Widening Participation & Social Mobility

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £31,406 to £38,587
Full Time Fixed Term (12 months)
Closing Date:  Sunday 31 October 2021
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  1555021HL

The Widening Participation and Social Mobility Directorate (WPSM) has recently launched its new strategy that details its approach to meeting the ambitious targets of the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP) which aims to improve the access, success and progression of students from underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The Enhancement team of WPSM supports this aim through the targeted provision of academic skills across the student lifecycle and by adopting a sound and holistic approach to evaluation. It is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to join as the Academic Skills Faculty Liaison Officer on a fixed term contract of twelve months. Secondments will be considered if agreement is obtained from your line manager.  

The Role 

It is an exciting time to join us as we seek to expand our academic skills provision by increasing the embedded support we offer to our academic faculties.  The postholder will work with schools within our faculties to identify opportunities to embed and promote the support offered by the central Academic Skills Service . They will also provide expert advice as to how academic skills can be designed, in a bespoke way, into the curriculum. A key element of the role will be to support the establishment of a centralised Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), working with our PALS Coordinator, identifying opportunities to develop subject specific PAL support. As part of the extensive evaluation of our service against our strategic objectives the postholder will proactively consider evaluative measures in their practice at all stages of development. This is a new role with the scope for the postholder to further shape it as it develops. 

What we are looking for 

The ideal candidate for this role will have experience of working in a similar academic support environment, with an understanding of the differing needs of our students as they progress to, through and beyond Higher Education. They will also have experience of establishing and maintaining productive working relationships in a multi-agency environment, or across a large institution, similar to the University of Southampton, such that they can demonstrate they have the confidence with which to assert themselves in this role. They will be able to think creatively in designing and implementing innovative solutions to problems posed to them. We are ultimately looking for someone who has the combination of a proven ability to develop exciting educational initiatives and the communication skills with which to promote and establish them.  

What we can offer you 

The role is offered as a full time 12-month fixed term contract and will be based at our lively Highfield Campus where you will have access to our sports complex, Hartley Library and Staff Social Centre. Initially you will likely be required to work from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

We offer some fantastic benefits including 44 days leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days), options for flexible working, excellent family leave arrangements (including maternity, paternity, adoption, parental and carers leave), a wide variety of on and off-campus arts and culture facilities and access to a range of staff discounts and offers at local shops, restaurants and service providers.   

As a university we aim to create an inclusive environment that attracts, supports and retains the best students and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences from across the world.  

WPSM is proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We select candidates on the basis of merit and ability, and aspire to thrive In the diversity of our workforce.  We welcome applications from all candidates with an interest in the role and those who are committed to helping us create an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+; and people with disabilities. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Emma Thompson, Head of Enhancement by email E.L.Thompson@soton.ac.uk.

An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.

Application Procedure 

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Annabelle Trimm (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 1555021HL on all correspondence.