Academic Partnership Tutor (1944)
Academic Partnership Tutor
Full Time Equivalent: 0.6 FTE (Permanent)
Location: High Wycombe
Salary: Academic Partnership Tutor (Grade G) – £38,784 – £43,482 (pro rata)
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern institution that thrives on fresh thinking and innovation. We believe in the transformative power of education and in doing the right thing by our students, people, and communities. Our BNU community is a vibrant place to work, one where people who want to make a difference can contribute, grow and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of everything we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering, ensuring that we provide the best possible experience for our learners and exceptional service to our partners and colleagues. Our commitment to these values guides and shapes our mission.
About the Role
We are seeking an Academic Partnership Tutor (0.6 FTE) to join our expanding team within the Directorate of External Collaborations.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University’s growing collaborative portfolio across a broad range of disciplines. We welcome applications from candidates from any academic subject background, as long as they can demonstrate a strong commitment to academic quality, partnership working, and student success.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting high-quality programme delivery across our UK and international partner network. Acting as the key academic contact for designated partners, you will provide guidance on curriculum delivery, assessment, academic standards, and the overall student experience.
Who We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for a forward-thinking academic who:
- Has experience in higher education teaching and/or academic quality
- Is confident working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- Can support diverse learners across different educational contexts
- Is adaptable and comfortable working across subject areas
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring a flexible, interdisciplinary mindset and a passion for transnational education.
What we offer:
- A generous holiday entitlement (35 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
- Training & development support opportunities
- Contributory pension scheme
- Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- A range of staff discounts with major retailers
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Sumbal Manzoor, Senior Academic Partnership Tutor at: Sumbal.Manzoor@bnu.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online with a CV and covering letter.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role.
If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: 24th May 2026
Interview Date: W/C 8th June 2026
Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.
If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a Visa, current visa and status. Sponsorship is dependent on the salary level of the position
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Academic Partnership Tutor |
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College/Directorate: External Collaborations |
Grade: G |
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Location: High Wycombe, with UK and international travel as required |
Hours: 22.2 |
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Responsible to: Director of Collaborative Relationships |
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Responsible for: N/A |
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Job Purpose: The Senior Academic Partnership Tutor plays a pivotal role in providing proactive, efficient, and professional academic support to the University’s collaborative relationships with educational partners across a diverse range of settings. This role ensures that academic delivery and assessment meet the University’s standards and contractual commitments, while fostering strong, supportive relationships with partner institutions. As the key academic point of contact, the Academic Partnership Tutor acts as a consultant, mentor, and advisor to partners, offering expert guidance on curriculum delivery, assessment practices, and academic quality. The role requires a deep understanding of academic standards, pedagogical approaches, and sector expectations, alongside the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with partner staff. The postholder will also hold line management responsibilities for a team of academic partnership tutors, ensuring high performance, professional development, and wellbeing. They will champion excellent customer service, balancing academic rigour with a responsive and collaborative approach that supports partner success and enhances the student experience. In line with the University’s values, the Academic Partnership Tutor will practice and promote an inclusive approach, contributing to the development of a university community where all individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to be themselves.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
- Academic Year Preparation & Oversight
Ensure all arrangements (Course Delivery Schedules, Programme Handbooks, Operations Manuals) are in place before each academic session starts. - Partner Relationship Management
Act as the primary liaison with partner institutions, resolving issues professionally and communicating effectively with the Partnership Team. - Quality Assurance & Compliance
Monitor programme delivery to ensure alignment with BNU regulations, programme specifications, and quality standards, including moderation and assessment processes. - Partner Campus Engagement
Undertake a minimum of 12 visits annually to partner campuses, meet students, attend Programme Committee meetings, and complete visit reports. - Assessment & External Examiner Coordination
Attend Assessment Boards, ensure timely approval of assignment briefs and exam papers, and liaise with Schools to appoint External Examiners. - Student Experience & Monitoring
Conduct student commitment checks, monitor performance, verify attendance, and advise on remedial actions where necessary. - Staff Development & Vetting
Identify partner staff development needs, assist with induction, and vet and provisionally approve new teaching staff. - Annual Monitoring & Reporting
Lead on Annual Monitoring reports and risk assessments, contribute to UPB meetings, Periodic Reviews, and graduation ceremonies. - Teaching Responsibilities
Ensure teaching materials are complete and accessible, support delivery through VLE platforms, and engage with students during partner visits. - Line Management Responsibilities
Oversee and support staff involved in partnership delivery, ensuring effective communication, performance monitoring, and implementation of process improvements.
General
- Evidence as an active researcher and delivery of high-quality research and scholarship
- Sustained contribution in research active communities
- Supervising research students to completion
- Peer review and undertaking research related activity in partnership with other HEIs
- Strong track record of research outputs (including REFable work as appropriate)
- Contribution to subject association; learning society or professional body.
- To be actively engaged with internal working groups and to proactively implement agreed process changes within the University.
- To adopt and demonstrate behaviours aligned to the University’s values. Act as an ambassador for the University
- To keep abreast of sector developments and best practice and undertake CPD as relevant to the role
- There may be a requirement for these duties to be carried out across different sites within the University.
- To undertake any other duties working flexibly across External Collaborations with the grade of the post, as required by the line manager and PVC External Collaborations.
- Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices
- Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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First degree |
A |
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Postgraduate qualification |
A |
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Teaching and Learning Qualification (PG Cert HE, FHEA, or equivalent) |
A |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Delivering an excellent customer experience |
A/I |
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Experienced academic with specialist experience in managing partnerships |
A/I |
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Experienced teacher |
A/I |
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Experience of dealing with sensitive casework |
A/I |
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Experience of problem solving |
A/I |
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Experience of educational working practices |
A/I |
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Knowledge of Higher Education systems, process and procedures in the UK |
A/I |
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Experience of analysing and reflecting on data and process and proposing change and solutions |
A/I |
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Awareness of data protection, freedom of information and consumer rights legislation |
A/I |
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Skills |
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Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools |
A/I |
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels across the organisation |
A/I |
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Excellent written and oral communication skills including report writing |
A/I |
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Proven organisational and planning skills |
A/I |
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Ability to work as part of a team |
A/I |
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Proactive and flexible attitude to work |
A/I |
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Proven ability of working well under pressure, to deadlines and with minimal supervision |
A/I |
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Good time management skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous projects to deadlines |
A/I |
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Methodical and accurate approach – meticulous attention to detail |
A/I |
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Special Requirements |
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Willingness to work flexible hours as required during peak work times |
A/I |
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Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas as required |
A/I |
Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:
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Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.
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Working together Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
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Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
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