Job Description

Salary

Salary: UH7 38,249 pa to 45,413pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full Time

Job category/type

Professional/Technical

Job reference

REQ000039

Post Title:

Advocate - Placement Learning

SBU/Department:

School of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences

FTE:

1.0 (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract:

12 months fixed term contract - open to secondments

Annual Leave:

30 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of the University between Christmas and New Year

Location:

College Lane Campus, Hatfield - plus some flexible homeworking



We particularly encourage applications from men and BAME candidates who are under-represented in the University in this area.

Main duties & responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the newly formed School of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences for a dedicated individual to take on a role designed to proactively enhance the quality of the student learning experience, with a particular focus on the practice placement environment.

This new position is intended to have a positive impact on student retention and continuation rates by providing a safe space for students to raise concerns or issues related to their educational experience. The post holder will offer support by signposting students to the appropriate support mechanisms at both the central university level and local programme level.

This role mirrors that of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, currently employed in NHS Trusts, to foster a culture where students feel confident and supported in speaking up.

The post holder will be expected to uphold excellent client/customer service standards and adhere to university regulations and policies.

Skills and experience required

You will have experience of providing impartial advice and guidance in challenging situations demonstrating clear action, learning, follow-up and feedback. You will have proven experience of working with a wide variety of vulnerable people or students. You have had experience in designing and delivering training courses and events and creating and analyzing online surveys. Ideally you will have some experience of working within the National Health Service and or Higher Education.



You will be passionate about improving the student experience and committed to supporting students in navigating any concerns they may have. You will have excellent communication skills, empathy, and the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion are essential.

Qualifications required

You will be educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject, or substantial proven work experience.

You will have Professional Registration status with a relevant register, or experience in working in the NHS or social care.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.

Please complete the application questions detailing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria. For guidance, please see attached 'Tips for Application Questions Section'.



We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

Disclosure and Barring Service

Our commitment to the University's Safeguarding Policy requires that the recruitment of staff in this area, will require the minimum of a Basic DBS Check. In the course of our work and University-led activities, there may be external contractual obligations where a further Enhanced Check is required. DBS checks may require renewal in line with policy.

Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad

Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a 'Certificate of Good Character/Conduct' from each of those countries.

Contact Details/Informal Enquires:

Dr Cathy Hamilton, Head of Placement Learning, School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. C.j.hamilton@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date

: 11 June 2025

Interview Date:

To be confirmed

Reference Number:

REQ000039

Date advert placed:

21 May 2025



Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts