships and OFCD.
• Provide advice and support to the Head of Division and wider University colleagues.

Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to health and safety, equality, and dignity at work policies.
• Maintain awareness of environmental sustainability and support related University strategies.
• Engage in continuous professional development aligned with University objectives.

Additional Information

This job description reflects current role requirements and may be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with organisational needs. Updates will be made in consultation with the role-holder.

The University is committed to:

• Academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law
• Open, respectful debate and exchange of ideas
• Supporting staff and students in advancing knowledge responsibly.

Person Specification – Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships)

Section Criteria - Requirement Priority - Method of Assessment

• Qualifications

• 1a Relevant Master’s degree - Priority 1 - Application / Interview / Documentation
• 1b Higher degree or membership of a relevant professional body - Priority 1 - Application / Interview / Documentation
• 1c Teaching qualification and/or HEA Fellowship (or willingness to obtain) - Priority 2 - Application / Interview / Documentation
• 1d PhD or equivalent professional achievement (or willingness to obtain) - Priority 2 - Application / Interview / Documentation

• 2a Ability to lead and manage partnerships and teams effectively - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2b Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2c Ability to analyse complex issues and interpret regulations - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2d Ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2e Knowledge of academic structures, processes, and quality assurance - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2f Excellent communication and influencing skills - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2g Ability to lead partnership development aligned with teaching innovation - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2h Proficiency in IT systems for teaching and management processes - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2i Understanding of current challenges in the UK Higher Education sector - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 2j Strong customer service focus (national and international) - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

• 3a Experience in national and/or international partnership delivery - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 3b Experience in quality assurance oversight and chairing assessment boards - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 3c Experience in developing and delivering partnership arrangements - Priority 1 - Application / Interview
• 3d Minimum 3 years’ experience in a UK university working with academic partnerships - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

• 4a Awareness of customer service environment - Priority 1 - Interview
• 4b Ability to work independently and lead projects - Priority 1 - Interview
• 4c Cultural awareness and sensitivity with stakeholders - Priority 1 - Interview
• 4d Ability to critically reflect on own performance - Priority 1 - Interview
• 4e Strong networking ability (local, national, international) - Priority 1 - Interview
• 4f Collaborative and cooperative working approach - Priority 1 - Interview

• 5a Flexibility to work outside standard hours and travel (including monthly travel to Bolton) - Priority 1 - Interview
• 5b Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion - Priority 1 - Interview
• 5c Ability to travel nationally and internationally - Priority 1 - Interview
• 5d Awareness of Health & Safety, Data Protection, FOI, UKVI, Prevent, and Bribery Act - Priority 1 - Interview
• 5e Access to suitable IT equipment and broadband for remote working - Priority 1 - Interview

Note: 1. Priority 1 indicates essential criterion – an applicant would be unsuccessful if unable to satisfy all Priority 1 criterion. 2. Priority 2 indicates desirable criterion - applicants failing to satisfy a number of these are unlikely to be successful. 3. It is the responsibility of the employee to ensure any professional registration/accreditation/membership remains current. 4. Please note it is normally expected that a new appointee will commence at the bottom of grade.