Head of Practice Learning

Job Title Head of Practice Learning College / Directorate Health and Society Location High Wycombe, with occasional travel to practice partners and other campuses. Employment Type Full Time (37hrs per week), Permanent Salary £58,225 – £67,468 per annum Summary Buckinghamshire New University is seeking a strategic and dynamic individual to lead the Practice Learning operation within the College of Health and Society. As Head of Practice Learning and a member of the College Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring strategic leadership, operational oversight, and compliance for all practice learning activities across the College. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and implement the college’s practice learning strategy, ensuring alignment with university objectives and sector best practice. Lead strategic projects to enhance practice learning capacity, quality, and digital transformation. Provide expert advice to senior leadership on practice learning policy, compliance, and risk management. Governance & Compliance Ensure all practice learning processes meet professional, statutory, and regulatory body (PSRB) requirements and university regulations. Maintain oversight of risk registers, audits, and quality assurance processes; lead responses to external inspections. Prepare reports for senior committees and external bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability. External Engagement & Partnerships Build and sustain strategic relationships with placement providers, professional bodies, and regional/national networks. Negotiate agreements and capacity arrangements with external partners to secure placement opportunities. Represent the college at external forums, influencing policy and sector developments. Operational Oversight Provide leadership and direction to the deputy head/senior manager and practice learning team. Monitor performance against KPIs, ensuring timely allocation of placements and compliance with standards. Oversee systems and processes for placement allocation, ePortfolio, and data governance. Student Experience Champion initiatives that enhance the student experience in practice-based education, ensuring inclusivity and wellbeing. Oversee resolution of escalated student concerns and complaints, ensuring fair and timely outcomes. Use student feedback and performance data to inform continuous improvement. People Leadership Lead workforce planning and resource allocation for the practice learning function. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional development within the team. Ensure effective communication and engagement across academic and professional services teams. Line management responsibilities including recruitment, performance management, professional development, health & safety, and wellbeing. Supervisory duties including motivating and supporting team members, providing direction and feedback. Other Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements: Data Protection Act 2018 & GDPR, Health & Safety, UKVI, Equality and Diversity. Other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required. Qualifications Education, Qualifications & Training Degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline. Postgraduate qualification or professional equivalent. Evidence of continuing professional development. Knowledge & Experience Extensive experience in managing practice learning or placement coordination within higher education or an equivalent setting. Proven track record of strategic planning, policy development, and compliance assurance. Significant experience in leading and managing teams, managing complex operations, and staff performance. Expert understanding of PSRB requirements and quality assurance frameworks. Significant experience of external engagement and partnership development at a senior level. Skills High-level strategic leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to shape strategy and drive change. Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex priorities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, engaging effectively with senior stakeholders. Competence in data analysis and reporting for strategic decision-making. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure. Excellent project management skills; able to manage complex processes and competing priorities. Personal resilience with experience handling difficult conversations, complaints, and escalations. Highly motivated and proactive, with commitment to continuous improvement. Digitally able – proficient in Microsoft tools (Excel, Teams, SharePoint, Power BI) desirable. Commitment to equity and social justice; inclusive, student-centred approach. Special Requirements Ability to travel to placement sites and external meetings as required. Handles sensitive information with discretion; adheres to data protection and confidentiality standards. Behavioural Indicators Delivering excellent service – Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long‑term relationships to drive up customer service standards. Achieving results – Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done. Using resources effectively – Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. Application Information Closing date: 26 January 2026 Interview date: 3 February 2026 Contact: Will Broughton, Associate Dean External Engagement – will.broughton@bnu.ac.uk Additional Information You will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK if you are successful in securing an interview for the role. BNU is a Disability Confident employer and you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. Equality and Inclusion Statement BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in our workforce, including global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people. We can provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process – please let us know if you require any support. Please click here to view our employee handbook, behavioural based interview question bank, and see our wide range of benefits available for employees. All applications are to be made in full and online. #J-18808-Ljbffr