At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with disabilities, ensuring access to courses and facilities.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution focused on excellence and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, flexible working, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student lives while working in an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in disability support and strong knowledge of relevant regulations required.
- Other info: This role is not open to international sponsorship; UK right to work is necessary.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The Registry support all aspects of the student journey, right from initial enquiry and application, all the way through to final award and student completion. We strive to provide an outstanding service to all our users and to be thought leaders in our fields of expertise, developing research informed practise. Registry teams work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver a high-performance culture that promotes wellbeing, diversity and opportunity for all, supporting excellent student experience.
Student Services provides a range of student support, information, guidance and development services across the University including wellbeing, counselling, disability, mental health, financial support and other key services delivered centrally. These teams work closely together (and with other sections of the university) to provide the best possible services to our students, to enhance the student experience, to help students achieve their full potential and to meet the strategic aims of the University. These services are central to the student experience they are visible, seamless, effective and tailored to the needs of our student community.
About the Role
You will be working with the Disability Services Manager and will provide co-ordinated support for a case load of students with a wide range of disabilities and long-term health conditions. You will make recommendations regarding access to courses and facilities including reasonable adjustments and changes to the wider estate. You will collaborate with academics and professional services to develop and enhance inclusive teaching practices.
Anticipated interview date: Thursday 18th September 2025
About You
You will possess excellent knowledge of the statutory, regulatory and legislative frameworks that apply to student disability support and a sound understanding of the challenges of working within Student Services. You will have significant and demonstrable experience of leading, managing, motivating and developing a professional service team(s) to achieve organisational aims and will be able to demonstrate the ability to work to budget within a given framework of resource.
You will be successful at building highly effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues and adopt an insightful and pragmatic approach to the management of operations across the Disability Service and wider Student Services.
Benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
Local Government Pension Scheme
Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
Discounted onsite gym
Cycle to Work scheme
A flexible working environment
A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Sarah Jones, Disability Services Manager via s.jones2@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Please visit our website for more information.
If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody\’s concern.
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Disability Adviser employer: University of Derby
Contact Detail:
University of Derby Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Disability Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the statutory and regulatory frameworks related to disability support in education. Understanding these will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of disability services. Attend relevant workshops or seminars, and connect with current Disability Advisers on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into their experiences and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals with disabilities in the past. Highlight your experience in making reasonable adjustments and collaborating with academic staff to enhance inclusive practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University of Derby's approach to student services and wellbeing. Tailor your responses in the interview to align with their values and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission of enhancing the student experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Disability Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Disability Adviser position. Familiarise yourself with the statutory frameworks and challenges mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in disability support and student services. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience managing teams, as well as your ability to build effective working relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting students with disabilities. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your knowledge of inclusive practices and your commitment to enhancing student experiences.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Disability Adviser. Familiarise yourself with the statutory frameworks and the specific challenges faced in student services, as this will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing and supporting teams within a similar context. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented inclusive practices or made reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Show that you can work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including academics and professional services, to enhance the student experience.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the university's approach to disability support and how the role fits into the wider Student Services framework. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.