We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+.

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Pay Band: 7

Salary: £30,839 gross per annum plus £3,300 per annum London Market Allowance for those in the London area only.

Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension

Location: London

Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.

Closing Date: Applications will close on 21 July at 22:59 UK Time

We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds.

Role Purpose:

The E+ Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for leading the delivery of first-line quality assurance and management assurance activities across Erasmus+ programme operations through the consistent application of agreed assurance frameworks, methodologies, and standards.

The postholder will take ownership of defined assurance workstreams, leading quality reviews, sampling approaches, and performance analysis across delivery areas. They ensure that assurance activity is risk-based, well-evidenced, and produces clear, actionable insight.

Main Responsibilities:

• Leading quality assurance activities and providing evidence-based assurance that programme delivery processes are operating effectively and in line with agreed standards.
• Applying and interpreting assurance frameworks, methodologies, and quality standards to support consistent and robust operational decision-making.
• Planning and delivering risk-based quality reviews, sampling exercises, and assurance checks across programme activities.
• Producing high-quality assurance documentation, maintaining clear audit trails, and tracking the implementation of agreed actions.
• Analysing quality and performance data to identify trends, risks, control weaknesses, areas of good practice, and opportunities for improvement.
• Providing structured insight and recommendations to support programme assurance, governance reporting, and senior decision-making.
• Driving continuous improvement by implementing process enhancements, embedding lessons learned, and promoting consistency across delivery teams.
• Supporting governance, risk, compliance, and audit activities by identifying, assessing, mitigating, and escalating risks where appropriate.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders, providing practical guidance on quality standards, programme requirements, and assurance expectations.
Leading assurance workstreams and contributing to capability building, systems improvements, and the effective use of programme tools, data, and processes.

Role Specific Knowledge & Experience:

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in programme delivery, quality assurance, or operations
• Experience leading or delivering assurance, review, or quality activities
• Experience analysing performance data and identifying trends or risks
• Experience contributing to process improvements
Experience working with governance, audit, or compliance processes

Desirable

• Experience in grant-funded or public sector programmes
• Experience working in regulated or audit-heavy environments
• Experience supporting audit and assurance processes
Experience with systems supporting programme delivery

Specific Requirements

• • Degree or equivalent work experience.
  Programme/Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, PMP) or willingness to work towards one.
  

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.
#LI-Hybrid

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org