Head of Quality

What skills and experience we're looking for

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 Andy.GRAINGER@eastdurham.ac.uk.

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.

What the college offers its staff

What we offer

• 40 days annual leave + Bank Holidays.
• LGPS Pension Scheme with up to 13.5% employer contributions.
• Access to a Cash Healthcare Plan.
• Heavily discounted Gym Membership.
• Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity and Adoption leave.
• 3 days paid emergency leave per year.
• Various Paid and unpaid leave for other needs.
• Funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD) where appropriate.
• Onsite restaurant, Canteen and Hair and Beauty Salon.
• Free onsite parking.
• On site Nursery facilities (up to 5 yoa).
• Cycle to work scheme and much more.
• Access to free Beamish Tickets

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.