Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students from diverse backgrounds? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Access and Inclusion Adviser in Student Services.  

At the University of St Andrews, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our students. We recognise that some students require specialised assistance, and we are seeking a dedicated individual to provide expert support and guidance to our students, including those who are care-experienced, estranged, carers, under-18s, or those joining the University through widening access pathways.  

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate a passion for supporting students from diverse backgrounds, with strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will have the ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with students, staff and external partners. Experience in providing support to students in a higher education setting is advantageous, and/or experience in social care or mental health support.  

Reporting to the Assistant Director (Accessibility and Inclusion), this role includes but is not limited to:  

·         Managing student casework and coordination for supporting for care-experienced, estranged, carers, under-18s or those who may join the University via a widening access pathway;

·         Enhancing the student experience and working closely with other areas of the University to  provide high-quality support to students;

·         Collaborating with external partners, such as local authorities and the NHS, to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.

·         Providing training and support to staff on issues related to care-experienced, estranged, carers, under 18s, and widening access students.  

The role is fixed term for two years in the first instance, pending review of longer term staffing needs for the Unit. Hours of work will be 36.25 hours per week.    

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

·         Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays

·         Financial contribution to relocation

·         Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions

·         A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies

·         Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services

·         Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel

·         Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff/children of staff, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme and a range of wellbeing initiatives  

Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Fiona Whelan, Assistant Director (Accessibility and Inclusion), email: few3@st-andrews.ac.uk, tel: 01334 46 4095.  

Applications are particularly welcome from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.    

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/  

In accordance with the new immigration rules, it is with regret that this role DOES NOT MEET THE CURRENT SUITABILITY REQUIREMENTS set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.  While all applications received are assessed against the essential and desirable criteria listed in the further particulars, for this post the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment and obtain the right to work in the UK themselves without relying on University sponsorship.  Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk.

This post will be primarily based at the Eden Court in St Andrews.

Closing Date: 27 November 2023

Interview Date: w/c 18 December 2023

Please quote ref: AD2661HM

Further Particulars: AD2661HM FPs.doc

Student Services

Salary: £37,099 - £44,263 per annum

Start Date: As soon as possible

Fixed Term: 2 years in the first instance