Head of Accreditation & Standards

We are currently looking for aHead of Accreditation & Standards to join our People Function within the Corporate group.

This is a full-timeopportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible hybrid way of working with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role this can flex up to 12 days a month with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices underpinned by science and research.

The People function is part of the Corporate Group along with Finance Commercial and Infrastructure and Laboratory Services functions which areled by the Chief Finance Officer. The People function isseparatelyled by the Chief People Officer who is a member of the Unitary Board.

ThePeoplefunctionfocusseson:attracting andretainingthe best people developing exceptional people and leaders valuing diversity and promoting wellbeing and health investing in a healthy culture and enablinggreat performanceand delivery.

Whats the role

This role sits within thenewly establishedMHRA Academyteamwhichis a newand excitinginitiative aiming to set standards for MHRA Regulatory training and qualification ensuringthat the learning and development provided to key front-line colleagues is of the highest of Accreditation& Standardswill lead on the development and implementation of an accreditation frameworkand associated standardsacross a range of regulatory assessor and inspectorlearningpathwaysand will actas the subject matter expert(SME) forallAcademy relatedaccreditation and learning standards.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the design development implementation and continuous improvement ofanaccreditationframework andstandards across regulatory assessor/inspector roles aligning with best practice regulatory expectations and MHRA strategic goals.

• Oversee the curriculum design of related technical programmesensuringalignment oflearning materials and assessments with accreditation requirements.

• Build anddevelopstrong working relationships with internal stakeholders (senior leaders line managers SMEs Trades Unions) and external partners (e.g. professional regulators accrediting bodies industry bodies) to inform our accreditationapproach and related curriculumdesign and implementation.

• Direct line management of the AccreditationEvaluatorand the Curriculum Manager/Developer ensuring clarity of roles performance expectations andprovisionofdevelopmentalsupportand guidance.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill have the following:

• Experienced candidates with a strong learning background and substantial experience of senior stakeholder engagement to drive collaboration and bring about the successful delivery of challenging specialist accreditation and learning related projects and products.

• Given this is a new initiative and the size of the team candidates will have experience of leading from both a strategic and operational perspective.

• Individuals will be at ease with taking the lead proposing initiatives and making effective decisions when uncertainty exists.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment:AApplication IInterview PPresentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Developing Self and Others (A I)

• Changing & Improving (P)

• Making Effective Decisions (I)

• Leadership (A I)

• Communicating and Influencing (I)

Experience Criteria:

• Experience of designing/implementing/utilising learning or accreditation pathways (A)

• Substantial experience of designing and commissioning learning interventions and managing them as projects into delivery (A)

• Experience of measuring learning effectiveness and using evaluation data to continuously improve programme effectiveness (A I)

Technical Criteria:

• Relevant CIPD level 7 (or equivalent qualification) in learning and development/assessment or equivalent demonstrable experience (A)

Strengths Criteria

• Problem Solver (I)

• Improver (I)

• Focussed (I)

• Motivator(I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour Experience and Technical Success Profiles.Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Presentation to be prepared as part of your interview with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.

• Interview which can include questions based on theBehaviour Experience Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of:Experience of designing implementing or utilising learning or accreditation pathways. Experience of measuring learning effectiveness and using evaluation data to continuously improve programme effectiveness.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application however all examples and statements provided must be truthful factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others or generated by artificial intelligence as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see ourcandidate guidancefor more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date:30 January 2026

Shortlisting date: 06 February 2026

Interview date:16-18 February 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questionsplease contact

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality information on whether you are able to apply is availablehere.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations and in some circumstances routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibilityhere.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint in the first instance you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