Student Policy & Regulations Manager
About The University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through ground‑breaking research, teaching excellence and a commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook, driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, staff and region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK, have achieved outstanding results and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We are financially strong and ambitious, offering an inclusive culture centred on staff wellbeing.
About The College/Department
The Registry supports all aspects of the student journey, from initial enquiry and application to final award and completion. We provide an outstanding service, are thought leaders in our expertise area, and work collaboratively to deliver a high‑performance culture that promotes wellbeing, diversity and opportunity for all.
About The Role
Lead a strategic function at the heart of academic governance and student experience. Oversee the development, implementation and review of the University’s Academic Regulations and Student Policies, aligning with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements. Lead the Student Policy and Regulations team, guiding complex student cases and shaping policy to enhance student outcomes and compliance.
This position is offered on a fixed‑term basis to cover maternity leave, ending in late January 2027 with potential extension.
About You
You are a forward‑thinking professional with a postgraduate qualification or equivalent, and a proven track record of leadership within Higher Education. You possess strong analytical, problem‑solving and data interpretation skills, and can use tools such as Excel, Power BI or Tableau. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and confidence to advise senior leaders are essential.
Principal Accountabilities
* Act as principal advisor and member of the Regulatory Framework Committee overseeing Academic Regulations and Rights and Responsibilities for students.
* Lead development, approval, publication, implementation and review of regulations and student policies, liaising with internal owners and committees.
* Act as internal adjudicator/critical friend in complaints, academic appeals, disciplinary and suitability processes.
* Advise Executive/PVC‑Deans on strategic management of complex cases.
* Lead the Student Policy and Regulations team, delivering services on time, accurately and professionally.
* Develop processes and systems to support the area, monitoring improvements and regulatory amendments.
* Work with stakeholders to manage expectations, communicate timely and build relationships within the Registry and wider University.
* Coordinate student cases with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and serve as main point of contact.
* Ensure procedures align with sector‑wide best practice, engaging with national groups, QAA and OIA.
* Use complaints and appeal learning to inform future practice, providing management information to committees.
* Monitor impact of Registry services, set service standards and drive continuous development.
* Adopt management information systems to support the service and deliver electronic solutions.
* Contribute to strategic planning, resource allocation and institutional decision‑making.
* Act as Registry Data Steward.
* Promote equality and diversity, sustaining an inclusive environment in line with University policy.
* Develop a community of practice with Registry College‑facing teams to share learning and provide training.
* Provide management information to committees and staff on key performance indicators.
* Govern assessment and award related policies and processes, advising on regulatory issues and exam governance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Postgraduate qualification or comparable knowledge gained through professional experience.
* Evidence of continuous professional development.
Experience
* Experience within a Higher Education provider.
* Experience leading and performing team management.
* Experience delivering process change and improvement in Higher Education.
* Experience in developing academic regulations and/or student policy.
* Experience in complex case management in Higher Education.
* Flexible, responsive, business‑oriented approach with problem‑solving and prioritisation skills.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
* Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and external environment (e.g., OIA, OFS).
* Understanding of Higher Education casework.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Proven analytical and data interpretation capability.
* Excellent report writing and numeracy skills.
* Excellent organisational, time and workload management.
* Strategic thinking and operational planning across boundaries.
* Analysis and presentation of management information using software tools.
* Ability to provide evidence‑based insights and challenge senior leaders.
* Manage high volume, competing demands while maintaining service standards.
* Pragmatic, risk‑based approach reflecting commercial outlook.
* Commercial outlook.
* Develop specific actions and plans from strategic priorities.
* Well‑developed people management skills.
* Strong customer focus.
* Ability to influence and negotiate.
Business Requirements
* Commitment to live and promote the University values and behaviours.
* Availability to work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends, and support key events.
* Willingness and flexibility to travel between University sites as required.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay and Employee Assistance Programme.
* Access to staff discounts at high‑street retailers.
* Discounted onsite gym.
* Access to employer‑funded Private Health Insurance.
* Holiday purchase.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* A flexible working environment.
* A commitment to personal and professional development.
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Joanne Cooke, Director of Student and Academic Services via j.cooke@derby.ac.uk.
For enquiries regarding your application and sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.
Important Information
Visa Sponsorship Eligibility
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are Disability Confident Employers and inclusive for trans and non‑binary staff. Applicants can indicate preferred titles and pronouns.
Environmental Sustainability
The University is committed to embedding sustainability in all activities and aims to achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
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