At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate student support services, focusing on wellbeing and inclusion.
- Company: Birkbeck, University of London, a diverse and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, flexible working, and generous benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in student support, safeguarding, and understanding mental health impacts.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 72000 £ per year.
Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a dynamic Head of Student Support & Wellbeing to lead a group of specialist services that play a vital role in supporting our diverse student community. In this senior leadership role, you will shape and deliver our strategic approach to mental health, disability, counselling, safeguarding, and inclusion.
As Head of Student Support & Wellbeing, you will have operational responsibility for our multi-team response to student crises, and you will champion a whole-university approach to student wellbeing. You will also take a leading role in our University Mental Health Charter application and support the ongoing development of institutional policies. You will lead teams responsible for mental health, counselling, disability support, safeguarding, and inclusion, and also oversee budgets and financial planning related to wellbeing and disability funding.
To succeed in the role, you will have demonstrable experience in a student facing environment, as well as a good understanding of how disabilities or mental health conditions impact students' experience. You'll have experience of safeguarding, or creating a safe and inclusive environment for students and you'll be confident in challenging policy and finding solutions. You will operate with compassion and clarity, supporting frontline staff to demonstrate their professional capabilities, and you'll work collaboratively with academic and admin colleagues to support students to thrive.
At Birkbeck, we provide a great team atmosphere, the opportunity for personal and professional development, and the chance to lead a team ready to take on challenges. So if you are enthusiastic about student wellbeing, inclusion and safeguarding - apply with us today.
Salary and benefits: £64,290 rising to £71,792 per annum. Grade 9 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance. Benefits include a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.
Contract: Permanent contract, full-time, (35 hours a week), Monday-Friday 10-6pm with a flexible and hybrid working pattern - three days on site.
Closing date: 23 February 2026, interview date: 11 March 2026. The role requires a DBS check.
Enquiries: If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Kirsty Palmer, Interim Head of Student Wellbeing Services, k.palmer@bbk.ac.uk. If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds to apply www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Head of Student Support and Wellbeing employer: Birkbeck University London
Birkbeck, University of London is an exceptional employer that prioritises student wellbeing and inclusion, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the vibrant heart of Bloomsbury, London. As the Head of Student Support and Wellbeing, you will lead a dedicated team while benefiting from a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements that promote personal and professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our diverse student community and enjoy the unique advantages of working within a prestigious institution committed to diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Birkbeck University London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Support and Wellbeing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who are already working at Birkbeck or similar institutions. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Birkbeck's current initiatives on student wellbeing and inclusion. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also informed about what’s happening in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences in managing teams and handling crises. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Support and Wellbeing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for student wellbeing and inclusion shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Birkbeck, so don’t hold back on sharing your passion!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in student support and safeguarding. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of mental health and disability issues.
Craft a Compelling Statement:Your statement is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be clear about your vision for student support and how you plan to champion a whole-university approach to wellbeing.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only consider applications submitted through our online system. So, make sure to apply via our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck University London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of student support and wellbeing. Familiarise yourself with current trends in mental health, disability support, and safeguarding. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific examples where you’ve fostered collaboration and inclusivity, as this is crucial for the Head of Student Support & Wellbeing position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you’ve handled crises or challenging situations in a student-facing environment, highlighting your compassion and clarity in decision-making.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research Birkbeck’s values and mission regarding student wellbeing and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their strategic goals, especially in relation to the University Mental Health Charter.
