Quality Assurance Manager (Education)

Quality Assurance Manager (Education) Job Description & Person Specification Reporting to: Salary: Hours: Chief Executive 34,000 full time equivalent salary; ( 27,200 for 28 hours a week; 20,400 for 21 hours a week) plus 7% employers pension contribution of after three months probation. 21-28 hours a week; (3-4 days a week) exact days/ hours to be agreed between the post holder and AfN Chief executive to meet the requirements of the post. Staff are required to perform their duties during normal office opening hours (Monday-Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm). The post is not suitable for home-working. About Us The Association for Nutrition (AfN) is the voluntary regulator for qualified nutritionists. We protect and benefit the public by promoting nutrition and public health, and championing high standards of practice in the nutrition profession. We maintain the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), a competency based register of individuals who: are qualified and competent in nutritional science and practice agree to uphold professional and ethical standards through a comprehensive code of conduct Only individuals who meet the highest standards in evidence based science and professional practice of nutrition can join and remain on the Register. AfN currently employs six members of staff, four of whom are part-time. We are a small, friendly, hardworking team, based in central London, and are committed to growing both the Association and the UKVRN over the coming years. For more information, please visit www.associationfornutrition.org Job Summary The Quality Assurance Manager (Education) is a key member of our management team, responsible for managing the accreditation of degree and postgraduate programmes (the successful completion of which leads to UKVRN direct entry at Associate Level), the endorsement of short courses & on-line learning for Registrant s continuing professional development (CPD) and the certification of short courses and on-line learning designed to improve the wider-workforce and the public s general nutrition knowledge. All these schemes are described on our website. You will work closely with our elected Council members and appointed Committee members, supporting and advising the Chair of two main committees; Accreditation Committee and Certification Committee, and our team of expert volunteer Accreditation, Certification and CPD assessors to grow the reach and authority of our quality assurance operations. Working as part of a supportive and close knit team, you will advise the Chief Executive on strategies for the maintenance of standards of AfN Accredited courses in higher education to meet the requirements for entry to the Register; for recognising evidence-based 1

activities for our registrants continuing professional development (CPD) and extending and developing our processes for the Certification of courses across health, social care, fitness, leisure and catering to help us achieve our long term strategic aim - protection of title for Registered Nutritionists and protection of the public from unsafe nutrition advice. You will be responsible for all education quality assurance processes, including overseeing application and governance, managing Accreditation Committee and Certification Committee, co-ordinating our annual review process, developing and managing Standard Operating Procedures, overseeing the training and performance of our volunteer assessors, maintaining sections of the website, driving growth and supporting a sense of community amongst course providers, thereby improving retention. You will also produce reports for Committees and Council, respond to email, phone calls and general queries, and manage one part-time member of staff, our Quality Assurance Officer. The post also includes managing ad hoc projects across the team, and supporting initiatives to promote the profession and its education base within the nutrition community, to the public and to stakeholders. In 2015-16, this will include a devising and implementing our Certification process for the wider workforce in catering, fitness and leisure and, with the Registration Manager, the strategic development of individual certification at non-professional level. Main Duties AfN Course Accreditation The number of degree and postgraduate courses which meet our rigorously applied standards for accreditation are steadily growing, from 20 in 2010 to over 60 in 2015. We have recently restructured our accreditation processes and we are in the process of developing and consulting on new Education Standards. We are an ambitious team; and you will be central to developing sustainable growth in the number and quality of Associate and Registered Nutritionists, both in the UK and overseas, by engaging with and course providers in the university sector who are educating the next generation of Registered Nutritionists. You will identify and advise providers on how to meet our standards for accreditation, and advise our volunteer assessors and Committee members on all aspects of course accreditation. You will also manage and advise on the periodic review of our Standard Operating Procedures and the development and introduction of our new Education Standards, as well as Competence Requirements for Registration (alongside our Registration Manager.) On a day to day basis you will manage the application and annual review process for accredited courses including all corresponding documentation (e.g. application forms, database entry, fee processing, guidance documents and Standard Operating Procedures.) and ensure the relevant pages of our website is kept up to date. AfN CPD Endorsement Launched in 2011, AfN Endorsed CPD is an established benchmark for learning opportunities provided by external organisations (such learned bodies or conference organisers) to meet our rigorously applied standards for Registrant s continuing professional development. You will be responsible for growing our CPD endorsement scheme and working with our Registration Manager to develop our future plans for recording and monitoring registrants CPD. You will oversee the work of the Quality Assurance Officer in processing all applications received (including assessment) ensuring compliance with our Standard Operating Procedures and correct description on our website and in email newsletters. 2

