Access and Participation Evaluation Manager

The Widening Participation and Social Mobility Directorate (WPSM) has responsibility for meeting the ambitious targets of the University's Access and Participation Plan (APP) which aims to improve the access, success and progression of students from underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds.

It is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to join as the Access and Participation Evaluation Manager who will play a fundamental role in contributing to these efforts by ensuring that a sound and holistic approach to evaluation is undertaken, recorded and disseminated.

The Role

We believe that successful evaluation is the foundation of effective widening participation activity and our approach to evaluation extends far beyond the regulatory expectations of the Office for Students (OfS). We want to reflect the ethos of the University of Southampton, by fostering a culture of research within WP, simultaneously capturing the genuine passion and curiosity of our staff to contribute to real social change. Our expectation is that all staff will take an evidence-based, reflective approach to the development of WP interventions, such that we both learn from and contribute to the interplay between policy, theory and practice within the sector.

The postholder will manage our approach to achieving these strategic aims for evaluation. They will coach colleagues within WPSM to plan evaluation of their respective activities, empowering them to develop theories of change for all new and existing initiatives. They will work with colleagues to develop their knowledge of evaluative and research methods, supporting them to identify appropriate and innovative evaluative measurements of success against strategic objectives. Using this information, the postholder will manage the maintenance and development of our evaluative framework, to ensure we are appropriately reporting back progress to the OfS.

The successful candidate will be able to draw upon their experience of evaluation and research to inspire continuous improvement within the directorate, leading by example, to reflect our successes back into the sector. They will have an appetite to present ideas and/or seek publication beyond the university and also encourage that in others. Finally, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing our approach to data and monitoring, ensuring quality and compliance with GDPR.

What we're looking for

You will have proven experience of evaluation and/or research, having managed complex projects, with an in-depth understanding of different research methods. You will be familiar with the management of large and often complex datasets and have the ability to analyse and present findings to multiple stakeholders. You will be confident in your communication with fellow colleagues, encouraging them to adopt an evidence-based approach to the design of their work, sharing ways in which measures of success can be adequately captured. You will have excellent organisational skills and be agile in response to calls for evidence of evaluation, providing timely responses.

Whilst experience of working within the widening access and participation sector is advantageous, it is not essential. We are ultimately seeking an individual who shares an empathy of our agenda, who brings energy and excitement to advance the work we do, underpinned by their experience of evaluation or research.

If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to make contact with Dr Emma Thompson, Head of Enhancement, to have an informal conversation before applying. Emma can be contacted via email: E.L.Thompson@soton.ac.uk

What we can offer you

The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and will offer hybrid working from home and at our lively Highfield Campus where you will have access to our sports complex, Hartley Library and Staff Social Centre. Committed to supporting our staff, we are open to a flexible working approach and our team charter reflects this. As well as additional benefits that will make your life easier, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days, we will support your long-term future with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts. As a university we aim to create an inclusive environment that attracts, supports and retains the best students and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences from across the world. WPSM is proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We select candidates on the basis of merit and ability, and aspire to thrive In the diversity of our workforce. We welcome applications from all candidates with an interest in the role and those who are committed to helping us create an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+; and people with disabilities.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.