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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance access and success for underrepresented students at Durham University.
- Company: Durham University is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working environment with flexibility and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diversity in higher education while collaborating with various stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership, program development, and stakeholder engagement is essential.
- Other info: This role requires a minimum of 40% on-site presence for effective collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Role and the Department The Head of Widening Access and Participation will be the primary individual responsible for delivering Durham University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP). This role is pivotal in driving forward the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community by removing barriers to higher education for underrepresented groups. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Management Develop and implement the University’s Widening Access and Participation Strategy in alignment with the APP. Lead the Widening Access and Participation Team, providing direction, support, and development opportunities. Ensure that all widening access initiatives are data-driven and aligned with institutional goals and regulatory requirements. Programme Development and Delivery Design and oversee targeted outreach and support initiatives to enhance access, success, and progression for underrepresented students. Collaborate with academic departments, colleges, and external partners to develop and deliver innovative programmes that address the specific needs of underrepresented groups. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of widening access programmes and initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local schools, colleges, community groups, and national organisations. Represent Durham University at regional and national forums related to widening access and participation. Collaborate with the North East Raising Aspiration Partnership (NERAP) to address regional disparities in higher education entry rates. Research and Policy Development Conduct and commission research to inform policy and practice in widening access and participation. Analyse national and institutional data to identify gaps in access, continuation, and attainment, and develop strategies to address these gaps. Develop policies and practices that support the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Monitoring and Reporting Ensure compliance with the Office for Students (OfS) regulations and requirements related to access and participation. Produce regular reports on the progress and impact of widening access initiatives for the University Executive Committee and the University Council. Oversee the collection and analysis of data to monitor progress against the objectives outlined in the APP. Financial and Resource Management Manage the budget for widening access and participation activities, ensuring effective use of resources. Secure external funding to support widening access initiatives and manage relationships with funders. Ensure the efficient allocation of resources to support the delivery of widening access and participation programmes. Working Environment Durham University supports a hybrid working environment to promote work-life balance and flexibility. The Head of Widening Access and Participation is expected to spend a minimum of 40% of their working time on-site at the University. This arrangement allows for essential face-to-face collaboration, team management, and engagement with stakeholders, while also providing the flexibility to work remotely. The exact working pattern will be agreed upon with the line manager and may vary depending on the needs of the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Widening Access and Participation employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Widening Access and Participation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Durham University's Access and Participation Plan (APP) and its key objectives. Understanding the specific goals and strategies outlined in the APP will help you align your experience and vision with the university's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of widening access and participation. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to connect with others who share your passion for inclusivity in higher education. This can provide valuable insights and potential partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in data-driven decision-making and program evaluation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to inform strategies and measure the impact of initiatives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of stakeholder engagement by preparing examples of successful collaborations you've led or participated in. Show how you can build relationships with schools, community groups, and other organizations to enhance access and participation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Widening Access and Participation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic leadership, programme development, and stakeholder engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your experience in widening access and participation initiatives. Emphasize any previous roles where you led teams or developed strategies that align with the goals of Durham University's Access and Participation Plan.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your passion for fostering an inclusive academic community. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you have successfully removed barriers to higher education for underrepresented groups.
Highlight Data-Driven Approaches: Since the role emphasizes data-driven initiatives, be sure to mention any experience you have with monitoring and evaluating programmes. Discuss how you have used data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Understand the Access and Participation Plan
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Durham University's Access and Participation Plan. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the goals of the APP and how you can contribute to its implementation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Widening Access and Participation, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in the context of diversity and inclusion.
✨Highlight Data-Driven Decision Making
This role emphasizes the importance of data in driving initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your strategies and decisions in previous roles, and how you plan to apply this approach at Durham University.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Building relationships is key in this position. Think about how you've engaged with various stakeholders in the past, such as schools, community groups, or external partners, and be prepared to share specific examples during your interview.
