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1338168
HEAD OF STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEING
STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
FRENCHAY CAMPUS
FURTHER PARTICULARS
1. INTRODUCTION
The University of the West of England (UWE) is one of Britain's most enterprising universities;
it has a successful record in co-creating new ideas and new solutions to deliver innovative
futures.
UWE works closely with business and industry to ensure that teaching and research have
direct relevance to society and the environment. We also pride ourselves on providing a
valued role for all students and staff members within UWE’s diverse and welcoming
community.
From its origins as the Merchant Venturers’ College in 1595, UWE is now one of Britain’s most
popular universities. Over the years UWE has continued to develop its academic provision to
grow and transform itself to meet the demands of modern day students and higher education
teaching.
UWE has an annual budget of £220 million, and it is the largest provider of higher education in
the south west of England. UWE also has an expanding European and international profile.
The University has a history of providing high quality education and training to students. In
parallel with traditional values of academic excellence, the University is committed to using
academic knowledge and skills to find practical solutions to problems. UWE’s researchers
make a significant contribution to advances in industry, commerce, public services and the
professions, both nationally and internationally.
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UWE students, and the knowledge and experience they gain, are vital to future economic
prosperity. The University aims to equip students for their role in the economy by putting a
fundamental value on work placements, part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities. Strong
links with employers help to keep UWE’s courses relevant and up to date, and ensure that its
graduates are highly sought after in the job market because they have the confidence, skills,
up-to-date knowledge and work experience to be attractive to employers.
The University is building up a number of partnerships with further education colleges,
collectively known as the UWE Federation. The University and the colleges have developed a
range of courses to give as many people as possible the chance to study university-level
courses at their local college, with opportunities for progression to UWE programmes. Many of
the courses have been developed in collaboration with local employers to develop the skills
and knowledge that are in demand in the region.
2. UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
SIZE AND LOCATION
With over 30,000 students and 3,491 staff, UWE is the largest university in the south west of
England, and one of the largest employers in the Bristol area.
Around half of UWE’s staff are engaged in teaching, research, knowledge exchange,
consultancy and other academic-related activities. The remaining staff members provide a
variety of professional services ranging from marketing to finance, and from international
development to human resources. These staff members also support the development and
maintenance of all of the University’s campuses.
The investment in teaching excellence is matched by a tremendous investment in facilities and
infrastructure.
UWE has four main campuses. Around 60% of our students are based at Frenchay campus,
which is on the north-eastern outskirts of Bristol and close to the M4, M5, M32 motorways with
easy access to Bristol Parkway station. UWE’s other main campuses are at Bower Ashton, St
Matthias and Glenside.
Hartpury College, an Associate School of the University, is based four miles north of
Gloucester. There is also a UWE Education Centre for Health and Social Care in Gloucester.
UWE is currently developing a new campus site which will double the size of our Frenchay
campus. The new site will provide a stimulating, green, pleasant, healthy, flexible and
sustainable environment which will set new standards of academic provision for the 21 st
century. The new campus will provide contemporary facilities and improved infrastructure,
including top quality accommodation, academic, sports, social and cultural facilities.
Included in the new campus masterplan is a ground-breaking agreement with Bristol Rovers
Football Club to build a new football stadium. Costing £40m, the 20,000 seat stadium will
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include a club gym for student and community use, an all-weather jogging track, rooms for
student club activities and teaching space, and a banqueting suite and venue space.
In recent years, UWE has completed an £82 million student village (housing 2,000 students)
opened a state-of-the-art sports centre, launched a new conference and exhibition centre, and
opened a £700,000 nursery facility for staff and students.
UWE BRISTOL STRATEGY 2020
ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE, INSPIRING PEOPLE, TRANSFORMING FUTURES
We have set ourselves the ambition of being known nationally and internationally as the best
university for:

Professionally recognised and practice-oriented programmes, which contribute to an
outstanding learning experience and generate excellent graduate employment
opportunities and outcomes for all our students.

Connecting and working with our local and regional economy, businesses and
communities and international partners to advance knowledge, and to advance the
health, sustainability and prosperity for our locality and region.

Being digitally advanced, agile and responsive in the way we work, embracing and
leading change to create new sustainable opportunities.

