Head of Academic Quality & Governance

UA92 was founded to do higher education differently.

Created through a unique partnership between Lancaster University and the Class of ’92, we combine the academic rigour and standards expected of UK higher education with an educational model built around employability, character development, inclusion and social mobility.

We are proud of what we have built. But we are equally ambitious about what comes next.

As UA92 continues to grow and mature as an institution, we are strengthening our academic governance, quality and regulatory capability and preparing for the next important stage in our development. Our ambition is to evolve from our current franchised provision towards validation arrangements and, in time, Degree Awarding Powers.

We are now looking for a Head of Academic Quality and Governance to play a leading role in that journey.

This is an opportunity for an experienced higher education professional to influence the academic infrastructure of an institution at a formative point in its development – working alongside our Registrar, Executive Team, Academic Board, Governing Body and colleagues at Lancaster University to build the frameworks that will underpin UA92 for years to come.

The role

As Head of Academic Quality and Governance, you will provide strategic leadership across academic quality, standards, governance and regulatory compliance.

You will lead the development of a mature and sustainable academic governance framework for UA92, ensuring we have the academic regulations, policies, assurance mechanisms and governance structures needed to support our distinctive educational model and increasing institutional autonomy.

A significant part of your remit will be helping to lead UA92’s progression from franchised provision towards validation arrangements and ultimately Degree Awarding Powers. Working closely with the Registrar and senior colleagues, you will provide strategic oversight of institutional readiness, academic assurance, enhancement, student outcomes, regulatory risk and governance effectiveness.

You will be a trusted source of expertise to senior leaders and governors, providing clear advice on an increasingly complex UK higher education regulatory environment and ensuring UA92 continues to meet the expectations of the Office for Students and other relevant regulatory and sector bodies.

You will also provide strategic oversight of our complaints, academic appeals and academic misconduct frameworks, ensuring our approach is fair, transparent and robust, while using the insight arising from student casework to strengthen institutional learning and quality enhancement.

What you’ll bring

You will already have leadership experience within UK higher education, gained within academic quality, registry, governance, regulatory compliance or a closely related area.

You will bring:

• Expert knowledge of the UK higher education regulatory environment, including OfS Conditions of Registration, academic standards, quality assurance and enhancement.
• Significant experience of academic governance and institutional assurance within higher education.
• A strong understanding of validation, academic autonomy and the requirements associated with increasing institutional maturity.
• Experience of developing academic regulations, policies and quality frameworks that are both rigorous and workable.
• Experience of advising Executive Teams, Academic Boards, Governing Bodies and senior academic colleagues on complex academic and regulatory matters.
• Strong understanding of complaints, academic appeals, academic misconduct and the OIA Good Practice Framework.
• Experience of regulatory review, audit, inspection or external quality assessment activity.
• The credibility and judgement to influence senior academics, executives, governors, partners and external stakeholders.
• The ability to lead and develop high-performing teams through organisational growth and change.

Experience of supporting an institution through a transition towards greater academic autonomy, leading validation activity or contributing significantly to a Degree Awarding Powers application would be particularly valuable.

You will be comfortable operating in an organisation that is growing, evolving and prepared to challenge established ways of doing things. You’ll know when academic convention matters, when regulation gives us clear parameters and when there is space to think differently.

Why UA92?

There aren’t many opportunities in higher education where you can join an institution at this stage of its journey and have a genuine hand in shaping what it becomes.

You will join an institution with an established academic relationship with Lancaster University, while helping UA92 develop the governance, quality and regulatory maturity required for its longer-term ambitions.

You’ll work closely with senior academic and professional colleagues and have the opportunity to influence institutional strategy, academic governance and the student experience at the highest level.

We care about standards and academic rigour. We care equally about what those standards enable an outstanding education and meaningful opportunities for our students.

Job Spec: Click here

The particulars

Role: Head of Academic Quality and Governance
Salary: £57,000 – £70,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Reporting to: Registrar
Location: UA92, Manchester

The role will lead colleagues across Academic Quality, Governance and Registry, including the Complaints and Appeals Manager and Quality and Governance Officer roles.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UA92 is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and those with non-traditional career paths. Additionally, we welcome candidates who have an understanding of inclusion.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. UA92 cannot sponsor visas for this role.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' buton above.