Senior Accreditation and Governance Manager (
Job Number: 25000104)
Faculty of Business
Grade: 8 - £46,485 - £55,295 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent: Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: Hybrid
Closing Date: 02-Mar-2025, 11:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.
The Role and Department
Durham University Business School, one of the longest established business schools in the UK, is a multi-disciplinary School characterised by academic excellence, internationally-rated research and superb student support services. The School's diversity and international standing is reflected in the student intake (with over 110 nationalities); accreditation by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS; and high positions in the UK and European Business School rankings. Further information on the School can be found at Durham Business School.
Working closely with the School’s senior leadership team, the postholder will be responsible for leading and advising the School-wide accreditation activity, and actively contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to support the maintenance of the School’s triple-accredited status. In particular, the postholder will provide high-level support for the delivery of the School’s strategic objectives in Education, working closely with the Deputy Executive Dean (Education) and other senior members of the School. This includes being the PS lead for academic quality assurance, education policy development and new programme development, in response to the complex and wide-ranging needs of the Business School and its four academic departments. They will also be responsible for advising on a range of high-level governance matters.
As one of the School’s Operational Leads, the Senior Manager, Accreditations and Governance also leads the School’s Accreditation and Stakeholder Relations team, which includes colleagues working in the areas of: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Sustainability; Alumni relations; Postgraduate recruitment relations; and Marketing relations. They are also a member of the School’s Executive Team and will be expected to make an active contribution to policy development related to the School’s Strategy and key University objectives, working alongside senior colleagues.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
* 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
* The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
* We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into this University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
* Parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discounts with local bus and train companies.
* Commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally with a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications.
* Support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
* On-site nursery plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
* Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, among the most generous in the higher education sector.
* Opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
* Discounts available via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products, cinema and attractions.
* A salary sacrifice scheme available for tax savings on benefits.
* If moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and assistance with house hunting and schools.
* We cover most visa costs and offer an interest-free loan scheme for dependent visas.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are key parts of our Strategy and central to everything we do. We actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a supportive and inclusive community. It’s important to us that all our colleagues are aligned to our values and commitment to EDI.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process and will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever reasonable.
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.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
* Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
* Professional practitioner with significant, relevant specialist knowledge and expertise in governance and/or accreditation, within the Higher Education sector.
* Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders and colleagues, specifically in relation to academic quality assurance and governance.
* Evidence of successfully managing and developing multiple teams across large, complex service areas.
* Significant, relevant experience in stakeholder engagement and multi-stakeholder management.
* Experience participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice.
* Relevant experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
* Ability to successfully operate at a strategic level and develop, plan and implement strategic and operational plans.
* Deep knowledge and experience of working in an international environment.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, including communicating, influencing and negotiating.
* Ability to manage complex projects with competing priorities.
* Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps.
* Demonstrable ability to manage unforeseen challenges and solve complex problems.
* Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience of leading accreditation within a Business School environment.
* Expertise in governance in an academic context.
How To Apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically.
What You Need To Submit
* A CV.
* A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.
Contact details
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact business.facultyoffice@durham.ac.uk.
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery/Development
* In collaboration with the senior leadership team, design the Business School’s strategy for accreditations.
* Design and implement policies, procedures and systems to ensure the School meets governance and accreditation requirements.
* Act as primary contact with accreditation bodies and prepare accreditation documentation.
* Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
* Develop an understanding of university policy and external developments.
* Ensure that policy and regulatory standards are met.
* Use your professional knowledge to resolve problems and shape processes.
* Identify priorities and shape service delivery.
* Look for ways to continually improve services.
* Manage quality and regulatory audits of systems and procedures.
* Support the welfare and wellbeing of your staff.
Planning and Organisation
* Support the Executive Dean and Heads of Department in planning.
* Contribute to the development of operational plans relevant to your area.
* Oversee the analysis of data about service levels and make recommendations for improvement.
* Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources.
Team Development
* Manage and develop the people, performance and resources of your team.
* Recruit, induct and train team members.
* Ensure that your team can deliver the required services.
* Carry out regular performance reviews and identify development needs.
* Handle HR issues and support the welfare and wellbeing of your team.
Communication/Liaison
* Provide professional guidance and advice.
* Design communications to promote engagement with your team.
* Influence University policy, standards and governance.
* Create strong working relationships and internal networks.
* Identify opportunities to develop participation in special interest groups.
* Any other reasonable duties.
Useful links
If you would like further information you may find the following will help Durham Business School.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. #J-18808-Ljbffr