Widening Participation Development Officer in Glasgow

This is a great opportunity for a new Widening Participation Development Officer. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and delivery of the UofG’s WP Adult Learner Programmes, supporting the skills development, progression and success of students on these programmes. In particular, contribute to the development and delivery of the UofG HNC Articulation Programmes and the partnership with Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). In addition, manage a large caseload and deliver a comprehensive information, advice and guidance service for care experienced and estranged enquirers, applicants and students at the University of Glasgow. Support the Head of WP, Head of the Adult Learner Team (ALT) and wider team in the delivery of WP activities to achieve team targets and performance indicators.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Working with the Head of WP, WP Adult Learner team and broader WP team, be responsible for supporting the development and delivery of the University’s adult learner pre-entry programmes, including the University Access Programme, University HNC Articulation Programmes and partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). Provide information, guidance and support to students on these programmes in line with the WP strategy, attracting high quality students to the University via these routes and contributing to University WP KPIs.
• To review, develop and implement improvements to WP initiatives, responsive to local, regional and national priorities and incorporating varied delivery models, i.e., in-person, online, blended. Plan, develop and facilitate sessions and events, both on-campus and online, to support the induction, skills development and onward progression of students across our adult learner programmes.
• To assist in the delivery and development of the University’s WP Strategy by providing feedback from partners, stakeholders and participants and input on sector and sphere trends, comparator activity and new initiatives to the Head of WP to improve our WP performance.
• Working with the Head of WP and WP colleagues, develop close and productive collaborative relationships with academic and University Service staff to develop and deliver WP strategies.
• To report on the performance of WP activity in your specific areas of responsibility; creating proposals for development and improvement, including funding bids where appropriate and necessary, to enhance University WP activity in adult learner groups and their communities.
• Working with the Head of WP and broader Adult Learner Team, develop close and productive collaborative relationships with academic and support service staff within the University to ensure appropriate guidance and support is in place for students progressing from our adult learner programmes on to undergraduate study at the University of Glasgow.
• Respond to inquiries from and provide information, advice and guidance to prospective students and their families, relating to the University of Glasgow, our adult learner programmes, and opportunities for progression to HE study. Provide advisory information and one-to-one guidance for students on the UofG Articulation Programmes and SWAP West access programmes, supporting their development, progression, and successful transition into undergraduate study at the University of Glasgow.
• Work jointly with the wider Adult Learner Team and the WP Research and Evaluation Team to monitor the effectiveness, quality and impact of our adult learner programme provision, using student feedback and evaluation to deliver service improvement.
• Working with the Head of WP and fellow Care-experienced & Estranged Student Support colleague, implement the University’s Higher Education Commitment to Care-Experienced and Estranged applicants and students. Develop University policy and provision in this area and support, advise and encourage care-experienced and estranged individuals considering Higher Education, at both the pre- and post-entry stages.
• Offer support and advice to students from these backgrounds entering the University and coordinate appropriate training for staff in relation to the University’s Corporate Parenting responsibilities and its institutional commitment to estranged Students.
• Oversee maintenance and development of the content relating to care-experienced and estranged Students on the University’s website and develop and disseminate appropriate information and resources to potential students from these backgrounds, and to care professionals, teachers, relevant local authority contacts, and those within relevant third sector organisations who work and engage with individuals who are care-experienced or estranged.
• Working jointly with the Adult Learner Team Leader in facilitation of UofG Induction & Academic engagements on HNC Articulation Programmes, to support successful transition and progression of students on the HNC programmes to Year 2 of degree study at the University.
• Contribute to the delivery, monitoring & evaluation of the UofG Articulation Programmes and SWAP West partnership programmes. With relevant University staff, develop and implement feedback, monitoring and tracking processes to follow students from the HNC Articulation Programmes and SWAP partnership work through their learner journey within the University.
• Evaluate and assess these programmes, reporting on their impact and success, both internally and externally as required, and using analysis to inform development of these Programmes on an ongoing basis.
• Work with Head of WP and colleagues from UofG Admissions to manage and maintain appropriate progression pathways from the UofG Articulation, UofG Access and Scottish Wider Access Programmes.
• Work jointly and effectively with the Admissions team throughout the admissions cycle to help meet University and government targets of recruitment of students from SIMD20/40 postcodes and other WP criteria.
• Advocate on students’ behalf, both within and out with the University, and provide recommendations on student performance to advise Admissions decisions.
• To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Strategy 2025: World Changers Together.

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Essential: A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
• A2 Up to date knowledge of UK WP sector.
• A3 Sound understanding of the learning skills required for study in Higher Education (HE).
• A4 Knowledge of Scottish qualifications, funding and structures.
• A5 Knowledge of Higher Education environment, academic cycle, funding systems and current issues.
• Desirable: B1 Understanding of university equality and diversity policies and procedures relating to staff, students and visitors.
• B2 Possession of a full, clean driving licence.
• B3 Familiarity of entry level/admissions for all University undergraduate degree programmes.
• B4 Understanding of government regulations relating to working with children and young adults.

Skills

• Essential: C1 Effective interpersonal skills; ability to engage with pupils and young adults, motivate professional teams, influence internal and external stakeholders and build relationships at all levels.
• C2 Excellent administrative, organisational and time management skills.
• C3 Effective I.T. skills and experience of relevant programmes e.g., Microsoft packages (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Access, Teams), Moodle, or similar.
• C4 Excellent written and communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• C5 Ability to work as part of a team and use own initiative.
• C6 Ability to project-manage.
• C7 Comfortable with accepting changes and demonstrable ability to work flexibly, according to business needs.
• C8 An ability to keep accurate and up-to-date records.
• C9 Good timekeeping.
• C10 A willingness to be accessible to other team members.
• C11 Friendly and student-centred.
• C12 Enthusiasm for wider access and education.
• Desirable: D1 Ability to work in a dynamic and evolving environment whilst maintaining a high level of service delivery and achieving targets.

Experience

• Essential: E1 Experience of working in the HE and widening participation sectors.
• E2 Experience of working with adult learners.
• E3 Experience of developing and conducting training sessions.
• E4 Experience of working with learners online.
• E5 Experience of developing learning resources.
• E6 Ability to engage with learners of varying age, and across all levels of education.
• E7 Self-motivated, with ability to set a plan and see it through to delivery.
• E8 Adaptability and multi-disciplinary outlook to work with staff and students in different subject areas across the University and with external stakeholders.
• Desirable: F1 Evidence of programme delivery and development, including event management.
• F2 Experience of working with learners in schools, FE or HE sectors.
• F3 Evidence of community engagement, partner collaboration and positive outcome delivery.
• F4 Up to date experience of widening access and participation programmes in Scotland.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum. This full-time post is to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns. The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
• A flexible approach to working.
• A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too.