Quality & Curriculum Assurance Manager - 6 month contract

About Decoded

We are Decoded, the pioneers of transformative technology education. We democratise cutting edge skills. We help transform traditional businesses into tech companies. We give our learners the skills and confidence to embrace the future of work.

Our products and methodologies have been shaped through our collaboration with some of the largest and most technologically progressive organisations in the world. We use the intelligent, ethical and creative application of technology to lay the foundations for a more productive and promising world – one with unlimited possibilities.

Overview

The Quality & Curriculum Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of curriculum design, delivery, and assessment across Decoded’s apprenticeship programmes.

As part of the Quality & Compliance team, the Quality & Curriculum Manager will manage the development of new apprenticeship AI/digital/leadership programmes and aligned curriculum, ensuring the Product Team align programmes to the Standard and KSBs appropriately. Further responsibility will be to manage the revision of existing programmes in line with IfATE (Skills England) timelines. This role will ensure that both new and existing programmes adhere to the DEAR model (where appropriate). The DEAR model is Decoded’s preferred delivery model and this role will ensure when the DEAR model is implemented, it also embeds digital innovation and the latest technologies, to remain responsive to evolving industry and employer needs. 

Alongside management of the apprenticeship curriculum, the Quality & Curriculum Assurance Manager will manage the IQA process, drive high standards in LSC & Teaching delivery and ensure all programmes are updated in line with regulatory requirements. 

Role & Responsibilities

Curriculum Assurance/Management

• Manage the design and the development of new programmes, working alongside Product Team colleagues to ensure programme structure, content and assessment align to Standard & KSBs. This should be in line with the Decoded ‘blue print’ model. 

• Manage the review of the DEAR model integration, cutting-edge technologies, tools and methodologies to ensure appropriate and effective implementation. 

• Manage the revision and continuous improvement of existing programmes, working alongside Product Team colleagues to ensure programme structure, content and assessment align to the standards & KSBs.

• Develop and implement robust quality frameworks to ensure strong curriculum design, which includes the effective embedment of the wider curriculum (British Values, Maths & English, Prevent, Soft Skills, Digital Skills)

• Lead the revision of programmes components - assessment plans, end point assessment - in line with regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance in all changes.

• Working alongside Skills & Progression Manager, support the accreditation and programme approval processes

Quality

• Line Management of IQA Team

• IQA oversight, supporting IQA and ensuring quality, integrity, standardisation and best practice through the IQA process

• Management of Gateway process, to ensure EPAO requirements are met. 

• Work with the Head of Learner Success to reduce EPA re-sits through proactive intervention. 

• Driving quality and standardisation during the sampling window, with constant evaluation of process. 

• Support the sampling of learner submissions; hypercare, on programme, deep dives

• Manage the OTLA process for the LSC team, monitor and improve standards to drive excellence.  Also working with the Head of Teaching to collaborate on   monitoring and improving standards, in the same way, for the apprenticeship teaching team.

Who are you?

Technical Experience & Knowledge

• Apprenticeship Expertise: Extensive knowledge of DfE funding rules, Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF), and IfATE (Skills England) requirements.

• Curriculum Design: Proven experience in designing or overseeing apprenticeship curriculum that maps directly to Standards and Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs).

• IQA Mastery: Significant experience managing Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) processes and teams, including standardisation, sampling strategies, and Lead IQA responsibilities.

• EPA Success: A track record of managing the Gateway process and working with End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) to ensure high achievement rates and minimal resits.

• Quality Improvement: Experience leading Observation of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (OTLA) and implementing Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) to drive pedagogical excellence.

Skills & Competencies

• Digital Fluency: A strong interest in or experience with AI, digital tools,  emerging technologies, and leadership. You should be comfortable ensuring these are meaningfully embedded into learning delivery.

• Analytical Mindset: The ability to use data (from learner submissions, IQA reports, and EPA outcomes) to identify trends, gaps in quality, and areas for curriculum revision.

• Strategic Alignment: Ability to bridge the gap between "Product" (what is built) and "Quality" (what is compliant/effective), ensuring the DEAR model is executed without compromising regulatory standards.

• Leadership: Proven ability to line manage and develop a team of IQAs, fostering a culture of high expectations and continuous professional development.

• Wider Curriculum Integration: Expert understanding of how to authentically embed British Values, Prevent, Safeguarding, and Functional Skills into technical digital programmes.

Qualifications

• IQA Qualification: Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (e.g., V1 or IQA) is essential.

• Teaching Qualification: A recognized teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, Cert Ed, or Level 5 DET) is highly desirable.

• Assessing Qualification: Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (e.g., A1 or CAVA).

• Subject Matter Expertise: A degree or equivalent professional experience in a Digital, Data, or Leadership discipline would be a significant advantage.

Day-To-Day

Our working hours are from 9am-5pm Monday- Friday. You plan your working day around the best

outcomes for success, identifying and prioritising projects against business needs. We have recently

moved into a fully remote working model. In person team days such as workshops, training days and

social events are organised for teams to spend time together on an occasional basis.

Apart from the above, working at Decoded means you’ll get:

— 33 days leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays) and extra tenured holiday enabling team members to gain an additional day for every year you are with us (after the first 2 years) up to a maximum of 8.*

— We also close the office for 2 full weeks at Christmas at Decoded's discretion which does not come out of your holiday allowance.

— Company pension contributions

— Private health care including dental, GP and hospital cover and a gym discount to help you prioritise your wellbeing after a successful probation period*

— Travel insurance

— Social events including themed Christmas, summer days and quarterly in-person/virtual company get-togethers

— Continuous learning and development, coaching and development to allow you to reach your potential. You will be challenged with lots of responsibility and exciting projects in an environment that encourages learning, creativity, personal growth and collaboration

Salary: £48,000-£54,000 per annum

*Benefits may differ slightly depending on your location of residence. Annual leave will be pro-rated for part time roles.

Decoded is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. All roles involving interaction with learners, or access to sensitive learner data, are subject to mandatory background clearances. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check; where the role meets the criteria for regulated activity, an Enhanced DBS check (including a barred list check) will be required prior to commencement of employment.

We also require 2 professional references that come from either of the following:
- Your HR department
- Current or previous manager
- Someone senior to you in the business