The Widening Participation and Social Mobility Directorate (WPSM) is tasked with 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 through the targeted provision of academic skills across the student lifecycle, contributing to student success initiatives that aim to close non-continuation and degree awarding gaps. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to perform the role of Writing Skills Officer. 

The Role

This role will provide expert knowledge to contribute to the design and development of learning resources and opportunities offered by the Academic Skills Service for use in students' formative and self-directed learning, with a view to reducing non-continuation and awarding gaps for underrepresented students. The postholder will contribute to the service's selection of 'on course' embedded academic skills provision, as well a range of activities aligned to student success initiatives and a series of 'on demand' opportunities triaged by student need, comprising of drop-in sessions, such as Writing Cafes, workshops and student 1:1s, where appropriate. Likely topics will relate to academic writing, including critical thinking, critical analysis, structure, writing styles, planning and different assignment types. The postholder will also be expected to take a proactive approach to the robust evaluation of the service and to its continued promotion.

About You

You will have detailed understanding of the challenges that exist within Higher Education, perhaps having worked in academic research, teaching or learning development environments. You will also be aware of the issues that exist in Further Education, mindful of the impact that this may have on students we recruit. You will also be a confident communicator, able to deliver in an engaging way to a student audience.

You will be a proactive individual who can identify important opportunities to advance our work, combined with the ability to drive initiatives forward. This is an enjoyable and exciting role and we are keen to work with individuals who share our passion for the transformative potential of academic skills education.

You are also encouraged to have an informal chat with the Head of Enhancement, Dr Emma Thompson, to learn more about the role and the team. Emma can be contacted via email E.L.Thompson@soton.ac.uk

The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and will be based at our lively Highfield Campus where you will have access to our sports complex, Hartley Library and Staff Social Centre. The university offers a number of benefits and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

A standard DBS check may be required for this role.