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 academic skills related provision delivered 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 Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Scheme Coordinator.

The Role

The PAL Coordinator will develop, coordinate and deliver a central programme of Peer Assisted Learning to support students across the lifecycle, from pre-university entry and throughout their degree, in a way that is aligned to the aims and objectives of the APP. The post holder will be responsible for recruiting and training peer leaders, working alongside the Academic Skills team to support leaders to deliver academic skills information to their peers.

The post holder will undertake detailed evaluation and reporting of the scheme that will both seek to provide feedback to senior managers and stakeholder and promote the service across the University.

About You

The post holder will be a proactive and highly organised individual. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a range of individuals and groups across the university. You will have detailed understanding of the challenges that exist within Higher and Further Education, perhaps having worked in teaching or learning development environments. This will include having a good understanding of the purpose and aims of Access and Participation Plans. Ideally, the post holder will have previous experience of coordinating a project of a similar nature 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 encouraged to have an informal chat with the Enhancement Manager, Emma Mansfield, to learn more about the role and the team. Emma can be contacted via email: E.Mansfied@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.