AfN Course Certification AfN Course Certification is new but steadily growing scheme aimed at certifying the standards of general nutrition courses and on-line learning aimed the wider-workforce and the general public. Launched in late 2012, AfN Course Certification builds on work undertaken by AfN with Department of Health/ Public Health England and offers the greatest scope to make a significant difference in improving the capacity of those who work or volunteer across health, social care, fitness, leisure and catering to guide food choice. You will be responsible for identifying and advising providers on how to meet our standards for certification, and advise our volunteer assessors and Committee members on all aspects of course certification. There are significant opportunities for developing corresponding documentation (e.g. application forms, database entry, fee processing, guidance documents and Standard Operating Procedures) to extend our current Certification scheme into fitness, leisure and catering following the publication of new standards by PHE/ AfN in Autumn 2015. You will oversee the work of the Quality Assurance Officer in processing all applications received (including assessment) ensuring compliance with our Standard Operating Procedures and correct description on our website and in email newsletters. Governance AfN Accreditation Committee and Certification Committee normally meets twice/ three times a year, you will be responsible for liaising with the relevant Chair, preparing agenda and reports on activity in a timely and accurate manner, along with the production of minutes. In the long term our ambition is to achieve statutory protection of title and/or a Royal Charter. You will be central to growing the number of recognised courses (and hence the Register) and developing our regulatory functions to meet PSA/ Privy Council/ Government requirements to ensure all stakeholders have confidence in our ability to meet this ambition. AfN Website With the AfN Communications and Marketing Manager, you will also ensure the relevant sections of AfN website are accurate, informative and up to date, periodically reviewing content and layout. Management of Quality Assurance (Education) Office You will ensure the smooth running of the Quality Assurance (Education) office, the line management of one member of staff and management of the relevant budgets, including generation of significant income streams. You will provide a prompt and friendly first line of response to general queries about course recognition, and provide advice and guidance on the application process for accreditation, certification and endorsement. This will include organising ad hoc seminars and training sessions for Committee members and our assessors, attending events, lectures and conferences to represent the AfN, visiting universities and organising other volunteer member visits where necessary. You will also assist the Chief Executive, advising on Governance issues if necessary. You will be expected to attend and advise our Council meetings (4 meetings per year) and produce reports on various activities for the Chief Executive and Council. Alongside AfN Communications and Marketing Manager you will contribute to the production of communication material with registrants and publicity material for AfN/UKVRN including our monthly email newsletters, our Annual report, leaflets and careers material. 3

