Head of Widening Access and Participation

The Role and the Department

The Head of Widening Access and Participation will be the primary individual responsible for delivering Durham University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP). This role is pivotal in driving forward the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community by removing barriers to higher education for underrepresented groups.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Develop and implement the University’s Widening Access and Participation Strategy in alignment with the APP.
• Lead the Widening Access and Participation Team, providing direction, support, and development opportunities.
• Ensure that all widening access initiatives are data-driven and aligned with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.

Programme Development and Delivery

• Design and oversee targeted outreach and support initiatives to enhance access, success, and progression for underrepresented students.
• Collaborate with academic departments, colleges, and external partners to develop and deliver innovative programmes that address the specific needs of underrepresented groups.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of widening access programmes and initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local schools, colleges, community groups, and national organisations.
• Represent Durham University at regional and national forums related to widening access and participation.
• Collaborate with the North East Raising Aspiration Partnership (NERAP) to address regional disparities in higher education entry rates.

Research and Policy Development

• Conduct and commission research to inform policy and practice in widening access and participation.
• Analyse national and institutional data to identify gaps in access, continuation, and attainment, and develop strategies to address these gaps.
• Develop policies and practices that support the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with the Office for Students (OfS) regulations and requirements related to access and participation.
• Produce regular reports on the progress and impact of widening access initiatives for the University Executive Committee and the University Council.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of data to monitor progress against the objectives outlined in the APP.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage the budget for widening access and participation activities, ensuring effective use of resources.
• Secure external funding to support widening access initiatives and manage relationships with funders.
• Ensure the efficient allocation of resources to support the delivery of widening access and participation programmes.

Working Environment

Durham University supports a hybrid working environment to promote work-life balance and flexibility. The Head of Widening Access and Participation is expected to spend a minimum of 40% of their working time on-site at the University. This arrangement allows for essential face-to-face collaboration, team management, and engagement with stakeholders, while also providing the flexibility to work remotely. The exact working pattern will be agreed upon with the line manager and may vary depending on the needs of the role.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

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