Access Regulation and Licensing Committee (ARLC) Employer Member

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is seeking an Employer Representative to join its Access Regulation and Licensing Committee (ARLC), the committee responsible for oversight of the Access to HE Recognition and advising the Board on regulatory risk and major developments. Through this work, the Committee helps ensure that the Access to HE Diploma remains a high-quality, credible and sustainable route into higher education for adult learners.https://www.qaa.ac.uk//en/access-to-he/access-to-he-resourcesWe are looking for an individual who can bring a broad understanding of current and emerging workforce needs and articulate employer perspectives on adults returning to education and progressing to higher education.London/National/OnlineUnremuneratedQAA is the independent expert body protecting the quality and standards of UK Higher and Further Education, wherever it is delivered around the world. We work across the sector with universities, colleges and other providers to ensure students in all areas of study receive a high-quality education that they can trust.Applicants should have experience of influencing skills, workforce, employability or education policy through employer representative bodies, professional organisations, sector partnerships, chambers of commerce, regional skills structures or similar networks. Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders and contributing to strategic decision-making is essential. This is an opportunity to help shape a nationally recognised qualification that supports over 25,000 adults each year to progress to higher education and graduate careers, while ensuring it remains relevant to employer and workforce needs.Members of ARLC contribute to discussions on student progression and success, workforce and skills priorities, qualification development, and the future role of Access to HE within a changing education and skills policy landscape.We are particularly interested in individuals who can articulate the needs of employers beyond their own organisation and bring perspectives informed by employer networks, representative bodies, professional associations or strategic partnership.To be eligible for this role, you will at the time of your appointment be:A well-connected employer leader with a broad understanding of workforce needs, skills demand and talent developmentHas experience working with employers, policy-makers or representative bodies to influence skills priorities and workforce developmentExperienced in influencing skills, workforce or education policy and translating employer priorities into qualification and employability discussions.More information can be found in the recruitment pack below.Click here for recruitment packFor a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Jennifer Allen, Head of Access to HE Regulation or Debra Macfarlane, Director of Regulatory Services, on ahe@qaa.ac.uk.To apply, please create a profile on our recruitment portal and submit your CV and a covering letter outlining how fit against the person specification. Only applications which include a CV and a cover letter will be considered.The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 20 September 2026. Final interviews will be held online, in the week commencing the 28 September 2026.QAA recognises the positive benefits of equity, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for all to feel respected, free to be themselves no matter what their identity or background, and able to give their best. We value the differences that a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and skills brings and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants to apply and join us. We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all applicants. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact ahe@qaa.ac.uk. We are committed to working with all to understand what accommodations are necessary to ensure a fair and accessible process.