Data and Evaluation Lead (1797)
Data and Evaluation Lead
Full Time (37 hrs per week) – Permanent – High Wycombe
Salary - £38,249 - £42,882
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
This is an exciting time to join BNU. The Data and Evaluation Lead will provide evaluation and data insights to support improvements in student experience and outcomes. They will lead on evaluation for the Access and Participation Plan, Teaching Excellence Framework and other enhancement activities. They will work with teams around the university to coordinate and monitor intervention strategies, design an evaluation framework, and monitor impact.
It is a great time to join the Business Intelligence team which is central to delivering reliable and timely data for decision making and improvement. The University is keen to invest in talent and the Business Intelligence programme strongly advocates innovation and growth, welcoming new ideas to improve outcomes and make best use of all resources whilst responding to the needs of stakeholders.
We are looking for a pro-active problem solver who will take a data-driven approach to collaborating with key stakeholders. They will be a strong communicator with a passion for data, able to explain complex analysis to non-experts. The post holder will ideally have a background in evaluation and research and will be familiar with Access and Participation plans, evaluation methodology and frameworks.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependant 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 Benedict Watling on benedict.watling@bnu.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Closing Date: 20th July 2025
Interview Date: w/c 4th August 2025
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
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. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Data and Evaluation Lead
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Faculty/Directorate: Business Intelligence
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Grade: G |
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Location: High Wycombe
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Hours: 37 |
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Responsible to: Business Intelligence Manager
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Responsible for: N/A
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Job Purpose: The Data and Evaluation Lead will provide evaluation and data insights to support improvements for student experience and outcomes. They will turn data into actionable insights and translate complex analysis into accessible presentation for a variety of stakeholders (e.g., senior leaders, academic staff, professional service staff). They will develop an evaluation framework based on a Theory of Change and use evaluation expertise to coordinate a whole provider approach to Access and Participation Plan (APP) intervention strategies, Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) activities and other quality enhancement activities. They will conduct research and scholarship relevant to higher education, and support the development of evaluation around the organisation.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
- Use expert data insights of student characteristics to critically analyse student outcomes and student experience indicators to drive improvement in B3 outcomes and to eliminate awarding gaps. Use predictive analytics to anticipate and report forecasts of future outcomes.
- Produce an evaluation framework at BNU based on a Theory of Change and a whole provider approach.
- Create an evaluation methodology to support the requirements in the Access and Participation Plan and Teaching Excellence Framework.
- Lead on developing good practice for evaluation across the University and support in training staff to effectively evaluate.
- Coordinate the implementation and oversight of the commitments set out for evaluation and publication plans in the Access and Participation Plan intervention strategies.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to better understand the student experience, evaluate the impact of actions and make recommendations to leadership teams.
- Produce monitoring and evaluation data and insight reports to support the requirements in the Access and Participation Plan.
- Embed data and data analysis results across the institution using a variety of avenues, including dashboards, infographics and presentations to diverse non-technical audiences, while supporting colleagues to develop their own data literacy and confidence.
- Support the preparation for institutional statutory returns for Access & Participation and TEF through analysis, interpretation and liaison with colleagues. Produce evidence that will support assertions of teaching excellence.
- Contribute to income generation through funding bids for research, evaluation and other projects.
- Network internally and externally with key sector agencies such as TASO, NERUPI, OfS, Guild HE and engage in national and cross-University developments on policy, evidence and impact.
- Understand the data warehouse and student record system to resolve data queries and quality issues with key stakeholders to ensure reliable and accurate information.
- 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.
- Deputise for the Business Intelligence Manager where appropriate.
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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Relevant degree or postgraduate level in a numerate discipline with substantial statistical content or equivalent professional experience. |
A |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Knowledge of or experience in using statistical methods |
A/I |
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Design, management and analysis of large and complex data sets |
A/I |
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Experience of using a data visualisation tool (eg. Tableau) |
A/I |
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Conducting qualitative research (eg. Focus groups) and/or quantitative research (e.g. statistical analysis) |
A/I |
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Understanding of the ethical research practices |
A/I |
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Thorough understanding of the current higher education sector policy environment |
A/I |
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Experience of analysing complex matters and communicating findings to different audiences |
A/I |
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Experience of working successfully in a team |
A/I |
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Experience of working towards and delivering to a timescale |
A/I |
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Knowledge of Data Protection and confidentiality issues |
A/I |
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Skills |
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills |
A/I |
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Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail |
A/I/T |
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Ability to prioritise tasks and work flexibly on own initiative |
A/I |
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Ability to work as part of a team |
A/I |
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Ability to work under pressure |
A/I |
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Ability to explain complex information and analysis to non-experts |
A/I/T |
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Special Requirements |
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Willingness and ability to work at offsite locations and travel for external events |
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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Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
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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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