At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the student support ecosystem to ensure every learner thrives.
- Company: Join one of the South's largest Further Education colleges with a focus on inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in transforming student support and enhancing educational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in education or student services is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
About the Role
HSDC is seeking an experienced, strategic and values-driven leader to join the College as our new
Director of Student Support & Inclusion .
This is a pivotal College Leadership Team (CLT) role, responsible for leading and shaping the College's whole student support ecosystem, ensuring every learner has the opportunity, support and confidence to thrive throughout their educational journey.
Reporting to the Deputy Principal - Curriculum & Quality, the role represents a significant step beyond the operational management of individual support services.
You will provide strategic leadership across Student Progress Mentors, Tutorial, Careers, SEND, Additional Learning Support, Teaching Assistants, Student Services, Safeguarding, Enrichment, Inclusion, Student Union, Wellbeing and Learner Voice, bringing these functions together into a coherent, integrated model that improves student outcomes.
Working collaboratively across curriculum and professional services, you will ensure that support is proactive, inclusive and evidence-informed, helping students overcome barriers to learning while improving attendance, engagement, achievement, progression and positive destinations.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and forward-thinking leader to shape the future of student support within one of the South's largest Further Education colleges, making a lasting difference to the lives of thousands of learners.
Responsibilities
As Director of Student Support & Inclusion, you will
- Provide strategic leadership for the College's student support, inclusion and pastoral services, ensuring they deliver outstanding outcomes for learners across all campuses.
- Lead the continued development of an integrated student support model, bringing together Tutorial, Student Progress Mentors, Careers, SEND, Additional Learning Support, Teaching Assistants, Student Services, Student Union, Enrichment, Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing into a cohesive and high-performing service.
- Lead the strategic development and quality assurance of the College's Tutorial Model, ensuring it supports attendance, personal development, employability, learner wellbeing and progression.
- Provide strategic leadership for SEND and Additional Learning Support, ensuring statutory compliance, inclusive practice and high-quality support that enables every learner to achieve their potential.
- Lead the Student Progress Mentor function, ensuring data-led interventions improve attendance, engagement, retention, achievement and student success.
- Oversee the effective deployment and development of Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants, ensuring support resources are targeted where they have greatest impact.
- Provide strategic leadership for safeguarding, wellbeing and student welfare, ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for every learner.
- Champion learner voice, student engagement and an outstanding student experience, ensuring student feedback directly informs service improvement and organisational decision-making.
- Use performance data, insight and evidence to evaluate impact, identify emerging risks and drive continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
- Lead and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Contribute as a member of the College Leadership Team, providing strategic leadership that supports the College's wider ambitions for excellence, inclusion, sustainability and student success.
Requirements
We are seeking an inspirational and credible senior leader with a passion for student success, inclusion and educational excellence.
You will need
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Education, Student Services, Leadership or a related discipline.
- Significant senior leadership experience within student support, inclusion, safeguarding, education or related services.
- Proven experience of leading organisational change, service transformation and multidisciplinary teams within a complex organisation.
- Extensive knowledge of safeguarding, SEND legislation, inclusive practice and Equality Act responsibilities.
- Experience of developing and delivering strategic initiatives that improve attendance, engagement, retention, learner experience and educational outcomes.
- Strong understanding of performance management, quality improvement and the use of data to inform strategic decision-making.
- Experience of leading, influencing and collaborating with senior leaders, governors and external partners.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire confidence, build relationships and influence at all levels.
- A strategic, resilient and values-led approach, with the ability to lead through complexity while maintaining a relentless focus on improving the learner experience.
- Experience within Further Education, or another regulated education environment, together with experience of Ofsted inspection and organisational improvement, would be advantageous.
How to apply
We strive in offering an inclusive and accessible recruitment and interview process to all candidates.
Please note, we appreciate the value of each applicant but kindly ask that you complete an application form as we do not accept CV's.
- Closing Date for Applications: 5th August
- Interview Dates: Monday 17th August
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Student Support & Inclusion in Havant employer: Havant and South Downs College (HSDC)
As an Access Arrangements and Examination Administrator, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. Located in the beautiful Hampshire region, our college offers excellent benefits, including health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for career advancement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and student success.
Contact Details:
Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Student Support & Inclusion in Havant
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Director of Student Support & Inclusion at Havant and South Downs College (HSDC), make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Student Support & Inclusion in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Havant and South Downs College (HSDC), make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Havant and South Downs College (HSDC)
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Havant and South Downs College (HSDC).
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
