Investigator (Student Misconduct) in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled individual with significant experience in conducting investigations into allegations of behaviour, including sexual misconduct, harassment and hate in adherence to applicable policy and procedure. The post will be based in the Student Conduct and Appeals Team within the Student Registry. The team is responsible for student case work covering a range of issues such as student conduct, fitness to practise, final stage appeals and complaints, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (the student ombudsman), and legal cases. In addition to the conduct of investigations, there will be opportunities to apply and further develop your skills in student case work.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead and conduct investigations across a range of complex case areas including sexual misconduct, harassment and hate, embedding a trauma-informed approach.
• Communicate with individuals involved in cases in a timely, professional and sensitive manner.
• Interview witnesses, complainants, and respondents and maintain appropriate accurate records.
• Draft and complete detailed, professional investigation and case work reports for different audiences, capable of withstanding scrutiny and potential challenge.
• Draft correspondence with clarity and accuracy.
• Liaise with a wide range of contacts including colleagues at all levels, students, their representatives and external bodies (such as the police) where appropriate.
• Keep managers and caseworkers regularly updated on case progress and issues.
• Support and manage other investigators with their caseloads, including the cross-checking of reports prepared by other investigators.
• Appear before Student Discipline Panels and panels of a similar nature to present cases.
• Develop the implementation of, and adherence to, guidance from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and be responsive to changes in sector best practice.
• Lead on and oversee the provision of advice and guidance to University colleagues on key issues concerning the good conduct of investigations.
• Active participation in external professional investigator networks and training groups.
• Lead on the development and implementation of local procedures as necessary, and contribute to the continuous review and improvement of policies, procedures, processes and web-based information.
• Deal with highly sensitive and confidential information appropriately and in line with good practice and legal requirements.
• Maintain clear and unambiguous records, capable of withstanding scrutiny and potential challenge.
• Exercise a high degree of initiative, and professional judgement at all times.
• Respond professionally and flexibly to immediate and challenging developments whilst continuing to deliver concurrent work.
• Work on other related activities within the wider Casework teams.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Criteria

• Extensive professional experience and expertise in complex investigation work and evidence of progressive professional development. (Essential)
• Significant experience of writing thorough and reasoned investigation reports which can be understood by a range of audiences and capable of withstanding scrutiny. (Essential)
• Able to demonstrate an awareness and relevant knowledge and understanding in the area of sexual violence, harassment, misconduct and hate crime. (Essential)
• Experience of working within a regulatory or compliance environment, and of responding to and complying with internal and external deadlines and requirements. (Essential)
• Ability to exercise a high level of personal responsibility and work effectively with minimum supervision and act on own initiative, seeking guidance when necessary. (Essential)
• Effective organisational and time management skills to prioritise a fluctuating and varied workload with the ability to manage conflicting priorities, meet deadlines and provide a timely and efficient service. (Essential)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and appropriately with all client groups, including staff in senior positions, and students. (Essential)
• Ability to undertake work of a confidential and sensitive nature appropriately and in line with GDPR principles. (Essential)
• Ability and willingness to work effectively and flexibly within and across a team environment. (Essential)
• Awareness and understanding of the need for diversity and inclusion. (Essential)
• Sound knowledge of IT including the use of Email, the Internet, Google Applications, Adobe, and the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel) and good keyboard skills. (Essential)
• Knowledge and experience of the Higher Education sector in relation to this area of work. (Desirable)

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place the week commencing 28 September 2026. This will consist of an interview and activity. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 14 September 2026.