Head of Widening Participation and HE Engagement

Are you passionate about making higher education accessible to all? We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as Head of Widening Participation and HE Engagement. This pivotal role will lead the development and delivery of inclusive, evidence-informed outreach and engagement initiatives across our higher education provision.

You will be responsible for overseeing our Access and Participation Plan (APP), ensuring alignment with the Office for Students (OfS) regulatory expectations, and driving forward our commitment to improving access, participation, and outcomes for underrepresented learners.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of the institution’s Access and Participation Plan.

Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy targeting underrepresented groups.

Build and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges, local authorities, and community organisations.

Oversee transition and pre-entry support programmes for prospective students.

Line manage outreach staff and student interns, and deliver CPD on inclusive practice.

Essential Criteria

A Higher Education qualification.

In-depth understanding of Access and Participation Plans, OfS priorities, and Gatsby Benchmarks.

Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges, and community organisations.

Significant experience managing widening participation or outreach programmes.

Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to use data to inform practice.

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary

30 Bookable annual leave days, bank holidays, and 2 weeks off at Christmas.

Professional development opportunities.

Access to same-day GP appointments, high street discounts, discounted hair and beauty treatments, electric car scheme.

On-site gym & florist (site dependent).

Access to our In-house Food Hall & Coffee Shops.

Interested? Click ‘Apply Now!’For further information about the role, please contact: staff.recruitment@dncolleges.ac.uk

Additional InformationAs part of our commitment to safeguarding and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, we will conduct social media checks on shortlisted candidates. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Closing date: 25th September 2025

Interview date: 2nd of October 2025