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- Tasks: Develop and deliver engaging activities in schools to promote higher education access.
- Company: FOCUS West aims to widen university access for young people in west Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Regular travel to schools and remote work capabilities are required.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering students and enhancing educational opportunities.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of west Scotland schools and experience in educational outreach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27644 - 29959 £ per year.
Job Description
Salary range:  £27,644 – £29,959
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FTE:Â 1.0 (35 hours per week)
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Term:Â Fixed (until 31 July 2026)
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Closing date:Â 30 July 2025
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FOCUS West seeks a talented Development Worker, who will be responsible for developing and delivering interactive activities and materials in schools and related community contexts in the FOCUS West Programme, which has the aim of widening access to university/higher education (HE) for young people in the west of Scotland. This programme seeks candidates with a good knowledge of west of Scotland schools and widening access to university/higher education in Scotland. FOCUS West delivers the Schools for Higher Education Programme in the west of Scotland, on behalf of the National Schools Programme, which is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and which raises aspirations to higher education for relevant pupils in all local authority schools in the region.
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\\nThe postholder will be required to develop a grass-roots knowledge of existing work to widen access to university/HE in the west of Scotland, work closely and collegiately with existing programmes and assist the FOCUS West Director in the delivery of a programme of relevant activity aimed towards developing sustainable practice in widening access to, and participation in, university/higher education. Programme delivery will also include scheduling and organising visits to schools and working co-operatively with school staff to enable the fulfilment of HE Guidance and Mentoring sessions with senior pupils.
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\\nThis role, which involves regular travel to west of Scotland schools, provides an exciting opportunity for suitable candidates to contribute to the enhancement of widening access to university/HE. Applicants should also ensure they are able to deliver activity remotely, if required, using appropriately agreed IT tools, and supporting the development and promotion of the programme’s FOCUS Point website.
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Interviews are scheduled to take place on 3 September 2025.
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\\nFor informal enquiries, please contact Dr Bernadette Sanderson, Director, FOCUS West at bernadette.sanderson@strath.ac.uk
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FOCUS West Development Worker (729541) employer: University of Strathclyde
Contact Detail:
University of Strathclyde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FOCUS West Development Worker (729541)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the FOCUS West Programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities related to widening access to higher education in the west of Scotland will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in similar programmes. Engaging with current or former Development Workers can provide valuable insights and may even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with interactive activities and community engagement. Think of specific examples where you've successfully delivered educational content or worked collaboratively with schools, as this will showcase your relevant skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and policies regarding higher education access in Scotland. Being knowledgeable about current initiatives and challenges will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace FOCUS West Development Worker (729541)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Development Worker position. Highlight your understanding of the FOCUS West Programme and its goals in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience and skills relevant to the role. Emphasise any previous work with schools or community programmes, particularly those aimed at widening access to higher education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and community development. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage with young people and collaborate with educational institutions.
Highlight Relevant Knowledge: In your application, make sure to mention your knowledge of the west of Scotland's educational landscape and any familiarity with initiatives aimed at increasing access to university. This will show your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Know Your Audience
Familiarise yourself with the west of Scotland schools and their specific needs regarding access to higher education. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss any previous work or projects related to educational development or community engagement. Highlight how your experiences align with the goals of the FOCUS West Programme.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about how you would approach developing interactive activities for students. Be ready to share ideas or examples of how you would engage pupils in discussions about higher education.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with school staff and other programmes, be sure to highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Share examples of successful collaborations from your past experiences.