Job Description

About ARU:

ARU LDS are proud to be the Higher Education partner to the Seven Police Forces in the Eastern Region (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk) and the Metropolitan Police Service. Together, we are training the police officers of the future through the Police Constable Entry Routes (PCER) - including the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (D-DHEP), developed by the College of Policing.



Our programmes reflect a new standard in police education, combining academic learning with on-the-job experience, and we deliver them in partnership at police training facilities and at our dedicated Police Education centre in London. We are also developing a range of innovative programmes to meet the needs of the organisations and individuals who work in the policing sector.



This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of policing and develop new demand-led learning opportunities, while working in a forward-thinking and nationally recognised academic environment.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic academic leader to join us as Head of Academic Delivery - Police Education. This pivotal role will provide academic leadership and operational oversight for the delivery of our police education programmes across all delivery sites and subcontracted provision. The role will also lead the development of new programmes with a regional, national and international presence.



You will lead academic quality assurance, drive continuous improvement, and manage academic teams to ensure excellence in student experience and programme performance. Working closely with our police partners, the College of Policing, and wider stakeholders, you will also support the strategic growth of our provision.



This role will involve regular travel to ARU campuses and police partner locations nationwide.

About You:

You'll have a degree and relevant teaching qualification for Higher Education, with proven experience in leading academic teams, delivering complex programmes, and working within quality assurance and regulatory frameworks (e.g. OfS, QAA, OFSTED, DfE, College of Policing). You'll be a strong communicator and relationship-builder, with the ability to work collaboratively across professional and academic environments.



Experience working with or within police education or public service partnerships will be an advantage.

Additional Information:

Please note that all applicants will undergo background checks including clearance from the College of Policing barring list. The successful candidate must also obtain Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2 (Full) clearance, as the role involves unsupervised access to police premises.



The ability to travel regularly between police establishments and ARU sites is essential.

Location: Agile between home, Chelmsford, London and Cambridge regions


For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Head of Partnership Delivery - Police Education Sara Archer at sara.archer@aru.ac.uk.

We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff to share this commitment.

We're open to flexible working arrangements and committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Please note:

We have a legal responsibility to ensure all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.

Guidance Notes:

Please download the Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.

Job Category Teaching, Research & Scholarship
Vacancy Type Permanent
Employment Type Full time
Salary From 68,529
Salary To 74,870.00
Location Chelmsford/Cambridge/Peterborough
Faculty/Prof Service Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education & Social Sciences
Ref No 3559
Closing Date 24/07/2025