Person Specification This section lists the essential and desirable requirements for the post. Applicants will be short listed solely on the extent to which they meet these requirements. Education and Work Experience Essential 1. You will be educated to degree level or equivalent qualification with at least three years relevant work experience, ideally in a membership based organisation, within higher education or Government/ NGO. 2. You will have knowledge of issues around UK professional/ voluntary regulation and education quality assurance and/or course accreditation 3. You will be sympathetic to the demands of a science-based discipline. 4. You will have experience of supporting a committee, of preparing agenda and papers, writing minutes and advising committee chair/ members on key strategic issues. 5. You will have experience of managing an application process; including receiving and processing applications and handling appeals. 6. You will have experience of using and maintaining a membership/contacts database 7. You will have experience of managing a budget, handling incoming fee payments and setting fee levels for different services. Desirable 1. Experience of working for a professional body/membership association, in higher education, local government or similar organisation would be desirable, as would knowledge of issues relating to professional standards in education or quality assurance. 2. Knowledge of UK and/or international systems of course accreditation/ certification and a practical understanding of our potential reach of AfN international activity. 3. Knowledge of and interest in nutrition science and/or experience of working for an evidence based nutrition-related organisation. 4. Experience of leading and managing course accreditation/ certification process, of developing and consulting upon education standards, and of promoting course accreditation/ certification to providers would be desirable, as is experience of advising a Chief Executive/ Trustees on governance issues, including appeals. 5. Experience of using CRM, although training will be provided. 6. Experience of managing and developing staff teams and leading volunteers, including planning and delivering volunteer training. 7. Experience of organising seminars/events/ volunteer training. Communication, Interpersonal & IT Skills Essential 1. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the credibility to represent the AfN to external audiences and ability to understand and convey information in clear and accurate manner 4

2. You will have sound experience of working hands on as part of a small team, in a supportive, flexible and friendly manner, with both staff and Registrants. You will also have experience of working autonomously, under a minimum of supervision, able and willing to refer or consult when necessary. 3. You will have excellent organisation and time management skills, and a demonstrable ability to prioritise tasks, able to work on one or more complex projects at the same time 4. You will have experience of maintaining confidential files and records, demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and accuracy. 5. You will have excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Internet Desirable 1. Ability to provide a high standard of service and information accurately and promptly to internal and external customers. 2. Ability to contribute to the strategic direction and smooth running of the Association as part of the senior management team. Standard responsibilities There are a number of standard duties and responsibilities that AfN employees, irrespective of their role and level of seniority are expected to be familiar with and adhere to: - requirements of Health and Safety Regulations to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues - promote and comply with our policy on equality and diversity at all times - ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments - comply with our policy on the appropriate use of telephone, email and internet facilities - comply with the principles of risk management in relation to individual and corporate responsibilities Other Information Salary, Probationary & Notice period The starting salary will be in the region of 34,000 pro rata a year depending on experience. There will be a three month probationary period, during which a one month notice period will apply. After satisfactory completion of the three month probationary period, the notice period will extend to three calendar months. Hours of work The post is offered on a flexible basis; between 21-28 hours a week (3-5 days a week on flexible basis; term time working will be considered). Staff are required to perform their duties in normal office opening hours (Monday-Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm with an hour s unpaid lunch break each day when working more than six hours). The post is not suitable for home-working. All AfN staff are expected to work occasional evenings or weekends to support promotion of the Register at events, conferences or 5

institutional visits, for which time off in lieu is available. The postholder will also be expected to travel throughout the UK, with occasional overnights stays, (anticipated to be no more than 1 or 2 nights in 2015-16). In the future, as we develop our plans for international activity, there may be opportunity for overseas travel. Annual Leave You will be entitled to receive 28 days holiday a year (pro rata) in addition to the usual Bank and Public Holidays (pro rata). Holidays must be taken at a time that is convenient to the Employer, normally no more than two weeks holiday may be taken at any one time. Pension After satisfactory completion of a three month probationary period, employers contribution of 7% of salary, with the option of additional employee contributions. References This appointment is subject to the provision of two satisfactory references. Application Procedure To apply, please send a copy of your CV with the names, addresses, telephone and email contacts of at least two references, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer, and a covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification. Please send your application to l.milliner@associationfornutrition.org (preferred) or by post to: Leonie Milliner, AfN Chief Executive, 28 Portland Place, London, W1B 1LY AfN. Applications to be received no later than 10am Wednesday 7 th October 2015. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13 th October 2015. We regret it will not be possible to interview candidates on any alternative date, and it will only be possible to contact those applicants successfully invited to interview. 6