Deputy Head Impact and Evaluation

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced higher education evaluation specialist to play a central role in the design and implementation of a university-wide education policy evaluation framework at University of the Arts London (UAL).

Working closely with the Head of Educational Policy and Inclusion, you will lead the development of an institution-wide approach to evaluation, including the Access and Participation Plan (APP) evaluation strategy and implementation plan, and oversee the evaluation and reporting cycle for core educational policies. You will be responsible for ensuring a centralised, robust approach to monitoring, evaluating and reporting on key educational policies that drive student equity, experience and outcomes. This includes supporting the delivery of UAL’s APP, contributing to preparations for the Teaching Excellence Framework 2028 (TEF) and informing the ongoing development of the University’s Education Strategy.

Working in partnership with colleagues from across the University, you will oversee intervention-level evaluation plans and strengthen the University’s capacity for robust data analysis using both internal and external data. A key part of your role will involve monitoring and evaluating progress against APP targets, working closely with the University Central Planning Unit (UCPU) to strengthen data tracking across access and student success. You will also lead on the development of plans for the publication and dissemination of APP evaluation, and play an active role in senior-level discussions on the development and review of institutional policy in line with UAL’s Education Strategy, providing expert insight into evaluation and impact reporting.

About you

You will hold a degree level or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (or equivalent relevant experience), along with strong expertise in statistical analysis and the confident use of tools such as Stata, IBM SPSS and/or Power BI. You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the application of experimental and quasi-experimental research designs to assess causal impact, including randomised controlled trials, difference-in-differences, propensity score matching and regression discontinuity, with particular experience of applying these methods to educational policy evaluation and student success initiatives.

You will have proven experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders to design, lead and manage complex evaluation projects, alongside a deep understanding of the structural barriers and challenges faced by underrepresented student groups in accessing and succeeding in higher education. As a highly effective communicator and skilled presenter, you will be able to translate complex analytical information into clear, accessible and impactful insights for diverse audiences. You will also demonstrate active engagement in your professional practice as an evaluator, building strong networks, collaborating with external partners and proactively seeking opportunities to enhance the visibility and impact of your work and your institution.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.