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.,J,.,. Royal Closing date: 12/03/2023

m Interview date: 23/03/2023 ml Agricult~ral University

Academic Quality Manager
Professional Support Services

Candidate Information Pack – February 2023

A Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor

We have been developing leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators at the Royal Agricultural University ever since

1845. The RAU was established at a time of burgeoning industrialisation and great famine in Ireland when

enlightened individuals, and members of agricultural societies, recognised that the transformation of UK agriculture

– needed to increase food production – could only be achieved through education, and the application of science

and innovation.

‘Practice with Science’ was the mantra of our founders as indeed it still is today - as we aim to equip a new

generation of graduates to meet the most pressing challenges that face us in the world now – climate change, food

security, sustainable land use, biodiversity loss, heritage management and so on.

We were ranked the top university in the UK for being a Learning Community in this year’s National Student Survey,

and 4th highest for Overall Student Satisfaction across all English universities. We were also graded in the ‘Top Ten’

English universities for both Academic Support and Organisation and Management and outperformed all 24 of the

universities of the Russell Group.

This year’s Research Excellence Framework outcome adjudged that more than half of our research is ‘world-leading

and international in quality’. We are the leading small specialist university for research in England.

We are also one of only six universities in the UK to be designated a “Centre of Excellence” by the Institute of

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (IOEE), and the only specialist university to be so.

If you would like to play a leading role in shaping the future development of the RAU and you share our passion

and commitment to the land-based sector – to agriculture, food and the environment; real estate land management;

rural business and entrepreneurship; cultural heritage and equine management and science– then we would be

delighted to hear from you as a prospective member of our staff.

Thank you for your interest in the Royal Agricultural University.

Best wishes

Professor Peter McCaffery

ViAccea dCehmanicc Qeluloalri t y Manager – February 2023 2

About the Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural University has been at the forefront of
agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based
sector for over 175 years.

Our heritage

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), formerly the Royal Agricultural College, was the first

agricultural college in the English-speaking world. The first 25 students were admitted in

September 1845.

From its early days, the College was staffed with innovators and pioneers and made a considerable

impact on farming practice and agricultural science. In 2013, the Privy Council awarded the College

full University Status with Taught Degree Awarding Powers, in recognition of its long record in the

provision of higher education.

The present

The RAU has some 1,200 students studying a range of subjects, including agriculture, animal

science, business, environment, equine science, farm management, food, real estate and rural land

management. Set on the edge of Cirencester in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, its small size

provides an exceptional sense of community amongst students and staff, which supports, develops

and encourages students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambitions.

The University motto is ‘Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque’, a quotation from Virgil’s Georgics, meaning

‘Caring for the Fields and the Beasts’. This maxim has been enduringly relevant for a University

which, in every area of its activity, has worked to promote sustainable use of the land, safeguard

the environment and animal welfare and the wellbeing of rural communities. The RAU prides itself

on combining subject expertise with industry connectivity and an innovative, forward thinking,

enterprising approach. This opens doors for students, and RAU graduates are well prepared for

successful careers in their chosen field, whether that be leading innovation and change in industry,

informing future land-based policy, or setting up their own businesses. rau.ac.uk

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 3

The future

Since 2016, the RAU has achieved significant progress against its strategic plan and has delivered

transformation and change. The RAU has redefined its purpose as "to cultivate care for the land

and all that depend on it".

Core elements of the strategy include:

• Growing and diversifying the student

community by providing an

outstanding student experience and

excellent employment outcomes.

Innovative programmes will be

informed by the evolving needs of

industry and designed for learners at

all stages of life, delivered via

traditional and online learning

platforms.

• Establishing a Knowledge Hub that will

help industry navigate change and
uncertainty making it possible to Partnering with land-based colleges

tackle big challenges more effectively, and schools to extend and diversify

thereby delivering societal benefit and the student community. The

impact. The Hub will provide a focus University will foster thriving linkages

to catalyse farmer led innovation, act to a variety of localities and

as an accelerator of rural enterprise communities across the UK, thereby

and become a centre for thought extending the reach of learning

leadership for development of opportunities it offers and the impact

evidence-based policy and strategic of its research.

thinking.

• Developing sustainable partnerships
• Becoming a sustainable, efficient with industry and research-leading

organisation that can fund a institutions to provide a wider
continuing investment in its physical, perspective, ensuring that what it
digital and human infrastructure, teaches is relevant, improves student
ensuring a continually improving and employment outcomes and enables
excellent experience for students and sustainability-oriented innovation.
staff.

