Head of Widening Participation and Early Intervention

Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University. Flexible Working: Open to flexible working arrangements. Are you a dedicated educational leader with a passion for Widening Participation and Student Success?

This is an exciting opportunity to join Lancaster University as the Head of Widening Participation and Early Intervention. This leadership role is essential for operational success, ensuring the embedding and integration of the University’s Widening Participation and Student Experience agenda.

Purpose Of The Role

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team that delivers a seamless support framework across the entire student lifecycle. You will oversee Early Intervention and Widening Participation initiatives to attract high-quality students from underrepresented backgrounds and provide essential support for their success.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight and Team Leadership:
  • Lead the Early Intervention Team, Student Mobility, and Student Success teams.
  • Recruit, induct, and manage a diverse group of specialist staff.
  • Operationalise the Access and Participation Plan (APP) by translating high-level targets into measurable deliverables.
• Service Delivery:
  • Embed wellbeing support into the student experience, particularly for vulnerable groups.
  • Monitor and evaluate student progression to identify and close attainment gaps.
• Programme Management:
  • Design and oversee wellbeing early intervention activities.
  • Maintain robust data and safeguarding standards across all team activities.
• Financial and Resource Management:
  • Manage complex budgets and ensure financial accountability.
  • Identify opportunities among teams to enhance the student experience.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Represent the University at regional and national levels.
  • Collaborate with academic departments and external partners.