Widening Access Officer

FTE: 1.0 (Working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Fixed-term until 31 July 2025

Salary: UH6 £31,396 to £33,966 with potential to progress to £37,099 by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience.

Annual Leave: 25 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: Bishops Square Campus, Hatfield 

Main duties and responsibilities

The University recognises that students from widening participation groups may require additional support to ensure they make informed choices about their future. The Widening Access Officer will assist in the planning and delivery of the Widening Access programme ensuring that young people from under-represented groups are equipped with the key skills and information needed to help our team to create equality of opportunity.

As the successful candidate, you will work primarily with staff and students from Hertfordshire primary and secondary schools with low rates of progression to higher education and will also work with colleagues across the university. You will be involved in our in-school programme delivery working with primary and secondary schools from across Hertfordshire, as well as organising large scale outreach events. 

Skills and experience required

You must have proven experience of supporting young people in education or similar environments, as well as a strong track record of developing, planning and delivering projects and events. 

The ability to engage both primary and secondary aged students is essential, and you must demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills. You must be confident in delivering to large audiences both in-person and online and have strong IT skills. An understanding of the UK Higher Education application system, and experience of supporting students with this process is also desirable.

The successful applicant will require access to a vehicle, as the role requires travel to different sites at short notice or to sites that may not be easily accessible via public transport.

Qualifications required

A minimum of a relevant undergraduate qualification or equivalent work experience is essential.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work, or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work, before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Laide Bissessar, Head of Widening Access and Student Success, l.bissessar@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 19 August 2024

Interview Date: TBC

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. 

Additional information:

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974  

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) 

The University requires that the successful applicant who is offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. An Enhanced Disclosure will be required, and this will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The University of Hertfordshire complies with the 'Code of Practice for Registered Persons and other recipients of Disclosure Information'. DBS Checks may be renewed in line with policy. 

Advert information