Main duties and responsibilities
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join Library and Student Services as Head of Student Wellbeing and Belonging, shaping a whole‑university approach to student wellbeing, inclusion and belonging. Working at the heart of the student experience, you will lead specialist teams and drive initiatives that ensure students feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. As part of the Student Life leadership team, you will develop strategies and services that enhance engagement, retention, success and wellbeing across a diverse student community.
About the Role Reporting to the Associate Director of Student Life, you will provide strategic leadership for the University’s wellbeing and belonging agenda, collaborating across academic and professional services. In this role, you will develop and implement a university‑wide Student Wellbeing and Belonging Strategy aligned to institutional priorities; lead and enhance high‑quality, accessible wellbeing, inclusion and support services; act as the University’s safeguarding lead and serve as Deputy Chair of the Student at Risk Group; oversee policies and frameworks relating to wellbeing, disability support, autism support, mental health, safeguarding and students at risk; embed wellbeing and belonging practices across the curriculum in partnership with academic colleagues and the Students’ Union; and lead preventative, early‑intervention and targeted support initiatives that promote student success and inclusion.
About You You will be a compassionate, strategic leader with substantial experience in UK higher education student services. You will bring significant leadership experience within student services, strong knowledge of wellbeing, belonging and student support provision, a proven track record of delivering organisational change and service improvement, in‑depth understanding of safeguarding and student welfare best practice, and experience managing complex welfare concerns, crisis interventions and safeguarding cases.
Why Join Us This role offers the opportunity to shape an institutional approach to wellbeing and belonging at a time of increasing sector need. You will join a collaborative team committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming student experience, improving engagement, retention and success, delivering sector‑leading support services, and driving innovation through evidence‑based practice and emerging technologies. This is a chance to make a meaningful difference to students’ lives every day.
Working Arrangements The role operates within a hybrid working model, with an expectation of at least three days per week on campus. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required to meet business needs.
Interviews Interviews will be held at De Montfort University, Leicester on Wednesday 2nd September.
To view the JDPS, please click here
Contact
For more information about the role, please reach out to Natasha - natasha.kukadia@dmu.ac.uk