Associate Dean - Student Activities, Safeguarding and Wellbeing

About Scholars School System

Scholars School System (SSS), part of the UK Curriculum and Accreditation Body (UKCAB), is a national independent higher education provider delivering high-quality programmes across multiple campuses in partnership with awarding institutions. We are committed to transforming lives through accessible education, fostering student success, inclusion, employability, and social mobility.

Purpose of the Role

Associate Dean - Student Activities, Safeguarding and Wellbeing is a senior leadership role responsible for driving institutional strategies that enhance student success, employability, graduate outcomes, and alumni engagement across all SSS campuses.

Scholars School System (SSS) is seeking an inspirational and strategic Associate Dean - Student Activities, Safeguarding and Wellbeing to lead the development and delivery of an outstanding, inclusive and supportive student experience across all campuses.

The postholder will provide leadership for student wellbeing, safeguarding, engagement and enrichment activities, ensuring that students are supported to thrive academically, personally and professionally. The role will drive initiatives that enhance student belonging, improve continuation and progression outcomes, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including Office for Students (OfS) Conditions of Registration, Prevent Duty and safeguarding obligations.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Associate Dean will contribute to institutional strategy and champion a student-centred culture that promotes equality, diversity, inclusion and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the institutional strategy for student wellbeing, safeguarding and engagement across all SSS campuses.
• Drive initiatives that enhance student experience, belonging, retention, continuation and graduate outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with OfS requirements, Prevent Duty, safeguarding legislation and Equality Act 2010 obligations.
• Use student data and feedback to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Oversee student wellbeing, safeguarding and support services, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive environment that enables all students to succeed.
• Lead the development of co-curricular and extracurricular activities that enrich the student experience.
• Champion student voice and partnership in shaping institutional initiatives.
• Lead and develop cross-campus teams to deliver high-quality student support services.
• Work collaboratively with academic and professional service teams to enhance student success and institutional performance.
• Develop partnerships with external agencies to strengthen wellbeing and safeguarding provision.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Master's degree in Education, Student Services, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Significant senior leadership experience within higher education student services, wellbeing or safeguarding.
• Demonstrable experience of leading student experience initiatives within a multi-site environment.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, Prevent Duty, mental health and wellbeing frameworks within higher education.
• Knowledge of OfS regulatory requirements and factors influencing student outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and student-centred practice.

Desirable

• Doctorate (PhD/EdD) in a relevant discipline.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification.
• Professional membership of relevant bodies (e.g., Advance HE, AMOSSHE, BACP).
• Experience of using data analytics to improve student outcomes and service delivery.

What we offer

• The salary for this role ranges from £70,000 to £75,000 depending on the candidate’s level of experience.
• Holiday entitlement is 28 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays.
• Up to £5k annual incentives pro-rata given quarterly on meeting KPIs after successful probationary period.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Reward and recognition programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• 3% annual increase per year on completion from your start date of service and on meeting KPIs.
• Complimentary lunch provided on working days.
• A supportive academic environment committed to quality and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for professional development aligned with academic support practice

SSS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

SSS is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and all members of the community are empowered to thrive.