Head of Disability and Neurodiversity at University of Surrey

As part of our commitment to supporting our students through every step of their journey at Surrey, we are looking for a Head of Disability and Neurodiversity (D&N) to join our Wellbeing and Welfare team. In the role you will bring your subject matter expertise to help us build and maintain a D&N service that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and compliant. We’re looking for someone passionate about making sure our disabled and neurodiverse students have the advice and support they need to thrive at Surrey.

This role is initially available on a fixed term basis until 01/10/24.

The role

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and developing the D&N service at Surrey, which provides advice and support to our disabled and neurodiverse students, including those with long-term medical/health conditions, sensory and mobility impairments, mental health conditions, specific learning differences and autism. As a subject matter specialist in this area, you will provide professional expertise and authoritative advice at both a strategic and an operational level, ensuring the implementation of best practice across all areas of the student experience supported by appropriate strategy, policy, and procedure.

You will understand what a good University disability service looks like and will keep abreast of sector developments and legislative changes to make sure we maintain a service that continually improves, meets the needs and expectations of our students, and reflects our commitment to enhancing the experience of all disabled and neurodivergent student learners across our institution. You’ll support projects to raise awareness of disability-related issues across the university, including identifying staff training needs relating to disability and inclusive practice.

About you 

We’re looking for someone with excellent attention to detail, ‘big-picture’ vision, exceptional communication, high levels of motivation, resourcefulness and resilience, inspirational team management and leadership, and the ability to influence, persuade, and listen.

The successful candidate will also have:

• experience of working with disabled people, or of managing an area of work relevant to this specialist field
• a track record of operating at a strategic institutional level or of demonstrable strategic influence
• knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks in relation to disabilities
• awareness of sector developments and trends, and evidence of processional engagement with current developments in this field 
• experience of continuous improvement and service evaluation
• the ability to handle complex casework and resolve complaints

If you have these qualities and experiences, we’d really love to meet you!

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays, a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery. The University embraces hybrid and flexible working.

Further information

To apply please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the role.  

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Emma Rowsell, Director of Student Life, via e.rowsell@surrey.ac.uk 

Interviews will be held Monday 30th October.