Appointment of the Principal

Bloomsbury Institute London

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Welcome

Dear Candidate,

I’m delighted you’re considering applying for the role of Principal at Bloomsbury Institute.

At Bloomsbury, our purpose is simple but powerful: breaking down barriers together. Everything we do is rooted in this commitment. We live by three core values that shape our culture and guide our actions: dare to be different, make things happen, and don’t be mean. These aren’t just words on a wall, they’re principles we actively bring to life across our community.

We are a small but ambitious higher education provider, regulated by the Office for Students, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Accounting, Business, and Law. Based in central London, with teaching facilities on Euston Road and offices in Bedford Square, our location is as vibrant and connected as our community.

What truly sets us apart is our mission to provide transformative educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds and life stages. We seek out individuals with potential, aspiration, and the right attitude, those who may not have followed the traditional route to university, but who are ready to define and pursue success on their own terms.

As Principal, you would play a central role in shaping the academic heart of the Institute. You’ll provide visionary leadership, working alongside the Board of Directors and as a key member of the Strategic Leadership Team. You’ll help us to strengthen and evolve our educational ethos, ensuring it remains aligned with our purpose and values, while acting as a role model for staff, students, and external partners alike.

You will hold strategic responsibility for our academic provision, covering teaching, learning, academic enhancement and research. You’ll also take the lead in managing our relationships with validating partners and other academic service providers, helping to deliver the high-quality student experience we’re known for. Most importantly, you will guide us as we continue to develop and deliver our long-term strategic ambitions.

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to lead with purpose, champion inclusive education, and work with a close-knit, values-driven team in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, we would warmly welcome your application.

Shabnam Karim
Interim CEO

About Bloomsbury

We’re a higher education institute with a big heart and an important purpose: we work together to break down the barriers that hold people back. We make things happen by daring our community to be different and kind.

 

A 21st century education in the heart of the world’s greatest city.

We deliver degrees in Business, Law, and Accounting. We value strong ideas, innovation, hard work and intellectual stimulation. Your success is our mission, so we prioritise giving you a top-quality, career-focused higher education.

The education we offer takes a transformative whole-p,erson approach. Our students are nurtured, challenged and ultimately empowered to become well-rounded individuals, prepared to make a positive impact in the world. Our dedicated faculty members are not just experts in their fields; they are mentors, guides, and collaborators who are invested in our students’ success.

As you journey through this page, you’ll discover that our community is very much rooted in Bloomsbury, London’s academic heartland, but it doesn’t end here. Our civic engagement and academic interests stretch across the globe. Through friendships and partnerships with international organisations, such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities, we work to create leaders who are committed to justice, sustainability and fair play in enterprise, trade, commerce and law.

Our History

We built our academic community on hard work, curiosity and a respect for diversity. Founded in 2002 as The London School of Business and Management, we became Bloomsbury Institute in 2019. Our brand is rooted in our community and signals our commitment to civic engagement and educational excellence.

Our Purpose

Breaking down barriers together

  • All of us face obstacles with the potential to hold us back. We hold that these are best addressed in a community that supports and believes in each other. We see this as our essential purpose and it underpins our approach to education and civic engagement.
  • Integrating purpose into our business strategy, we work with partners to widen participation in Higher Education. This important work does not end in the classroom, it includes working with students to identify and achieve rewarding graduate level careers.
  • This focus on personal and professional development is also an important feature of our civic engagement. We work with partners across the world to promote justice and fair play in all aspects of human interaction. Adding value to these networks and partnerships is part of who we are. We want to maximise opportunity for everyone and leave no one behind.

Our Values

Our values define our culture and expectations of each other. They sometimes challenge orthodox thinking, yet support the ancient ambition of education; to transform lives for the better through greater understanding.

  • That’s why we dare to be different.
  • That’s why we make things happen.
  • And that’s why we try our best never to be mean.

Life at Bloomsbury Institute

Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, central London’s academic and intellectual hub, we’re surrounded by the best our great city has to offer. You’ll have access to top quality learning facilities and social spaces through our long-term relationship with Birkbeck, University of London. Our richly diverse community will work relentlessly with you, building your confidence, developing your skills and giving you all the support you need to succeed.

The Bloomsbury Area

Bloomsbury is a historic area in central London long associated with art, culture and education. Most famously, The Bloomsbury Group, a group of radical and progressive artists led by Virginia Woolf, were based here and influenced by the area. Blue plaques can be found on the houses of many influential thinkers in WC1 – one of our favourites is John Maynard Keynes, an English Economist who revolutionised economic theories.

