The University of Sheffield
Investigator (Student Misconduct)
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The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled individual with significant experience in conducting investigations into allegations of behaviour, including sexual misconduct, harassment and hate in adherence to applicable policy and procedure.
The post will be based in the Student Conduct and Appeals Team within the Student Registry. The team is responsible for student case work covering a range of issues such as student conduct, fitness to practise, final stage appeals and complaints, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (the student ombudsman), and legal cases. In addition to the conduct of investigations, there will be opportunities to apply and further develop your skills in student case work.
If you have experience and expertise in conducting investigations, and are looking for a new opportunity, and want to make a real difference to the lives of our students, we would be keen to hear from you.
We are passionate about representing the diversity of our student body within our support services and keen to welcome applicants with diverse lived experiences
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct investigations across a range of complex case areas including sexual misconduct, harassment and hate, embedding a trauma-informed approach
- Communicate with individuals involved in cases in a timely, professional and sensitive manner
- Interview witnesses, complainants, and respondents and maintaining appropriate accurate records
- Draft and complete detailed, professional investigation and case work reports for different audiences, capable of withstanding scrutiny and potential challenge.
- Draft correspondence with clarity and accuracy
- Liaise with a wide range of contacts including colleagues at all levels, students, their representatives and external bodies (such as the police) where appropriate
- Keep managers and caseworkers regularly updated on case progress and issues
- Where appropriate, to support and manage other investigators with their caseloads, including the cross-checking of reports prepared by other investigators
- Appear before Student Discipline Panels and panels of a similar nature to present cases
- Develop the implementation of, and adherence to, guidance from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and be responsive to changes in sector best practice
- Lead on and and oversee the the provision of advice and guidance to University colleagues, including Residence Life, Professional Services, and Faculty/School based colleagues, on key issues concerning the good conduct of investigations
- Active participation in external professional investigator networks and training groups, e.g. the Academic Registrarʼs Council Student Investigations Network
- Lead on the development and implementation of local procedures as necessary, and contribute to the continuous review and improvement of policies, procedures, processes and web-based information
- Deal with highly sensitive and confidential information appropriately and in line with good practice and legal requirements
- Maintain clear and unambiguous records, capable of withstanding scrutiny and potential challenge
- Exercise a high degree of initiative, and professional judgement at all times.
- Respond professionally and flexibly to immediate and challenging developments whilst continuing to deliver concurrent work
- Work on other related activities within the wider Casework teams
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
| Essential or Desirable | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Essential | Extensive professional experience and expertise in complex investigation work and evidence of progressive professional development. |
| Essential | Significant experience of writing thorough and reasoned investigation reports which can be understood by a range of audiences and capable of withstanding scrutiny |
| Essential | Able to demonstrate an awareness and relevant knowledge and understanding in the area of sexual violence, harassment, misconduct and hate crime |
| Essential | Experience of working within a regulatory or compliance environment, and of responding to and complying with internal and external deadlines and requirements |
| Essential | Ability to exercise a high level of personal responsibility and work effectively with minimum supervision and act on own initiative, seeking guidance when necessary |
| Essential | Effective organisational and time management skills to prioritise a fluctuating and varied workload with the ability to manage conflicting priorities, meet deadlines and provide a timely and efficient service. |
| Essential | Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and appropriately with all client groups, including staff in senior positions, and students |
| Essential | Ability to undertake work of a confidential and sensitive nature appropriately and in line with GDPR principles |
| Essential | Ability and willingness to work effectively and flexibly within and across a team environment |
| Essential | Awareness and understanding of the need for diversity and inclusion |
| Essential | Sound knowledge of IT including the use of Email, the Internet, Google Applications, Adobe, and the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel) and good keyboard skills |
| Desirable | Knowledge and experience of the Higher Education sector in relation to this area of work |
Further Information
- Grade: Grade 8
- Salary: £48,822 - £58,225 per annum (pro rata) with the potential to progress to £65,509 (pro-rata) through sustained exceptional contribution
- Work arrangement: Permanent, part-time, 17.5 hours per week
- Line manager: Student Conduct & Appeals Manager
- Direct reports: N/A
- Right to work in the UK: If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
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Our website
https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/saas/teams/saaa/student-registry
For informal enquiries about this job please contact Sally Sutton, Student Conduct & Appeals Manager: on s.sutton@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place the week commencing 28 September 2026. This will consist of an interview and activity. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 14 September 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Emily Harlington on e.harlington@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
- More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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