• Building on existing and successful

international partnerships, among

which a prominent feature has been

teaching partnerships with Chinese
“The RAU’s mission is to

universities.
equip a new generation
to thrive through
change”

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 4

Select highlights

2020 https://www.whatuni.com/student-awards-winners/university-of-the-year/. We were also

top 10 for job prospects in both years.

• Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year 2019: IOEE Celebrating Enterprise Awards

2019 http://ioee.uk/2019/10/07/celebrating-enterprise-awards-2019/ . Awarded Centre of

Excellence by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) in the same year.

• Winning £1.1m of Catalyst funding to develop the next generation of agri-food/ tech leaders

and to create new industry- led programmes that aim to position the RAU as a thought leader

post-Brexit.

• Addressing highly relevant global grand challenges – such as climate change, food security and

urbanisation– through the Rural Knowledge Hub, which initiates thought leadership activities

and accelerates the growth of rural enterprises through the Farm 491 agri-tech business

incubator based in the new Alliston Centre and also the new National Innovation Centre for

Rural Enterprise.

• Increasing the percentage of state - school entrants launching two new funds with a specific

focus on widening participation and getting involved in two national outreach programmes and

the Agrespect rural LGBT+ network.

• Securing a £2.2 million endowment from the John Oldacre Foundation to support research

students. Current PhD projects include crop science, land values in London boroughs, and

equine nutrition.

• Expanding its CPD offer via the John Oldacre Rural Innovation Centre, which is based at

Harnhill and offers a large range of practical, industry-facing courses that teach rural skills.

• Establishing new and mutually beneficial academic partnerships with further education

providers, such as the validation arrangement with Plumpton College and the urban farming

focus afforded by the link with Capel Manor College in London.

Further information on other initiatives and successes can be found here.

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 5

The Role

Job title: Academic Quality Manager

Department: Academic Services

Responsible to: Head of Academic Quality

Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Salary: Grade 8: £35,333 to £42,155 per annum

Term: Full-time, permanent, 35 hours per week

Relationships with: Academic Services teams, Academic staff, students, Senior

Academic Leadership, External Examiners, professional, statutory

and regulatory Bodies including the Quality Assurance Agency.

We have a number of different ways to work flexibly, so at your interview feel free to talk about

what flexibility means to you. There are no guarantees, however, examples of how our employees

already work flexibly include part-time, job share, hybrid-working and compressed hours.

The Purpose

The post holder will act as deputy to the Head of Academic Quality and oversee the operational

day-to-day management of academic quality assurance processes at the Royal Agricultural

University. This will include managing the university’s curriculum information, programme

validation processes, annual programme review cycle, external examiner arrangements and

systems for student feedback. The post holder will work closely with the Pro Vice Chancellor

(Education and Students) and will provide definitive advice and guidance to staff and students

regarding all aspects of quality and standards.

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 6

Key Responsibilities

1. Under the direction of the Head of Academic Quality, providing strategic advice and guidance
to the institution regarding;

• the setting and maintenance of academic standards
• the quality assurance of all aspects of programme delivery, assessment, and student

support

2. Managing the operational lifecycle for academic quality at the university, coordinating the
workload of the team to ensure it is deliverable. Providing line management to the Academic Quality
Officers in their roles.

3. Coordinating the University’s academic governance; managing the annual schedule of business
for committees and ensuring an efficient secretariat service is provided by the team. Acting as
Secretary to the University’s Academic Board.

4. Overseeing the maintenance of the University’s curriculum information, ensuring processes to
amend and enhance the curriculum are robust and follow the University’s policies and deadlines.
Ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is provided to Registry for publication to staff and
students.

5. Co-ordinating the validation of new programmes (and periodic revalidation of existing
programmes) in accordance with university policy and strategy. Ensuring a member of the team is
acting as validating officer, and that timely support and feedback is provided to programme teams.

6. Managing the university’s annual programme review process in accordance with university policy
and strategy. Ensuring the process continues to support the continuous enhancement of the
University’s provision and measures the extent to which programmes are supporting the
university’s strategic goals.

7. Coordinating the input of external examiners in quality assurance processes. Overseeing the
appointment and induction of examiners; ensuring there is a framework in place by which the
University can receive and respond to external feedback.

