APPRENTICESHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, 1.0FTE DEANERY MANAGEMENT AND PROFESIONAL SERVICES ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION

Transcription

1 APPRENTICESHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, 1.0FTE DEANERY MANAGEMENT AND PROFESIONAL SERVICES ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION 37 HOURS PER WEEK (NOTIONAL) CARLISLE OR LANCASTER 37,075-46,924 Advert The University of Cumbria was founded in 2007 from the firm foundations of strong legacy institutions we remain committed to our founding principles of providing higher educational opportunities for the people of Cumbria and beyond. Our Corporate and Academic Strategy has the ambition for the University to be leading forces in regional growth, working closely with businesses and with the public sector, in a period of unprecedented skills growth and challenge in Cumbria. The UK government have recently introduced Degree Apprenticeships which are a major strategic development for UK Higher Education institutions. The University of Cumbria has prioritised the development and delivery of Higher Level and Degree Apprenticeships to meet this challenge. The post holder will work as a member of the Academic Development and Innovation team under the direction of the Head of Educational Partnerships and Lifelong Learning. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to project manage the appropriate services (Finance, Student and Academic Administrative Service, Planning, AQD and Marketing) to implement the effective launch of Higher Level and Degree Apprenticeships offer for the University of Cumbria. You will have a degree in a relevant subject, excellent verbal and written English skills and experience in project management, of managing Apprenticeships and liaising with the Skills Funding Agency and working in the HE/FE sector. In addition, you will possess excellent interpersonal skills to be able to promote UoC s offer to attract interested partners/clients. Excellent planning, organising and prioritising skills and the ability to work independently and flexibly are essential criteria to be met. The appointed candidate will represent the University of Cumbria professionally with External Stakeholder Partners and to lead the promotion of UoC s unique offer to employers. You will also take a lead role in meetings with internal and external stakeholders to develop and operationalise Higher Level and Degree Apprenticeships. Academic Development and Innovation (ADI) The ADI team includes the Head of Educational Partnerships and Lifelong Learning, the Head of International Development, The Industry Partnerships & Contracts Lead (Nuclear), the Integrated Level 3 Programme Leader and two Enterprise and Business Development Leads, along with a range of other administrative and delivery colleagues. ADI: Strategically leads relevant areas of activity including academic development and innovation, collaborative provision and partnerships, widening participation (including OFFA and Hefce requirements and initiates), international development and lifelong learning. Leads diverse externally facing specialist activities that strengthen the University s external profile, identify and grow business opportunities, develop its 1

2 operational effectiveness, improve quality and sustainability and enhance the student experience. Oversees the achievement of agreed income generation and other targets (Home/EU/International), and of a range of mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships. The priority in the next 12 months will be to build on recent good practice within the university and to develop an infrastructure and ways of working which allows ADI and colleagues within it to work closely with the Deanery (particularly Heads of Departments) and other colleagues from across professional services to provide coherent, consistent and effective support and to deliver ongoing work/ projects which diversify and maximise the university s income and ability to respond with agility to sustainable external opportunities. Informal enquiries should be directed to: Elaine Flowers, Elaine.flowers@cumbria.ac.uk or Tel: Closing date: Friday 25 November 2016 (Midnight) Reference: If it is not possible to apply electronically via please contact the recruitment team: Phone: jobs@cumbria.ac.uk 2

