Head of Student Disability and Inclusion

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the University of Southampton as our Head of Student Disability and Inclusion. Sitting within the Student Support Directorate, the role has responsibility for the operational delivery of the Student Disability and Inclusion team. This important team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, support and advice for disabled students meeting our Equality Act 2010 duty. This includes students with long-term physical or mental health conditions, neurodivergent students (e.g. Autism and ADHD), Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), and those without a formal diagnosis of disability.

In this role you will be responsible for direct operational oversight of the Student Disability and Inclusion team, who provide the following support and functions:

• Specialist Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) related to supporting disabled students
• One-to-one support from our team of Specialist Practitioners
• Learning Support and Specialist Mentoring 
• Leading our transition and orientation programme for incoming students and supporting other key events including open days and graduation
• Assistive Technology, furniture, equipment, and campus accessibility 
• Supporting students to apply for and access Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
• Support for students who are not eligible for DSA
• Coordination and oversight of the work we do with Faculties and other internal teams (exams, timetabling, estates, library, accommodation), including supporting staff to support our disabled students

You will be responsible for planning an implementation of key activities, ensuring disabled students have the best possible start to university life, and beyond. 

About you

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic leader who is passionate about inclusivity and committed to enhancing the experience of disabled students. Successful candidates will hold a relevant degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent skill level and/or hold a relevant specialist qualification. Strong line management capabilities are essential, including experience in supporting staff development, managing performance, and fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.

You will be a highly organised individual who brings experience in strategic workforce planning, project management, and successful collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders. Experience in using data collection and analysis to drive operational planning, organising events, managing budgets and financial processes, and driving process improvement initiatives will be key to success in this role. You will be confident in managing multiple priorities of your own, whilst supporting your team to do the same, and delivering impactful outcomes in a dynamic environment.

About the University of Southampton

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive by fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. 

In addition to a competitive salary the University offers an attractive defined benefits pension scheme; a generous annual leave allowance of 30 days, plus 6 University closure days and 8 bank holidays; use of on-site sports, arts and cultural facilities and a wide range of discounts from national & international shops and services.  We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant, and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational, and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity.

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