Outreach and Access Officer (STEM)

Are you knowledgeable and passionate about Widening Participation, science, and the potential of Higher Education to change lives? Do you have experience studying a STEM subject at university level?

The University of Reading is seeking an Outreach and Access officer to inspire young people to study science, mathematics and related subjects at a higher level, and to help break down the barriers preventing progression from disadvantaged backgrounds into Higher Education.

You will be responsible for delivering subject specific outreach to young people, to enthuse them about the subject areas, inspire a wider knowledge of relevant university courses and potential careers, and inform them of progression pathways to university.

Activities are primarily for students in Key Stages 3 and 4 (ages 11–16), in STEM subjects. These include talks and taster sessions that will inspire young people about these subject areas and higher education generally. This activity will be partly drawn from existing sessions, though you also will need to use your subject knowledge to work in collaboration with academic colleagues to devise new activity.

Subjects covered by this role include: Agriculture; Archaeology; Architecture and Architectural Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Biomedical Engineering; Chemistry; Computer Science; Food and Nutritional Science; Geography and Environmental Science; Mathematics; Meteorology; Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy.

The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken.

Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities

• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
• To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.

An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles.

Closing date: 21/03/2025

Interviews will be held: 10/04/2025

Contact Name Debi Linton

Contact Job Title Student Recruitment and Access Officer (Younger Years)

Contact Email address d.linton@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name Kizzi Keast

Alternative Contact Job Title Outreach and Access Manager

Alternative Contact Email address k.keast@reading.ac.uk

This role will start in late July 2025

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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