Learner Experience and Inclusion Officer

Welcome to Ada! At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent. Through the quality of education we deliver, the depth of our industry partnerships and focus on diversity, we are changing the face of the tech sector, expanding the talent pipeline and transforming lives. We are a specialist Further Education college, where every 16-19 student takes Computer Science and all of our diverse Higher Level and Degree Apprentices work in skills shortage disciplines in innovative, blue-chip companies.

The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost GDP. Ada seeks to fill this skills gap by equipping young people with the skills industry actually needs. Ada was announced by the Prime Minister in December 2014; England’s first new FE College since 1993 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength including a Good with Outstanding features in our first Ofsted Inspection.

16-19 Provision: As of 2024, we have 187 16-19 students enrolled. Our most recent results are outstanding; 39% of A level results at A*- B and 74% achieving at least one Distinction or better in their externally assessed Computing BTEC. This makes us the best education institution in the country for this BTEC.

Degree Apprenticeships: Across our London Victoria and Manchester Ancoats campus, we have 363 apprentices currently enrolled on our Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships. We specialise in five disciplines at present: software development, data analytics, tech consultancy, cyber security and business analysis, working with a wide range of SMEs and corporate organisations.

At present 38% of our learners are female, 51% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 50% come from low-income households compared to national averages of approximately 20%. This is an exciting time to join Ada with our new state-of-the-art campuses in Victoria, London and Ancoats, Manchester. We’re passionate about building a supportive, values driven environment for both our students and staff.

Nature of the Role: Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to: Assistant Principal- Head of Learner Services

Annual Salary: £28,000- £31,000 (DOE)

Pension: Aviva Pension Scheme

Holidays: Largely in line with local authority term dates (October Half term- 2 weeks)

Location: London Campus- Victoria

KEY ASPECTS OF THE ROLE & MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learner Experience and Inclusion
• Lead student voice and engagement initiatives, delivering a dynamic programme of assemblies, enrichment activities and student-led opportunities.
• Coordinate weekly enrichment clubs and lunchtime activities to enhance student participation and wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents and carers to create an inclusive and supportive college environment.
• Support the implementation of the college’s inclusion strategy, ensuring high standards of student support and participation.
• Facilitate student forums, surveys and focus groups, working closely with curriculum teams to strengthen learner engagement.
• Student Finance and Administration
• Administer student bursaries and financial support, providing guidance to students and responding to learner and parent enquiries.
• Work with Finance and Attendance teams to manage student finance processes through Applica and ensure timely bursary payments linked to attendance.
• Maintain accurate records of support interventions and financial assistance on college systems.
• Promote financial wellbeing and literacy through assemblies and enrichment activities.
• Attendance and Engagement
• Support the college’s attendance and engagement strategy, identifying and responding to persistent absence and disengagement.
• Monitor attendance and punctuality, escalating concerns to relevant staff and leaders where appropriate.
• Collaborate with pastoral and attendance teams to improve punctuality and student engagement, including parent/carer meetings where required.
• Pastoral Support and Personal Development
• Provide pastoral support, advice and guidance to students, helping them overcome barriers to success.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes, reporting concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Welfare team.
• Monitor the progress and wellbeing of assigned students, implementing interventions to support achievement and retention.
• Support Sixth Form induction, enrolment and behaviour management processes.
• Develop and deliver diverse enrichment and personal development opportunities, including community projects and student-led initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Education/Qualifications
• GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
• Level 3 qualification in Education, Youth Work, Social Care, Student Services, Business Administration, or a related subject.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to attendance or learner support.
• DESIRABLE
• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas, education, youth and community work, sociology, health and social care.
• Level 4 or 5 qualification in Advice and Guidance, Safeguarding, Inclusion, or Education and Training.
• Mental Health First Aid qualification.
• Safeguarding Level 2 or 3 training.
• KNOWLEDGE
• Student finance/bursary processes for vulnerable learner support funding.
• Attendance monitoring and intervention strategies.
• Inclusion and widening participation.
• Safeguarding and well-being practices.
• Personal development.
• Behaviour and Attitudes.
• Using student record systems or MIS platforms (Desirable Knowledge).
• EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of 1 year’s experience of working with children and young people who may face barriers to learning or engagement.
• Ability to build positive professional relationships with learners/parents, carers and external agencies.
• Understanding of digital learners and industry culture (Desirable).
• Skills and Abilities
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Positive communication and listening skills.
• Patience, tolerance and sensitivity.
• A mature and non-judgemental outlook.
• Enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of humour.

SAFEGUARDING

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post.

CLOSING DATE: 17th June 2026. Candidates' applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications are advised.