Head of Learning & Teaching
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CANDIDATE BRIEF
SRUC Head of Learning & Teaching
Contents
Page 3 Introduction Page 3 SRUC – Overview, Background and Academic Strategy Page 4 SRUC’s Vision & Mission Page 5 Executive Leadership Team Structure Page 8 Head of Learning & Teaching Page 12 Application Process Page 13 Links to Supplementary Information
SRUC a Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046
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As SRUC shapes up for a new era of significant change, our sustainable growth will be underpinned by the development, management and delivery of excellence in research and teaching that both support and enable organisational transformation and contribute to SRUC meeting its ambitions to advance the rural economy of Scotland while increasing its international impact and influence.
This role presents the opportunity to actively contribute to the strategic leadership of SRUC by being an integral member of SRUC’s Wider Leadership Team chaired by the Principal and Chief Executive, and the Academic Leadership Team, chaired by the Academic Director and leading SRUC’s commitment to excellence in research and encourage all individuals to realise their full potential.
Professor Jamie Newbold Academic Director - SRUC Introduction
SRUC – Overview and Background
SRUC is a unique organisation founded on world class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy. As a Higher Education Institution, we have specialist expertise in Education and Research and offer unrivalled links with industry through our Agricultural Business Consultants.
SRUC’s principal purpose is to advance education, science, research and environmental protection and improvement in the rural and land-based industries, both domestically and internationally. The commercial consultancy, skills training and research activities are undertaken through SAC Commercial Limited. References to “SRUC” in this specification includes both SRUC and SAC Commercial Limited.
SRUC employs approximately 1,300 staff operating from 6 campuses, 8 farms, 25 consulting offices, 6 research centres and 8 veterinary surveillance centres located primarily across Scotland.
Academic Strategy
It is SRUC’s intention to become a fully-fledged university – a new and unique kind of university for the 21st century that is regional, accessible, market-focused and responsive to a diverse range of rural challenges. We will be a strong and unique anchor institution where research, skills and business converge. Such convergence will create new insights that deliver big strategic leaps and completely new propositions for government, business and society.
All of this activity is firmly rooted in our distinctive ethos of a Scotland-wide presence through regional centres of global excellence. Our goal is to deliver on shared goals with the Scottish Government and other partners to drive forward the rural economy through inclusive growth, create jobs and generate commercial opportunities.
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We will be a research-led organisation pushing on to fulfil higher, world leading goals. Our work will also deliver towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (now integrated within the NPF), including: Responsible Consumption and Production; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Life on Land; Zero Hunger; Climate Action; Good Health and Wellbeing; and Gender Equality.
Our regional presence in Scotland is essential to allow us to be responsive to local needs and the unique integration of our research, education and consulting specialisms are key to allowing SRUC to deliver an unparalleled service to our students and customers.
We are moving towards a business model comprising regional specialisms/faculties, which maximise the potential of our people and expertise while creating new opportunities for partnerships, co-location, investment and growth. Each region has a Dean responsible for the development of their specialism, who will be outward looking as well as supporting internal development.
Each faculty’s activities will have a strong focus on, but will not be limited to:
NORTH: Faculty of Agri-Food and Business CENTRAL: Faculty of Rural Science and Policy SOUTH & WEST: Faculty of Pasture-based Agriculture and Forestry
A Dean has been appointed to each faculty and each has been assigned responsibility for extending the collaborative and commercial partnerships within their faculty’s area.
LOCALLY ROOTED, GLOBALLY-FOCUSED As part of our commitment to excellence in multi-disciplinary work, we are establishing a limited number of cross-faculty, outcome driven Transdisciplinary Research Centres (TRCs). These will develop research partnerships within Scotland, across the UK and internationally to tackle specific challenges.
SRUC’s Vision and Mission
SRUC’s new model will deliver to the needs of the rural economy. We will achieve this through our five strategic aims as a new, successful 21st Century university.
VISION To be a unique, market-led and mission diverse 21st Century rural university.
MISSION To drive the future needs of a dynamic, innovative and competitive rural sector in Scotland and to solve the biggest global agrifood challenges.
VALUES Respect: We will recognise that everyone in the organisation makes a valuable contribution to our success. Innovate: We don’t wait for things to happen, we constructively challenge how things are done. Support: We look beyond the boundary of our own roles to support others and share knowledge. Excel: We take pride in contributions, have high standards of excellence and always work to our core values.
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Executive Leadership Team Structure
Marketing, Digital & Communications Division
Based in Edinburgh and across campuses, remit includes, marketing and brand management (including digital), communications systems, internal & external communications, website and intranet management, student recruitment, stakeholder engagement, alumni relations and fundraising, events management.
Academic Division
Responsible for the newly integrated Research & Education divisions, internationalisation strategy, and research farms.
Academic Division - Education
SRUC’s Education Division aims to create a national centre of excellence for Further and Higher Education and training for the land-based sector. Delivery of land-based courses is at all levels, from access courses and vocational studies, through undergraduate programmes covering HNC, HND and undergraduate degree courses, to taught postgraduate programmes and PhDs. Within six months of completing courses, 95% of SRUC graduates are in work or are continuing in full-time education.
