About Us 

The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) has an unswerving commitment to high quality, evidence-informed teacher education, and is on a mission to improve the quality of teacher and leader development across the system.   

The support and welfare function at the NIoT plays a crucial role in the mission of the NIoT by delivering services to support our trainee’s and participants wellbeing throughout the whole of their programme. 

About the Role 

Your role will be to lead and manage the NIoT’s processes for all aspects of student support, including disability, counselling, mental health and wellbeing. The postholder will ensure that in all aspects of support and welfare, the NIoT is delivering a service which is high quality and supports our trainees and participants to achieve their full potential. The postholder will be the main point of contact for Faculties and NIoT staff in relation to student support. The postholder will be expected to work closely with colleagues across the NIoT to ensure that processes and procedures support the delivery of an exceptional student experience.  

Corporate Responsibilities 

• To ensure that the responsibilities of the role are carried out in a way which reflects the mission and the values of the NIoT.  

• To be aware of and observe all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in particular to comply with policies relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Confidentiality, Data Protection and Financial Regulations, reporting any concerns to an appropriate person.  

• To comply with all reasonable management requests. 

Main Duties & Key Responsibilities 

• Responsible for ensuring the delivery and management of a comprehensive range of student support services including disability, counselling, mental health and wellbeing 

• To provide specialist advice and guidance to NIoT staff on student support and wellbeing and ensure compliance with policies relating to student support 

• To ensure clear policies and procedures are in place, and being implemented and manage referral to any appropriate external bodies or support services as required 

• To lead and manage the activities of colleagues responsible for student support 

• To oversee the relationship between the NIoT and any external support providers 

• To coordinate with faculties and departments as required to ensure that support is in place for reasonable adjustments relating to a trainee’s disability 

• To manage individual wellbeing cases and support colleagues by providing specialist advice and guidance 

• To be the lead contact with any partner organisation in relation to student support 

• To build and maintain effective relationships with key NIoT stakeholders and relevant partners and to support and implement any policy or process changes in partnership with faculties and departments 

• To work closely with NIoT stakeholders to understand, advise and drive improvements in student support reflecting the needs of the student population and ensuring they meet any appropriate professional, statutory and regulatory body standards.  

• To lead or support key projects within student services working closely with members of the professional services teams. 

Essential Criteria 

• A commitment to the aims of the National Institute of Teaching 

• An interest in the education sector and a belief in the value of teachers and school leaders  

• A degree or equivalent 

• Significant experience of working in student services in Higher Education  

• Experience of implementing process and policy improvements in relation to student support 

• Knowledge of safeguarding and prevent 

• Experience of interpreting procedures and regulations and providing specialist advice and guidance to others 

• Experience of delivering high quality student facing services 

• A commitment to student success and supporting students to fulfil their potential 

• Strong relationship management skills, including communication, engagement, facilitation and negotiation skills 

• Knowledge of data protection regulations and best practices in handling sensitive information 

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail 

• Experience of managing complex processes in an educational setting  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Proficient in the use of MS Office software packages, such as Word, Excel and Outlook 

• The ability to problem solve to resolve both operational and strategic issues 

• Experience of designing and delivering improvements to processes and/or services 

• The ability to thrive in a start-up environment 

Desirable Criteria 

• A professional qualification in one of the areas of student support or equivalent work experience 

• Membership of a relevant professional body 

• Experience of policy development and implementation 

• Evidence of continued professional development 

• Experience of using a management information system or CRM system 

This is an exciting opportunity for candidates looking to advance their careers in Student Services, and who wish to utilise their skills and expertise in managing all aspects of student support. This is an opportunity to grow your skills in all aspects of the student lifecycle. 

Working at the National Institute of Teaching 

Contract: Permanent - Full Time 

Salary:   £45,441 per annum (please note there is a pending pay award) + benefits 

Key benefits available to all National Institute of Teaching staff:  

• Flexible and Hybrid Working 

• At least 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays)  

• Local Government Pension Scheme  

• Comprehensive employee benefits including enhanced parental leave 

Further Information  

We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. 

Notes:  

• This post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment. 

• This document is an overview of the role.  

• The responsibilities will include but will not be limited to those listed above and it is anticipated that the role will evolve over time and as such the duties may change.  

• This document does not form part of the contract of employment. 

• We regret that we are currently unable to sponsor visas.