Shape the future of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
We are seeking an ambitious, inspirational and experienced academic leader to provide strategic and academic leadership for our growing School of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences.
This is an opportunity to shape a distinctive, forward-looking portfolio, working across the University and with industry, employers, healthcare organisations and professional bodies to ensure our provision meets the evolving needs of students, the workforce and the wider economy.
You will provide visible and inclusive leadership to academic and professional teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. You will lead the development of the school’s academic portfolio, strengthen student recruitment and outcomes, support research and knowledge exchange, and ensure high-quality, sustainable provision.
Developing a distinctive academic portfolio
You will drive the development of a contemporary and professionally relevant portfolio, responsive to developments across Life, Clinical and Health Sciences.
A key priority will be the development of new provision, including the expansion of Pharmacy education. You will understand Pharmacy and professional and regulatory accreditation, with the ability to translate emerging opportunities into successful academic provision.
You will also lead the development of apprenticeships and work-based learning, aligning opportunities with the University’s wider academic and workforce strategy.
Strengthening external partnerships and impact
You will be an outward-facing leader who understands the value of strong relationships with industry, employers, healthcare organisations and professional bodies.
You will develop opportunities for curriculum development, placements, apprenticeships, research, knowledge exchange and graduate employment, using your external networks and understanding of workforce needs to inform the school’s priorities.
An inspirational and strategic leader
You will have a strong track record of academic leadership, with the ability to inspire and develop colleagues, lead through change and deliver strategic priorities.
Combining academic credibility with strategic, commercial and partnership-building skills, you will bring experience of developing provision, improving outcomes and delivering sustainable growth.
Above all, you will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can bring people together around a clear vision, drive innovation and ensure the school makes a meaningful contribution to students, employers, the professions and the communities it serves.
Why join us?
The University of Bedfordshire is a university on the rise, with strong momentum across student experience, teaching and national rankings.
A university on the rise – we have climbed 33 places in the Guardian University Guide in just two years, reaching 90th in the UK, our highest position for 16 years.
A strong and improving student experience – we have achieved three consecutive years of improvement in the National Student Survey.
Teaching that makes a difference – Bedfordshire is recognised nationally for the quality of its teaching and the progress our students make.
Career-focused education – our strong employer and professional partnerships connect learning with placements, apprenticeships and graduate employment.
A diverse and inclusive community – we are committed to widening participation, social mobility and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
An ambitious future – with growing partnerships, developing academic provision and a clear focus on regional and national impact, this is an exciting time to join the University and help shape its next chapter.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
The post will be based at Luton (with travel to other campuses as required).
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.
At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.
We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.
We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies.
JOB DESCRIPTION Head of School
Faculty of Health, Community & Life Sciences School of Life Sciences
Details
Job Title: Head of School
School: School of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
Job Reports To: Executive Dean
Location: Luton Campus (with travel to other campuses as required)
Post Number: BEDS2975
Pay Point: Spot Salary Band C £67,643 – £80,769
Context
As a line manager role, this role has management and leadership responsibilities. We expect all line managers to role model all qualities (a combination of competencies and behaviours) expressed in our Leadership Framework Leadership Framework | University of Bedfordshire.
Provide strategic and forward-looking leadership to the School of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences as a key member of the Faculty of Health, Community & Life Sciences Leadership Team. Advance the School’s academic mission across education, student experience, research, knowledge exchange, international engagement, and partnerships. Foster an inclusive, high- performing culture through cross-institutional collaboration, a strong commitment to EDI, and robust governance. Lead the effective management of staff and resources, ensuring financial sustainability and the growth of diverse income streams in alignment with University priorities.
Key Elements (please tick as appropriate)
1. This post has MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
2. This job requires SAFEGUARDING YES
3. This is a KEY POST (i.e. must have nominated deputy)
Principal Accountabilities
- At all times to role model all Leadership Qualities expressed in our Leadership Framework Leadership Framework | University of Bedfordshire, which applies to all line managers, and includes four pillars: Future Focused, Connect and Include, Create, learn, Deliver, and, Build Brilliant Teams.
- Provide strategic leadership as a key member of the University Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the delivery of the University’s overarching strategy and associated operational plans.
- Lead and oversee the School’s academic portfolio, encompassing education, research, international engagement, enterprise, educational partnerships, and student satisfaction.
- Support the development and delivery of institutional excellence and access plans (such as TEF, REF, KEF and APP), including liaising with key internal stakeholders e.g the Academy and Research Institutes.
- Develop and implement School-level plans aligned with the University’s strategic planning framework, ensuring timely progress and delivery against agreed targets.
- Direct the recruitment, engagement, development, and performance of School staff, fostering a culture that aligns with the University’s vision and enables staff to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
- Encourage and facilitate cross-School, cross-Faculty, and cross-University collaboration, driving strategic initiatives and shared projects. Participate in appropriate internal and external professional groups to develop networks and strategic partnerships, influence and share good practice.
- Chair relevant School groups and committees and lead and/or engage with cross Faculty strategic projects and developments as required.
- Manage the School’s resources-including human, physical, and financial assets- responsibly and efficiently, ensuring financial sustainability and assuming overall budgetary responsibility.
- Champion innovation, responsiveness, and excellence across all areas of School activity, embedding high professional standards.
- Support the growth and diversification of the School’s income streams, identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
- Lead the School in the development and implementation of robust student recruitment strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and targets, responding to market trends and student demand, and fostering innovation in outreach, conversion, and partnership initiatives to attract a diverse and high-quality student body across undergraduate, postgraduate, and international cohorts.
- Ensure the effective implementation of University policies and frameworks, including those related to financial management, workload planning, student experience, and research excellence.
- Actively engage with staff and student feedback, using it to enhance satisfaction and improve experiences, in alignment with institutional KPIs.
