Head of Quality and Curriculum

Application Deadline: 9 January 2026 Department: Skills Management Location: Hybrid Compensation: £40,000 - £44,000 / year Description We reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time if we receive suitable applications for the role. An exciting opportunity for you to develop your career with the third fastest growing training provider in the United Kingdom. Acorn Training is a highly successful, skills, justice, employment and health provider with strong corporate values and inclusive ethos – winner of The World Skills UK Social Inclusion and Diversity Network of the Year award. To lead and coordinate quality assurance, curriculum development, and continuous improvement strategies across Apprenticeship, Adult Learning, and devolved skills contracts. The role ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks, drives excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, and supports organisational growth in line with the Strategic Plan. Key Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators Quality Assurance and Compliance Support directors to coordinate the completion of a comprehensive Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). Coordinate the process of creating programme and department-level self-assessment and quality improvement planning, including post-inspection action plans, ensuring a culture of continuous improvement. Provide nominee support during an Ofsted inspection, ensuring compliance and effective communication throughout the process. Monitor external practice and guidance from sources such as the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, DfE Apprenticeship Accountability Framework, AELP, ERSA, IEP, and QAR data to inform internal practice. Undertake work scrutiny audits in line with an audit plan that contributes towards ISO9001, ensuring all aspects of the learning journey are effective and weaknesses are identified and rapidly improved. Manage relationships with awarding organisations to ensure centre and scheme approval is maintained. Data Analysis and Reporting Analyse data and trends across Apprenticeship, Adult Learning, and devolved skills contracts to identify improvement areas, including learners past planned end date, apprenticeship withdrawals, and breaks in learning. Use a range of data sources and qualitative information to analyse and make judgements about trends in the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Complete monthly quality and performance reports and present findings at monthly management meetings. Report to EMT monthly on the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinate a comprehensive observation of teaching, learning and assessment programme internally and with subcontractor partners. Lead insight learning technology (ILT) initiatives to develop teachers’ use of technology in the learning environment. Coordinate and deliver continued professional development (CPD) to improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, working collaboratively with HR and subcontractor partners. Staff Development and Wellbeing Coordinate strategies to enhance staff wellbeing collaboratively with HR. Work collaboratively with HR to develop CPD and staff wellbeing plans that drive forward key objectives such as Talent Management, Staff Retention and Staff Wellbeing. Support staff on a one-to-one and small group basis where intensive action planning and skills development are required. Leadership and Management Line manage the Lead IQA to coordinate all EQA activity. Line manage Head of Data Analytics & Reporting. Line manage Curriculum Development & Quality lead. Coordinate Education and Training programmes, including monitoring all internal apprentices. Support senior leaders with the management and implementation of new systems as required. Support senior managers to develop the business and achieve growth targets in line with the Strategic Plan, including bid writing and partnership development. Key Performance Indicators Quality Assurance & Compliance SAR and QIP Completion: Comprehensive Self-Assessment Report and Quality Improvement Plan completed and approved by agreed deadlines. Ofsted Readiness: Maintain full compliance with Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and DfE Apprenticeship Accountability Framework, evidenced through internal audits and readiness checks. Nominee Support: Successful coordination and representation during Ofsted inspections, with positive feedback on preparedness and compliance. Continual Accreditation: Maintain all awarding organisation approvals and compliance standards. Learner & Employer Outcomes Satisfaction Levels: Achieve agreed % of learner and employer satisfaction (measured through surveys and feedback). Completion Rates: Maintain or improve successful completion rates for apprenticeships and adult learning programmes. Learning Outcomes: Positive trends in achievement and progression data, aligned with QAR benchmarks. Teaching, Learning & Assessment Observation Programme: 100% of planned observations completed each quarter, with improvement actions implemented within 10 working days. CPD Delivery: Implementation of effective professional development programmes for staff, with 90% positive feedback from participants. ILT Integration: Evidence of increased use of technology in teaching sessions, measured through observation reports and staff surveys. Data Analysis & Reporting Timely Reporting: Delivery of monthly quality and performance reports to EMT on schedule. Actionable Insights: Reports include clear analysis and improvement actions, with progress tracked. Regulatory KPIs: Positive trends in KPIs related to regulatory requirements (e.g., achievement rates, retention, compliance). Curriculum Development Learner Feedback Integration: Successful integration of learner feedback into curriculum developments, evidenced through programme reviews and updates. Staff Development & Wellbeing Talent Development: Individual action plans in place for 100% of staff identified as requiring intensive support. Line Management: Provide effective monthly one-to-one sessions for all direct reports, ensuring clear objectives, feedback, and development planning. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Qualifications and specific training Minimum Level 5 teaching learning and assessment qualification, such as Cert Ed, DTLLS or Diploma in Education and Training (essential) Level 5 or above subject specialism (essential) Level 3 CAVA and Level 4 IQA or equivalent (essential) GCSE (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics (essential) Level 2 IT Qualification (essential) Full Driving Licence (essential) Level 5 learning and development or leadership and management qualification (desirable) Master of Education (MEd) or similar (desirable) First Aid at Work Certificate (desirable) IOSH Health and Safety Qualification (desirable) Experience Proven experience in educational leadership roles, preferably in curriculum design, instructional development, or a quality assurance capacity. (essential) Proven experience in managing curriculum development teams, ensuring quality standards, and overseeing programme evaluation. (essential) Proven track record of successful curriculum development and implementation that aligns with industry demands and learning outcomes. (essential) Proven experience of supporting throughout an Ofsted inspection (desirable) Knowledge Demonstrate a strong understanding of the FE and training sector. (essential) In-depth understanding of educational theories, pedagogical principles, and curriculum development methodologies. (essential) Knowledge of accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance processes in the adult education sector. (essential) Understanding of assessment strategies and methodologies for measuring learning outcomes. (essential) Familiarity with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in curriculum design and delivery. (desirable) Skills Ability to lead and inspire curriculum development teams, set clear goals, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. (essential) Thoroughness in ensuring curriculum alignment with learning outcomes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. (essential) Strong ability to collaborate with diverse teams, departments, and external partners. (essential) Adaptable to changes in the education landscape, industry demands, and regulatory guidelines (essential) Proficient in using technology and software tools for curriculum design and assessment. (desirable) We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, reasonable adjustments can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please get in contact with recruitment@acorntraining.co.uk to discuss alternative options you may require, or alternative application methods. #J-18808-Ljbffr