Being inclusive and global in outlook and approach.
Our strategy sets out the priorities and enablers that will help us to realise our ambitions for
2020.
FACULTIES AND SERVICES
The University’s academic provision is delivered through four faculties:




Arts, Creative Industries and Education
Business and Law
Environment and Technology
Health and Life Sciences
The University also has two associate faculties - Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, and the
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
The faculties are supported by the following central services:
Admissions and International Development
Corporate and Academic Services
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Facilities
Human Resources
Library Services
Research, Business and Innovation
Financial Services
IT Services
Marketing and Communications
Student and Partnership Services
3. SERVICE INFORMATION
THE STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Student Services Department (SSD) works in close partnership with the faculties to
provide comprehensive support services for both undergraduate and postgraduate students
across the University. SSD’s aim is to provide an effective, efficient and seamless service to
students, applicants, general enquirers, teachers, LEAs, careers advisers, University staff and
employers. To this end, SSD is strongly committed to professional development and to
supporting staff in updating and developing their skills and knowledge.
The main SSD offices are at Frenchay, but there is dedicated accommodation for students to
see SSD staff at all of the other campuses.
SSD consists of a number of specialist services:
Director of Student Services
Deputy Director of Student Services
Executive Support Team
Administration & Reception
Web Development & Projects
Student Support and
Wellbeing
Employability and
Enrichment
Advice and Enquiries
Wellbeing Service (including
Counselling and Mental
Health Support)
UWE Careers and
Employability
Student Advice and
Welfare Services
Disability Service
Enrichment
( Volunteering, Global
Student Support and
Faith and Spirituality)
Student Advice and
Enquiry Centre
Placement
University Health Centre
Access West of England
(Needs Assessment Centre)
and Dyslexia Service
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There are over 300 members of staff across the sections of the department. Staff within a
section work closely together as a team, although all of the sections work collaboratively and
support each other at busy times.
4. POST INFORMATION
Job specification
Post title
Grade
Faculty/Service
Accountable to
Accountable for
Post no
Job purpose:
Head of Student Support and Wellbeing
I
Student Services
Director of Student Services
The post holder will provide overall leadership and management
to professional service staff
70012831
As a member of the services’ senior management team, to lead
and manage professional services, supporting strategic
planning and responsible for operational delivery, and to ensure
effective working relationships with other services and with
faculties.
Duties and responsibilities
1 To lead professional services in providing risk management and key services for the
support of students with additional needs and students affected by difficult life
events and crises. To ensure clarity of accountability of all teams through
performance and development processes to secure a high level of performance.
2 To ensure the effective and efficient use of allocated resources, including staffing
and budgets.
3 To act as a key liaison point for the service, with other services and with faculties,
facilitating collaborative working and developing, implementing and monitoring
service agreements as appropriate.
4 To lead and contribute to University wide projects, developing and promoting
innovative and transformational ways of working leading to enhancements in
customer experience in a cost effective manner.
5 To work with senior colleagues to develop service strategy and to contribute to the
development of University policies and procedures in line with service strategy and
plans, including stakeholder engagement and implementation.
6 To lead income generation and entrepreneurial activity to support the provision of a
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range of activities for students.
To ensure the effective management of student fitness to study cases, and lead and
manage student related critical incidents.
8 To ensure compliance with University policies, regulations, legislative requirements
and quality assurance standards.
9 To represent the service in University decision making and governance fora and to
represent and promote the University to external bodies instigating and leading new
external fora.
10 To comply with the University’s equal opportunities policy, and use this role to
promote equal opportunity wherever possible.
11 To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of colleagues, in
accordance with the University’s health and safety policy.
12 Any other duties that fall within the scope of the post, as allocated by the line
manager, following consultation with the post holder.
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Person specification
Leadership and motivation
Is able to clearly communicate and promote a shared
vision and inspire a sense of purpose in all managers
and staff.
Planning & organising to
Is able to identify and prioritise strategic objectives that
achieve results
are consistent with the University’s vision and values.
Balances risks and resourcing requirements with
desired outcomes.
Commercial awareness
Establishes an entrepreneurial culture which
encourages the generation of ideas for new products
and services, the reduction in waste and a maximising
of opportunities. Demonstrates budget management
skills that ensure viability, sustainability and commercial
responsiveness.
Delivering excellent service Monitors sector and competitor developments to
achieve sustainability and expand into new markets.
Fosters a continuous improvement philosophy and
communicates this effectively through management
teams.
Continuous improvement,
Creates a climate that encourages innovation and is
innovation and change
receptive to change. Ensures that effective
processes/systems are in place to deliver high quality
outputs and service to all clients.
Communicating and
Uses clear, simple, inspirational and authoritative
influencing
messages. Is able to demonstrate a range of strategies
to influence others and win their support.
The ability to develop
Is able to understand the future talent needs of the
yourself and others
department/University and develop resourcing plans to
meet them.
Proactively manages personal and professional
development.
Teamwork and
Willing to challenge inappropriate practices or