8. Ensuring, at all times, that the university is complying with professional, statutory and regulatory
body requirements including;

• Conditions of Registration with the Office for Students
• Sector Recognised Standards
• The UK Quality Code, as published by the Quality Assurance Agency
• Consumer protection law, as per guidance by the Competition and Markets Authority
• Requirements of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education
• Programme specific accreditation requirements including the Royal Institute of Chartered

Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)

9. Making a significant contribution to the work of the University. Supporting the strategic goals of
the University, assisting other areas as and when required.

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 7

current legislation, University policies and good practice guidance.

• All staff are required to act in a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children

and vulnerable adults at all times. The post holder must be familiar with and adhere to

appropriate safeguarding policies and guidance and participate in related

mandatory/statutory training. Managers have a responsibility to ensure their team members

understand their individual responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children and

vulnerable adults.

• All staff are required to participate in the University appraisal process and should ensure

they are familiar with the process and plan time to prepare for their appraisal. Following

the appraisal, staff are expected to undertake in any necessary learning and development

and work towards the objectives that have been set.

• The University expects staff to attend any training designated as mandatory and to

undertake learning and development activities to support their role. Managers must

facilitate learning and development within their teams.

• It is a condition of employment that staff will not disclose any information obtained in the

course of their duties other than to those entitled to receive it. The post holder must ensure

that the confidentiality of personal data remains secure and that restricted information or

highly restricted information to which they have access remains confidential during and

after their employment at Royal Agricultural University. All staff must undergo appropriate

data protection training as required.

• All absence from work must be reported in accordance with the University’s absence

procedures and recorded on iTrent.

• The University acknowledges its responsibility to provide a safe, smoke free environment,

to its employees, service users and visitors. It is the policy of the University not to allow

smoking on University premises other than in specifically designated areas.

Person Specification
Measured
By

Requirements Essential or
A) Application

The post holder must be able to demonstrate: Desirable
Form
B) Interview

Education & Qualifications

Educated to degree level, or equivalent Essential A

A professional qualification in Higher Education administration Desirable A

Experience

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 8

Experience in Higher Education administration, demonstration of Essential A
continuous professional development and keeping abreast of
sector practices

Experience planning and scheduling the activity of a team, with Essential A, B
complex, and competing priorities and deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven knowledge of quality assurance practice in a higher Essential A, B, C
education context

Detailed knowledge with Higher Education regulatory Desirable A, B, C
requirements including the OfS (Office for Students) conditions of
registration and QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) ‘Advice and
Guidance’

Stakeholder management skills: an ability to illicit support and Essential A, B
cooperation from a diverse range of stakeholders.

Logical decision-making skills: an ability to exercise balanced Essential A, B
judgement in complex and/or sensitive situations

Influencing and negotiating skills: an ability to illicit support and Desirable A, B
achieve successful outcomes from others

Clear communication skills: an ability to adjust communication Essential A, B, C
style and approach in response to the format and audience

Prioritisation skills: an ability to respond to changing demands Desirable A, B
with appropriate prioritisation

General Terms and Conditions of Employment

• This post is a full-time appointment, offered on a permanent basis. It will be remunerated

on the single pay spine, at Grade 8 £35,333 to £42,155 per annum. The appointment is

normally made at the minimum of the pay scale and is subject to meeting all pre-

employment clearances and requirements of the Person Specification.

• All new employees undergo a period of 6 months’ probation in accordance with the terms

and conditions of employment confirmation of employment is dependent on the satisfactory

completion of that probationary period.

• The nature of this post is such that it is expected that you will respond to the operational

requirements of the University in order to fulfil your duties in a professional manner. You

will be required to work such hours as are reasonably required to discharge your duties

effectively and competently. The exact number of hours in any week will vary in accordance

with institutional requirements, but will not be less than 35 hours a week.

• The University holiday year runs from January to December. The post carries an entitlement

to 30 working days (for a full-time position, otherwise pro rata) of paid leave during the

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 9

course of the holiday year (pro rata if the appointment is made during the holiday year), in

addition to Statutory Bank Holidays. There may also be discretionary days and days when

the University is closed on particular dates in the interests of efficiency.

• It is a condition of employment that all relevant posts are vetted by the Disclosure & Barring

Service (DBS) and if it applies to this appointment you will be required to undertake a DBS

check. The University will pay the fee for this service. Any false declarations or any findings

from the Disclosure could affect the suitability for employment.

