At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead student support services and shape wellbeing strategies for a positive impact.
- Company: A forward-thinking university committed to student success and inclusion.
- Benefits: Innovative environment, professional growth, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in students' lives and influence institutional culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading student services and knowledge of safeguarding frameworks.
- Other info: Join a diverse community dedicated to continuous improvement and equality.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to shape a sector-leading approach to student wellbeing and make a lasting positive difference to students’ lives? We are seeking an exceptional leader who performs with integrity, fairness, and sound professional judgement in complex and sensitive environments who will provide leadership across a complex, multidisciplinary portfolio of services that sit at the heart of the University’s commitment to student success, inclusion and wellbeing. This is a rare opportunity to influence institutional culture, deliver innovative practice and ensure that student wellbeing is at the heart of the University experience.
About the role: As Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services, you will lead services spanning student mental health, disability and inclusive practice, casework, partnerships and advice. You will set the direction for services that are inclusive, trauma-informed, evidence-based and aligned with best practice and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Associate Director (Student Wellbeing and Inclusion), you will act as the University’s senior specialist adviser on student wellbeing and serve as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Students, playing a critical role in meeting Office for Students requirements and safeguarding obligations. You will work collaboratively with students, academic leaders, professional services colleagues and external partners to create a joined-up, coherent and responsive student support ecosystem.
What you’ll bring: You will be a confident, credible and emotionally intelligent leader with:
- Significant experience of leading specialist, student-facing or comparable services
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory frameworks within higher education or a related sector
- A proven track record of managing complex services, critical incidents and institutional risk
- Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to influence at senior and board level
- Strong digital and data fluency, with experience of using systems and insight to improve services
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build trusted partnerships internally and externally
Above all, you will share our commitment to placing students at the centre of service design and delivery.
Why join us? You will join a University that is ambitious about student wellbeing and inclusion, values professional expertise and reflective practice, and is committed to continuous improvement. This role offers genuine scope to innovate, influence strategy and leave a meaningful legacy for students and staff alike. If you are motivated by purpose, impact and leadership at scale, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please explore the full candidate pack: Further Details: Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based. Find out what it’s like to work here, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services - 0010-26 in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services - 0010-26 in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University through LinkedIn or alumni networks. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in student wellbeing and support services. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about what’s happening in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed complex situations. We want to hear about your impact and how you’ve made a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to enhance student wellbeing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services - 0010-26 in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services role. Highlight your experience in leading student-facing services and your knowledge of safeguarding and risk management in higher education.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've influenced teams or strategies in previous roles, especially in complex environments. This is your chance to demonstrate your emotional intelligence and ability to build trusted partnerships.
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this role. Use clear and concise language in your application, and don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to influence at senior levels. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can articulate their vision for student wellbeing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our commitment to student success and inclusion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of student wellbeing and support services. Brush up on current trends, best practices, and regulatory frameworks in higher education. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the university's values. Think about examples where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, especially in complex environments. Highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to build trusted partnerships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in sensitive situations. Prepare scenarios where you’ve managed critical incidents or safeguarding issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the university’s approach to student wellbeing and inclusion. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the institution aligns with your values.