Head Of Quality Assurance (FE)

onlyFE; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

onlyFE is seeking an experienced Head of Quality Assurance (FE) to lead the College's quality improvement across teaching, learning and assessment. You will develop robust QA systems, ensure compliance with Ofsted and awarding bodies, and drive a culture of continuous enhancement to benefit students and staff.

Reporting to the Director of Quality Innovation, you will motivate teams, oversee audits, respond to external inspections, and work with partners to safeguard academic standards and

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in further education quality assurance and enhancement.
• Experience leading and motivating teams to engage with audit, compliance and QA strategies.
• Advising boards, panels and senior leaders on awarding qualifications, academic appeals, malpractice, complaints and fitness to practise procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of quality assurance systems and procedures across the College.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements while driving a culture of quality enhancement.
• Direct delivery of quality processes and systems to achieve quality objectives and positively impact student experience and organisational performance.
• Prepare for and respond to external scrutiny and inspections, supporting quality improvement activity.
• Build effective relationships across College functions and inspire others to achieve high standards for students.

Job description

Head of Quality Assurance (FE)

Salary -£55,637

Interview Date: Friday 23 October 2026

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Quality Assurance (FE) to join our Quality Team. This is a pivotal role, responsible for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of robust quality assurance systems and procedures across the College. You will ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory requirements while driving a culture of quality enhancement and continuous improvement.

Working closely with the Director of Quality Innovation and the wider Quality Team, you will lead on the effective delivery of quality processes and systems, ensuring that quality objectives are achieved and that the student experience remains at the heart of everything we do. The role will involve working collaboratively with curriculum and support areas to identify opportunities for development and innovation, supporting the continued growth and enhancement of the College's provision. You will play a key role in preparing for and responding to external scrutiny, supporting quality improvement activity, and ensuring that quality assurance processes contribute positively to student success and organisational performance.

What Are We Looking For?

We are looking for a suitably qualified quality professional with substantial experience in further education quality assurance and enhancement. You will have a strong track record of reviewing and developing academic regulations, policies and procedures in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including validating partners and awarding organisations. With extensive and up-to-date knowledge of quality assurance frameworks and inspection requirements, including Ofsted, the FE Commissioner's Office, Quality Assurance Reviews of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, and Curriculum Assessment Reviews, you will be confident in leading quality improvement activity across a complex organisation.

The successful candidate will have significant experience of leading and motivating teams to engage positively with audit, compliance and quality assurance strategies, alongside a proven ability to manage organisational change and deliver successful outcomes. You will be experienced in advising boards, panels and senior leaders on matters relating to the awarding of qualifications, academic appeals, academic malpractice, complaints, disciplinary matters and fitness to practise procedures. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, together with a commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. You will be a collaborative leader, capable of building effective relationships across the College and inspiring others to achieve the highest standards for our students.