Overview
You will work within a team that delivers a high quality, inclusive and accessible learning experience for all students. You will support students, actively seeking out and responding to ‘the student voice’ (via student-staff committees, NSS, Tell US) to enhance the student journey from induction to graduation.
As a key member of the school’s Education and Student Experience Team, you will act as the main contact for queries related to disability, student wellbeing, and inclusion and you will find opportunities to build an inclusive environment. You will collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure that disabled and disadvantaged student needs are understood and met, and you will signpost students for specialist support and advice through the central University Student Support Services. With a desire to improve student success and outcomes, you will monitor academic participation and progress and lead initiatives to re-engage students when required.
The successful candidate will be a supportive, people-focussed individual, with motivation for promoting and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion principles and improving the student experience. They will have an empathetic approach to dealing with students and will be able to build effective relationships as they collaborate with staff and students.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Act as main school contact for general disability, student wellbeing, and inclusion support for all students (UG,PGT & PGR), liaising closely with the wider team to ensure a joined up approach to inclusion and engagement.
- Ensure Learning Support Plans, including Exam Support Adjustments (ESAs) are understood and implemented, working with colleagues from across the School, Faculty and University as required.
- Offer advice to academic colleagues on implementing reasonable adjustments.
- Work with the Director of Education to identify and implement underpinning inclusive practices which reduce the need for individual adjustments for disabled students.
- Be the School’s Disability Liaison Officer, providing guidance and information to colleagues on student related disability-related issues in line with University guidance; facilitating liaison with Disability and Dyslexia Support Service as required to ensure that legislative requirements are met.
- Ensure local mechanisms are in place to identify and signpost students who may benefit from or be entitled to support from the University’s Student Support Services.
- Lead the management of the school’s student progression processes, including Extenuating Circumstances, Extensions, attendance and engagement matters, liaising closely with other members of the team to ensure effective student support.
- Working with the Student Experience Manager and colleagues in Student & Academic Services, develop and implement approaches to respond to the participation element of the institution’s Access and Participation Plan.
- Maintain oversight of the impact of welfare issues on student progression through the curriculum and advise students on the options available to them in their circumstances e.g. through leave of absence.
- Work with the relevant academic lead to proactively identify students who may be struggling to engage, allowing early identification of issues, and taking action to support reengagement.
- Attend and contribute to a range of departmental committees, providing input on matters of student wellbeing/ inclusion.
- Refer complex student cases to Student Support Services (Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service; the Safeguarding and Welfare team; University Health Service; Residence Life; and Dyslexia and Disability Support Services), acting as point of coordination between those services and the school for those cases.
- Delegate to, and supervise colleagues in the wider team, as required, in order to ensure effective overall delivery of the role.
- Support colleagues in the wider Education and Student Experience Team to ensure that the School is able to deliver the full remit of its responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Educated to A Level standard with GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent experience).
Significant experience of working in a student support role, providing initial guidance or signposting, preferably within a Higher Education (HE) environment.
Strong understanding of the Equality Act and how disability and mental health issues may affect students.
Knowledge of Data Protection and an ability to deal with confidential issues in a sensitive manner.
Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages and Google
applications
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving
Ability to analyse and interpret data
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including report writing skills
Ability to deal tactfully with people at all levels and negotiate where necessary to achieve appropriate outcomes
Excellent customer service skills, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively, and with empathy to staff and student enquiries via phone and email.
Willingness to assist and/or lead other team members and to work collaboratively with others to ensure deadlines are met.
Knowledge and understanding of student welfare issues and the support services available.
Further Information
Full-time - Fixed-term – Hybrid
Student Experience Manager
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
sheffield.ac.uk/management
For informal enquiries about this job contact Lynn Li, Student Experience Manager: on lynn.li@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early September 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 10 working days of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
