Education Policy Officer (Policy & Reporting)

at  Durham University

Education Policy Officer (Policy & Reporting) (Job Number: 24001857)
Academic Office
Grade 6: - £30,505 - £36,924 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 12-Nov-2024, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
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.

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:

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

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.*
2. Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy whilst working under pressure to deliver to deadlines.*
3. Ability to support compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.*
4. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
5. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
6. Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools and Microsoft 365 applications.
7. Commitment to continuing professional development.

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.