Head of Student Support

**Post Title: Head of Student Support**

**Reporting To: Vice Principal - External Relations**

**Salary: Up to £48,018 per annum**

**Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week Holidays: 37 days + bank holidays (FTE)**

**The Specific Nature of the Role**

We are seeking an innovative and proactive leader to drive the future of Student Support services at the College. This strategic role will work collaboratively to shape and lead a wide portfolio of functions including careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), safeguarding and welfare, student admissions, transition support, as well as bursary and reception services, ensuring a seamless and impactful student experience.

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the post-holder will take a proactive approach to embedding a culture of safeguarding throughout the College. They will also lead on student voice, enrichment, and personal development initiatives; empowering students to grow holistically, contribute meaningfully to college life, and develop the skills they need to thrive beyond their studies.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
- Motivate and lead the Student Support department, conducting regular appraisals, one-to-one meetings, and team meetings; monitoring performance and ensuring accountability and continuous professional development.
- Provide safeguarding leadership as DSL across the college and have strategic oversight of safeguarding operations, delivering training where required.
- Develop an aspirational careers and tutorial programme, collaborating with the college’s Teaching and Learning Hub, ensuring compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks and relevant frameworks.
- Be an integral member of the College Leadership Committee, providing key information and presenting comprehensive data regarding the College’s transitions, safeguarding, wellbeing and CEIAG operations.
- Stay informed of local and regional labour market intelligence (LMI) to inform and shape CEIAG provision, progression planning, and personal development initiatives.
- Lead and manage the College’s Matrix Accreditation Standard and process, ensuring continuous improvement across student support operations.
- Manage and develop reception services, leading improvements in customer service, efficiency and the overall student and visitor experience.
- Lead and manage the College’s student voice initiatives, ensuring effective student representation, feedback mechanisms and opportunities to enhance student engagement.
- Develop and oversee student enrichment and personal development programmes, supporting a broad and inclusive range of extracurricular activities, workshops, and initiatives that contribute to student growth beyond academic achievement.
- Ensure the College’s Student Support team remain aligned with best practice and legislative developments, such as Ofsted and KCSiE.
- Engage in local and regional forums and networks relevant to the role, including safeguarding, CEIAG, bursary, and customer service, to share best practices and ensure the College remains well-informed, responsive and innovative.
- In collaboration with the Head of Data Services, oversee the College’s enrolment processes for school leavers, adults, and higher education students, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery and communication.
- In collaboration with the Head of Business Growth and Skills, develop partnerships with the wider community to increase college growth, working with a range of stakeholders to promote learning pathways and opportunities.
- Manage departmental budgets and ensure resources are used effectively.
- Work collaboratively with the Marketing team to manage internal communications to students to ensure a positive learner experience, including the annual student handbook, digital and print newsletters, the college prospectus, and visual displays.
- Support colleagues in scheduling events such as FE Life, Fresher’s, Open Evenings, Apprenticeship and HE events, employer workshops and guest speakers.
- Collaborate with Academic Heads of School to ensure effective and robust progression planning for students between levels and academic years.
- Manage the administration of end destination and NEET data.
- Collaborate with colleagues across college to implement a comprehensive Student Support Calendar that promotes the College’s expectations of students and supports their wellbeing and engagement throughout the academic year.
- Embrace the College’s RESPECT values and seek innovative approaches to working practices and service delivery.
- Promote and implement College policies to support efficient operations and the welfare and interests of students and employees, in line with the post's responsibilities.
- Carry out any other duties consistent with the role as may be required by the Principal.

Pay: Up to £48,018.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Canteen
- Company pension
- On-site gym
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In pers