Associate Dean

UCLan; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Preston is seeking an experienced Associate Dean to oversee Degree Apprenticeships, ensuring high-quality education and compliance with national standards. Ideal candidates will possess a doctorate and significant experience in apprenticeship provision and quality assurance, particularly regarding OFSTED inspections. The role is pivotal in shaping educational offerings to meet evolving industry needs. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Attractive annual leave entitlement

Comprehensive employee benefits platform

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in apprenticeship provision and compliance.
• Demonstrable experience in quality assurance processes.
• Familiarity with OFSTED inspection criteria.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support strategic and operational activities for Degree Apprenticeships.
• Ensure compliance with national standards for apprenticeship provision.
• Contribute significantly to the School’s mission for quality education.

Skills

Apprenticeship provision

Quality assurance

Regulatory compliance

OFSTED inspection experience

Professional standards involvement

Education

Doctorate or higher degree

Job description

By joining the University of Lancashire, you’ll become part of a thriving community of talent that’s united by a shared vision – to transform the lives of our students and create prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Every colleague has a vital role to play in helping us achieve this vision.

About the role:

The School of Engineering and Computing at the University of Lancashire is seeking to appoint an Associate Dean with a distinctive portfolio of skills and experience to lead and support our strategic and operational activities in relation to Degree Apprenticeships. Whilst the role will follow the broad responsibilities outlined in the generic Associate Dean job description, we are specifically looking for a candidate who brings deep expertise in apprenticeship provision, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

About you:

We are particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate current or recent experience with OFSTED inspection (particularly if this experience relates to the Inspection of Apprenticeships) as this insight will be invaluable in shaping our provision to meet and exceed national standards. Additionally, active involvement in the application of professional standards within a relevant Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) would be highly advantageous, reflecting our commitment to excellence and industry alignment. The successful candidate will have a doctorate or higher degree, or equivalent professional qualifications.

This is a pivotal leadership role that will contribute significantly to the School’s mission to deliver high‑quality, employer‑responsive education that meets the evolving needs of the engineering, computing, architecture, construction, physics and mathematics sectors.

Interviews will be held w/c 26 January on campus in Preston.

For informal enquiries please contact Georgina Harris – Dean of School via her PA Victoria Heapy.

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.