The University of Wolverhampton is seeking to appoint an exceptional strategic leader as its inaugural Head of Student Life Operational Compliance and Assurance.
This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a newly established function at the heart of the University's Student Life Directorate, providing strategic leadership for operational compliance, governance, quality assurance and institutional improvement across one of the University's most diverse and evolving portfolios.
Working directly with the Director of Student Life, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the University's Student Life services remain aligned with an increasingly complex higher education regulatory landscape whilst driving innovation, organisational learning and continuous improvement.
The role has been created as part of the University's commitment to strengthening institutional assurance across student support, safeguarding, disability inclusion, wellbeing and collaborative partnership provision.
A significant aspect of the role will involve leading the implementation of the University's new Student Life Partnership Assurance Framework—a sector-leading approach to assuring Student Life provision across collaborative partnerships through evidence-based assessment, proportionate operating models and ongoing institutional oversight.
You will establish and chair the University's Student Life Assurance Panel, providing governance and professional leadership for partnership onboarding, annual assurance reviews and institutional risk assessment.
Alongside partnership assurance, you will lead the Directorate's approach to operational compliance, service evaluation, organisational risk, policy development and quality improvement, ensuring that Student Life continues to respond proactively to emerging legislation, Office for Students requirements and sector best practice.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader who enjoys building new services, influencing organisational change and helping shape the future direction of Student Life within higher education.
About You
We are looking for an experienced strategic leader with the credibility, judgement and vision to operate confidently within a complex and highly regulated environment.
You will have significant experience of:
- leading governance, operational compliance or assurance activity within higher education or another highly regulated sector;
- interpreting legislation, regulatory requirements or policy and translating these into effective operational practice;
- leading organisational change, quality improvement and service development;
- developing productive relationships with senior stakeholders across complex organisations;
- managing organisational risk, governance and institutional assurance;
- leading multidisciplinary teams and influencing without direct authority.
You will also demonstrate:
- exceptional strategic thinking and analytical ability;
- strong political awareness and professional judgement;
- excellent communication and influencing skills;
- the ability to balance regulatory compliance with innovation and service improvement;
- a collaborative leadership style with a commitment to developing others;
- a passion for improving the student experience through evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.
Experience within higher education, student services, governance, quality assurance, safeguarding, disability inclusion or collaborative partnerships would be highly advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Student Life Operational Compliance and Assurance will:
- provide strategic leadership for operational compliance, governance and quality assurance across the Student Life Directorate;
- lead implementation of the University's Student Life Partnership Assurance Framework;
- chair the Student Life Assurance Panel and oversee partnership onboarding and annual assurance;
- lead operational risk management, compliance reviews and assurance activity across Student Life;
- translate emerging legislation and Office for Students regulatory requirements into operational policy and practice;
- oversee service evaluation, organisational learning and continuous improvement across the Directorate;
- lead strategic projects on behalf of the Director of Student Life, including the development of new approaches to student support and operational excellence;
- work collaboratively with Faculties, Educational Partnerships, Registry, Legal Services and Professional Services colleagues to strengthen institutional governance and student support;
- represent the Directorate within University committees and external networks.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to create something genuinely new.
You will establish a new institutional function that will shape how the University assures Student Life across its campuses and collaborative partnerships for years to come.
You will join a progressive and ambitious Directorate committed to:
- putting students at the heart of institutional decision making;
- strengthening governance through evidence-based assurance;
- promoting inclusion, safeguarding and student success;
- supporting innovation and continuous improvement;
- developing sector-leading approaches to Student Life.
Working closely with the Director of Student Life, you will have the opportunity to influence institutional strategy, lead transformational projects and contribute to emerging practice across the higher education sector.
Further Information
For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact:
Dr Clare Dickens MBE – Director of Student Life and university Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Lead, [email protected]
University of Wolverhampton Recruitment Statement
Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
The University of Wolverhampton recognises and protects the rights to freedom of speech and academic freedom, within the law.
We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression.
An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Wolverhampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to:
- preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
- promoting equality of opportunity.
- fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
We recognise that applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their applications. However, submissions must reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations.
We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.
Flexible Working
We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.
Your Benefits:
Competitive salaries
Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
Free Will Writing Service – Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.
Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
Eyecare Support – Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
Flu Vouchers – Free flu vaccinations for staff.
Paycare Health Benefit Plan – Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.
Valuing You:
Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
Free On-site Parking – available across campuses.
Cycle Benefits Scheme – Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
Tusker Electric Vehicle Scheme – Electric cars via salary sacrifice.
Employee Discounts – Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
Travel Discounts – Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
Training and Development
Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level.
Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.
