Head of Disability Advice

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility & Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

The University of Portsmouth is seeking to appoint a permanent Head of Disability Advice to provide strategic and operational leadership for a recently reorganised multidisciplinary team of specialist staff within Student Support Services.

The directorate is formed of: Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Life, Reslife, Student Money, Chaplaincy, International Student Advice, MyPort (Student Centre) & Student Racial Equity.

The successful candidate will join the University at a time of refreshed vision and strategy, contribute to the delivery of strategic priorities, and will be accountable for the newly formed Disability Advice Operational Plan 2025-27. 

They will successfully navigate the university through sector challenges and opportunities related to disability support and lead the development, implementation and review of strategies and initiatives that champion and deliver disability inclusion.

The role is a member of the Student Support Services Management Team and will support the Deputy Director (Specialist Support) and other SLT colleagues in ensuring the effective delivery of quality, inclusive & accessible services.

Hybrid working is possible, with a minimum of 3 days per week on campus.

Queries related to this role should be made to:

Gareth Pearse, Deputy Director (Specialist Support) - gareth.pearse@port.ac.uk

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 7 & 8 August 2025.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this post.

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL)

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence
• The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it. 

ED&I Statement:

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background.

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