Pensions and Auto Enrolment
If you meet the criteria set out below, and are not already an active member of any of our pension

schemes, the University is required to auto-enrol you into a suitable pension scheme. The criteria

for auto-enrolment is:

• Age - if you are 22 or over but no more than State Pension Age

• Earnings - a minimum of £10,000 per year

• Working in the UK

The pension schemes supported by the RAU are:

AVIVA CATEGORY X - all eligible RAU employees (except teachers) are automatically enrolled

• 5% (minimum) contribution by employee and

• 3% contribution by RAU

AVIVA CATEGORY Y1 - RAU Group Pension Scheme (defined contribution) - employees are

able to upgrade to this scheme before their 6-month probation.

• 6.5% (minimum) contribution by employee and

• 6.5% contribution by RAU

• life assurance is an additional benefit (two times annual salary)

TEACHERS’ PENSION (for teaching staff)

• employee contribution according to salary scale – between 7.4% and 11.7%

• 23.68% contribution by RAU

• life assurance is an additional benefit (three times annual salary)

Staff Benefits
We offer a range of Staff Benefits including a 35-hour working week, a generous 30 days annual

leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, free and

guaranteed parking on campus and free shuttle bus from campus to Cirencester town centre,

discounted catering facilities, discounted onsite gym, free library services, employee assistance

programme, occupational health and counselling services, cycle to work scheme and staff

development opportunities.

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 10

Further details of the full range of staff benefits available can be found on our website.

Application Procedure

If you are interested in applying for this role, please send:

• University Application Form together with the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form available on

the University website www.rau.ac.uk) – you may attach your up to date CV if you wish to add

additional information.

• Details of two referees who must be people who can comment authoritatively on you as a person

and as an employee in relation to the level of the post, and must include your current or most

recent employer or their representative.

• Please forward to the HR Team, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7

6JS or via email to [email protected] stating where you saw the advert for the role

• Informal enquiries can be made to Susanne Wilson, Head of Academic Quality

• Closing date: 12th March 2023 with Interviews on: 23rd March 2023.

• Should you be selected for interview please be aware that we are unable to reimburse interview

expenses.

The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications

from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the

RAU at this level.

International applicants

Permanent or fixed-term positions

To take up an appointment at the Royal Agricultural University, applicants who are nationals of

countries outside the UK and Republic of Ireland, and who do not have existing permission to work

in the UK, need to get permission from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Should you be successful

in the selection process, the University will apply for a certificate of sponsorship that enables you

to seek permission from the UKVI to take up our offer of employment. If you are from the EU,

Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have family already resident in the UK you may

be eligible to apply under the EU settlement scheme.

Your success in applying for a certificate of sponsorship will rely on meeting certain criteria – for

the most up to date list of these, as well as further information on working in the UK, please visit

the UKVI website.

Please be aware that we have a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live

and work in the UK. Should you be successful in your application we will need to see documentation

confirming your entitlement before you take up your appointment.

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 11

General Data Protection Regulations:
Applicant Privacy Notice

The Royal Agricultural University collects and processes your personal data so that it can meet its

statutory and legal obligations, and when it has a legitimate interest in processing personal data

before, during and after the end of the employment relationship.

The data which forms part of your job application (for example, application form, CV, references,

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, shortlisting and interview records) will be stored in a range

of different places, which will include the University’s HR and recruitment management systems

(electronic and paper based), and in IT systems (including the University's email system). Your

information may be shared internally with the HR Department and with employees who are involved

in the recruitment and selection process, but only if access to your data is absolutely necessary for

the performance of those roles.

The University may share your data with third parties in certain circumstances. Personal data that

the University uses for the purposes of equal opportunities monitoring and reporting is anonymised

or is collected with the express consent of applicants, which can be withdrawn at any time.

Applicants are entirely free to decide whether to provide such data and there are no consequences

of failing to do so.

The University takes the security of your data seriously and has internal controls in place to try to

ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed

except by the above employees in the performance of their duties. If your application is

unsuccessful, your applicant data will be destroyed 6 months following the advertised closing date

of the post you have applied for. If your application is successful, your applicant data will be

retained during your employment and for 6 years following your leaving date. You can access and

obtain a copy of your data on request and you can ask the University to change incorrect or

incomplete data.

In certain circumstances you can ask the University to stop processing your data, or you can object

to the processing of your data. If you believe that the University has not complied with your data

protection rights, you can complain to the Information Commissioner. Further information about

your rights in accordance with Data Protection and the GDPR Regulations can be obtained from

the University Data Protection Officer. A detailed Employee Privacy Notice is available to view -he-r-e.

Academic Quality Manager – February 2023 12