Head Of Practice Learning

Head of Practice Learning – Buckinghamshire New University

Location:

High Wycombe – Some travel to practice partners.

Contract:

Permanent.

Hours:

37 per week. Salary: £58,225–£67,468.

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that values diversity and inclusion and commits to the transformative power of education. The University’s DRIVE values underpin everything we do – dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering – ensuring the best experience for our learners and partners.

As Head of Practice Learning and a member of the College Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver strategic leadership and operational oversight for all practice learning activities across the College of Health and Society. You will ensure high‑quality, compliant, and innovative practice learning experiences for students, build strong partnerships with external stakeholders, and align practice learning provision with institutional priorities and PSRB requirements.

• Strategic Leadership – develop and implement the college’s practice learning strategy, lead projects to enhance capacity and digital transformation, advise senior leadership on policy, compliance and risk management.
• Governance & Compliance – ensure all processes meet PSRB and university regulations, maintain risk registers, audits and quality assurance, prepare reports for committees.
• External Engagement & Partnerships – build and sustain relationships with placement providers, professional bodies and networks, negotiate agreements, represent the college at forums.
• Operational Oversight – lead the deputy head and practice learning team, monitor performance against KPIs, oversee placement allocation systems and data governance.
• Student Experience – champion initiatives to enhance practice‑based education, resolve escalated concerns, use feedback for continuous improvement.
• People Leadership – workforce planning, professional development, communication, line management responsibilities including recruitment, performance management, health & safety.
• Other – comply with legislative requirements, data protection, health & safety, UKVI, equality and diversity.

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional equivalent.
• Extensive experience managing practice learning or placement coordination in higher education.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, policy development and compliance assurance.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex operations.
• Expert understanding of PSRB requirements and quality assurance frameworks.
• Experience of senior‑level external engagement and partnership development.

• High‑level strategic leadership and influencing skills.
• Excellent organisational, project management and communication skills.
• Competence in data analysis and reporting.
• Resilience in handling difficult conversations and escalations.
• Commitment to equity, social justice and inclusive, student‑centred approach.
• Digital proficiency in Microsoft tools;
  Power BI desirable.

• Delivering excellent service – Building genuine relationships with stakeholders.
• Achieving results – Meeting agreed objectives and taking personal responsibility.
• Using resources effectively – Maximising productivity of people, time and information.

• Generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays and closure days).
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Training and development support.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Discounted gym membership and staff discounts with major retailers.

BNU is committed to a diverse community and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ individuals. Adjustments and support are available throughout the recruitment process.

All applications are to be made in full and online. For further information, contact Will Broughton (Associate Dean External Engagement).

Closing Date: 26 January 2026 – Interview Date: 3 February 2026.