3 UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA JOB DESCRIPTION Post: Deanery: Apprenticeship Development Manager, 1.0fte Academic Development and Innovation Grade: 08 Location: Responsible to: Carlisle Head of Educational Partnerships and Lifelong Learning Job Purpose: Working with the Head of Educational Partnerships and Lifelong Learning this role will be responsible for managing the introduction of Degree/Higher Apprenticeships across the University of Cumbria academic departments. This will involve establishing the infrastructure to enable the development of Degree/Higher Apprenticeships, the project management of appropriate services (Finance, Student and Academic Administrative Service, Planning, AQD and Marketing) and extensive liaison with Schools and Partners to ensure the effective launch of these new Apprenticeships. A key part of the role will be leading the promotion of Degree/Higher Apprenticeships to internal stakeholders alongside external partners and employers in order to attract prospective employers/partners. Including the identification and development of new opportunities for the growth of higher and degree apprenticeships that contribute to income generation, impact and prospects of the University. The post holder will also be responsible for leadership and support for the achievement of the Apprenticeship activities and targets. At this grade staff are recognised to have the reputation and expertise at a greater breadth and depth than at lower grades and are likely to be called upon regularly to provide expert authority or specialist advice. Professional or technical staff may have management responsibility for a diverse team and resources; delivery of a significant service, area of estate, operational or leisure facility; or alternatively may be providing a support service (e.g. specialist activity, design or project management) as experienced individual advisers. Financial impact could be significant, whether on directly managed resources, projects or income development. Other Conditions: As senior members of the University the following applies: The post holder is expected to work such hours as are reasonably necessary in order to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the role; The post holder may be required to work such additional/different hours as may from time to time be necessary for the proper and efficient discharge of his or her duties which may include evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. The post holder will be required, subject to appropriate consultation, to travel to other campuses and sites as necessary. The University makes use of videoconference facilities to minimise travel wherever possible. The post holder is appointed to the staff of the University, and although initially deployed to a specific Service/Deanery, may be required, subject to appropriate consultation, to work in suitable posts elsewhere in the University. 3

4 Main Duties and Responsibilities: The Manager is an important role assisting in the provision of services for the University. A high priority is given to the creation of effective working relationships between the post holder and other contacts in the University as appropriate. The post holder will demonstrate professionalism, technical competence, good interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to work independently as well as within a team. The post holder will at all times operate within established University regulations and procedures. S/he will need understanding of and be committed to the success of a large, complex University. The principal duties and responsibilities of the post holder will include the following areas: 1. Key Activities To oversee the day to day operation of those programmes in close liaison with Heads of Department and Principal Lecturers, ensuring that the curriculum is delivered efficiently and effectively. To develop a culture of continuous improvement and ensure that learner success rates and experiences are of the highest possible standard. To take a lead role in meetings with internal and external stakeholders including academic staff, professional services; this will include reporting to Deanery and project Board meetings and University Committees. To represent the University professionally with External Stakeholder Partners and to lead the promotion of UoC s unique offer to employers by identifying and influencing prospective partners, and creating and developing a diverse range of external contacts who will form part of an extensive network of prospective partners/clients. To lead on negotiations with potential clients, academic staff and to develop proposals for Higher Level and Degree Apprenticeships, as appropriate. Communicating through s and other written documents the needs of potential and current Higher Level and Degree Apprenticeship clients. To work with the employer engagement team and academic departments to develop an effective overview of University and Departmental targets for learner outcomes and income generation. Develop and increase higher and degree apprenticeship capacity and activity to deliver on agreed personal and departmental income generation targets. To enforce a rigorous audit process within all sub contract provision and to actively engage with all subcontractors on a regular basis. To lead on ongoing training of staff and ensure standardisation of work based learning across the curriculum. To assist with aspects of business development within apprenticeships, including liaison with employers and learners. 2. Customer Service Liaise and provide expert advice to a variety of customers, on a University-wide internal and external basis and disseminate current information at the appropriate time and level to support the successful development and delivery of higher and degree level apprenticeships. Identify additional service requirements or shortfalls (or review and improve existing service provision), co-ordinating and/or designing the delivery of innovative customer solutions. Ensure excellent and consistent customer service for partner organisations and students who are on Apprenticeship programmes and apply expertise and use judgement to make decisions where solutions are not obvious, to meet customer requirements. 4