The division comprises 6 Curriculum Departments delivering the following programmes across 6 Campus locations throughout Scotland: 5
Agriculture & Rural Business Management Animal & Equine Engineering, Sciences and Technology Environment & Countryside Horticulture & Landscape Sport & Tourism
Academic Division - Research
Focused on rural, environmental and land-based activity and underpinning our education and consultancy activities, SRUC’s research addresses health and productivity in animals, animal welfare and crops, promotes low carbon farming and increases farm output through efficiency and innovation. Our research vision is to be a dynamic and innovative research community that benefits the rural economy and rural communities and enhances their environment through the following Research Groups:
• Animal & Veterinary Sciences • Crop & Soil Systems • Future Farming Systems • Land Economy, Environment & Society
Academic Division – Veterinary Services
Veterinary Services (VS) delivers the Scottish Government’s disease surveillance programme and provides laboratory diagnostic and consultancy services to veterinary surgeons in practice through a network of 8 Disease Surveillance Centres based at: Aberdeen, Ayr, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Inverness, Perth, St. Boswells & Thurso. VS employs over 25 vets and 100 scientific and support staff. VS main commercial business streams include:
• Veterinary Consultancy • Premium Cattle Health Schemes (2,500 members) • Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes (3,000 members) • Livestock diagnostic testing • Analytical testing of soils, plants, silage and feedstuffs.
Commercialisation & Innovation Division
Responsible for commercialisation strategy, new income generation, key account leadership, Agri-Tech leadership, developing intellectual property, strategic partnerships and alliances, knowledge exchange leadership, alumni relations, mergers & acquisitions, SAC Consulting Solutions, SAC Consulting Vet Services (see below).
SRUC provides a wide range of agricultural consultancy services to clients across Scotland, the United Kingdom and a number of international locations. With an annual turnover of circa £21 million, SRUC employs a team of more than 375 consultants, veterinary surgeons, technicians and support staff who deliver independent, quality and accessible services to farmers, rural businesses, food processors and associated clients.
Commercialisation & Innovation Division – SAC Consulting Solutions
SAC Consulting Solutions (SACCS) provides independent and impartial consultancy services on technical, financial and environmental matters to rural and land based industries. They employ circa 200 staff across 25 consultancy offices, strategically located throughout Scotland and the North of England.
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Professional Services Division
Professional Services Director: Human Resources, Organisational Development, Information Systems, Property & Estates, Alumni Relations, Communications, Equality & Diversity and Environment Health & Safety.
Professional Services provides an enabling culture that manages the infrastructure and facilitates the day to day activities across the three operational Divisions.
Finance Division
Finance Director: Finance operations and management accounting, Audit services, Payroll/Pensions, Procurement, Company Secretarial support, Board & Committee Management (F & GP and Audit & Risk), Corporate Governance & Information Management e.g. Data Protection, FOIs, Complaints etc.
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Head of Learning & Teaching
As a member of SRUC’s Wider Leadership Team and leading by example, the main purpose of the Head of Learning & Teaching role is to lead SRUC’s commitment to excellence in learning and teaching and encourage all individuals to realise their full potential.
Reporting to the Academic Director, you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the strategic leadership of SRUC by being an integral member of SRUC’s Wider Leadership Team chaired by the Principal and Chief Executive, and the Academic Leadership Team, chaired by the Academic Director.
The Academic Leadership Team is comprised of:
Academic Director Dean of Faculty x 3 post holders Head of Learning & Teaching Head of Research Head of Veterinary Services
Scope of Job
This role provides the following responsibilities:
In collaboration with the Deans of Faculty to develop and update SRUC’s learning and teaching strategy with a key focus, in collaboration with Faculty Deans, on income generation. To lead in SRUC Student recruitment activities in collaboration with the Director of Marketing. To lead any possible submission to the Teaching Excellence Framework. To lead on SRUC’s journey to achieve degree awarding powers. To contribute to the SRUC goal of achieving university status. To develop learner pathways both within SRUC and in partnership with other institutions. To develop and validate new courses, in collaboration with Faculty Deans. To pursue his or her own teaching and/or research and contribute to SRUC’s teaching and/or research programmes. To implement SRUC health and safety management systems and policies and ensure effective arrangements with regard to employees, students and other individuals. To deputise for the Academic Director as and when required.
This role also provides the following general senior management responsibilities:
To foster an environment and culture that delivers excellence in all activities and which includes: o Investment in all staff and their career development via appropriate training and through annual Performance Review and Personal Development Plans (PDP). o The setting, monitoring and achievement of targets for your area of responsibility and its staff. o An inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, students and visitors. o A collegial approach to delivering success. Provide regular and accurate management information and reports e.g. to the Academic Leadership Team, as and when required. To chair appointment panels for relevant appointments and serve on other appointment panels, as required. To carry out line management duties for direct reports. To identify and then manage underperformance. To undertake appeals/grievance/disciplinary issues as required. To contribute a learning & teaching perspective to the collegial development of SRUC.
