Head of Provider Governance

Job Reference QAHAUC1
Closing Date Thursday 02 Jul 2020

The Office for Students (OfS) is the new independent regulator of higher education in England, whose aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. It does so by regulating the higher education providers on its register to make sure they are delivering positive outcomes for their students and value for money; where they are not, it takes action.
The OfS’s regulatory framework places key responsibilities on the governing bodies and accountable officers of registered higher education providers. The Head of Provider Governance will lead and deliver on the OfS’s approach to the regulation of management and governance arrangements across a diverse range of higher education providers on the basis set out in HERA 2017 and in the OfS’s regulatory framework. Engaging with key stakeholders internally and externally, the postholder will be a strategic and creative influence within the directorate, managing a high-quality and motivated matrixed team.
Candidates will bring an understanding of management and governance arrangements in complex structures and in diverse types of organisations, with experience in identifying, managing and mitigating risks. They will be able to approach challenges proactively and think innovatively about the OfS’s approach to regulating providers. Candidates will be strong leaders with the ability to manage teams, and their workload, within a matrix structure. Comfortable with ambiguity, strategically minded, and personally resilient, candidates will be adept at communicating effectively and building strong relationships inside and outside the organisation.
The OfS values diversity in all its forms: just as it seeks to promote access, success and progress for underrepresented groups of students, so it seeks to reflect this in its own workforce. As such, it is keen to hear from people from all backgrounds and walks of life with the right skills and expertise to help support its ambitious vision. The OfS also actively encourages employees to achieve their individual work/life balance by offering flexible working where business requirements allow.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Office for Students on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QAHAUC1. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 2nd July 2020.
The next stages of the process will take place in line with current government guidance, supported by video technology when required. Candidates will be supported in the use of this technology throughout the process. We will make all reasonable adjustments to ensure that, if needed, candidates have access to communication support at all stages of the process. Final panel interviews will take place in September.