Today, Bloomsbury is the hub of many world-famous museums and educational institutions (including our own!). On our doorstep, you’ll find Senate House, Birkbeck, University of London, the Royal Veterinary College, University College London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Not to mention that The British Museum is directly behind our Bedford Square building.

This is a place of ideas where a community of students and scholars create a uniquely intellectual environment. These are inspiring streets.

Our Campus

Based in the heart of Central London, our campus mixes modern and traditional. We operate from four main sites in Bloomsbury and neighbouring Fitzrovia, just a short walk from each other.

  • Bedford Square – Our headquarters can be found on the picturesque Bedford Square. The site is home to our Digital Studio as well as our academic and professional services teams and Bloomsbury Radio, our in-house radio station
  • Euston Road – Our state-of-the-art teaching facilities at 373–375 Euston Road is owned by Birkbeck, University of London. The building is used by Birkbeck during the evening, but we have exclusive use of it during the day for your lectures, tutorials, and workshops. Euston Road provides both formal and informal teaching spaces with dedicated co-learning areas. There is also a café on-site, and many Student Guild activities take place in the Entrance Lobby, which features an open theatre.
  • Birkbeck, University of London – Birkbeck, University of London’s main campus is sometimes referred to as “Malet Street”. As we are partners of Birkbeck, University of London, occasionally, classes, examinations or appointments may take place on their main campus but most students will visit Birkbeck to use the library. Bloomsbury Students have full access Birkbeck’s library; a quiet space to study with more than 300,000 items to use. You can borrow books and DVDs, as well as make use of the printing facilities.

Our People

Purpose-driven and committed educators are at the heart of our community. Together we create a collaborative and inclusive working environment that rewards dedication and hard work.

What we want for our students, we also want for our staff. We want everyone to walk taller together, nurtured and challenged by the values and purpose we uphold. Whatever barriers may hold us back individually, we support each other in overcoming them. This radically inclusive approach to leadership marks us out as a life-affirming place to work.

Our governance structure is transparent and accountable. Students and staff work together at all levels of the organisation, from course committees to the company’s Board. Our style is collaborative. We welcome authenticity and individuality, because we know that from diversity comes strength. View more here.

Courses

We offer undergraduate degrees in Business, Accounting, and Law, as well as postgraduate MBA and MSc courses. Our courses are all full time, but classes take place over 3 days each week to help our students balance their other commitments. Read on to discover more about accreditations from professional bodies for all our degrees.

School of Business and Management

  • BA Business Management, 3 year
  • BA Business Management, Accelerated
  • BA Business Management, 1-Year Top-Up
  • Master of Business Administration
  • MSc Management

School of Accounting and Finance

  • BSc Accounting and Finance, 3 year
  • BSc Accounting and Finance, Accelerated
  • BSc Accounting & Finance, 1-Year Top-Up
  • MSc Accounting and Finance
  • MSc Finance and Wealth Management

School of Law

  • LLB Law & Legal Practice, 3 year
  • LLB Law & Legal Practice, Accelerated
  • LLB Law & Legal Practice, 1-Year Top-Up

Our Strategic Framework

Our Strategic Framework is split into the six goals below and represents our institutional strategic targets that we seek to achieve over the three-year period 2023-25.

Strategic Framework One: We will reach out and attract learners with the potential to flourish

  • We will reach out to and engage with learners who have the commitment and the potential to thrive in higher education.
  • We will develop and grow our engagement activities with schools, colleges and our local communities to ensure that we promote the educational opportunities we provide to as many potential students as possible.
  • We will invest and participate in recruitment activities both in the UK and overseas, seeking to grow a diverse and dynamic student body.
  • We will target the barriers that hold people back in higher education. We will work collaboratively with our students to identify and address those barriers.
  • We will monitor our admissions assessment processes to ensure they always help us to identify students with the potential to succeed in higher education.

Strategic Framework Two: Together we will provide a transformative education

  • We will work with our students to ensure that their attitudes, talents and passions are nurtured so that they meet their goals and respond to the needs of the world around them.
  • We will ensure that our students have the opportunity and support to undertake a transformative journey, both as students at Bloomsbury Institute and beyond. The work that we undertake to support the student journey will be underpinned by our values and will focus on the outcomes our students seek. The student journey at Bloomsbury Institute will begin from the moment that learners first engage with us and will last beyond their graduation.

