Associate Dean - Student Activities, Wellbeing and Safeguarding

About us:

Scholars School System is a project of the UK CURRICULUM & ACCREDITATION BODY (UKCAB, a registered charity founded in 2006) has campuses across the United Kingdom, is looking for an Associate Dean- Student Support across all campuses which includes Birmingham, Manchester, London, Bradford, Leicester based in the Birmingham campus.

Scholars School System is a national independent higher education provider, offering world-class education. Taught programs, ranging from Foundation Year through to Level 7, delivered in partnership with institutions such as Leeds Trinity University. Over 5000 (UK and EU) learners have completed their learning journey in the last five years with the current student population being over 3000.

Our core values are very important because

1. We share a common set of values across everything we do which helps to define who we are and how we behave.
2. We put our students and our community at the heart of all that we do.
3. We foster excellence, innovation, and creativity.
4. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, equality, and the breaking down of barriers to success.
5. We have high expectations of ourselves, our students, and our partners.

Purpose of the Role 

Scholars School System is seeking to appoint an Associate Dean of Student Activities, Wellbeing & Safeguarding to:

• Support the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team in shaping the strategic direction of the School.
• Lead student wellbeing, engagement, safeguarding, and inclusion across all campuses (Birmingham, Manchester, London, Bradford, Leicester).
• Champion a vibrant, inclusive student experience that promotes academic success and personal development.
• Drive innovation and best practice in student support and enrichment.
• Role model institutional leadership values, promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
• Implement the Institution Strategy and contribute to achieving its key objectives and targets. 

This post is based at the Birmingham campus and will work closely with the Executive and School Leadership Teams.

Role and Responsibility

• Lead the development and implementation of a School-wide strategy for student wellbeing, safeguarding, and enrichment aligned with institutional values.
• Ensure compliance with sector standards (OfS, DfE, Prevent, Equality Act 2010) across all student support and safeguarding frameworks.
• Must Achieve the Ofs, Partners and internal benchmark with minimum of 90% in each segment.
• Represent the School nationally through academic boards, strategic planning groups, and sector forums to enhance institutional profile.
• Embed safeguarding and wellbeing principles into curriculum design, graduate attributes, and staff/student development initiatives.
• Oversee strategic planning and budget allocation for wellbeing and safeguarding initiatives.
• Lead the implementation of student engagement, inclusion, and community-building programmes across campuses.
• Manage cross-campus operations, workforce planning, and service delivery for student support and safeguarding.
• Ensure timely resolution of safeguarding and wellbeing cases, using trauma-informed and inclusive approaches.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of student support services, using data to inform continuous improvement.
• Coordinate mandatory and specialist training for staff in safeguarding, mental health, and wellbeing
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in student support.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance student experience and institutional reputation.
• Support the delivery of co-curricular and extracurricular activities that promote belonging, leadership, and engagement.
• Promote integrated communication across campuses to ensure consistency and visibility of student initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safeguarding Case Management: 100% of safeguarding cases triaged within 48 hours of receipt; outcomes recorded in the case management system.
• Student Support Response: Initial contact made with students requesting wellbeing or disability support within 2 working days.
• Staff Training Compliance: 100% of faculty and support staff complete mandatory safeguarding and wellbeing training annually; 100% of designated staff complete specialist training.
• Student Engagement: Minimum of 2 student events per campus per term focused on wellbeing, leadership, or inclusion.
• Graduate Attributes Integration: Personal development, resilience, and safeguarding awareness embedded in 100% of undergraduate programmes by the end of the academic year.
• Service Evaluation: Annual student satisfaction with wellbeing and safeguarding services rated ≥85% in surveys.

Person Specification

Essential

• PhD and Master’s degrees in Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Leadership or management qualification (e.g. CMI/ILM Level 5 or above).
• Significant experience in a senior leadership role within higher education, ideally in student services, wellbeing, or safeguarding.
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding, mental health, and wellbeing frameworks in education.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage cross-campus services.
• Strong knowledge of student engagement, inclusion, and extracurricular development.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) certification.
• Membership/accreditation with relevant professional bodies (e.g. BACP, UKCP, CIPD, NASEN).
• Experience in crisis management, case handling, or risk assessment within educational settings.

Benefits

• Performance Incentives: Up to £5,000 annually (pro-rata), awarded quarterly upon meeting KPIs and successful completion of probation.
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week on site.
• Leave Entitlement: 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual Increment: 3% increase per year from start date, subject to KPI achievement.
• Complimentary lunch provided on working days.
• Travel Expenses: Fully reimbursed for inter-campus training, development, or meetings. 

All staff are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the institution’s values, particularly in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion when engaging with students, staff, and visitors. Professional conduct, adaptability, and a team-oriented mindset are key expectations. 

The job description may be altered at any time in the future, in line with the level of the post, to meet changing institutional requirements and the growing dynamic environment of higher education. Any changes will be made in full consultation with the post holder.

Please apply via the 'Apply' button (E: Careers@scholarsschool.ac.uk)