Head of Quality

East Durham College; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

East Durham College is seeking a Head of Quality to join our quality leadership team and drive continuous improvement across curriculum and support services. You will develop, implement, and evaluate quality systems that support excellent teaching, learning and assessment, ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improve learner outcomes.

You will lead self-assessment, performance monitoring and inspection readiness, using data to identify strengths and development areas, and coach

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of quality assurance and quality improvement within further education or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of quality frameworks, inspection requirements and performance measures.
• Experience of leading and managing quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and performance information.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Desirable: teaching or assessor/QA qualification.
• Experience supporting organisations through inspection or external quality review.
• Experience of coaching and mentoring managers and practitioners to improve performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead self-assessment, quality improvement planning and performance monitoring.
• Prepare for external inspections and audits within designated areas.
• Use performance data and quality intelligence to identify strengths and areas for development and drive improvements.
• Collaborate across departments to promote a culture of excellence and accountability.

Skills

Quality assurance

Quality improvement

Data analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Project management

Education

Degree level qualification or equivalent

Job description

East Durham College is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Quality to join the College’s quality leadership team and play a key role in driving continuous improvement across designated curriculum and service areas. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a strong understanding of further education quality assurance, performance management and quality improvement.

Working alongside fellow quality leaders, curriculum managers, support services and senior leaders, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading quality improvement activity within their areas of responsibility, whilst contributing to wider College quality priorities and initiatives. You will help to develop, implement and evaluate effective quality systems and processes that support high standards of teaching, learning and assessment, promote outstanding learner outcomes and ensure compliance with regulatory and inspection requirements.

The Head of Quality will lead on self-assessment, quality improvement planning, performance monitoring and preparation for external inspections and audits within designated curriculum and service areas. Using a range of performance data and quality intelligence, you will identify strengths and areas for development, provide appropriate support and challenge to managers, and drive sustainable improvements that enhance the learner experience and outcomes.

As a member of the College’s quality leadership team, you will work collaboratively across departments to promote a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and accountability. The role requires an individual who can build strong professional relationships, influence positive change and support colleagues to achieve ambitious standards across the College.

Essential Criteria

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of quality assurance and quality improvement within further education, education, training or a related sector.
• Strong understanding of quality frameworks, inspection requirements and performance measures.
• Experience of leading and managing quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and performance information.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable Criteria

• Teaching qualification and/or assessor/internal quality assurance qualification.
• Experience of supporting organisations through inspection or external quality review.
• Experience of managing quality systems and reporting processes.
• Knowledge of current developments within further education and skills.
• Leadership or management qualification.
• Experience of coaching and mentoring managers and practitioners to improve performance.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality of education and learner outcomes across the College. You will work alongside passionate colleagues who are committed to delivering the highest standards and supporting learners to achieve their full potential. As part of a collaborative quality leadership team, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic priorities while supporting continuous improvement across a diverse range of curriculum and service areas.

Further Information

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact [e-mail].

Interview Date: Interviews will take place on Tuesday 10th November 2026.

East Durham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants will be required to undertake all appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.