Strategic Framework Three: We will work in partnership with our students as they define and pursue success in employment, entrepreneurship or further study

  • We will empower students and graduates to seize opportunities, make meaningful contributions within their communities, and live their lives well. We will support our students to progress to employment, entrepreneurship or further study, providing timely and person-centred support.
  • We will build external partnerships with potential employers and ensure that our work is embedded within our communities.
  • We will engage with our alumni as lifelong learners and continue to contribute to their professional development after graduation.

Strategic Framework Four: We will build a community and culture that celebrates success and enables all of us to flourish together

  • We will live our mission and values in our day-to-day work.
  • We will provide an environment where people grow and flourish in their careers and we will show appreciation to each other.
  • We will find new and innovative ways to bring our colleagues together across the Institute to nurture positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging.

Strategic Framework Five: We will transform our digital environment to support and enhance our provision

  • Our digital environment will enable us to make best use of information and technology to support robust decision making and to enhance teaching, learning and assessment.
  • We will make use of robust data analytics to support strategic leadership and we will take a data-driven approach to the delivery and enhancement of our services to students and staff.
  • Through a thorough review of our digital estate and the strategic goals of the Institute, we will adopt sector-standard data management tools and processes to ensure that we work efficiently and effectively across all areas.

Strategic Framework Six: We will enhance our reputation, building on Bloomsbury Institute’s unique history so that we are recognised as a voice for change

  • We are a purpose-driven higher education provider with the courage to innovate for the benefit of our students, staff and the wider community. We will actively pursue opportunities to enhance the status of the Institute, including the right to award our own degrees and University status.
  • We will support and encourage our staff to engage with the wider sector, their discipline bodies and specialist industries. We will be courageous in our drive to deliver an outstanding student experience, seeking out new and innovative ways to enhance our student journey.
  • We manage our finances, resource and time appropriately to ensure that we deliver the best possible student experience. We invest our income into delivering our purpose and will carefully manage our growth to ensure we do not lose sight of our responsibility to our community, our stakeholders and the environment.

Why choose Bloomsbury?

There are many reasons people choose to join our close-knit learning community. Below, you can find out what makes the Bloomsbury experience unique.

Making futures possible

The Bloomsbury proposition is unique. Our personalised approach will ensure barriers or challenges you may have faced in the past do not determine your future. We will support you every step of the way, practically and financially, within a warm, kind, encouraging and coaching environment.

We will endeavour to tailor your course to your needs, offering flexible ways to study with the option of accelerating your studies.

We have an active student community that includes our very own professional Radio Station, and a Law Clinic, that gives you the opportunity to gain voluntary and clinical legal work experience.

We attract people who believe in contributing to the public good, and people who want to make a positive change to themselves and the world around them. By studying with us, we will enable you to make a positive difference in society by discovering your own potential, strength and influence.

High-quality teaching

Our teaching is led by people who love education and this impacts our entire approach. Our academic leaders ensure that our classrooms are interesting spaces, linked to the needs of society and to the aspirations of our students. We have listened to employers and entrepreneurs when developing our suite of degrees and these discussions have led to an applied, practical approach to learning; one that is academically rigorous, intellectually stimulating and focused on the career prospects of our students and graduates.

We’re consistently ranked highly for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS 2025). Recent results include:

  • Your learning experience matters to us – 2nd for Learning Opportunities
  • Learn from the best – 3rd in London for Teaching and Organisation
  • Experience an institution where students thrive – 2nd in the UK for Overall Student Positivity
  • We’re here for you – 4th in London for Academic Support

The role

Principal (AQ3311)

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Job Description

Job Title: Principal
Salary: As a member of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), the salary will be determined by the Board of Directors’ Remuneration Committee.
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 [Non-contractual flexible working scheme applies]. Additional work may be required outside of the normal working hours without additional pay.
Working from home: This postholder is required to work on-site each working day However, occasional working from home may be permitted at the line manager’s discretion provided it does not exceed one working day in any week; this is subject to the postholder completing a satisfactory risk assessment of their home workstation and working environment.
Holidays (Paid): 25 days (some of which to be taken during Christmas/New Year shut down), plus public holidays.
Pension: Contributory pension scheme – full details are available from the Finance Department.
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: 7 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3RA

