Job Related Information This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with your application. 1. Role Details Vacancy reference 13271 Job title: Reports to: Senior Manager, Disabled Student Services Assistant Director for Widening Access and Success Services Salary: 39,324 to 46,924 Terms and conditions: Grade Duration of post: Academic Related Staff GR8 Permanent Working hours: 37 Location: Academic Services Access, Careers & Teaching Support Closing date: 12:00 noon on Thursday, 2 March 2017 Type of application form accepted: Long application form Number of referees required: 3 In addition to a completed application form you must provide a covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. This is an important element of the application process. Please ensure that you provide relevant examples as evidence to support your statements. CVs will not be accepted without an application form. Unit recruitment contact: SS-STS-Recruitment@open.ac.uk The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 1 of 6
2. Summary of duties Purpose Statement Responsible as Senior Manager for the overall delivery of services within Disabled Student Services including the management of third party contracts therein. Responsible for the development of policies and procedures within Disabled Student Services to enhance delivery, maintain numbers and constantly and consistently improve service standards through an annual quality cycle. Responsible for the development of systems, policies and procedures to ensure that staff working in other units (such as Learner Support, Faculties, SeGA) are effective in their administration and support of our students. Responsible for maintain and developing relationships with external providers and partners to ensure a high level of customer service to our students. Maintain and review contracts with external providers such as Randstad, our team of self-employed assessors and other business providers Contract lead for all work involved with the University s Access Centre Senior Manager for the Audio Recording Centre and the volunteer staff therein. Budgetary and financial responsibility for the areas within this management portfolio. Responsible for the management of the work of two G7 staff (Alternative Formats Manager and Acting AC Manager as at 01/09/2015) To deputise for line manager (ADWASS) when that line manager is otherwise unavailable and to support that line manager as directed. Attendance at internal and external events to represent WASS and DSS. Responsible for promoting and encouraging professional development of team and self. Contribute to and work collaboratively with the Grade 8 Senior Management team for WASS. Main responsibilities: Team Operations Management 1. To manage the work of the two Grade 7 staff (1 Acting at 01/09/2015). 2. To execute agreed University, unit and team HR policies and procedures. 3. To promote appropriate staff development opportunities for staff working within the team and self. 4. To identify key priorities and performance indicators for the teams, and ensure these are effectively monitored and action taken so that targets are met. 5. To act as a change leader in respect of University developments which affect Disabled Students and students with additional needs, the accessibility of the curriculum for this group, the DSS team and its provision as well as that of the wider WASS team. 6. To manage the development of policies and procedures which deliver robust, customer-focused, cost- The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 2 of 6
effective services to students and colleagues (e.g. the provision of information; off line formats, SST support and so forth). 7. To keep under review Disabled Student Services, resources and processes, and identify opportunities for improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of the service. 8. To promote and meet the operational objectives inherent in the Widening Access and Success Strategy. 9. To deputise for the AD WASS when otherwise unavailable. Other Duties: 10. To manage and control resources in Disabled Student Services and budgetary management of resources. 11. To manage and monitor existing computer systems and lead on the development of new or enhanced systems, which support administration and customer service and satisfaction. 12. To oversee the production of websites, documents, publications and other media which facilitate advice to students and staff on Disabled Student Services policies and procedures. 13. To contribute to policy development by drafting of papers and briefings for appropriate groups. 14. To undertake such other duties as agreed after consultation with the Assistant Director Widening Access and Success Services. 3. Person specification Education, qualifications and training A first degree or equivalent skills and experience. Knowledge, work and other relevant experience Essential: Desirable: Substantial relevant experience of management or administration. Strong Staff management experience. Evidenced leadership skills. Experience of developing staff. Experience of volunteer coordination. Awareness of the current widening participation agenda. Awareness of the needs of disabled students in education. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 3 of 6
Personal abilities and qualities Essential: Experience of, and enthusiasm for, using ICT to deliver services. Excellent IT skills including MS Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to analyse data and present management information. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent organisational skills. Experience of financial or budgetary management. Proven negotiating and influencing skills. A commitment to the ideals of the Open University, including equal opportunities and diversity issues such as the reasonable adjustments policy. Desirable: Understanding of the needs of adult distance learners. Experience of involvement in development of computer systems. Experience of MS Access. Awareness of agencies involved with the needs of disabled students. 4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working Willingness to work occasionally out of hours and to travel to work with business partners and other Open University locations. 5. About the unit/department ACADEMIC SERVICES The most crucial interactions and relationships with registered students are managed through Academic Services, working in collaboration with colleagues in the University, and in particular those in central academic units. More than 900 staff are employed by the unit at or through: Four central sub-units based at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes Three National Centres based in Scotland, Wales, Ireland Nine English locations (under review) Academic Services is led by the Director of Academic Services who reports to the University Secretary. The The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 4 of 6
Academic Services unit is divided into four functional areas as follows: Access, Careers and Teaching Support Assessment, Credit and Qualifications Student Support Office of Director, Academic Services Access, Careers and Teaching Support (ACTS) Access, Careers and Teaching Support sub-unit is led by David Knight, Director and comprises the following teams; Associate Lecturer Services Associate Lecturer Support and Professional Development Careers and Employability Services Widening Access and Success Services 6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact Michala Robertson on 01908 652994 or email: michala.robertson@open.ac.uk If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact SS-STS-Recruitment@open.ac.uk 7. The application process and where to send completed applications Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: Post it to: Name/Job title: Department/Unit: Address: 12 noon on Thursday, 2 March 2017 The Open University Christine Hobbs, Staffing and Recruitment Support Assistant Academic Services Frank Henshaw Building Hammerwood Gate Kents Hill Milton Keynes Post Code: Or e-mail your application to: MK7 6BY SS-STS-Recruitment@open.ac.uk 8. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by: Michala Robertson The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 5 of 6
The other members of the interview panel will be: Panel members to be confirmed. The interviews will take place on: Week commencing 13 March 2017. The selection process for this post will include Shortlisted candidates will receive further details. We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 6 of 6