HE Access & Participation Officer

  • Job Reference: 23-241
  • Date Posted: 23 April 2024
  • Employer: Nelson and Colne College Group
  • Website: https://www.nelson.ac.uk/
  • Location: Accrington, Lancashire
  • Salary: £33,419 to £33,420
  • Bonus/Benefits: Up to £33,420 per annum, depending on experience
  • Sector: Education
  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Duration: Permanent

Job Description

Job Title: HE Access & Participation Officer 
Salary: Up to £33,420 per annum, depending on experience 
Hours: 37 per week
Contract Type: Permanent 
Site: Accrington & Rossendale College
Closing date: Midnight – 12th May 2024
Interview date: TBC

‘Would you like to be part of a team that aims to create the extraordinary?’

Our Organisation 
This role is advertised by NCC Professional Services. Part of Nelson and Colne College Group, NCC Professional Services provides expert business support services to the wider College Group.  

Nelson and Colne College Group is a beacon for educational excellence, made up of a family of colleges – Nelson & Colne College, Accrington & Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning. The College Group is the only Further Education college in Lancashire to be graded as ‘Outstanding’ under the new Ofsted inspection framework.

Together the Group forms a Sixth Form, Skills and Technology Centre, University Centre, employer training and adult learning provider delivering exceptional teaching and learning to all ages and at all levels.

The Exciting Role 
We are thrilled to announce a new opening for a Higher Education Access & Participation Officer at Nelson & Colne College Group based at our Accrington site. As a pivotal part of our dynamic team in the Higher Education department, you'll be instrumental in transforming lives and creating educational opportunities for underserved communities.

The successful candidate will be primarily based at Accrington but may be required to travel across sites.


Why join us? 

You’ll join a team dedicated to excellence and innovation in higher education. Our department is renowned for its supportive, vibrant, and collaborative environment. We are committed to fostering a culture where ideas flourish, and everyone is empowered to reach their fullest potential. Working with us means being part of a community that genuinely values diversity and inclusion, offering you the opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing your career.


What You Will Be Doing:

As an HE Access & Participation Officer, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to enhance accessibility to higher education. You'll engage directly with students from underrepresented backgrounds, designing and implementing strategies to boost their academic journey and success. From conducting targeted outreach programs, facilitating workshops, to spearheading innovative projects like bridge courses and employability skills development, your work will be crucial in shaping the futures of countless students. In this pivotal role, you will manage a variety of outreach efforts and employ your communication skills to forge and maintain enduring relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders. 


What We Are Looking For:

This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about education equality and has a proven track record in widening participation and student support within higher education settings. We are looking for a proactive, enthusiastic individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is adept at handling multiple projects with a high degree of competence and innovation. Your commitment to enhancing student experiences and your ability to work flexibly will be key to your success in this role.


Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement targeted outreach and recruitment strategies.
• Monitor and support the progress of students, ensuring high engagement and retention.
• Collaborate across departments to deliver comprehensive support and effective interventions.
• Analyse data and report on program outcomes to drive continuous improvement.


Requirements:

• A degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.


What We Offer in Return:

• Generous annual leave entitlement increasing to a maximum of 28 days (with service), plus Bank Holidays and closure days – totalling 41 days per year 
• Access to a workplace pension scheme – with employer contributions of 5%  
• Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme and access to family friendly policies and benefits
• A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards
• Free on-site parking on all College sites 

Please visit our ‘working for us’ section of our website for a full list of our benefits https://careers.nelson.ac.uk/working-for-us/benefits/ 

How to Apply: 
Still Interested? 
If you're interested in this post and would like to know more, then please visit our website and complete an application form.  

Website: https://careers.nelson.ac.uk/ 
Further questions: please contact our friendly HR Team h.resources@nelsongroup.ac.uk

*Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website*

Please note: All of our posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children. Should you wish to discuss this further, please get in touch with the HR team.