£31,814 to £35,750 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,113 per annum)
Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available 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.
This exciting opportunity has arisen in the Student Policy and Regulations team, which operates within the Registry department.
As a Case Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting the investigation and resolution of a diverse range of student cases, including appeals, complaints, academic misconduct, conduct and disciplinary issues, and sexual misconduct allegations.
A key aspect of this role will involve planning and leading investigations into cases of sexual misconduct and harassment. You will ensure that these sensitive matters are handled with the utmost care, professionalism, and adherence to University policies and external regulations. This includes working closely with relevant stakeholders to conduct thorough and impartial investigations, providing procedural advice, and ensuring that all parties involved are supported throughout the process.
You will also be responsible for managing a caseload of student cases, ensuring that they progress efficiently through the relevant procedures while adhering to the expectations of regulatory bodies such as the Office for Students and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. Your role will involve close collaboration with Colleges, the Registry, and other key stakeholders across the University to deliver fair and timely outcomes. As part of a meticulous and solutions-oriented team, you will handle sensitive information with care, maintaining accurate case files and records in line with data protection requirements.
The position is varied, fast-paced, and offers meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on students’ university experiences. This role also provides excellent networking opportunities, both within the University and through external practitioner groups.
This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference, supporting students in achieving academic success and ensuring their voices are heard through robust and fair casework processes.
Minimum Requirements
We are seeking a skilled professional educated to HND level or with the equivalent work-based experience. A qualification in investigation management or a proven track record of managing complex investigations is essential.
Responsibilities
* To manage appropriate methods of investigation in relation to reports of Sexual Misconduct or complex interpersonal Student Conduct cases.
* Plan and undertake methods and strategies of investigation.
* Identify what additional information is required to investigate cases.
* Identify and coordinate support for students who are vulnerable or in crisis. In collaboration with colleagues across the institution and external agencies.
* Identify risks and decide when risk is sufficiently high in a case that line management and/or other support is needed.
* Collate and maintain accurate case files, in line with data handling procedures and external guidelines and expectations.
* Prepare detailed and thorough investigation reports which stand up to internal and external scrutiny.
* Represent and present investigation outcomes at internal conduct panels to decision makers.
Case Management
* Manage an agreed caseload of student cases under the University’s procedures for student appeals, complaints, conduct and disciplinary cases, and academic offences.
* Prepare complex documentation for student cases to ensure compliance within expected timeframes, effective service delivery and in accordance with University procedures and external guidelines.
* Make informed and defensible decisions that are accurately recorded in case of later scrutiny.
* Identify and decide where escalation / support is required from the Student Policy and Regulations Senior Officer, or where other specialist input is required.
* Negotiate and influence mutually agreeable outcomes for student case work that balances the requirement to find a solution whilst protecting the University’s regulations and regulatory responsibilities.
* Monitor and maintain accurate and confidential documentation relating to individual student casework, for use in securing timely and accurate completion of casework.
* Explain regulatory and procedural information or other complex issues/solutions to staff and students.
* Provide specialist advice to staff working with student cases, some complex, and to students themselves.
* Act as a critical friend to internal investigators and decision makers.
* Work collegially with wider Registry staff, staff in Colleges and Departments at all levels of the University, to ensure the implementation of effective and efficient processes.
* Contribute to the development of a community of practice, including supporting the delivery of training for staff.
* Support the wider work of the Registry across its central and college-facing teams, providing an excellent student and staff experience, and assisting in key University operational activities and events e.g. clearing, graduation, enrolment, awards ceremonies etc.
Experience
* Demonstrable experience in interpreting and applying complex regulations effectively.
* Demonstrated expertise in both practical and theoretical aspects of managing complex casework.
* Experience in investigating sensitive and multifaceted student cases, ensuring a high degree of professionalism.
* Experienced in fostering collaboration across organizational boundaries to achieve shared objectives.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
* Deep understanding of external requirements for maintaining academic standards and ensuring quality assurance.
* Comprehensive knowledge of policies and procedures for managing student cases, academic appeals, and conduct-related investigations in Higher Education.
* Expertise in legal and regulatory frameworks concerning complaints, academic appeals, and student-related investigations.
* Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
* Exceptional composure and emotional resilience when addressing challenging or distressing situations.
* Capable of supporting informed judgments involving complex scenarios that require detailed analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of multiple options.
* Proven ability to improve service delivery through responsive feedback mechanisms in a service-oriented environment.
* Proficient in producing professional, accurate written communications and comprehensive reports.
* Adept at devising innovative, root-cause-focused solutions to complex problems.
* Thorough understanding and application of data protection principles and compliance requirements.
* Strong data handling capabilities, including the ability to collect, verify, analyse, and present complex datasets appropriately.
* Consistent delivery of excellent customer service, offering clear advice and guidance to diverse stakeholders.
* Professional, self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently and proactively.
* Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, working across teams to build effective relationships that ensure the best result.
* Solid understanding and application of regulations, such as GDPR.
* Confident in leveraging a broad range of digital tools and technologies, including advanced Microsoft Office applications.
* Highly organised, with a methodical, creative, and detail-oriented approach to data collation and management.
* Excellent minute-taking and report-writing skills, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
How to apply
You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.
If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@derby.ac.uk .
Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
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