About the Job
Interview Date: 1 October 2026
ASSIST (Additional Support & Inclusion Services Team) are seeking to appoint an experienced and motivated Specialist Support Team Leader to join our busy and student-focused service at the University of Northampton.
This exciting new leadership role will provide operational leadership for a multidisciplinary specialist support team, overseeing our one-to-one support pathway, bringing together transition support, disability assessment and specialist non-medical helper provision.
You will be responsible for overseeing support for students in receipt of DSA, as well as institutional support for apprentices, international students, postgraduate researchers and other students not eligible for DSA funding. The role also has responsibility for resource allocation, quality assurance, and oversight of DSA-funded support provision.
The contract is full-time (37 hours per week) on a permanent basis, Monday to Friday during the core day and will include both onsite and remote working activities.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.
About You
You will have significant experience of disability support within Higher Education and a thorough understanding of DSA-funded support, reasonable adjustments and inclusive practice. With proven experience of leading and developing professional staff, you will be confident managing a multi-disciplinary team and making decisions relating to support provision, resources and service priorities.
You will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to work collaboratively with students, academic colleagues, professional services teams and external stakeholders. You will be able to interpret complex information and apply professional judgement to ensure students receive effective and appropriate support.
The successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable and committed to delivering an outstanding student experience within an inclusive and evolving HE environment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to honours degree level
- Qualification and/or training relating to management skills
- Qualification and/or evidence of specific training relating to dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
- Qualification and/or evidence of specific training relating to Autism and/or Neurodiversity
Desirable
- Qualification and/or training in data protection and safeguarding personal data
- Membership of Professional Associations (Such as, PASSHE, PATOSS, NADP, BDA)
Department
ASSIST forms part of Additional Needs Services within Student Services, alongside the Counselling and Mental Health Team. We provide inclusive, student-centred support to enable students with disabilities, specific learning differences, long-term health conditions and neurodivergent profiles to achieve their full potential.
This role sits within a highly skilled and supportive team, committed to providing high-quality support across the student lifecycle, from applicant transition through to graduation.
Staff at UON benefit from excellent annual leave entitlement, professional development opportunities, occupational health support, subsidised travel options and access to a wide range of staff benefits.
For an informal discussion about the role contact [email protected]
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
- Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
- Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
- Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to Work
Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
Commitments Include:
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
- Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
- Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.
UON’s Major Commitments:
- Disability Confident
- Standalone Pledge
- IHRA Working Definition
For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON
