43225 - Quality Assurance Manager

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Overview of the job      

This is a Learning and Skills Quality Assurance Manager job in one of the South Wales Public Sector Prisons (SWPSP).

The main purpose of the job is to ensure learning and skills delivery in the prison is delivered to quality standards as outlined in the Integrated Quality Assurance Framework for HMPPS in Wales, ESTYN and Awarding Body expectations.  

Accountable to the Head of Learning and Skills the post will be based in one of the Public Sector Prisons in South Wales

This is a non-operational post with line management responsibilities

Summary           

The job holder will be responsible for

• Managing the quality assurance activities in prison Learning & skills departments in line with the Integrated Quality Assurance Framework for South Wales prisons.
• Working with the Heads of Learning and Skills to continuously improve in line with Estyn’s 5 inspections areas – Performance; Wellbeing and Attitudes to Learning; Teaching and Learning Experiences; Care, Support and Guidance; Leadership and Management.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties   

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Manage the Quality Observation process including standardisation, training and moderation.
• Analysing audit data to identify areas for improvement in the quality systems and prepare improvement plans.
• Monitor and report on the impact of quality activities and development plans
• Support the completion of the annual Self-Assessment Report and development and monitoring of the Quality Development Plans
• Provide additional learning and support (mentoring) to staff for quality development and occupation competence
• Ensure ILPs and other elements of the Learner Journey course folders are completed to an excellent standard.
• Monitor weekly end of course learner evaluations from staff in Learning and Skills departments and Industries and inputting on MIS
• Ensure all staff are competent to deliver Essential Skills and/or vocational courses and resources/ILPs are effectively utilised according to Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK)/Accreditation Boards’ Standards and delivered in a multi-sensory way as appropriate
• Maintain and monitor all aspects of Essential Skills in the department to maintain compliance with Quality mark/Inspectors expectations
• Support the preparation of the Annual Needs Analysis Report documents
• To be responsible for the implementation of all recommendations that focus on quality procedures, from all inspections and assurance visits
• Ensure all teachers have required marking schemes, Essential Skills information displayed in learning environments, delivery plans in place/displayed
• Deliver 300 hours of teaching per year
• Maintain own professional standards and continuous professional development by attending courses, meetings, training events, workshops, seminars in order to develop yourself and the department
• To be highly self-motivated and organised
• Adhere to all HMPPS policies and procedures
• line management of teachers and admin staff as required by the Heads of Learning and Skills

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder

Competencies  

All of the competencies in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Competency and Qualities Framework are relevant to this group profile. For the purpose of selection the following competencies will be measured:

• Making effective decisions
• Working at pace
• Acting with integrity
• Partnering and collaborating
• Persuading and influencing

Essential Skills/ Qualifications/ Accreditation/ Registration        

• Teaching qualification, minimum Cert Ed or PGCE
• Quality inspection, auditing experience
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, QA applications and databases
• Knowledge of tools, concepts and methodologies of QA
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements

Hours of Work

37 hours per week.

Factor Examples

Skills and Knowledge    

• Experience of quality assurance processes within an education setting. Good knowledge of Learning and Skills quality assurance principles
• Experience in preparation of education Self-Assessment Reports and Quality Development Plans in line with Welsh Government
• Excellent communication skills –written and oral
• Teaching qualification minimum Cert Ed or PGCE
• Ability to analyse complex data and prepare and present complex reports and other management information.
• Experience of using Management Information Systems and IT systems – Microsoft office and HMPPS software

Accountability and Decision Making      

• Ensuring L&S provision is delivered to professional standards and expectations, through regular meetings with HOLs, teachers and administration staff, reporting progress to HOLs and HORR.
• Responsible for implementing HOLs quality protocols for the support and development of teachers. E.G lesson observations within classroom and all associated paperwork such as course files, schemes of work and ILP’s.
• Responsible for ensuring learning and skills quality standards are followed by departmental staff through ongoing quality checks offering support and guidance as necessary.

Problem Solving             

• Working closely with the Area Quality Manager to identify, manage and resolve risks and issues to ensure successful and delivery of quality milestones.
• Challenge failures to achieve quality expectations and facilitate solutions by identify factors affecting achievement of high quality and offer a range of solutions.

Resource Management and Financial Impact     

• No budget responsibility

Organising and Planning             

• New quality assurance processes need to be developed and implemented, they will require constant review and feedback from users to ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Support the Area Quality Manager developing and implement monitoring and checking of quality systems for the department and area team. Provide regular feedback to establishments HOLs and HORR.
• Planning relevant communication of future activities to colleagues and stakeholders

People Management    

• Line management responsibilities for teachers so responsible for annual appraisal and performance management

Information Management          

• Create support data capture systems that support the requirements of L&S department and area team as necessary and provide reports to Area Quality Manager, HOLs & HORR
• Provide management information reports to Area Quality Manager, HOLs and Governors

Influencing and Interaction        

• Provide leadership and direction with regard to L&S quality assurance delivery in the establishment
• Ensure teachers and administration staff understand the need for, and comply with, quality protocols
• Work with teachers and mangers to find new ways of working that will improve outcomes and increase staff skills and commitment to offender learning.
• Identify and support all teachers strengths and weaknesses from classroom observations

Emotional Demand and Risk      

• Prisoner contact during lessons. Prisoner complaints