Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need
to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
Job title:
Access Co-ordinator
Reports to:
Regional Manager
Salary:
£31,342 - £37,394
Terms and conditions:
Academic-Related
Grade:
7
Duration of post:
Permanent
Working hours:
37
Location:
Manchester Regional Office
Closing date:
20th November 2014
Type of application form accepted:
Long Application Form
Please use the items listed in the Person Specification as subtitles within the relevant section of the
application form. Examine carefully the description of the role and analyse how your skills, knowledge and
experience match with the requirements set out in the person specification. Please pick out specific
examples from your experience which clearly demonstrate that you have the particular knowledge and
capabilities required.
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Caroline McCrohan
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
Duties may vary, but the core activities will include:

Contributing to the planning, co-ordination and implementation of Associate Lecturer
appointments, induction and staff development. This will include acting as member of the
selection panel if required.

Administration of the appointment of Associate Lecturers to specific course presentations and
liaison with Associate Lecturer Services Office in the Regional Centre regarding contractual
processes.

Administration of the allocation of students to Associate Lecturers and resolving subsequent
tutor and student requests for change.

Contributing to the organisation and delivery of regional staff development events and at CICP
national events as required.

Ensuring the timely despatch of regional information to Associate Lecturers and students by
working with appropriate Centre and Regional colleagues.

Working as part of the Student Support Team offering support to Associate Lecturers and
Access to Success students.

Contributing to the planning, development and evaluation of the Access Modules.

Providing management information on student registrations and tutor performance, as required.

Dealing with requests and queries from the Associate Lecturers and monitoring the smooth
running of tutorial support.

Developing and maintaining efficient systems for monitoring quality in relation to assignment
marking, tutorial provision, retention and tutor/student support, in conjunction with the Regional
Managers.

Dealing with non-academic queries from students and enquirers, advising accordingly across a
range of subjects, and with special awareness of the requirements of the Access programme’s
widening participation audience.

Accessing tutor related conferences as necessary.

Monitoring the progress of formal complaints, working with Regional Managers to ensure their
proper resolution. Liaising with relevant staff at the Centre.

Building close links with staff based at Walton Hall, members of the course and programme
teams, and other offices which support the Centre’s activities; maintaining good
communications to facilitate working and the sharing of good practice across CICP.

To undertake other duties as specified by the Regional Managers.
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January 2010
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3. Person specification
Essential

A degree or equivalent qualification and/or relevant experience.

Excellent organisational ability and experience in administration.

Understanding of the needs of adult widening participation audiences entering Higher
Education.

Proven ability to work proactively with minimum supervision, using own initiative.

The ability to work as an effective member of multiple tasked teams, with the
communication and interpersonal skills needed to encourage co-operation and coordination of the work of both academic and administrative colleagues and effective
liaison with Associate Lecturers.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly both orally and
in writing, and to analyse and interpret numerical data.

A high standard of IT skills – specifically to include the use of databases and
spreadsheets.

Familiarity with the teaching methodology of the Open University.

The ability to travel to other Regional Offices and Milton Keynes as required.

Commitment to the ideals of The Open University, including equal opportunities.
Desirable
 Experience of the Open University’s teaching methods.

An awareness of the diversity of student support needs in the regional context.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
Occasional national travel to other regional offices
5. About the unit/department
The Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships (CICP) was formed from
the merger of CIC and OUVS in 1st August 2012. The unit brings together activities
relating to

The new Access Programme

Validation

Partnerships through collaborative teaching

Partnerships with external organisations such as awarding bodies, WEA
(Workers’ Educational Association) and UNISON; and access through the
recognition of prior learning.
The unit is also a focus for research and scholarship relating to widening
participation and developing alternative routes into higher education. It has strong
links with the Equality and Diversity Office to ensure inclusivity across the full range
of the University’s provision.
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January 2010
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6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Dr Anactoria Clarke (Regional Manager CICP) on (0161) 9556928
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Caroline
McCrohan on 32858 or email CICP-Recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
How to apply
Please ensure that you send a fully completed application form and covering letter indicating
why you are interested in this post and how you believe your knowledge, experience and skills
meet the Person Specification.
Please ensure the essential and desirable items listed in the person specification appear
as subtitles within your letter. In writing your letter, examine carefully the description of
the role and analyse how your skills, knowledge and experience match with the
requirements set out in the person specification.
Where possible please pick out specific examples from your experience which clearly
demonstrate that you have the particular knowledge and capabilities required in the
person specification.
Decisions about short listing will be based solely on the information you provide in your
covering letter and application form
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by:
November 2014
Midday on the 20th
Post it to:
Name/Job title: Caroline McCrohan – Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships
Address:
First Floor
Wilson B Block
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: CICP-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Dr John Butcher, Deputy Director (Access &
Curriculum) CICP, Dr Anactoria Clarke, Regional Manager (Manchester) CICP with the other
member of the interview panel to be confirmed.
Shortlisting will take place week commencing the 24th November 2014 and interviews are
expected to take place week commencing the 1st of December. There may be a test or
presentation prior to interview.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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January 2010
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