HE Access & Participation Officer

‘Would you like to be part of a team that aims to create the extraordinary?’ Our Organisation Nelson and Colne College Group is made up of a family of colleges - Nelson & Colne College, Lancashire Adult Learning and Accrington & Rossendale College. Our College Group is now 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.  Accrington and Rossendale College has a proud history of delivering high quality vocational courses and technical training, apprenticeships and higher education provision to the communities that we serve. We excel in providing people with a platform to progress into fantastic employment opportunities with rewarding career prospects. The Exciting Role 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. 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 organsational 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/  Still Interested? How to Apply:  If you're interested in this post then please click 'Apply' and complete an application form.   Further questions: Please contact our friendly HR Team by emailing h.resources@nelsongroup.ac.uk * Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website. Please note: All 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.