Education Policy Officer (Policy & Reporting)

Job Title : Education Policy Officer (Policy & Reporting) Department : Academic Quality Service (Student & Academic Services Directorate) Grade: Grade 6 Salary range: £30,505 - £36, 924 per annum (£37,999 - £45,163 at Grade 7) Working arrangements: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week.
Current working arrangements are hybrid, with some time in the office and some time working from home.
Closing date: 12th November 2024 The University At Durham University we are proud of our people.
A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.
Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you.
We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.
Further information about the University can be found here.
The Role and the Department The Role This role will provide dedicated support for learning and teaching governance, acting as minute secretary for Education Committee (drafting agendas, papers, reports and minutes; liaising with the Chair, and with the Head of AQS and other key staff as needed).
The postholder will also manage the University's engagement with the National Student Survey (engaging with OfS and Ipsos Mori; working with colleagues in departments & marketing and communications regarding publicity; managing the dissemination and analysis of results; providing reports to senior officers and committees) and other educational surveys.
The role will undertake policy analysis and reporting in relation to the Office for Students, QAA and other external bodies, and comparators, writing reports for committees and groups as required.
The role will also provide education policy support for the office, analysing regulations, external guidance and data, taking the lead on relevant areas of policy/process development, and supporting committees and working groups, as agreed with their line manager and/or the Head of section.
This will involve liaising with senior members of staff within the Education Division (e.g.
Heads of Service, Academic Registrar, PVC and Deputy PVC Education) and across the University, as necessary.
This post is being made available as a development role at Grade 6 in the first instance and, in addition to meeting the requirements of the role as it stands, the successful candidate will demonstrate that they have the ability and potential to development the necessary knowledge and skills require of a Grade 7 position.
Upon appointment, a development plan will be created with input from the successful candidate, focussing on the requirements of the Grade 7 role, and taking into account their individual needs.
This plan will be regularly reviewed and will form the basis of an assessment to move to the Grade 7 role.
It is anticipated that the development process will take 2 years to complete; however, it may be extended if the University considers it necessary.
Upon successful completion of the development plan, the post-holder would move to the Grade 7 post (Senior Education Policy Officer) outlined here: Job Description - Grade 7.
If the post-holder was unable to meet the full requirements of the Grade 7 post at the end of the development process then, subject to performance, they may be retained in the Grade 6 post.
The Department The University offers an education that is challenging, difficult, enabling and transformative.
The Academic Quality Service supports this offering.
Working for the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), we develop and implement educational guidance, policy and regulations.
We manage engagement with external educational bodies and reviews, support the University's Education Committee (and its sub-committees), run and analyse Durham's national student surveys, and publish and maintain the University's regulations and handbooks.
We work directly with departments and faculties, overseeing quality assurance and enhancement processes, and managing progress and examination processes for research degree students.
We oversee student appeals and academic misconduct processes, and our Common Awards Team manages the national Common Awards partnership, working with the Church of England and Theological Educational Institute (TEIs) partners across England, Scotland and Wales.
AQS is part of the Student & Academic Services Directorate.
The Directorate provides a professional administrative support service to staff, students and potential students of Durham University.
The Academic Registrar is the Director of Student & Academic Services, and is responsible to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) for its management.
The following services also fall under the remit of the Directorate: • Student Immigration and Funding • Student Registry • Student Recruitment & Admissions All of the services are based at the Palatine Centre in Durham City.
Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University; you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year.
The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.
We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.
There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.
All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
We offer generous pension schemes.
Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.
As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do.
We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.
At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.
If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.
Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.
Where a criterion has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1.
Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2.
Experience of successfully adhering to policy and procedures.
3.
Experience of writing detailed, evidence-based reports.
* 4.
Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 5.
Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
* 6.
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy whilst working under pressure to deliver to deadlines.
* 7.
Ability to support compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
* 8.
Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
9.
Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
10.
Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools and Microsoft 365 applications.
11.
Commitment to continuing professional development.
Desirable Criteria 12.
Experience of committee work, not necessarily in a work environment.
13.
Confidence in understanding, analysing and presenting numerical data.
14.
A postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience.
How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.
Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online.
We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system.
Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.
What you are required to submit: • A CV • A covering letter, statement and/or table which shows examples of how you meet each of the criteria within the Person Specification Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Alyson Bird or Andy Rennie would be happy to speak to you (******; ******).
Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
Ensure that the University's procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service provided and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the relevant services, including educational policy and practice.
Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role (e.g.
issues of compliance with internal or external regulation) and make recommendations based on your findings.
Manage, maintain and monitor relevant processes and policies to ensure a high quality educational experience for the student body.
Provide the best possible service to staff, students and others who you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
Collect and record data, and draft reports, committee papers and other documents, accurately.
Organise and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, providing reports to senior colleagues and committees.
Implement any changes or processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of policies and processes.
Develop an awareness of current educational policy for University business goals (such as TEF, OfS requirements etc).
Planning and Organising Plan and organise own workload to deliver the requirements of your role.
Implement and monitor protocols, procedures, processes and regulations relating to education.
Seek feedback from staff to ensure that the service is updated to meet departmental and faculty needs.
Ensure that the work of staff and teams involved in delivering educational services is in line with internal and external requirements Plan, manage and deliver professional business and administrative service processes, projects, meetings and activities to meet the needs and objectives of the service.
Develop, implement and enforce recognised procedures to ensure compliance with educational requirements, co-ordinating effort and contributing to team goals.
Take responsibility for day to day decision making within own area of responsibility for operational aspects of service delivery, translating external requirements into practical application and advice.
Communication/Liaison Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.
Build relationships to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.
Use a range of tools to communicate with a diverse range of key stakeholders, both verbally and in written format.
Provide professional advice and guidance on the operation of policy and procedure to administrative and academic staff across the institution.
Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data.
We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.