NCOP Outreach Officer (Aimhigher Plus FE Strand)

Fixed Term to 31 December 2018 in the first instance (Pending HEFCE review of Funding)

Aims of Job/Job Purpose

The purpose of this post is to ensure that the college’s commitment to the Aimhigher NCOP programme is delivered. This means that targeted under - represented groups are encouraged to apply to Higher Education, through a range of outreach activities, partnership working and action - based research.

This post will have overall responsibility for the Urban FE College strand of the NCOP programme and associated budgets. The post holder will liaise with 5 Birmingham university NCOP spokes and local FE/6th Form Colleges, to support the delivery of NCOP outreach work in FE and 6th Form Colleges within Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, and with the University of Worcester as required, to identify and exploit opportunities to contribute and benefit from the rural NCOP FE strand.

The post holder will also work with partner HEIs and FE colleges to agree and oversee the development and delivery of outreach activity providing NCOP learners in schools and colleges with opportunities to explore HE in FE and higher/Degree Apprenticeship pathways, as part of the agreed NCOP programme design. It will involve a high level of autonomy and responsibility for activity development and delivery, and will be responsible for the associated reporting on budget, activity and impact to enable the coordination hub and the college to meet HEFCE requirements and deadlines.

The post holder will organise/contribute to outreach activity across partner campuses for school and college groups and represent the partnership guidance evenings and other events in schools, colleges and other settings.

The post will involve extensive liaison with local partners through the Aimhigher framework and other potential partners as well as staff in schools and colleges. This will require a considerable amount of tenacity, tact and sensitivity to the situation and existing commitments of staff in schools, colleges, and the University, as well as the imagination, initiative, enthusiasm, and creativity to seize and develop opportunities for widening participation.