Strategy, Policy & Governance Assistant at The Open University
Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid
Closing Date: 16 September 2025
Weekly Working Hours: 18.5
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 3 years from start date
About the Role
This is a part-time role of 18.5 hours per week. These hours can be worked across the working week and it would be preferable if this would encompass working on a Friday.
As an Assistant within the STEM Faculty’s professional services team, you will support the day-to-day delivery of Strategy, Policy and Governance (SPG) team priorities by providing proactive and flexible administrative support that allows colleagues to do their jobs effectively.
As an SPG assistant you will work closely with the SPG Co-ordinator and Managers in the SPG team to key areas of priority from the following list, but will be expected to work flexibly and collaboratively to cover other priorities:
* Student complaints and appeals
* TMA monitoring
* Governance and approvals for Learning, Teaching and Assessment, Research, Knowledge Exchange, External Engagement and Scholarship.
* The Faculty’s planning cycle.
* Faculty Promotions and Chairs Working Groups.
Activities in this role may change in response to changes in Faculty priorities.
You will also support the identification, dissemination, and implementation of good practice as part a commitment to continuous improvement and the development of operational capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Providing operational administrative support, working in conjunction with other members of the team and colleagues across the Faculty and wider University. Activities could include but are not limited to:
* Student Complaints - co-ordinating student complaints and appeals received in the STEM faculty, including recording and administering Stages 1-2 complaints and liaison with Student Casework office or Vice-Chancellors delegate
* TMA Monitoring – administering the STEM Tutor Marked Assignment monitoring process, answering queries/managing the mailbox, liaising with Staff Tutors in all schools to allocate monitors and ensure deadlines are met
* Governance and Approvals - working with the SPG Co-Ordinator to support planning, governance and approval processes, assisting in the preparation and administration of Academic Committees, liaising with faculty colleagues, answering queries/managing the mailbox and handling the documentation to ensure deadlines are met.
* Faculty Planning – working with the Managers across SPG to support the Faculty unit planning processes, managing documentation, organising and scheduling local meetings as required.
* Faculty Promotions and Chairs Working Groups – compiling, monitoring receipt and disseminating documents for consideration at meetings throughout the year from across schools and institute.
All SPG assistants will be expected to fulfil the following:
Project Management
* Assisting with the administration of all aspects of projects assigned to you, including supporting project initiation, set up and reporting processes, and assisting with day-to-day requests from project teams requiring assistant support.
* Proactively monitoring upcoming schedules and flagging issues to managers to ensure delivery of items to time and quality.
People Management
* Prioritising own work, having an awareness of the workload of the team, and supporting colleagues when necessary.
* Being an adaptable team member, undertaking duties as required by line manager or matrix management.
Wider Influence
* Working collaboratively with others in the team and making an active contribution to the wider work of the Faculty including contributing to networks and communities that support the identification, dissemination, and adoption of good practice and solving common issues and problems.
* Advising on routine enquiries and providing guidance to colleagues on policy and processes.
* Undertaking other duties as agreed with your line manager
Skills and Experience
* A good standard of general education to include English and Maths at GCSE/GCE level Grade C (or equivalent) or equivalent experience and a commitment to reflection and personal/professional development
* Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish constructive relationships, and work collaboratively and effectively in a team.
* Effective organisational skills with the ability to remain flexible, adaptable, and responsive and to use initiative, work independently, and solve problems in a pro-active manner.
* Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information, work accurately, and to manage and manipulate data appropriately.
* Proficient in the use of IT and willing to develop existing skills and learning about relevant IT systems.
* An understanding of and a commitment to the University’s mission and Values in Action.
* Experience of working in a changing environment
As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum of 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the essential / desirable criteria listed above.
We are open to discussions about flexible working, whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We anticipate this being once a fortnight on average.
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
Job details
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Contract
* Job function: Administrative and Human Resources
* Industries: Higher Education
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