Job Description

Please apply at https://www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk/college/jobvacancies

Post Title: Head of Student Support

Reporting To: Vice Principal - External Relations

Salary: Up to 48,018 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week Holidays: 37 days + bank holidays (FTE)

The Specific Nature of the Role

We are seeking an innovative and proactive leader to drive the future of Student Support services at the College. This strategic role will work collaboratively to shape and lead a wide portfolio of functions including careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), safeguarding and welfare, student admissions, transition support, as well as bursary and reception services, ensuring a seamless and impactful student experience.

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the post-holder will take a proactive approach to embedding a culture of safeguarding throughout the College. They will also lead on student voice, enrichment, and personal development initiatives; empowering students to grow holistically, contribute meaningfully to college life, and develop the skills they need to thrive beyond their studies.

The successful candidate will embody and promote the College's values and behaviours; fostering a culture of inclusivity, aspiration, and service excellence to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and setting a high standard for the future of student support.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Motivate and lead the Student Support department, conducting regular appraisals, one-to-one meetings, and team meetings; monitoring performance and ensuring accountability and continuous professional development.

Provide safeguarding leadership as DSL across the college and have strategic oversight of safeguarding operations, delivering training where required.

Lead the College's Admissions and CEIAG operations, including overseeing the student journey from application to graduation, ensuring a high-quality student experience.

Develop an aspirational careers and tutorial programme, collaborating with the college's Teaching and Learning Hub, ensuring compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks and relevant frameworks.

Be an integral member of the College Leadership Committee, providing key information and presenting comprehensive data regarding the College's transitions, safeguarding, wellbeing and CEIAG operations.

Stay informed of local and regional labour market intelligence (LMI) to inform and shape CEIAG provision, progression planning, and personal development initiatives.

Lead and manage the College's Matrix Accreditation Standard and process, ensuring continuous improvement across student support operations.

Manage and develop reception services, leading improvements in customer service, efficiency and the overall student and visitor experience.

Lead and manage the College's student voice initiatives, ensuring effective student representation, feedback mechanisms and opportunities to enhance student engagement.

Develop and oversee student enrichment and personal development programmes, supporting a broad and inclusive range of extracurricular activities, workshops, and initiatives that contribute to student growth beyond academic achievement.

Ensure the College's Student Support team remain aligned with best practice and legislative developments, such as Ofsted and KCSiE.

Engage in local and regional forums and networks relevant to the role, including safeguarding, CEIAG, bursary, and customer service, to share best practices and ensure the College remains well-informed, responsive and innovative.

In collaboration with the Head of Data Services, oversee the College's enrolment processes for school leavers, adults, and higher education students, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and communication.

In collaboration with the Head of Business Growth and Skills, develop partnerships with the wider community to increase college growth, working with a range of stakeholders to promote learning pathways and opportunities.

Manage departmental budgets and ensure resources are used effectively.

Work collaboratively with the Marketing team to manage internal communications to students to ensure a positive learner experience, including the annual student handbook, digital and print newsletters, the college prospectus, and visual displays.

Support colleagues in scheduling events such as FE Life, Fresher's, Open Evenings, Apprenticeship and HE events, employer workshops and guest speakers.

Collaborate with Academic Heads of School to ensure effective and robust progression planning for students between levels and academic years.

Manage the administration of end destination and NEET data.

Collaborate with colleagues across college to implement a comprehensive Student Support Calendar that promotes the College's expectations of students and supports their wellbeing and engagement throughout the academic year.

Embrace the College's RESPECT values and seek innovative approaches to working practices and service delivery.

Promote and implement College policies to support efficient operations and the welfare and interests of students and employees, in line with the post's responsibilities.

Carry out any other duties consistent with the role as may be required by the Principal.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 48,018.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension On-site gym On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/07/2025
Reference ID: 49