WADHAM COLLEGE
Further Particulars for the post of
Merifield Sub-Dean 2015 – 2016
The College
Wadham College was founded in 1610 by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham. It is one of Oxford’s largest
colleges, with about 450 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. The College has over 70 Fellows.
More information about the College may be found on our website at www.wadham.ox.ac.uk.
Merifield Complex
Merifield is a modern, secure, purpose built accommodation complex situated in Ferry Pool Road,
Summertown, North Oxford, and is within walking and cycling distance of Oxford city centre. The
complex accommodates 147 Wadham students with dedicated buildings for graduates and second
year undergraduates. There are 30 modern self-catering apartments, each with four or five bedrooms
(a total of 139 bedrooms). All apartments have a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living area.
All ground floor apartments have terraced doors in the living area opening onto landscaped gardens;
a number also have bedrooms with terraced doors leading directly into the gardens. All first floor
apartments have living rooms with terraced doors leading onto balconies facing the gardens. There
are also 4 self-contained apartments with two bedrooms available for student couples. There is a livein residence manager, employed by the College, providing maintenance support and on-call
emergency backup.
The Dean and Sub-Deans
The Decanal team currently comprises of the Welfare Dean, Dean, Sub-Deans based in the main
College site (in Parks Road) and the Merifield Sub-Dean who has responsibilities in relation to the
College’s residential facility at Merifield. The two Sub-Dean posts based in College are dealt with
separately, and are not covered by these further particulars.
The role of the Merifield Sub-Dean
The Merifield Sub-Dean supports the Deans (Welfare Dean and Dean) by residing in Merifield and
being available on nights when the Merifield students have requested to have parties or other
functions in their flats. The Merifield Sub-Dean also assists with student problems identified by the
Merifield Manager or the student(s) themselves. The post holder will also be expected to assist the
Sub-Deans on the main College site at major events such as Bop Nights, Queer Bop, Wadstock and
the Ball although this is not a definitive list and there may be other occasions.
The Merifield Sub-Dean will carry a mobile telephone and thus will be able to leave Merifield provided
that they are able to return quickly if required. A mobile phone will be provided or the Merifield SubDean will be compensated for college use of his/her own telephone. The Merifield Sub-Dean is also
provided with a telephone connected to the University network. They are liable for charges incurred
on private national and international calls. The post holder is expected to be prepared to help with
crises at any time, whether formally on duty or off duty.
The pastoral role of the Merifield Sub-Dean is a very important one; the Merifield Sub-Dean needs to
be able to communicate with and obtain the confidence of the Merifield students. Liaison with the SU
(Students’ Union) and MCR (Middle Common Room) representatives will be an important and
valuable part of the role. The Merifield Sub-Dean should also be as active as possible at Merifield and
in College, getting to know the undergraduates, graduates, tutors and Fellows and facilitating better
information flow, approachability and general visibility.
Background and Experience Required
The Merifield Sub-Dean will play a vital practical role within the day-to-day functioning of the Merifield
complex. However, the post fulfils an equally significant purpose of providing financial support to
graduates engaged in research and therefore the Sub-Deans are expected to be current graduate
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students. It would be helpful if the successful candidate would be available should renewal of contract
for another year be offered.
Appreciation of the welfare and disciplinary issues relevant within a student community is essential in
this role and therefore some relevant experience of voluntary or welfare work would be desirable.
Please see the Person Specification for further details of the criteria applicable to this appointment.
Terms and Conditions
Full terms and conditions of employment will be provided in writing to the successful candidate. The
information below is for guidance only and does not constitute a contract of employment.
Contract type:
Fixed term, part-time.
Duration:
This is a one year temporary position commencing 1st September 2015.
Consideration will be given to a request for re-appointment for a further oneyear term.
Probation:
3 months.
Salary:
£800 per annum. This will be paid by bank credit transfer normally on the 28th
of each month and one month in arrears. The annual stipend will remain at the
agreed level in the second year if the contract is extended for a further year.
Hours of work:
The Merifield Sub-Dean is required to be available when the Merifield students
have requested to have parties or other functions in their flats, and also to assist
with student problems identified by the Merifield Manager or the student(s)
themselves.
The post holder will not formally be ‘on-call’ every night but is expected to
provide emergency cover as an essential feature of the post during full term,
from 0th to 10th week inclusive. The actual hours of work will fluctuate throughout
the term and to a certain degree are unpredictable. It is essential that the post
holder is willing and able to adopt a flexible approach to meet the varied levels
of work. The total number of actual hours worked in this post will be monitored
and is not intended to exceed 102 over a year. Any hours worked above 102 a
year will be paid at the current Living Wage rate (£7.85 per hour) on the basis of
a timesheet approved by the Dean.
Accommodation:
The Merifield Sub-Dean must reside at Merifield. Please note that the
accommodation, suitable for one person, is not provided free of charge. Please
see below regarding meal entitlement.
Meal Entitlement:
Whilst Merifield Sub-Dean and Sub-Deans in College are not members of the
SCR, they are entitled and welcome to SCR lunch or dinner free of charge on
three occasions each week (these meals are signed for on a daily basis, and
any unused weekly entitlement cannot be carried over). They are also entitled
to daily breakfast, lunch and dinner free of charge in the Hall or New Refectory.
These meals are recorded on their EPOS card and there is a reasonable
allowance when selecting from the self-service counters. Free meals continue
during both term time and vacation, except that when no meal is provided in the
SCR, Hall or New Refectory then special meals will not be provided for the
Sub-Deans alone. Sub-Deans cannot bring their own guests to High Table, but
there may be exceptional circumstances where this may be allowed. This would
be unusual and should be discussed with the Steward of Common Room.
Annual Holidays
The Sub Dean will receive a paid holiday entitlement of 12 hours per annum for
the period of the fixed term contract, which is pro rata the full time entitlement of
30 days (219 hours) during a complete holiday year. For part years of service
the entitlement will be calculated as 1/12th of the annual entitlement for each
completed month of service during that holiday year.
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Annual leave should be taken outside week 0-10 of the three University terms.
Due to the operational requirements of the College there may be certain
exceptional times when it is not possible for leave to be taken. If this is the case
the designated supervisor will advise.
Where participation in the rota for Sub-Deans requires it, the Sub-Dean will be
expected to work normal hours on Bank Holidays falling within the University
term.
Pension:
Subject to the applicable pension scheme rules, which may be amended from
time to time, the post holder will be deemed to be in membership of the
appropriate pension scheme until such time as they give notice in writing that
they wish to exercise their right not to be a member of the scheme.
Pre-employment:
This post requires a satisfactory report from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Academic approval: If the successful candidate is a non-Wadham student, the offer will be subject
to academic approval of their transfer to Wadham.
Applications
The closing date for receipt of applications is: 12 noon on Tuesday 7th July 2015.
Applications, consisting of a covering letter, with the reasons for applying to be a Sub-Dean, and full
curriculum vitae should be sent to either:


The HR Assistant, Wadham College, Parks Road, Oxford. OX1 3PN
via e-mail to: vacancies@wadh.ox.ac.uk
References
Applicants should also ask two referees (one must be the applicant’s current supervisor or equivalent)
to submit written references in support of their application directly to the HR Assistant at Wadham
College – to be received by 12 noon on Tuesday 7th July 2015.
References may be sent in letter form to the above address or by e-mail to:
vacancies@wadh.ox.ac.uk
Interviews
Interviews will take place in July 2015.
Equal Opportunities Policy
Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant, student or member of staff will be discriminated against
on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or
parenthood, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
The College has an equal Opportunities Policy and it will assist us in the monitoring of this policy if
you also complete and return the Equal Opportunities Questionnaire. This information will be
separated from your application form and will not be used for selection purposes.
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Job Description
Job Title:
Merifield Sub-Dean
Reports to: The Deans
Liaison with: The Welfare Dean, the Dean, College Officers, Welfare Advisor, Sub-Deans based in
the main College site, Bursary, the Lodge, the Bar Manager, SU and MCR
representatives with welfare responsibilities.
Overall Objective
To assist the Welfare Dean and Dean, Tutorial Fellows of the College who are responsible for welfare
and good order among student members, in the day to day execution of pastoral and disciplinary
duties, and relevant administration.
Main responsibilities: Weeks 0-101 inclusive
The Merifield Sub-Dean is expected to be in Oxford during term-time; any cover arrangements must
have the agreement of the Dean.

