Head Of Student Services

We are working closely with our client in order to recruit for an experienced Head of Student Services.  This role will predominantly be based in Guisborough however travel to and from Stockton on Tees will be required.  This position is initially temporary ongoing with a view at becoming permanent or the right candidate.  You will require the relevant proof of right to work checks alongsifde an Enhanced DBS for this position.

Overall Purpose and Remit: 

To work with the Head of Centres, Deputy Head of Centres, Trust Leadership and the CEO to provide an integrated administrative experience for all users of our services.  You will develop outstanding customer service strategies and respond promptly to urgent situations and changes in student demand. 

You will have direct responsibility for the development, effectiveness and quality of service for the following key areas: 

• Student Welfare and Pastoral Support Services 
• School liaison activities and effective IAG for prospective learners 
• Careers Advice and Guidance, including the UCAS application process 
• Enrichment, Sports Development and the Student Union 
• Reception and College Information Services 
• Exams Entries 
• Internal and External Data Returns and Audit 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. To be a fully participating member of the Senior Leadership Team 

1. To be responsible for the operational service delivery of the Student Services Department, ensuring that all aspects of the teams’ work are anticipated and planned – including optimum deployment of staff and space resources.  

1. Design the operational frameworks for the newly formed teams to deliver world class services.  

1. Be accountable for the internal auditing of Student Services records in line with DfE specifications and reporting requirements. 

1. To ensure that all the teams working in the Student Services Department, whether directly line managed by this post or not, are working together in a consistent and holistic manner to support the student experience.  

1. To develop customer service strategies to ensure that all the teams working within the Student Services Department continue to develop in our fast-changing environment. This will involve horizon-scanning for national and global developments, changes in national legislation and polices, and working collaboratively within the Trust and other central departments.  

1. To oversee the effective registration and administration of external exams 

1. To manage the college interview process and school liaison activities to include taster and welcome days. 

1. To ensure effective enrolment and registration processes. 

1. To produce reports and make presentations on behalf of the Student Services Team when required at Trust and College Level 

1. To work closely and collaboratively with SLT to ensure welfare and pastoral support services for students are proactive, coordinated and lead to students feeling safe, supported and able to complete their chosen course of study. 

1. To assist SLT to co-ordinate a cross college programme of Personal, Social and Health Education that raises student awareness of key themes and helps prepare them for life in British Society.  

1. To oversee and ensure key policies and procedures linked to Student Services are managed and effectively implemented e.g. student disciplinary policy and procedures. 

1. To devise, implement and manage the Student Voice Strategy, including overseeing the development and effective management of the Student Union. 

1. To ensure a wide range of enrichment opportunities are planned, promoted and delivered for Students. 

1. To ensure career and progression advice for all students is coordinated in line with Gatsby Benchmarks and leads to high progression rates, including relevant employment. 

1. To ensure the progression and recruitment targets from local schools are met. 

1. To ensure high levels of internal progression and student applications through UCAS. 

1. To effectively support the tutorial and induction process ensuring a joined-up approach with curriculum departments.  

1. To oversee effective communication and signposting of financial support available to students, including ensuring bursary applications are completed in full, recorded and passed to the finance team in a timely manner. 

1. To ensure the IAG and course advice and guidance service to prospective students is effective and reflects best practice. 

1. To liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Leads to embed key protocols to ensure student safety and wellbeing are implemented in full. 

To lead training and updating of the Student Services Teams for compliance and legislative purposes, including Data Protection, SEND, Safeguarding, Diversity and Equality and Prevent. 

This job description sets out the main responsibilities for the postholder but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Specific duties may change from time to time without changing the general nature of the post and the postholder is expected to be flexible in the range of responsibilities they undertake commensurate with the responsibility and salary. 

This role is full time 37 hours per week.