Widening Participation Facilitator
| Posting date: | 05 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £26,981 to £28,213 per year |
| Additional salary information: | (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £32,445 per annum) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 February 2026 |
| Location: | Derby, Derbyshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of Derby |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 0283-25 |
Summary
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Our External Relations team is responsible for promoting and raising awareness of our University’s brand in the UK and overseas. From creating all messaging and content for external campaigns and our website, to social media, and managing events – ours is a highly complex and expert marketing, PR and Internal Comms environment, key to making the University shine.
Schools and Colleges Liaison
The Schools and Colleges Liaison team works closely with schools and colleges to provide a direct link to the University of Derby.
We offer an exciting and inspirational programme of activities designed to showcase the wide range of options available to students at the University.
About the Role
This role will support the development, delivery and evaluation of the University’s widening participation outreach work and other associated activities to achieve our social mobility ambitions as set out in the University’s Strategic Framework, Access and Participation Plan, Civic University Agreement, and Widening Participation Strategic Plan.
You will support the development and delivery of complex long-term outreach programmes and undertake a wide range of activities to raise the awareness and attainment, and support the realisation of aspirations, of groups of learners currently identified as disadvantaged and under-represented in Higher Education and at the University of Derby.
About You
We are seeking a motivated individual who is passionate about higher education and supporting the progression of prospective students. Strong communication skills, experience of customer service and the ability to engage creatively with prospective students using effective interpersonal and presentation skills are essential.
In this busy and fast-paced role, the successful post-holder will demonstrate excellent organisation skills and reliability, alongside a flexible and adaptive approach due to the requirement for some evening and weekend work as well as travel across the UK.
Benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
Local Government Pension Scheme
Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
Discounted onsite gym
Cycle to Work scheme
A flexible working environment
A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Liam Dowson, Head of Schools and Colleges Engagement via l.dowson@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Our External Relations team is responsible for promoting and raising awareness of our University’s brand in the UK and overseas. From creating all messaging and content for external campaigns and our website, to social media, and managing events – ours is a highly complex and expert marketing, PR and Internal Comms environment, key to making the University shine.
Schools and Colleges Liaison
The Schools and Colleges Liaison team works closely with schools and colleges to provide a direct link to the University of Derby.
We offer an exciting and inspirational programme of activities designed to showcase the wide range of options available to students at the University.
About the Role
This role will support the development, delivery and evaluation of the University’s widening participation outreach work and other associated activities to achieve our social mobility ambitions as set out in the University’s Strategic Framework, Access and Participation Plan, Civic University Agreement, and Widening Participation Strategic Plan.
You will support the development and delivery of complex long-term outreach programmes and undertake a wide range of activities to raise the awareness and attainment, and support the realisation of aspirations, of groups of learners currently identified as disadvantaged and under-represented in Higher Education and at the University of Derby.
About You
We are seeking a motivated individual who is passionate about higher education and supporting the progression of prospective students. Strong communication skills, experience of customer service and the ability to engage creatively with prospective students using effective interpersonal and presentation skills are essential.
In this busy and fast-paced role, the successful post-holder will demonstrate excellent organisation skills and reliability, alongside a flexible and adaptive approach due to the requirement for some evening and weekend work as well as travel across the UK.
Benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
Local Government Pension Scheme
Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
Discounted onsite gym
Cycle to Work scheme
A flexible working environment
A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Liam Dowson, Head of Schools and Colleges Engagement via l.dowson@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.