Main purpose of the role:

  • Provide inspirational academic leadership to the Institute.
  • Lead on the development and inculcation of the educational character, ethos, culture and identity of the Institute (that is rooted in its purpose and values), acting as a role model for all within and outside the Institute
  • Lead, and be an active member of, the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), and attend meetings of the Senior Management Team (SMT) as required Assume overall strategic responsibility for the provision of high-quality education that includes: teaching and learning; academic enhancement; and research.
  • Assume responsibility for the overall academic performance of the Institute’s students.
  • Lead the relationship with our partner(s) who provide degree validation, campus and any other services that support academic delivery.
  • Lead the Institute in the development of its strategic ambitions and the implementation of its Strategic Framework
  • Lead and manage
    • Deputy Principal;
    • other members of the SLT (as required);
    • and members of the SMT (as required)
  • Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors

 

Main Tasks

  • Provide inspirational academic leadership of the Institute.
  • Lead academic strategy, ensuring that our programmes, partnerships, quality frameworks and academic community are aligned with the highest standards of excellence, compliance and integrity.
  • Assume responsibility for the overall academic performance of the student body.
  • Be lead contact for validating body, manage the partnership fully with continuous enhancement to teaching provision.
  • Assume overall strategic responsibility for the design and development of new programmes, and the periodic review of existing programmes, assisting the Deputy Principal and the Head of Quality in sourcing external academic specialists as required.
  • Lead on the development and inculcation of the educational character, ethos, culture and identity of the Institute (that is rooted in its purpose and values), acting as a role model for all within and outside the Institute. • Assume overall responsibility for research, leading the further development and implementation of the Institute’s Research Strategy.
  • Be an active member of academic committees, and chair Academic Committee and other key committees within the Academic Division and across the Institute.
  • Ensure all tasks are undertaken within the spirit of the Institute’s purpose and values.
  • Promote, apply, and ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Institute’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, and make a full and positive contribution to the implementation, evolution and enhancement of the Institute’s Inclusive Learning Environment.
  • Act as an ambassador for and advocate for the Institute and build and develop collaborative and innovative relationships with organisations and key stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
  • Lead, and be an active member of, the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), and attend meetings of the Senior Management Team (SMT) as required.
  • Lead the Institute in the development of its strategic teaching ambitions and the implementation of its Strategic Framework.
  • Ensure strategies and policies are in place to promote, inter alia, excellence in teaching and learning, research, academic quality and standards, the student experience and graduate outcomes.
  • Support the promotion and implementation of the Institute’s Access and Participation Plan.
  • Ensure compliance with the OfS’s regulatory framework, such compliance to be monitored by the Head of Compliance.
  • Together with members of the SLT and SMT, actively monitor Annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are used as an ongoing indicator of whether a risk (that includes academic risks) might materialise or has realised, and support the Head of Compliance to ensure that where such monitoring identifies the need for action to be taken, an action plan is developed and implemented.
  • Lead on the Institute’s application for taught degree awarding powers, and if granted, the transition from validated provision to own provision.
  • Lead and manage
    • Deputy Principal;
    • other members of the Strategic Leadership Team (as required);
    • and members of the Senior Management Team (as required), providing effective, personal leadership to ensure capacity, capability and resilience in the delivery of the Institute’s strategic goals.
  • Work positively and collaboratively with the Board of Directors.
  • Identify training and development requirements for staff who are line managed by the Principal, and ensure the provision of a high-quality customer service.
  • Attend Staff Meetings, Staff Development sessions and all other meetings at which attendance is required.
  • Use all IT systems appropriately and effectively, to include SharePoint and Microsoft Teams, leading by example.
  • Ensure all communications with students and colleagues are in line with the Institute’s Tone of Voice Guidelines.
  • Carry out duties and responsibilities at all times with due regard to relevant regulations, policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety.
  • Adhere to the provisions of data protection legislation, and refrain from sharing any personal or other information with any third party.
  • In addition to the above tasks, to undertake any other tasks as directed by the Line Manager (or nominee).

The above is not an exhaustive list of tasks as the role may change to meet the Institute’s overall objectives. These tasks are subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve and as such the job description may be amended at any time by the line manager following discussion with the post holder.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential criteria [i.e. the criteria that an applicant must satisfy]

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree.
  • Postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.
  • Senior Fellowship of Advance HE.

