Head of Quality Assurance and Improvement [Temporary Cover]

The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education is a leading provider of primarily open access courses to adults from all backgrounds and life stages, predominantly studying on a part-time basis. It celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023.

The Institute delivers around 30 undergraduate sub-degrees, which are now in scope for TEF, and 30 postgraduate qualifications including apprenticeships. All result in a University of Cambridge qualification. In addition, approximately 200 short courses are delivered in a typical cycle, including fully online courses, the University's official summer session and a residential lifelong learning programme. In 2021-22 the Institute's courses attracted 60,000 total registrations. Student-reported quality metrics are strong across a broad portfolio which includes subjects in the arts, sciences and professional studies.

This role is the maternity cover for the Head of Quality Assurance and Improvement and will report to the Director of Continuing Education (Head of Institute) and lead a small QA team to work with academics and professional service colleagues to respond to these changes, University-level governance and the regulatory frameworks of CMA, OfS and Ofsted.

The role holder will have experience of developing, delivering and monitoring compliant QA policies in UK higher education settings. They must be comfortable taking a data-informed approach to implementing processes to enhance standards in inclusive and contemporary ways, measurable by student outcomes. Working closely with relevant colleagues, including the University's Education Quality and Policy Office, they will clearly communicate and present policies and processes in practical ways, supporting student-facing teams to further develop a culture of continuous improvement. They will play a central role in a review of the Institute's governance and committee structure.

The Head of Quality Assurance and Improvement will be involved in academic development and engaging with adult learners to enable a student-led approach to their policy work. They should have a clear interest in access and participation and a commitment to supporting life-wide learning.

The role holder will be expected to be present in-person at the Institute for a minimum of two days a week, with other work conducted remotely. They will have experience of line management and developing policy frameworks relevant to higher education and apprenticeships.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr James Gazzard, Director of Continuing Education - email: jg797@cam.ac.uk. Interviews are anticipated to take place on Tuesday 24 October 2023.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term until 30 June 2024 or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Please quote reference EA38469 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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