Dean - Teaching and Learning

Job Description

Matsols is seeking to appoint a Dean of Teaching and Learning to play a key role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management in setting the direction of the organisation, providing vision, inspiring strategic leadership and championing the enhancement of education, training, and learner experience across all provision.

The Dean of Teaching and Learning will support the Executive Team and Programme Leads to provide strategic and operational leadership to the organisation’s teaching and learning agenda, with a strong emphasis on driving innovation, communicating best practice and promoting a vibrant culture to support learner success and progression.

The designated person will work with the senior executive team to design and implement Matsols’ teaching and learning strategy and meet its key objectives and targets. He/she will act as a role model in disseminating the organisation’s values and expected code of behaviour among teaching staff; promote a culture of tolerance and compassion; and promote a learning environment that is diverse, inclusive and respectful.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Dean of Teaching and Learning will have a major input into the overall direction of teaching and learning across the organisation. As a member of the senior executive team, he/she will be required to develop, lead and drive the organisation’s teaching and learning strategy; improve learners’ academic experience; and foster relationships with external agencies, awarding bodies, and partner institutions to support high-quality teaching and learning consistent with organisational goals. His/her role will include but not be limited to the following:

• Has a significant role in the development and implementation of collaborative provision with external partners, including awarding bodies and higher education partners
• Administer above Programme-level warnings to learners for Academic Engagement and Fitness to Study and/or Practice and refer such cases as appropriate
• Approve suspensions, extensions and exceptional admissions arrangements for learners across all programmes
• Chair relevant Progression and Awarding Boards and Special Cases Meetings, and participate in relevant committees, panels, and governance meetings to share expert knowledge and support quality enhancement
• Advise, read and comment on Programme Teaching and Learning Plans
• Lead on the annual planning and enhancement of teaching and learning processes across all provision
• Participate in panels for new programmes and in the validation/revalidation of programmes with awarding bodies and partners, including building collaborative relationships
• Focus on improving learner outcomes consistent with regulatory benchmarks, including continuation, completion and progression into employment or further study
• Collaborate with Programme Leads, Trainers, Line Managers and Learners to achieve teaching and learning goals
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and awarding body standards by participating in review meetings and completing relevant documentation
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and quality standards through continuous monitoring, reporting, and improvement activities

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a compelling vision and strategic plan for teaching and learning that aligns with organisational goals, while inspiring a distinctive educational identity for learners
• Create and embed a culture of innovation, academic excellence, and creativity in curriculum design that integrates industry relevance into teaching and learning
• Proffer industry-relevant educational solutions that deliver measurable career progression outcomes for learners
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with employers, awarding bodies, and sector organisations to create meaningful learning opportunities and curriculum development
• Work closely with internal committees and stakeholders to promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
• Shape, guide, and promote a diverse team of staff to foster collaboration and commitment to excellence
• Represent the organisation internally and externally as an advocate for its values and strategic objectives
• Create systems for continuous improvement and quality assurance, ensuring programmes maintain high standards
• Lead initiatives encouraging staff to engage in projects aimed at improving teaching quality and learner experience
• Work closely with the Senior Executive Team to design teaching and learning strategy consistent with regulatory and awarding body standards
• Design strategies to promote external networking and encourage staff participation in sector events, conferences, and professional development

Essential Criteria and Requirements

Qualifications

• A significant record of achievement in Teaching and Learning, including a PhD (or equivalent professional experience where appropriate)
• Teaching qualification such as PGCert or Fellowship of HEA (or equivalent)
• Relevant and current professional registration

Experience

• Ideally minimum 10 years of experience at a senior leadership level, with a clear vision for education and the ability to engage others
• Ideally minimum 5 years of experience in managing regulatory conditions, standards, procedures and regulations in education and training
• Extensive experience working with regulatory bodies, awarding organisations, and quality frameworks
• Experience of teaching at undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional training level
• Experience of chairing panels/committees and working groups
• Experience in developing and implementing strategy, demonstrating strategic thinking and delivery of change
• Awareness of changes in government and regulatory requirements and the ability to operate effectively within these frameworks
• Ability to assess opportunities for income generation through training, CPD, consultancy, or professional practice
• Experience developing and managing systems, processes, policies and procedures
• Strong understanding of organisational strategy and quality assurance in teaching and learning
• Good awareness of key issues affecting education and training providers

Terms of Appointment

• Salary is competitive depending on experience
• Workplace pension
• Rewards and recognition programme
• £5,000 relocation allowance
• Discretionary annual performance bonus
• Basic hours are 40 per week working on site
• Travel may be required; all expenses reimbursed
• Holiday entitlement is 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 3% annual increase per year (subject to performance and KPIs)
• Complimentary lunch as part of employee benefits

Additional Information

The job description may be altered at any time in line with organisational requirements and the evolving education and training landscape. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

To apply for this role,  please click on the 'Apply' button above (e: careers@matsols.co.uk).