BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title of Post: Head of Quality and Regulatory Compliance
Grade: 8
Responsible to: Registrar
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To manage the University’s procedures and processes in relation to internal and external regulatory requirements in academic quality assurance, enhancement and academic partnerships; and governance and compliance work. To provide management of quality assurance and regulatory compliance systems and procedures across the University; ensuring compliance with University regulations, and with requirements of external organisations. Overseeing the University’s processes in the area of complaints, appeals, fitness to study, student disciplinary cases, and safeguarding. To provide analysis, briefings, reports and detailed plans for internal reviews, and coordinate external reviews and inspections. To provide specialist advice and guidance to colleagues across the University, collaborative partner organisations and students.
KEY TASKS
1. To monitor, review and ensure compliance with, and effective completion of, key regulatory, quality assurance and administrative processes and documentation (such as Codes of Practice), including but not limited to internal and external audit, programme approval and re-approval, monitoring and review, and partnership contract negotiation and renewal including due diligence work; preparing documentation and writing reports as appropriate.
2. To formulate, develop and implement ideas for service improvements and to undertake process reviews and audits, providing leadership for the design, development and implementation of quality management systems and standard operating procedures across the University.
3. To oversee, co-ordinate and provide specialist support for the design and development of new programmes, and modules, including collaborative provision, working closely with and providing detailed advice and guidance to academic staff, including quality assurance induction briefings for staff new to programme design and development.
4. To maintain a current knowledge and be aware of future developments in policy and practice within the higher education sector relating to academic regulation, compliance, quality assurance and enhancement.
5. To oversee the work of the quality assurance and governance teams, including line management of Academic Quality, Governance and Compliance staff and may also manage other staff or functions focusing on student and regulatory matters. Managing the budget of the section.
6. To monitor and ensure the accuracy of the published information, taking steps to improve information published about the University’s programmes.
7. To attend and chair, as appropriate, relevant quality assurance enhancement and compliance related committees, groups and meetings.
8. To act as officer to the Academic Enhancement Committee, and its sub-committees and working groups, providing advice in relation to academic quality and standards; this includes advising on the appointment and work of External Examiners and the analysing and processing of their reports, and acting as effective liaison with related University Boards and Committees.
9. Ensure that the University complies with external governance and regulatory requirements, ensuring the University is apprised of impending changes and sector good practice, advising SLT and University Council and Committees accordingly.
10. To oversee the management of processes as regards cases related to student contention (complaints, appeals), fitness to study, student discipline and safeguarding.
11. To act as the University’s senior Data Protection Officer and senior Freedom of Information Officer.
12. To oversee the management and development of the University’s academic quality assurance and enhancement processes with partner institutions to ensure that the institutions undergo suitable due diligence procedures; that the academic standards of the University awards are secure and comparable with those of other Universities in the UK; and that students are offered the highest possible quality of educational experience.
13. To liaise with other institutions and national agencies as required.
14. To advise, where appropriate, Senate and its committees.
15. To manage the provision of and compliance with professional body requirements in relation to the admission and certification of Students, and to oversee the management of the administrative processes in connection with external professional body recognition and inspection.
16. To advise Boards of Examiners in relation to the University regulatory framework, and to advise on Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) applications.
17. To provide expert advice and guidance to resolve complex, difficult or sensitive case work in areas such as quality assurance/enhancement, regulatory compliance and student discipline/contention.
18. To implement agreed staff induction and review procedures and ensure that appropriate staff development arrangements are in place for staff in the department. Act as the internal provider of specialist quality assurance, enhancement and regulatory compliance training to academic and professional staff across BGU.
19. To attend appropriate training and staff development sessions and participate in an annual appraisal process.
Performance Monitoring and Review
18. To agree objectives and targets with the line manager and to participate in the process of staff appraisal and review.
19. To provide written reports on activity as requested.
Health and Safety
20. To comply with health and safety legislation and the University’s policy and practice.
General
21. To maintain professional standards in relationships, including non-discriminatory practices.
22. To adopt a client-centred approach and to deal promptly and considerately with members of the public, staff and students.
23. To carry out such other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Line Manager.
Main Contacts – Internal
• Members of SLT
• Executive Dean Research and Knowledge Exchange
• Executive Dean Learning, Teaching and International
• Heads of School
• Heads of Department
• Heads of professional support services
Limits of Authority
Must operate within the guidelines, procedures and regulations approved by the University.
Must operate within the University’s Financial Regulations, Diversity and Equality Policy, Race Equality Policy, and other relevant University policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Head of Quality and Regulatory Compliance
Core / SupplementaryEducation/Qualifications and Special Training / A good honours degree or equivalent qualification / Higher degree or appropriate professional qualification
Law and/or Governance qualification
Knowledge and Skills / Excellent knowledge of higher education and awareness of current issues in the HE sector
Knowledge of academic registry quality assurance functions and processes
Excellent management skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, including team working
The ability to assimilate and understand complex issues
Excellent project management skills
Ability to effect change and develop and implement changes to processes
Excellent knowledge and understanding of the HE regulatory environment and academic quality assurance processes / Knowledge of information systems/student record systems
The ability to manipulate complex information and provide analysis thereon
Knowledge and skills in academic quality enhancement
Knowledge and skills in student contention resolution
Legal/regulatory knowledge and skills
Experience / Substantial experience in a professional administrative role in the management of office or in student/quality administration processes in an HEI or other complex organisation
Experience of establishing and managing efficient processes and systems
Experience of working across teams and departments with a flexible approach to work and a proven track record in diplomacy and negotiation / Experience as team or section leader within an academic registry or similar.
Experience of external inspection or audit processes
Experience of compliance management (e.g. student contention, student discipline, regulatory or legal compliance)
Experience of due diligence processes
Experience of working with or managing processes related to academic partnerships
Personal Attributes / Conscientious and self-motivated
A leader, able to motivate others to achieve high standards
Self-critical and able to judge the quality and efficiency of own work and set appropriate targets
Methodical and thorough with an eye for detail
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent writing skills
Strong negotiation skills
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JD Head of Quality and Regulatory Compliance - February 2017