5 3. Planning and Organising Project manage and support activities to facilitate major service or operational changes to support higher level and degree level apprenticeship delivery, either within Deanery/Service or for University-wide/external projects. Plan and implement an action plan for a phased roll out of higher level and degree apprenticeships across Academic Departments, using market analysis, research data and employer information to identify specific subject and areas of demand, aligned to Department and University plans. Organise individual or team activity over longer-scales ensuring plans complement and feed into the plans of the relevant work area/project, and that there is cohesion with other relevant areas of the Deanery/Service /University leading to an increase in apprenticeship delivery. Liaise with academic departments and service areas to ensure proper preparation of action plans in order to guarantee the institutional readiness to deliver programmes and meet excellent service delivery requirements. Set, or make recommendations (e.g. to Committees, colleagues, etc.) on what priorities should be in the relevant work area, and allocate resources to meet planned objectives, requirements and timescales. Contribute to, or take a lead in, the development of policies, procedures and plans in own work area/deanery/service. Some jobs may contribute to the annual planning process. 4. Finance/Resource Management Working closely with academic departments and service areas to ensure all administrative functions related to the delivery of higher level and degree apprenticeship programmes are successfully delivered (contractual elements, costings and delivery). Ensure compliance with Skills Funding Agency (or government / funding body) guidance and robust processes and procedures are in place to meet these requirements. Ensure that all SFA funded activity is compliant with all funding regulations and requirements including the development and implementation of processes, paperwork, reporting and governance. Lead on and prepare for internal and external auditing of higher level and degree apprenticeship delivery in accordance with funding guidance. Support Enterprise and Business Engagement and academic departments with funding and commercial applications. Monitor and take responsibility for managing allocated assets, resources and budgets in the relevant work area. Also contribute to resource and budget planning and contribute to business and income development. Ensure that University financial procedures are adhered to and liaising and negotiating with internal and external suppliers. 5. Information, analysis and reporting Ensure the accurate management of apprenticeship programme sign-up paperwork, including the allocation and processing of employer grants / payments, in conjunction with Finance. Oversee the facilitation of a service to employers to manage apprenticeship recruitment via Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) and the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) employer database. Ensure full compliance with funding agencies guidelines and audit requirements. Manage the consistent tracking and monitoring of performance of internal and sub contract provision against apprenticeship profiles and targets, ensuring accurate reporting of performance. Report on contract performance, income generation against targets (overall and departmental) and achievement data for the Apprenticeship Project Board meetings and provide regular updates on performance to the line manager and senior colleagues. 5

6 In conjunction with MIS, analyse and summarise key performance statistics, informing appropriate intervention strategies, in order for the University to achieve its apprenticeship allocation. Take remedial action within agreed tolerance levels and/or make recommendations to the line manager and senior colleagues. Conduct market analysis for new developments in order to ascertain viability and map demand against opportunities to develop and grow higher level and degree level apprenticeships. 6. Internal and External Liaison Initiate and develop relationships with external clients (regionally and national) and increase the number and value of productive relationships with businesses and public sector organisations in relation to higher and degree apprenticeships. Identify the needs of client organisations in order to develop new opportunities that align with the University s strengths and capabilities and enhance the University's reputation, in relation to higher and degree apprenticeships. Negotiate and manage contracts with customers, key external contacts and service providers on behalf of the Deanery/Service and University. Liaise and communicate with large proportions of the University body, and occasionally with the entire institution. Liaise and mediate with external bodies and stakeholders promoting policy or practice; establishing good relations/improving standing in the community; and contributing to collaborative initiatives, projects, meetings and events. Involved in the initiation and leadership of networks on behalf of the Deanery / Service or University. 7. Staff support and development Ensure academic and service staff are kept appraised of apprenticeship strategy, current legislation / government updates, funding opportunities, policies and processes including the Apprenticeship Levy and it implementation and impact. Provide advice to enterprise and business engagement staff on apprenticeships activities, funding and project opportunities to support and encourage entrepreneurial and a customer focused culture. Provide detailed specific guidance and support which may involve staff training and/or identifying development needs for others, to support their occupational development. Also act as main point of contact and be responsible for the organisation and operation of an aspect of work, gained through a detailed understanding of the theory and principles underpinning the particular field of work. Manage a diverse group of roles within own Deanery/Service area ensuring the successful delivery of an administrative/professional/operational service; communicating requirements and monitoring and reviewing individual and team progress and performance. 8. Corporate Subject to the overall responsibility of the Head of Service / School / Division / Deanery Administration as appropriate, and under the procedures established by and under the guidance of the University Secretary: To work at all times in line with the University Vision, Mission and Operating Principles; To contribute to and participate in committees, working parties and cross Service/Deanery/University projects as may be required; To support and actively promote a commitment to the University s Equality and Diversity strategies, policies and procedures; To support and actively promote a commitment to the University s Health and Safety policies and procedures; 6

