Deputy Head of Student Support and Wellbeing

The Role and Department

The Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) Office is located in the SSW Directorate within the Colleges and Student Experience Division. The office has three key functions:

• To provide leadership for the pan-University SSW services that are delivered by Colleges and Faculties/Academic Departments, ensuring these work effectively with the Student Support services within the SSW Directorate. This includes development and support of the University's Student Support Information Management (SSIMS) IT system;
• To provide leadership and oversight of the University’s work in relation to student health and proactive wellbeing including the delivery of faith support;
• To provide fixed-term resource for core student support teams in Colleges and Faculties/Academic Departments.

The work of the Office draws together well-established student health initiatives (for example, strategy and policy work on drugs and alcohol, infectious diseases and student safety) and faith support along with a new strategic priority relating to the delivery of an enhanced student support model. Liaison, coordination and networking with student representatives and other internal and external stakeholders are fundamental for the work of the Office.

The Deputy Head of SSW provides support to the Head of SSW to lead the oversight, coordination and delivery of SSW operations and the student support model across the institution. Providing leadership for the University’s continual improvement approach is key to this role, ensuring the Student Support services remain fit for purpose as demand and complexity of support cases are both increasing.

The postholder is responsible for oversight of the University’s work in relation to proactive student wellbeing, providing leadership for all student support communications and campaigns for students. The post holder will have line management responsibility for some staff within the Office, support the development of policy and strategy in the area of student wellbeing and contribute to wider strategies and initiatives that enhance the support for students across the University.

What you need to submit

1. A CV:

• A covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out in the essential criteria;

A word document with detailed examples of how you satisfy each of the essential criteria within the person specification. Please bullet point your answers in the same order as in the essential criteria.

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Dr. Rachel Dickins (r.s.dickins@durham.ac.uk)

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