DANCOP Outreach Facilitator

University of Derby; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Derby seeks an Outreach Facilitator to join the DANCOP Collaboration and Engagement team. The role focuses on widening access and delivering engaging Higher Education outreach to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire schools and colleges.

You will travel regularly, develop and evaluate outreach activities, and work with partners to raise attainment and aspiration among under-represented groups.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of delivering complex information in a creative and engaging way.
• Experience of working with groups of learners progressing to Higher Education.
• Experience of event management.

Responsibilities

• Support the Collaboration and Engagement Team to prepare and deliver high quality, innovative specialist outreach activities.
• Lead on the delivery of a wide range of on campus and in-school activities as required.
• Produce high quality materials and resources for widening access target groups, parents/carers, teachers and careers advisers.
• Represent DANCOP and provide up-to-date information on Higher Education and progression routes.
• Liaise with internal and external staff to ensure smooth running of events and excellent customer service.
• Record activities for evaluation and reporting progress against targets.
• Engage in reflective practice and implement improvements based on evidence from practice.

Skills

Outreach

Engagement

Communication

Presentation

IT skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

£28,807 to £30,125 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £34,643.75 per annum)

Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location. Currently, this role offers the opportunity to work remotely, normally 3 day/s a week in line with our Adaptive Working Framework.

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.

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Partnership (DANCOP) is a Uni Connect partnership led by the University of Derby, including the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Chesterfield College, Nottingham College, Derby College Group, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, and University of Derby Buxton. DANCOP works in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders including EMCCA Careers Hub and Local Authorities.

The purpose of DANCOP is to work closely with partnership higher educational institutions and colleges to help improve social mobility, focusing on raising educational standards from early years, through school and beyond; inspiring young people to shape their own futures.

DANCOP are seeking an Outreach Facilitator to join our high performing Collaboration and Engagement team. This diverse and rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people aged 11 to 19 across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Working closely with our community partners, you will help ensure DANCOP's outreach activities achieve maximum reach and impact, delivering engaging, relevant and high-quality programmes that are effectively monitored and evaluated.

As an Outreach Facilitator, you will support the development, delivery and evaluation of the outreach programme and associated activities, contributing to the achievement of our Office for Students (OfS) objectives. The role involves designing and delivering engaging outreach initiatives that raise awareness of higher education opportunities, increase attainment, and inspire ambition among young people from groups currently under-represented in higher education. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual who is passionate about widening participation, empowering learners, and helping them realise their future aspirations.

As a significant part of the role involves delivering activities and building relationships in schools and colleges across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, regular travel is required. Candidates must therefore have the flexibility to travel and work between university and external sites in a cost effective and timely manner.

This is a fixed term contract until 30th June 2027.

Anticipated interview date:Thursday 1st October 2026

We are looking for someone who has first-hand experience of higher education and a strong understanding of the challenges that can prevent young people from accessing it. You will be passionate about widening participation and committed to helping young people realise their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will be engaging with a diverse range of young people, many of whom may face significant barriers to opportunity. Your ability to build positive relationships, inspire confidence and communicate effectively will be key to success in this role.

The role is varied and fast-paced, requiring the ability to balance multiple priorities and manage competing demands while maintaining your own wellbeing and resilience.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives. Flexibility is important, as the role will occasionally require evening and weekend working to support events and outreach activities.

• Support the Collaboration and Engagement Team to prepare, and deliver high quality, innovative specialist outreach activities, in line with the ambitions of DANCOP.


• Lead on the delivery of a wide range of on campus, and in school activity as required.


• To support the production of a range of high quality, innovative and creative materials and resources, including digital resources, for widening access target groups, parents/carers, teachers and careers advisors.


• Be an outstanding, professional representative of DANCOP and provide up-to-date expert information on Higher Education and progression routes, and university life to DANCOP target groups and their key influencers.


• As directed, liaise with internal and external staff to ensure the smooth running of events and the delivery of the highest levels of customer service. Cultivate positive working relationships with key Stakeholders.


• Record all activities and other agreed information as required by DANCOP and appropriate external agencies for evaluation, statistical returns and reporting progress against targets and measuring success.


• Actively engage in reflective, evidence-based practice and implement measures to improve evaluation and working practice based on evidence from your own practice and the wider sector.


• Successfully manage ad hoc small-scale projects as directed.


• Understand and display University of Derby values and behaviours appropriate to the level of post.


• Actively engage in reflective practice, continuing professional development and lifelong learning activities.


• Carry out duties in a safe and proper manner to comply with the University’s Health & Safety Policy, Safeguarding Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.


• Undergraduate degree and experience of working in education

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of delivering complex information in a creative and engaging way


• Demonstrable experience of working with groups of learners progressing to Higher Education


• Demonstrable experience of event management

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Up to date knowledge of current issues affecting progression to Higher Education


• Understanding of and commitment to widening access/social justice


• Up to date knowledge of Higher Education student funding, recruitment and qualifications


• Evidence of excellent written and report writing skills


• Evidence of excellent communication and presentation skills


• Evidence of good IT skills, including social media platforms


• Proven ability to work using your own initiative and as part of a team


• Proven ability to manage complex and conflicting demands


• Proven ability to follow processes and procedures


• Demonstrate and deliver a commitment to an excellent standard of customer service


• Innovative and creative thinker


• Flexible and adaptable approach to work


• Consistent and reliable

Business requirements

• Enhanced DBS check


• Willingness to work flexibly – with prior notice evening, and occasional weekend and overnight working will be required


• Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between university and external sites such as schools in a cost effective and timely manner


• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)


• 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

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Denise Jelly, Head of DANCOP via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail] .

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.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby, please visit our website .

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice , and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.