Head of Department - HE STEM (LUM389/335)

About the Role

Higher Education is a significant aspect of the mission of Leeds City College. The College is a national provider of education, skills, training and employability opportunities and has developed extensive provision which is not provided elsewhere through more traditional HEIs.

Over 1300 students are currently studying on a range of courses with us. The curriculum offered at UCLeeds is vocationally focused and diverse in nature. The institution holds Foundation Degree Awarding Powers and partnered with the Open University for Level 6 provision.

Our STEM department’s curriculum portfolio comprises of a range of Foundation degrees and Top Ups within Digital, Computing and Science, Masters provision within Science and HNC/D’s in Engineering alongside a number of apprenticeships.  

The role of the Head of Department here at UCLeeds is to lead curriculum staff to contribute effectively to the strategic aims of the University Centre and ensure that local, regional and national priorities are met. The Head role also ensures that the department efficiently runs and delivers financial contribution targets as detailed within the annual business plan.

What You Will Do

Core responsibilities include:

1. Develop, embed and maintain outstanding teaching, learning and assessment in the department.
2. Respond to national and local priorities and to adapt, develop and gain approval for provision to meet local demands
3. Respond to funding changes and develop provision in growth areas
4. Be a role model across the curriculum area for outstanding teaching, learning and assessment
5. Performance manage staff within the Department and ensure that they develop their professional practice
6. Lead the Department and secure outstanding outcomes for students and employers
7. Ensure that all courses within the Department are run effectively and meet awarding body, funding and quality agency requirements.
8. Ensure that quality assurance mechanisms are embedded and impacting on quality outcomes/measures e.g. Outcomes for Students, TEF rates, NSS rates.

About You

We are looking for a Head of Department who is able to drive this department forward within the STEM sector. Leeds has the fastest growing digital sector in the UK with 5400 businesses in ICT and 4200 in computer programming.

We know that with our Higher Technical Qualifications portfolio, UCLeeds sits firmly as a leading institution that offers graduates the skills they need to be successful in employment.

We are looking for a Head of Department who is experienced at driving forward institutional vision and that of their own, to enhance student experience. We are looking for a motivated person who is able to develop employer networks and engagement and implement strategic planning to build exciting new opportunities for our graduates.

Benefits

There are plenty of benefits available to our staff members, here are just a few:

• Annual leave entitlement - If you work full time, you'll get at least 27 days holiday plus bank holidays and up to 5 discretionary closure days at Christmas (pro rata for part time staff).
  • Support Staff 27 days (increasing to 32 days after 5 years service)
  • Academic 37 days
  • Senior Management 37 days
• Generous Pension schemes
  • Teachers’ Pension Scheme 
  • Local Government Pension Scheme 
• Memberships and discounts - employees can sign up to various membership cards and discount schemes such as TOTUM card (formerly NUS card). 
• Travel and commuting - discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to work schemes.
• Learning and development opportunities -  including staff development days
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities - this will vary depending on role requirements

About Us

At University Centre Leeds, we provide a supportive higher education environment designed to promote and enhance independent learning. We have access to industry standard equipment unique to many of our subject areas. These range from our makeup studios to practical science labs. 

We are committed to lifelong learning and investing in our staff. You’ll have access to a broad variety of training and professional development designed to help you continually develop and grow. Choosing to work for University Centre Leeds means that you will be part of an inclusive and progressive learning environment. We hope that we will be part of the next step in your career and look forward to welcoming you to University Centre Leeds. 

We are proud to be the highest rated for student satisfaction in Leeds for the third year running (National Student Survey 2022).

SAFEGUARDING

At Luminate Education Group we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our students including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow the Safer Recruitment requirements and best practice as set out within Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, online checks and must have two satisfactory references. Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We recognise, value and champion diversity & Inclusion. As we engage with a diverse student population we want to ensure we reflect that in our staff population too. For us diversity is about building happy teams, full of people that want to learn and be inspired by each other, by our different experiences and backgrounds. It is important to us that both staff and students achieve their full potential.  Diversity is important to us, but inclusion is equally, if not more important. It’s not just about having the representation but also providing the people we recruit with opportunities and valuing everyone’s contributions and perspectives.

For further information about the role please visit the vacancies section of our website via the apply link.