Head of Quality

Head of Quality Peterlee, SR8 2RN Contract Type: Full Time Salary: £45,076 to £46,000 Working Hours: 37 Job Category: Business Support 01/11/2026 - 13 days remaining Apply for this job

Job Introduction

About the Role

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 [email removed].

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 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. 

Join Our Team at East Durham College

Now is the perfect time to become part of our fantastic team at East Durham College! With recent investments enhancing our already outstanding teaching facilities and further development on the horizon, the College offers an excellent environment for both staff and students. We take pride in providing access to education for all, offering clear pathways through various stages of learning with a strong focus on employment opportunities across the North East region. We’re also thrilled to have earned our fifth consecutive ‘GOOD’ rating from Ofsted.

East Durham College operates across three campuses, delivering a wide range of courses from general further education and A-Levels to specialist land-based and technical programs, ensuring there is something for everyone. As a team member, you’ll enjoy a generous holiday entitlement, Local Government or Teachers Pensions, free gym access (Willerby Grove Campus), free parking, and much more.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive community where everyone can be themselves and succeed. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our dynamic workforce.

As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, East Durham College operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria, as part of our status as a Disability Confident Employer.

At East Durham College, we uphold Safer Recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education standards. This role requires an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. 

Although this role is advertised as full-time, we be