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collaboration
Skills/Experience
Qualifications
behaviour. Demonstrates and encourages collaboration
and co-operation at the highest level to create an
environment where everyone gains from a spirit of
mutual co-operation, trust and respect.
Has breadth and depth of experience in a professional
service in a large complex organisation (e.g. Higher
Education) and can show full working knowledge and
proficiency of their own area of expertise.
Recognised as having specialist expertise and
knowledge in their field.
Track record in managing income generating services
Excellent IT skills with experience of email, MS Office
including Word, PowerPoint, Excel to expert level.
Experience of analysing and interpreting data,
producing complex reports and delivering briefings to
others.
Is able to remain calm and think clearly in difficult
situations.
Is able to work within confidentiality rules and with
discretion.
Degree qualification, a higher degree or formal
professional qualification. Full membership of a
professional body as recognised and required for the
post; evidence of CPD.
Special conditions
The post holder may be required to work at other UWE sites.
Local restrictions apply regarding leave during term time.
Flexibility regarding working hours is required, and the post holder will occasionally be
required to work at evenings and weekends with reasonable notice.
Acceptance
Signed (job holder)
Please print name
Date
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The salary for this post will be paid in a range between £45,941 and £54,826 (pro rata if
part-time), on Grade I.
This post is permanent, and full-time working 37 hours per week. For full-time posts, hours are
normally 8.30am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday, and to 4.30pm on Friday.
All staff appointed will be subject to a probationary period during which time comprehensive
support will be given. An offer of appointment will also be subject to completion of a health @
work questionnaire.
5. STAFF BENEFITS
Childcare Vouchers: The University runs a scheme for staff to purchase childcare vouchers
to pay for childcare through payroll.
Cycle to Work: The University runs a scheme for staff to purchase tax free bikes for
commuting purposes through payroll. For details, see Cyclescheme Ltd Terms and conditions
apply.
EAP: The University’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a major initiative offering all
staff access to a confidential telephone helpline service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The service can provide information and advice on a range of personal, emotional, family, legal
and financial issues. All calls are free and confidential.
Increments: Staff will normally receive annual increments to the top of the pay scale to which
they are assigned. This incremental progression is, however, subject to meeting the
requirements of appropriate progression criteria e.g. probation requirements, bar progression
arrangements and is subject to satisfactory performance.
Leave for Support and Professional Staff:
Grade
New Staff
After 5 years continuous service
Up to and including Grade E 25 days
30 days
Grade F and above
27 days
30 days
Leave for Academic and Research Staff:
Grade
New Staff
Researchers Grade F
27 days
Academic and Research Staff 35 days
Grade G and above
After 5 years continuous service
30 days
N/A
Also, all staff receive 11 days for public holidays, and between 1 and 2½ additional days to
facilitate the closure of the University during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
All leave is pro rata for part-time employees.
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Parking: There is parking in and around the University. Staff pay a small annual fee for a car
parking permit to cover all University campuses.
Pay Award: Salary scales are revised annually.
Pension: Staff will join the appropriate occupational superannuation scheme subject to its
regulations. This scheme could be the TPS, LGPS or USS. Each scheme includes an
employers' contribution and provides an index linked pension and lump sum on retirement. New
staff who have been members of the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) will only be able
to remain in that scheme if there is no more than a break of one calendar month since
contributions were last made to the USS.
Performance and Development Review: All staff have an annual review of personal and work
objectives.
6. HOW TO APPLY
If you would like an informal discussion, please contact John Clarke on 0117 32 83665 or
email: John.Clarke@uwe.ac.uk
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Non EU Nationals please note:
The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are entitled to live and work
in the UK. For some vacancies (those requiring specific skills or in shortage occupations e.g.
Lecturing/Research positions) we may be able to obtain a certificate of sponsorship for a suitably
qualified applicant as part of the process of obtaining permission to work in the UK from the UK
Border Agency (UKBA). However, for most other vacancies including administrative roles it will
be unlikely that permission to work in the UK would be granted. You can check whether you
would be eligible to work in the UK under the points-based system for migrant workers using the
UKBA points calculator.
* * * * * * * * *
It is normal practice to take up references only for those applicants who are short-listed for
interview. Referees with knowledge of your professional ability are preferred to those with
merely social knowledge. If you are currently employed, it will be helpful if you name a referee
who can refer to your current work. If you ask that your present employer should not be
contacted before an interview, this request will be respected.
Applications for this post must be submitted using our online eRecruitment system,
which can be accessed via our vacancies website.
The closing date is Sunday 21st July at 11.59pm.
To help us deal quickly with any queries please quote reference number 1338168 in any
communications.
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Interviews normally take place within 4 weeks of the closing date. Applicants will be
informed by email regarding the status of their application in due course. If you have a
disability and would like to discuss the practical arrangements for this interview please feel free
to contact HRresourcing@uwe.ac.uk
UWE is committed to equality and values diversity; we aspire to creating a community of staff
and students representative of the people we serve. We believe in an inclusive university
where diversity is respected and celebrated. If you feel the same we'd like to hear from you.
Visit the equality and diversity website to find out more.
RE 04/06/13
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