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Line Management:
You will line manage the SRUC Learning and Teaching Enhancement Office whose key responsibilities include:
Systems and processes for quality assurance and enhancement Student satisfaction Widening participation Library services Careers advisory service Student appeals and complaints
Relationships
Largely working autonomously, you will develop and nurture close working relationship and regular interaction with Faculty Senior Leadership Team members and other SRUC/SAC colleagues to fully integrate SRUC strategic goals. It is required that the Head of Learning & Teaching will work closely with staff involved in developing/managing activities that cut across faculties and departments - for example, the delivery of FE and HE provision across SRUC.
This will include regular contact and influence with/on some or all of the following external partners and government bodies:
Strategic Partners e.g. University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow Research and HE funding bodies e.g. RCUK, Innovate UK, SFC, SE, HIE Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) QAA/ Education Scotland/Quality Matters Commercial and/or International Partners in consultation with the Director of Commercialisation and Innovation to develop global alliances and joint venture opportunities
Location
The role base is flexible within the organisational reach and will involve travel throughout Scotland and other parts of the UK.
Remuneration
Salary range in the region of £65,000 - £78,000 per annum plus benefits
Academic Structure
An overview of the Academic structure can be found overleaf.
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Academic Leadership Team
Academic Director Commercial Director (Jamie Newbold) (Colin MacEwan)
Dean of Head of Head of Faculty Learning Connect
& for impact North Teaching (C4I)
Dean of Faculty Head of
Central Research
Dean of Faculty Head of Veterinary South & Services West
Academic Functions
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Person Specification
Education & Experience:
Essential Degree Level qualification Experience in an educational leadership role. Normally a minimum of 5 years’ experience A sound understanding of UK higher and further education Relevant teaching experience. Normally a minimum of 8 years. Successful and significant experience of leading, developing, and appraising an academic function, including but not restricted to: o the team o curriculum development and academic programmes of study o development and implementation of educational strategy o student wellbeing and outcomes o quality assurance and quality enhancement Desirable Teaching qualification Experience of using comparative data for benchmarking and target setting
Skills:
Committed to teamwork, with an ability to manage resources effectively, both human, physical and financial Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and lead effectively at all levels of the organisation Fully competent in the effective use of Information Communications Technologies (ICT) Planning and organisational skills and an ability to take initiative in curriculum development and policy objectives A record of attention to detail, thoroughness and fairness Able to prioritise, meet deadlines and work under pressure Able to lead, motivate, coach and develop academic and administrative staff Able to manage challenging and/or sensitive situations Demonstrate sound financial acumen and financial management
Behaviours:
Committed to working cohesively as part of the broader team and acting in a manner that contributes positively to effective teamwork and collaboration Flexible with the ability to consider complex issues and to put in time necessary to solve problems A willingness to contribute to process reviews The ability to adapt to a changing academic landscape or organisation priorities Acts with integrity, honesty and fairness Calm and organised under pressure Resilient, determined and solution focused
Location:
The role base is flexible within the organisational reach and will involve travel throughout Scotland and other parts of the UK
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Application Process
Applications are invited via our online application process. Further details can be found at: www.sruc.ac.uk/jobs
All applications must include the following:
A full CV with your education and professional qualifications and full employment history giving details of people managed and relevant achievements in recent posts etc. A short supporting document explaining why this appointment interests you and how you meet the appointment criteria and key competencies as detailed in the candidate brief. Current remuneration and contractual notice period.
Closing Date:
The closing date for all applications is midnight on 27 November 2018.
Interviews:
Candidates selected for interview will be informed of the exact date and time in writing/email. Candidates may be asked to prepare a short presentation as part of this process.
Equal Opportunities:
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement: It is the policy of SRUC to provide equality of opportunity for all applicants for employment and for all its employees.
This policy of equal opportunity will apply regardless of a person’s gender, age, marital status, parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, transexualism or physical or mental disability, or any other inappropriate distinction.
SRUC is committed to the development and use of employment procedures and practices, which do not discriminate and which will provide genuine equality of opportunity for all employees.
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Links to Supplementary Information on SRUC and SAC Consulting
The following additional links may be of particular interest for this role.
SRUC
The SRUC website, www.sruc.ac.uk, provides a significant amount of information about the organisation which may be of interest to prospective candidates.
Towards a new strategy for SRUC: https://www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/file/3318/towards_a_new_strategy_for_sruc_full_strategy
SRUC Annual Accounts to 31 March 2017: https://www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/file/3574/annual_accounts_to_31_march_2017
Information on the current Board members of SRUC and SAC Commercial Limited: http://www.sruc.ac.uk/info/120394/governance
Veterinary Services Overview: http://www.sruc.ac.uk/info/120107/veterinary_services
SAC Consulting – our business in numbers: http://www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/file/2139/sac_consulting_-_our_bu5iness_in_numbers
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Guide http://edinburgh.org/
What it’s like to live and work in Edinburgh http://www.jobsite.co.uk/worklife/live-work-edinburgh-18766/
Property in Edinburgh https://espc.com/useful-info/buying-a-property
Public Transport in Edinburgh - Buses https://lothianbuses.co.uk/
Public Transport Travel Planner (including Rail) http://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo
SRUC a Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046 13