To reside at Merifield and provide emergency on-call cover. This involves being generally
available from 6 p.m. during evenings/nights in the week and day and night at weekends.

The Merifield Sub-Dean will carry a mobile telephone and thus be able to leave the Merifield
complex provided that they are able to return quickly if required.

The Sub-Dean will be provided with a mobile telephone or be compensated for college use of
his/her own telephone.

To liaise with the College’s Peer Supporters, College Welfare Advisor and Chaplain in their
welfare role.

To deal with any problems of disruptive behaviour at Merifield outside normal working hours2; to
ensure that parties and other events end at the appointed time and in good order.

To assist the Sub-Deans on the main College site at large events such as Bop Nights, Queer
Fest, Wadstock and less regularly the College Ball, where all Sub-Deans will be expected to be on
duty. This is not a definitive list and there may be other occasions.

To attend Deans’ meetings and any meetings set up in connection with welfare matters, or in
connection with a Ball or other major events.

To deal with minor emergencies such as illness outside normal working hours, and ensure that the
appropriate services are called.3

To help organise dissemination of information regarding welfare, discipline and community life to
members of the College at Merifield, in conjunction with the Dean.

To act as one of the College’s qualified first aid team and attend first aid meetings once a term.
The College will require and pay for the appointees (unless already recently qualified in first aid) to
go on a first aid course soon after the appointment.

Beside these duties the Merifield Sub-Dean must be ready to help with crises while on duty. The
pastoral role of the Merifield Sub-Dean is a very important one; the Merifield Sub-Dean needs to
be able to communicate with and obtain the confidence of all students at Merifield. Liaison with the
SU and MCR welfare representatives will be an important and valuable part of the role.

When the Merifield Sub-Dean responds to an incident while on duty, they should inform the Dean
and/or the Domestic Bursar, as appropriate, at the earliest convenience to ensure appropriate
information-sharing and co-ordination follow-up.

The Sub-Dean should also be as active as possible at Merifield, getting to know the
undergraduates and graduates, as well as the tutors and Fellows in College, and facilitating better
information flows, approachability and general visibility.

Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion at all times.

Other duties may from time to time be assigned.
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Person Specification
Essential
 Enrolled on a full-time DPhil course at the University of Oxford for the entirety of the
appointment.
 Excellent communication skills
 Excellent interpersonal skills – able to form positive relationships and have ease of contact with
variety of people
 Ability to act on own initiative and unguided
 Appreciation of the welfare and disciplinary issues relevant within a student community
 Practical approach to problem solving
 Confidentiality, tact and diplomacy
 Committed and enthusiastic attitude towards duties
 Reliable and calm personality
 Willingness to take a flexible approach to duties
 Willingness and ability to work unsociable hours including evenings and weekends
 Availability for some meetings and other commitments on weekdays
 Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use discretion.
Desirable
 Experience of voluntary or welfare work
 Experience of working with the public
 Experience of dealing with emergencies e.g. accidents, thefts, fire evacuations etc.
 Understanding of the Oxford Collegiate system
 Valid First Aid at Work certificate
 Complementing the existing skills and strengths in the decanal team
 Likely to be available should renewal of contract for another year be offered
__________________
1
To Friday of 10th week inclusive
2
Note that the Merifield Manager is the first port of call for issues such as maintenance problems,
complaints about noise, vandals, vagrants, fire alarms, and violations of College Regulations such as
cycling in the complex. The role of the Sub-Dean is to act as back-up in difficult cases.
3
See Footnote 2
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