Head of Disability Support

The Disability Support Service

The Disability Support Service is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate within the Colleges and Student Experience Division. Disability Support is a University-wide service providing specialist advice and guidance for disabled students and staff working with disabled students, whether that is academic related or in another supportive capacity.

The Head of Disability Support role

The Head of Disability Support leads the University’s efforts to provide an accessible and inclusive student experience for disabled students. This is accomplished through the leadership of a multi-disciplinary team who, in partnerships with Academic Departments and Colleges, determine reasonable adjustments so that students with disabilities are fully integrated into the academic life of the University and can benefit from all elements of the wider student experience. This work incorporates leadership and delivery of the Disability Support Service. The Head is responsible for developing strategy and direction for the University’s engagement with disabled students, including making a significant contribution to the delivery of an inclusive approach to learning and teaching. The Head is also responsible for the administrative functions of the Office including directing and supervising staff, managing budgets and income gener ation.

The Head ensures that training, technical assistance and consulting services are delivered to staff and students including reasonable adjustments, inclusive learning and teaching practices as well as information regarding the legislative framework for disabled people.

The Head works collaboratively with other key stakeholders including academic staff, College staff and student representative groups. This is both informal and formal through membership of the appropriate University governance Committees where issues affecting disabled people are considered.

As a key member of the wider Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate management team, the Head is expected to contribute to wider strategies and initiatives that enhance the support for students across the University. This includes providing expert leadership, advice and guidance, representing the Directorate/University externally, actively participating in relevant committees, and staying ahead of sector trends and best practices. The Head will also deputise for the Director of Student Support & Wellbeing, as required.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selecti on process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What you need to submit

• A CV: and
• A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification. 

Contact details   
  
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Sam Dale, Director of Student Support and Wellbeing, sam.dale@durham.ac.uk.

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