- Oversee health, safety, and wellbeing practices within the School, ensuring compliance and fostering a positive, safe environment.
- Lead and advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the School, delivering on the University’s strategic vision and centrally coordinated EDI approach, including monitoring and reporting progress through appropriate committees.
- Promote a collaborative and inclusive School culture, supporting initiatives that build a strong sense of community among staff and students.
- Lead and demonstrate the University of Bedfordshire’s Values and Behaviors.
- To undertake other duties which may reasonably be requested by the Executive Dean.
Head of School – Person Specification
Qualifications
- Either a first degree or second degree in subject areas represented by the school which include subject expertise or a related discipline to the School.
- PhD in a cognate area or equivalent professional standing and experience.
- Evidence of continuous professional development and professional excellence
- Fellowship of HEA
Knowledge
- Recognised as an authority in teaching and learning, research and/or enterprise within one or more areas of the curriculum of the School.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the UK Higher Education landscape and current policy developments, with the strategic insight to shape the School and Faculty’s future in alignment with the University’s Strategy and an evolving external environment.
- Excellent understanding of the needs of students in relation to the learning experience and the impact of diversity issues on curriculum development, learning, teaching and assessment and the student offering.
- Knowledge of clinical sciences – Pharmacy provision
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the Life, Clinical and Health sciences sector and knows the importance of students engaging in “real world” activities such as placements and work experience.
- An advanced understanding of teaching and learning, and of the ability to use it creatively in developing and delivering curricula to a broad range of learners.
- Knowledge of research funding, sources and processes.
- A proven track record of excellent research or creative professional practice outputs in a discipline relevant to the School.
- Has a proven track record of managing Pharmacy provision at HEI level
Experience
- Teaching experience in the HE sector at both UG and PG level.
- A proven track record of strategic management and leadership in HE, including people management and budgetary and other resource management.
- Providing input to operational planning and organisation of projects.
- Leading a variety of types of education provision such as apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate provision and PhD studentships.
- Participation in programme development, learning, teaching and assessment, student support, quality enhancement and other academic activities.
- Experience of forging external links, partnerships and professional networks.
- Research and publications or equivalent experiential track record.
- Proactive engagement in external activities relevant to the subject areas of the school which promote and enhance the school profile e.g. professional and regulatory bodies.
- Experience of PhD Supervision to completion.
- Experience of bidding for research funding.
- Management and business experience at a senior level, ideally in an international context.Exposure to enterprise, innovation and income generation, with an understanding of traditional and third-stream funding mechanisms.
- Has a proven track record of managing Pharmacy provision at HEI level
Skills/abilities/ competencies
- Ability to role model and apply our Leadership Qualities in every-day decisions, planning and behaviours. Leadership Qualities are expressed in our Leadership Framework Leadership Framework | University of Bedfordshire, which includes four pillars: Future Focused, Connect and Include, Create, learn, Deliver, and, Build Brilliant Teams.
- Excellent teaching, research and supervision skills.
- Strong leadership qualities including the ability to establish performance standards, motivate and inspire staff to achieve objectives.
- Strong track record of engaging with industry to support the education of students through placements, internships and work experience.
- Advanced capacity to engage both teams and individuals to engage with change.
- Advanced ability to plan, manage and monitor staff and financial resources.
- The ability to proactively engage with external stakeholders to represent the University and the School appropriately in a range of external environments both in the UK and overseas.
- Ability to promote enterprise activity leading to the growth of third- stream income.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity in higher education.
- Provide expert advice to colleagues on teaching, research and enterprise activities
- The ability to persuade, influence and negotiate and make difficult decisions when needed.
- Receive and convey complex information in a clear and accurate manner to a range of audiences using appropriate media.
Personal Attributes
- Integrity and commitment to the prioritisation of the student experience.
- Commitment to the University’s mission, vision and values.
- Strong buy-in to the University of Bedfordshire vision of the school applied for and the provision of practice based education.
- The ability to enthuse, motivate and inspire, and promote excellence in all aspects of the School’s activities.
- Ability to deal with all levels of staff in both an academic and business context and to inspire confidence in the future direction of the School.
- Commitment to recruiting, supporting and developing staff so they can successfully contribute to the School strategy.
- Willingness to work flexibly to support the School’s diverse operations and markets.
Equality Statement
The University of Bedfordshire is fully committed to the principles of equality in all its actions. Members of the University’s community are expected to respect and value individuality, differences and diversity; and work with others in an inclusive and consultative manner. A commitment to equality of opportunity for all individuals irrespective of their age, belief, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation is at the core of what we do and members of the community must actively promote a positive non-discriminatory work and learning environment for fellow staff and students. Employees should demonstrate an understanding of the University’s commitments to equality and diversity as an integral part of the university’s core values and be able to identify and challenge discrimination, harassment, prejudice and inappropriate behaviour.
Health & Safety Statement
All employees are required to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the University’s Health and Safety (H & S) at Work Policy. They should take reasonable care for their own H & S and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do. Staff should correctly use work items provided by the University, including personal protective equipment in accordance with training or instructions.
Environmental Statement
Employees must make proper use of any equipment and systems of work provided and take all reasonable steps to ensure that control measures are properly used. Employees must work with their Line Managers to ensure that an inventory is retained of all hazardous substances in the office that could be released into the environment. Employees are expected to identify operations that use significant amounts of energy, with a view to reducing consumption. This includes identifying operations that use resources, such as paper, and review the need for the current level of consumption, identifying savings where possible. Employees are expected to identify waste streams with a view to recycling and reuse, minimising office energy use in heating and lighting.
Briefing
Note: the content of this Job Description does not preclude other work required by the faculty department. Details of accountabilities will be discussed at annual reviews.
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