7 To be committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; To support and actively promote other University policies and procedures as may be appropriate. To participate in agreed training activities, to enhance role performance such as updating on health and safety issues or key skills. To support the Deanery/Service s compliance with the administrative procedures of the University s QA systems. To support and actively the values, beliefs and expected behaviours of the University s Leadership and Management Framework. In addition to the duties listed here, the post holder is required to perform other duties which are assigned from time to time. However, such other duties will be reasonable in relation to the individual s skills, abilities and grade. It is the University s intention that this job description is seen as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the post holder is accountable. However, the business will change and the post holder s obligations will vary and develop. The job description should be seen as a guide and not as a permanent, definitive and exhaustive statement. 7

8 Criteria for Grade 8 (b) Services post. Role Title: Apprenticeship Development Manager Qualifications Educated to degree level or equivalent experience Professional qualification or membership of professional body (or equivalent experience) Experience Previous experience in a role dealing with administrative and information management systems and understanding of the relevant terminology. Delivery and management of externally funded contracts (Skills Funding Agency (SFA) / government / funded contract, etc.), maintaining and meeting audit requirements, development of process and procedures to ensure compliance with funding requirements. Supporting the achievement of SFA contract outcomes through effective caseload management and action planning. Experience of liaison with the Skills Funding Agency and up to date knowledge of funding and apprenticeship developments including implementation of the Levy. Experience of implementing quality improvement strategies that ensure high levels of quality & compliance. Experience of dealing with both employers and apprentices within a vocational setting. Recognised and substantial expertise and understanding of theory to provide expert authority and advice. Experience/qualifications are supported by evidence of progressively more demanding jobs and achievements, demonstrated successes and growing reputation. Comprehensive project management, line management and budget management experience Experience in supporting the establishment and development of enterprise networks and partnerships both internally and externally in the context of this sector Experience of assessing client needs in relation to higher education delivery. Experience in business development and client management, including selling, negotiation, bid / Desirable Desirable Desirable To be identified by: Application Form Application Form 8

9 writing, costing price and tendering and securing external income. Experience of engagement with a range of businesses including SME s. Knowledge, skills and abilities Management skills to lead a diverse team, or significant service or operational facility. Authoritative knowledge of own area (policy, systems, services, work practices, processes, etc.) and understanding of broader areas and issues (regulations, legislation, and national codes of practice, and implications of non-compliance, etc.) Ability to design, develop and deliver different aspects of work from inception to completion (e.g. relating to strategy and policy, and Universitywide/external projects). Ability to initiate and lead networks on behalf of the Deanery/Service or University; to negotiate and manage contracts with customers, key external contacts and service providers on behalf of the Deanery/Service and University. Ability to analyse and solve problems of a complex nature. Ability to think strategically, e.g. when making decisions and formulating policy. Ability to take a lead in the development and improvement of services. Ability to present concepts and complex material to a range of audiences. Understanding of relevant planning and budgeting processes and the ability to control budgets and contracts for goods and services. Knowledge of relevant IT packages, information systems and procedures, ability to adapt/transfer skills to use new technology, development and maintenance of websites, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Professional approach to work and work colleagues and an ability to work independently and show initiative. Good organisational, oral communication, interpersonal, networking skills and time management skills. 9

10 Other Flexible approach to work Willing and able to travel between University sites and to other sites as necessary Commitment to the Mission of the University Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at work Demonstrable commitment to a healthy and safe working environment Must be committed to the Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults including: Motivation to work with children Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours Interview Interview Interview 10