At a Glance
- Tasks: Organise and run engaging school visits and events for Year 12 students.
- Company: UCL's Access and Widening Participation Office, dedicated to inclusivity.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping underrepresented students access higher education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Access and Widening Participation Office leads the development and implementation of UCL’s strategies to widen access to UCL from underrepresented groups. The Access Team is one of four teams within the office and is responsible for changing UCL’s intake of students from under-represented groups. The team delivers a programme of activities for Year 12 students and works closely with faculties and departments, supporting them to develop local WP action plans to close access gaps for underrepresented students.
About the role: The Access Team runs a varied programme of information, advice and guidance, and subject taster activities for Year 12 students. These include a national programme of school engagement, online and in-person events and residential summer schools. We also work with teachers and parents to ensure they can support young people with HE decisions. This Access Officer vacancy is within the Schools and Regional Engagement sub-team within the Access Team. The main responsibilities of the role will be organising and running the programme of school visits and visits to campus; therefore, regular travel in London and across the UK is part of the role. In addition to this, the team runs the 8-week hybrid project UCL Expand and the successful candidate will have a large role in the organisation and delivery of this project.
The Access Team delivers the programme of events and summer schools as a team and there will be a range of activities that the postholder will work on in addition to UCL Expand and the programme of schools engagement. Please note that our team structure is responsible to priorities in the office and, as a result, new activities may be introduced and current activities modified or discontinued.
The successful candidate will be familiar with secondary- and tertiary-level education, together with UK higher education, and will have experience of working with schools and/or colleges as external stakeholders. You must have the ability to prepare and deliver workshops and presentations for a wide range of audiences and will be confident using your clear and effective communication skills when interacting with teachers, young people and their families. Applicants must also have good administrative skills, strong IT skills, and be able to manage their own workload and prioritise a high volume of complex work effectively.
What we offer: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Access Officer employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer that prioritises diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects like UCL Expand, the Access Officer role provides a meaningful chance to make a difference in widening participation in higher education. Located in London, UCL fosters an environment of creativity and innovation, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about education and community engagement.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Access Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved with widening participation. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for access and inclusion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas on how to engage underrepresented groups. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to access and widening participation. Think about specific examples from your past work or studies that demonstrate your skills and commitment to this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at UCL.
We think you need these skills to ace Access Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Access Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be interacting with a variety of audiences, it's crucial to demonstrate your clear and effective communication skills in your written application. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with students, teachers, or parents in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have working with schools or colleges, especially in relation to widening participation. This will help us see how you can contribute to our mission at UCL.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research UCL's Access and Widening Participation Office. Understand their mission and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience working with schools and colleges. Prepare specific examples of how you've engaged with underrepresented groups or delivered workshops. This will demonstrate your suitability for the Access Officer position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle various situations, such as organising school visits or engaging with students and parents. Think through potential challenges and how you would address them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with diverse audiences, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to present a mini-workshop during the interview, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to engage and inform effectively.
