Head of Widening Participation and HE Engagement in Scunthorpe

About the role

Are you passionate about making higher education accessible to all? We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as Head of Widening Participation and HE Engagement. This pivotal role will lead the development and delivery of inclusive evidence-informed outreach and engagement initiatives across our higher education provision.

You will be responsible for overseeing our Access and Participation Plan (APP) ensuring alignment with the Office for Students (OfS) regulatory expectations and driving forward our commitment to improving access participation and outcomes for underrepresented learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design delivery and evaluation of the institutions Access and Participation Plan.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy targeting underrepresented groups.
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges and local authorities and community organisations.
• Oversee transition and pre‑entry support programmes for prospective students.
• Line manage outreach staff and student interns and deliver CPD on inclusive practice.

Essential Criteria

• A Higher Education qualification.
• In‑depth understanding of Access and Participation Plans, OfS priorities and Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges and community organisations.
• Significant experience managing widening participation or outreach programmes.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with the ability to use data to inform practice.

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary.
• 30 bookable annual leave days, bank holidays and 2 weeks off at Christmas.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to same‑day GP appointments, high street discounts, discounted hair and beauty treatments and an electric car scheme.
• On‑site gym & florist (site dependent). Access to our in‑house Food Hall & Coffee Shops.
• Vivup Employee Wellbeing and Benefits platform.
• Wellness initiatives onsite during your working week, including health visitors, financial advisers or physio specialists.
• On‑site fitness classes at lunchtime or after work in conjunction with our Sports colleagues.
• Cycle to Work and Electric car scheme.
• Free Eye Care Vouchers.
• Discounted Hair and Beauty services.
• On‑site nursery.
• Online access to Remploy, our 24/7 confidential mental health and counselling resource.
• In‑house counselling / safeguarding specialists to assist in Wellbeing.

Additional Information

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education we will conduct social media checks on shortlisted candidates. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

For further information about the role please contact :

Closing date

25th September 2025

Interview date

2nd of October 2025

About us

Here at Doncaster College and University Centre we understand that choosing what to do next can be a huge decision. It\’s not just about the course you choose to study; it is about the tutors, the experiences and the friends you meet along the way.

We have over 120 courses at full and part‑time from entry level right up to university level. As well as the vast amount of courses on offer we ensure all our students get the right support and guidance whether it is through our careers service, our additional learning support, counselling, student finance and many other services all tailored to each individual.

Our exciting and modern campus is in a central location packed with workspaces designed to industry standard. We work directly with employers allowing you real work experience and industry insight that you will not get from sitting behind a desk.

Lets Teach Programme

The LETs Teach Programme supports new members of teaching staff in terms of college systems and key teaching and learning areas including new staff lesson visits and postcard peeps. Each new member of staff has an allocated Lead Practitioner who works closely with them throughout the programme.

Lets Bloom Programme

The LETs Bloom Programme aims to connect our experienced and qualified teachers to share best practice and support continued risk‑taking as we continue to add depth to our teaching craft. Teachers volunteer on this one year programme working closely with the Learning Enhancement Team capturing their experimentation in a journal.