At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Welfare team, providing tailored support for students facing personal challenges.
- Company: Join the University of Exeter, a top Russell Group university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days leave, flexible working, and discounts at leading retailers.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Exceptional interpersonal skills and a resilient, solution-focused attitude required.
The predicted salary is between 43482 - 60800 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a professional Welfare Pathway Lead as part of the University's Welfare service and Out-of-Hours (OOH) service for students. This role is available on a full time, permanent basis from the 20th of April 2026. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home. This position attracts a market supplement of £4000.
About the role
This post plays a key part in the University's offering of pastoral and welfare support for students. You will act as the lead practitioner, providing first response for students experiencing personal problems and difficulties, and will coordinate a response and provide support which is tailored to individual students' needs, signposting and referring to specialist support. This will include responding to mental health crises, liaising with other University staff and external agencies as appropriate. You will lead the Welfare team in their practice and will report to the Wellbeing Operations manager. Your work will involve extensive networking and liaison with individuals in student residences, security services, academic Colleges and across a range of other services including NHS provision. In addition to working directly with students, you will lead and support a team of practitioners - and will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of policies and procedures.
About you
We are seeking a candidate who can combine exceptional interpersonal skills, a resilient attitude and a practical, solution‐focused approach. In return we will provide an exciting, varied and rewarding role within a dynamic and supportive team, committed to providing the best possible experience for our students. This post requires the postholder to work some daytime and evenings, as well as alternate weekends. This is a full‐time post and you will be campus based.
Please note that this post will be subject to a clear DBS check.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence‐based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
We offer some fantastic benefits including:
- 41 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campuses and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England
Further information
Please contact Abigail Sproats, A.M.Sproats@exeter.ac.uk. The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience. Applications close on 01/04/2026, so apply now: Apply here.
Welfare Pathway Lead in Exeter employer: University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and students. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, extensive employee benefits including generous leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of a prestigious institution located in a beautiful part of the South West of England, renowned for its world-class research and teaching excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Pathway Lead in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Exeter on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about student welfare and aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to mental health support and team leadership. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Pathway Lead in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help us understand what the University is looking for and tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:As a Welfare Pathway Lead, exceptional interpersonal skills are key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully supported others in the past, whether through direct experience or relevant training. We want to see your human side!
Be Solution-Focused:In your application, highlight instances where you've tackled challenges with a practical, solution-focused approach. This aligns perfectly with the role's requirements and shows us that you're ready to handle the complexities of student welfare.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you're proactive and engaged with the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Welfare Pathway Lead. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as providing tailored support to students and liaising with various services. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires exceptional interpersonal skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in distress or collaborated with teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build rapport, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Think about potential mental health crises you might encounter and how you would respond. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the university measures the success of its welfare services. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