Experience and attributes

  • Track record of visionary, motivational and creative academic leadership with the ability to engage with, and motivate, staff, students and broader stakeholders at all levels.
  • Significant strategic leadership experience with a demonstrable track record in institutional development and the capacity to combine strategic vision with operational competence.
  • Experience of undertaking a substantive academic management and/or leadership role.
  • UK Higher Education teaching, learning and assessment experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level, preferably within a university which delivers programmes according to UK teaching and learning higher education methodologies.
  • Experience of undertaking external activities with other higher education providers within the UK and/or overseas, for example: external examinerships; or external member of a validation panel
  • Requisite experience and track record to hold credibility within an academic environment.
  • Experience of developing academic staff and creating an external development programme.
  • Experience of research, scholarly activity and/or development of academic knowledge.
  • Ability to operate effectively within the OfS’s regulatory framework.
  • Sound financial awareness with a proven ability to manage academic budgets and teaching resources.
  • Understanding effective corporate and academic governance and a proven record of working in close collaboration with directors, business owners or external academic advisors to achieve key organisational objectives.
  • Computer literate (to include competence in the use of Microsoft Office, in particular Word, PowerPoint and Outlook; SharePoint; and Microsoft Teams).
  • Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to engage, influence and work positively with a wide range of people.
  • Ability to work independently as well as take direction and work collaboratively across divisional and departmental boundaries.
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to effectively prioritise.
  • Ability to manage change and adapt to a fast-changing environment.

Personal qualities

  • Welcoming and hospitable attitude.
  • Ability to own and find solutions to problems.
  • Commitment to living the Institute’s values: Dare to be different; Make things happen; and Don’t be mean.
  • Enthusiasm and empathy for the Institute’s purpose. • Genuine commitment to equal opportunities, widening participation, and the Institute’s Inclusive Learning Environment.
  • Good time management, with an ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, whilst maintaining high attention to detail.

Desirable criteria [i.e. the criteria that it is desirable (but not essential) that an applicant should satisfy]

Qualifications

  • Doctorate.
  • Leadership and management qualification.

Experience and attributes

  • None.

Personal qualities

  • None

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability and other related information. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability. If an applicant with a disability meets the essential criteria for the job (as set out within the Person Specification), they will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. In order to request a guaranteed interview, to obtain documentation in a different format, to ask for support or to discuss any issues around reasonable adjustments, in the first instance, please contact our team at Anderson Quigley. Please refer to our Staff Recruitment and Development Policy for further information. 

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Terms of appointment

What makes Bloomsbury Institute a unique place to work?

Purpose-driven and committed educators are at the heart of our community. Together we create a collaborative and inclusive working environment that rewards dedication and hard work.

  • Positive change -We attract people who believe in contributing to the public good, people who want to make a positive change to themselves and the world around them.
  • CPD – Our permanent staff have access to a personalised continuing professional development budget of up to £500 each year.
  • Competitive – We offer competitive salary packages, are a London Living Wage employer, and a contributory company pension with Scottish Widows.
  • Vivup – we partner with Vivup to bring staff information and guides around wellbeing and health as well as offering an online GP service.
  • Bike2Work scheme – We will contribute £1,000 towards the cost of a bicycle, dependent on scheme conditions.
  • Employee Assistance – All staff have access to our Employee Assistance Programme delivered through Vivup. Staff can benefit from an independent and confidential helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year to help with any personal or work-related issues.
  • Staff and family study discounts – We provide our staff and close relatives/partners with generous discounts in undertaking our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, subject to eligibility.
  • Membership opportunities – Academic staff are supported, without cost, to obtain HEA/Advance HE Fellowship. Professional Services staff who support teaching are able to follow our accredited scheme as a route to achieving Associate Fellowship or Fellowship recognition.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is noon on Thursday 4th September.

Applications should consist of:

  • A full CV.
  • A cover letter (maximum of two pages) outlining your motivations for the role and how you meet the essential criteria of the person specification.
  • Please include details of three referees in either your CV or covering letter, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.
  • Before you apply, please read through Section 3 of the Staff Recruitment and Development Policy.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Kiersten Avery at kiersten.avery@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 735 or Samantha Bryan-Ross at samantha.bryan-ross@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 713.

Bloomsbury Institute is an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from persons with a disability, and we have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Full details are available in Section 3.3.1 of our Staff Recruitment and Development Policy.

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