At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate student support services for wellbeing and inclusion.
- Company: Birkbeck, University of London, a hub for diverse student experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, flexible working, and generous perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and champion their wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in student support and understanding of mental health and disabilities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in the heart of London with great career growth.
The predicted salary is between 64290 - 71792 £ per year.
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for student wellbeing, inclusion, and safeguarding? 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.
Responsibilities
- Shape and deliver the strategic approach to mental health, disability, counselling, safeguarding, and inclusion.
- Operational responsibility for the multi-team response to student crises and champion a whole‑university approach to student wellbeing.
- Take a leading role in the University Mental Health Charter application and support the ongoing development of institutional policies.
- Lead teams responsible for mental health, counselling, disability support, safeguarding, and inclusion; oversee budgets and financial planning related to wellbeing and disability funding.
- Collaborate with academic and admin colleagues to support students to thrive and support frontline staff to demonstrate professional capabilities.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience in a student-facing environment, and a good understanding of how disabilities or mental health conditions impact students’ experience.
- Experience of safeguarding, or creating a safe and inclusive environment for students, and the ability to challenge policy and find solutions.
Employment Details
- 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 of working at Birkbeck: 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, full-time (35 hours a week), Monday–Friday 10:00–18:00 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 of London
Contact Detail:
Birkbeck University of London Recruiting 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 current or former employees at Birkbeck, University of London, and ask about their experiences. This can give you insider info and help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in student wellbeing and inclusion. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and mental health. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios and challenges.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
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 passion for student wellbeing and inclusion shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission to support a diverse student community.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your experience in mental health, safeguarding, and creating inclusive environments. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the responsibilities of the Head of Student Support and Wellbeing role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way we’ll consider your application, so make sure you follow the process outlined there to ensure we receive your details.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck University of London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the role. Familiarise yourself with Birkbeck's approach to student wellbeing, safeguarding, and inclusion. Being able to discuss specific strategies or policies will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Student Support and Wellbeing, leadership is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in creating inclusive environments and how you’ve tackled challenges in student support.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current initiatives or challenges they face in student wellbeing. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate with the team.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for student wellbeing shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your commitment to supporting students. This will help you connect on a deeper level with the interviewers and make a lasting impression.