Head of Quality Assurance and Policy

UNIVERSITY OF READING; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK higher education institution is seeking a Head of Quality Assurance and Policy to provide strategic and operational leadership. This role involves developing academic regulations, leading a team for continuous improvement, and influencing policy at a high level. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in higher education quality assurance and will drive enhancement in student outcomes. This position is full-time and permanent, based in Reading.

Qualifications

• Experience leading within higher education quality assurance.
• In-depth knowledge of UK higher education regulations and quality standards.
• Proven ability to manage teams and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for quality assurance.
• Develop and implement academic regulations.
• Lead external reviews and national quality assessments.

Skills

Leadership within HE quality assurance

Knowledge of UK HE regulatory frameworks

Excellent communication skills

Ability to influence senior stakeholders

Change management

Commitment to equality and diversity

Job description

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Full Time, Permanent

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 5th January 2026

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University of Reading is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Centre for Quality Support and Development as Head of Quality Assurance and Policy. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape the future of academic quality and enhancement across the University.

About the Role

• As Head of Quality Assurance and Policy, you will:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for academic quality assurance and enhancement.
• Lead a team of dedicated professionals, driving continuous improvement in student experience and outcomes.
• Act as the institutional expert on quality assurance, advising senior leadership and influencing policy at the highest level.
• Develop and implement academic regulations and procedures that are efficient, risk-based, and compliant with external requirements (e.g., OfS, Ofsted, PSRBs).
• Oversee quality of collaborative provision and academic partnerships, both in the UK and internationally.
• Lead external reviews and contribute to national quality assessments such as the TEF.

You will work closely with senior academic and professional services colleagues, contributing to strategic decision-making and ensuring our quality systems are robust, efficient, and enhancement-focused.

We're looking for a experienced leader with

• Experience in leadership within HE quality assurance.
• In-depth knowledge of UK HE regulatory frameworks and quality standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and deliver results in a complex environment.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.

Interview date : 21st January 2026

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name Anne-Marie Henderson

Contact Job Title: Director of Quality, Support and Development

Contact Email address [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.