At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with students to promote positive behaviour and attendance across all campuses.
- Company: The Sheffield College, a vibrant institution transforming lives through learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, health support, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for student engagement.
The predicted salary is between 28760 - 33563 € per year.
The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.
About The Role
The Sheffield College is a large, vibrant and diverse further education college and we are proud of how the college contributes to transforming lives through learning by meeting local skills needs. This role is central to fostering a positive, disciplined, and supportive learning environment across all Sheffield College campuses. The Student Engagement Officer (SEO) will provide a highly visible, proactive presence, focusing on improving student attendance, positively engaging with behaviours, and ensuring the effective use of communal campus spaces. The role is an important link between all academic, student experience and professional service teams. The SEO will directly link with curriculum pastoral teams in regard to immediate and medium‑term interventions with students. The SEO will also have constant communication with the Duty Manager and security teams in regard to student behaviour. The SEO will work directly with the Head of Student Engagement on long‑term strategies to improve student attendance, attitudes and behaviour on campus. The SEO will also work with external agencies and services who have links to student engagement and wellbeing so that they can offer support to students in communal spaces. There are 7 posts available for this role. This role is term‑time and the start date will be in August 2026.
Main Responsibilities
- To provide relational practice with students at all Sheffield College campuses.
- To communicate on a daily basis with security and the Duty Manager in regard to student behaviour on campus.
- Actively promote positive behaviours and attitudes around all college campuses, to positively engage with inappropriate behaviours at the point of contact.
- Daily management of social communal spaces including toilets and changing facilities.
- To use youth mentoring and positive interaction methods whilst engaging students.
- To link students who are absent or display poor behaviour back to their academies and student central teams via personal tutors (internal absenteeism, welfare), Heads of Student Experience (poor behaviour and time‑outs), and Student Central (wider enrichment and external services).
- To signpost students towards activities that will enable the student(s) to extend their personal development and professional skills.
- To provide full presence in communal spaces on campus at all times.
- To be part of the meet and greet team on the front reception at 8:30 to 9:30.
- To undertake internal absenteeism and poor behaviour checks in key areas throughout the college day.
- Ensuring that key areas have been checked (atrium, canteen, external locations) 1:15 to 4 pm to repeat the internal absence and poor behaviour check.
- Regular engagement with students in regards to their attendance.
- Escorting students to class if found to be absent and report absence to the academy personal tutor.
- To monitor student behaviour on campus.
- To engage with students who are displaying unacceptable behaviour in communal spaces and space such as toilets.
- With the assistance of the Duty Manager to time‑out students who are warned three times of poor behaviour on campus.
- To report all poor behaviour of students to the Head of Student Experience of that academy.
- To ensure student engagement in attendance and behaviour is appropriately recorded.
- Contribute to and report against data.
- To undertake tasks relating to the effective management and storage of documentation.
These duties may be amended from time to time by the line manager in consultation with the post-holder. From time‑to‑time these responsibilities may be reviewed so that they evolve as part of the college’s strategic growth and success. You may also be required to take on other tasks related to the job to support the College in the delivery of its strategic aims, without changing the role's main purpose.
Cross‑college Responsibilities
You may be required to participate in cross‑college teams and working groups on key projects. You may need to attend relevant internal committees and groups. This could include preparing and presenting papers as required. You will act as a role model to colleagues, ensuring that the responsibilities of the post are carried out in line with the College’s FREDIE+ values and behaviours.
Student Related Responsibilities
Anyone who has regular contact with children and young people in their day‑to‑day responsibilities must ensure they are safe. You will work with the Safeguarding Team, ensuring concerns regarding students/apprentices are shared in a timely, accurate manner. You will be involved in supporting college open days, supporting during the exam season, student enrolment and any other required events.
Other Responsibilities
Understanding and undertaking the specific responsibilities for their role as documented within the Health and Safety Policy and procedures. Ensure compliance with Data Protection Regulations. Ensure that environmental sustainability is a key consideration in the actions we take, working towards the college’s environmental strategy and net zero ambition.
For more information about the role please contact Mark Hepworth, Director of Student Services (Mark.Hepworth@sheffcol.ac.uk).
What We Can Offer You
As the successful candidate, you will be offered a salary of between £28,760 - £33,563 per annum based upon a combination of the skills, knowledge and experience that you can bring to the role.
Our Benefits
- Enhanced Pension contributions scheme with SYPA - 18.6%.
- Annual leave - 30 days (222 hours) + 8 bank holidays (59.2 hours) — this includes a discretionary Christmas closure period.
- Health and wellbeing, we offer Employee assistance programme through Bupa.
- Occupational Health through PAM.
- Free eye tests for VDU users.
- Free parking is available at the majority of our campuses.
Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review our Recruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates which provides further information on reasonable adjustments and how the Disability Confident scheme works in practice. If you require any reasonable adjustments or any support at any point throughout the process, please contact jobs@sheffcol.ac.uk.
Armed Forces Covenant
As part of our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re pledged to support the Armed Forces Community. Recognising the value Personnel, Veterans and military families contribute to our community and country.
Safeguarding
We are an employer who is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures.
Next Steps
To apply: Click apply online and follow the links to complete the online application. For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at jobs@sheffcol.ac.uk. CVs are currently not accepted. As a Leader in Diversity employer, we encourage applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Closing date: 15 May 2026
Student Engagement Officer in Sheffield employer: onlyFE
The Sheffield College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including enhanced pension contributions and extensive annual leave, and a focus on fostering positive student engagement, this role as a Student Engagement Officer provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while working in a supportive environment across multiple campuses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Engagement Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college culture! Before your interview, spend some time researching The Sheffield College. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and student engagement strategies. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to student engagement and behaviour management. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Student Engagement Officer. Role-play with a friend or use our StudySmarter tools to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusivity! During the interview, highlight your commitment to creating a supportive learning environment. Share examples of how you've promoted positive behaviours or engaged with diverse groups in previous roles. This aligns perfectly with the college's mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism. Don't forget to apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Engagement Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about student engagement.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Student Engagement Officer. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our mission at The Sheffield College to transform lives through learning.
Show Your Commitment to Inclusivity:Since we value inclusivity and diversity, it’s important to demonstrate how you can contribute to a positive and supportive environment for all students. Share any past experiences where you’ve promoted these values.
Follow the Application Process:Remember to apply through our website! It’s super easy—just click apply online and follow the links. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment Team at jobs@sheffcol.ac.uk.
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know the College Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research The Sheffield College. Understand its mission, values, and the specific challenges it faces in student engagement. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
As a Student Engagement Officer, your ability to connect with students is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with young people or managed challenging behaviours. Highlight your mentoring skills and how you can foster a positive environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to student behaviour or attendance. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your approach. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the college's strategies for improving student engagement and how the SEO role fits into that vision. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
