Accessibility and Wellbeing Manager

Department
The Academic Section is part of the University’s Professional Services and is headed by the Academic Registrar. The Section is responsible for managing all aspects of student and academic administration in partnership with Departments, Schools and Faculties. It plays a central role in delivering the University’s commitment to excellence in education across the institution through the development and implementation of the University-wide projects and the development, review and implementation of effective policy in support of the University’s academic mission.

The Student Life Directorate is part of the Academic Section and encompasses Student Development, Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity, and Student Services; all of which support student progression, success and graduate employability. We are committed to innovation and continuous enhancement within our services and to working collaboratively across all areas of the University, and beyond, for the benefit of our students.

The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) seeks to provide a professional and proactive guidance service for students. We understand university life can be demanding and stressful, and we want to ensure all students receive the appropriate emotional and mental wellbeing support. SWIS provides free, confidential help and guidance for many concerns including mental and emotional health, disability support, academic concerns, financial worries, and accommodation issues.

Duties of the Role
This role leads the development and delivery of inclusive, student-centred support services, with a focus on proactive interventions for disabled students, those with mental health challenges, and students from underrepresented backgrounds. It involves strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, staff management, and service evaluation to ensure accessible, responsive, and high-quality provision across the institution.

The post holder will provide effective line management and supervision to team members, supporting professional development and performance through regular oversight.  You will manage complex student cases, ensuring coordinated and timely responses that reflect inclusive, student-centred approaches.

In addition, you will review and update policies to reflect inclusive, universal design principles, ensuring alignment with institutional commitments, whilst contributing to the development and refinement of strategic plans that enhance inclusive practice, student support, and community engagement.

Skills and qualifications required
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or equivalent qualification / professional experience, specifically with substantial experience at management level with extensive experience of student facing service delivery and supporting staff to deliver excellent services.

You will have experience of developing and maintaining partnership with internal and external stakeholders and have successfully delivered and implemented new processes, systems and improved services. Experience of managing and leading change and influencing cultural change is also essential.

You will demonstrate the ability to lead the development of proactive services that realise the University’s strategic objectives and provide excellent wellbeing support to students and possess the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities to meet own deadlines and those of the team.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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