About this role
Job Purpose The Programme Lead provides academic leadership for the effective delivery, quality and continuous improvement of designated programmes within the College. Working closely with the College Director and academic team, the Programme Lead is responsible for ensuring that programmes are delivered coherently and consistently, meet agreed academic and quality standards, and support strong student engagement, achievement, completion and progression. The postholder will provide day-to-day academic oversight of programme delivery, curriculum and assessment, use academic and student performance data to identify areas for improvement, and coordinate appropriate academic responses. They will support teaching staff in maintaining high standards of teaching, learning and assessment and contribute actively to the College's academic quality assurance and enhancement processes. The Programme Lead will normally undertake teaching alongside their leadership responsibilities, with teaching allocation balanced appropriately to ensure sufficient capacity to fulfil the academic leadership requirements of the role. Leadership and People Management Provide day-to-day academic leadership for designated programmes and act as the principal academic point of coordination for the programme team. Promote a collaborative and inclusive working environment that enhances the quality of the student learning experience and the teaching–learning environment. Inspire and motivate teaching staff to deliver high-quality learning and actively contribute to programme development and enhancement. Plan staffing requirements in advance and work with the College Director to ensure programmes are appropriately resourced, with recruitment activity conducted in line with corporate policies and standards. Assist the College Director in monitoring and managing staff performance, including annual observations and performance reviews, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly and effectively. Contribute to the strategic development and longer-term planning of the programme portfolio. Support the induction of new teaching staff and provide ongoing academic guidance and support. Work with the College Director to contribute to professional development planning for College teaching staff. Programme Management and Academic Quality Plan, coordinate and manage the delivery of a coherent suite of high-quality modules that support student progression targets and satisfaction. Work with the College management team to ensure the programme meets agreed strategic and operational objectives. Ensure programme curricula and modules are aligned with partner University standards and requirements to facilitate progression and achievement. Work with relevant colleagues to ensure timetables are effective, deliverable, and aligned with module descriptors, keeping stakeholders appropriately informed. Ensure the design, delivery, marking and moderation of assessments are fair, transparent, and aligned with programme learning outcomes and level descriptors. Lead annual module evaluation processes, analysing feedback to inform curriculum enhancement and continuous improvement. Contribute to Annual Programme Monitoring and support action planning and follow-up. Assist the College Director in preparing for and implementing programme-level change, including new modules where required. Ensure assessment, progression and reporting deadlines are met, and that accurate academic records are maintained and shared with the academic administrator. Ensure appropriate cover arrangements are in place when tutors are absent, maintaining continuity of delivery. Student Support and Progression Ensure attendance and engagement monitoring processes are followed consistently, working with tutors to address concerns promptly. Monitor student academic progress and attainment, initiating interventions where required to support successful progression. Work collaboratively with academic and student support teams to identify and address barriers to student success. Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes student confidence, belonging and achievement. External and Internal Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain effective working relationships with key academic contacts at the partner University to support programme quality, alignment and progression. Ensure effective communication and collaboration with OIEG Academic Affairs, Quality Assurance teams. Collaborate with Programme Leads across other Colleges, sharing good practice and contributing to cross-College enhancement. Act as a visible academic ambassador for the College and OIEG. Teaching and Scholarship Plan and deliver up to 15 hours per week of high-quality teaching, in line with programme and module requirements. Model effective teaching, assessment and feedback practice, aligned with academic standards and inclusive pedagogy. Contribute to assessment marking, moderation and standardisation as required. Engage in scholarly and professional development activities to maintain subject and pedagogic currency. Role Scope and Boundaries The Programme Lead holds academic leadership responsibility for the programme, with day-to-day oversight of delivery, assessment and student outcomes. Formal line management accountability sits with the College Director, unless otherwise agreed. Strategic resourcing and contractual decisions remain the responsibility of senior College leadership. The Programme Lead works particularly closely with Senior Tutors and Tutors. Senior Tutors may provide leadership and coordination within particular subject or module areas, while the Programme Lead maintains oversight of the coherence and performance of the programme as a whole.