Lancaster University
Head of Widening Participation and Early Intervention - 0519-26
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Head of Widening Participation and Early Intervention
Student Wellbeing Services
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £48,822 to £56,535 (Full-Time/Indefinite)
Closing Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0519-26
Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University
Flexible Working: Open to flexible working arrangements
Are you a dedicated educational leader with a passion for Widening Participation and Student Success?
This is an exciting opportunity to join Lancaster University as the Head of Widening Participation and Early Intervention. This leadership role is essential for operational success, ensuring the embedding and integration of the University’s Widening Participation and Student Experience agenda.
Purpose Of The Role:
You will lead a multi-disciplinary team that delivers a seamless support framework across the entire student lifecycle. You will oversee Early Intervention and Widening Participation initiatives to attract high-quality students from underrepresented backgrounds and provide essential support for their success.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight and Team Leadership:
- Lead the Early Intervention Team, Student Mobility, and Student Success teams.
- Recruit, induct, and manage a diverse group of specialist staff.
- Operationalise the Access and Participation Plan (APP) by translating high-level targets into measurable deliverables.
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Service Delivery:
- Embed wellbeing support into the student experience, particularly for vulnerable groups.
- Monitor and evaluate student progression to identify and close attainment gaps.
Programme Management:
- Design and oversee wellbeing early intervention activities.
- Maintain robust data and safeguarding standards across all team activities.
Financial and Resource Management:
- Manage complex budgets and ensure financial accountability.
- Identify opportunities among teams to enhance the student experience.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Represent the University at regional and national levels.
- Collaborate with academic departments and external partners.
Person Specification:
| Attribute | Essential/Desirable Criteria | Evidenced by |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | A degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field. | Essential |
| Experience | Substantial experience in leading widening participation and student success in Higher Education. | Essential |
| Proven experience of full line management responsibilities. | Essential | |
| Experience managing budgets and ensuring financial accountability. | Essential | |
| Skills | Expert knowledge of the OfS regulatory environment and the social mobility agenda. | Essential |
| Strong presentation and analytical skills with a data-driven approach. | Essential | |
| Ability to handle confidential matters sensitively and in line with GDPR obligations. | Essential | |
| Demonstrates awareness and alignment with University values. | Essential |
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How To Apply:
To apply for this role, please submit your application form by [insert application deadline]. For informal queries, please contact Michou Burckett St Laurent, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing at m.burckettstlaurent@lancaster.ac.uk.
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Further Details:
- Job Description
- Person Specification
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
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