Location: Hybrid, 2 days a week expected in our London Office for those receiving London office allowance. Those living outside the M25 can opt to not receive London Office Allowance and agree a more flexible office attendance pattern at offer stage. We are looking for participant-centred professional to shape and drive retention, belonging, and academic success initiatives on our programmes. The Principal Academic Inclusion Lead will be a qualified social worker who can strategically design, deliver, and evaluate systems that enable all participants—particularly those at risk or with additional needs—to thrive across the three year Approach Social Work Programme. As Principal Academic Inclusion Lead, you will design and lead initiatives that strengthen belonging, retention, and academic achievement for all participants — particularly those who may face additional barriers or require early support. You’ll combine strategic leadership with hands-on participant engagement, working closely with tutors, curriculum leads, and practice teams to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments where people can thrive. Key Responsibilities Creating and implementing a proactive framework to identify participants requiring early intervention, informed by data and tutor insight. Designing universal and targeted academic skills support, including study skills provision for offer-holders assessed as needing early help. Leading a comprehensive Participant Success and Belonging Programme to foster community, peer networks, and inclusive practice. Strategically delivering pastoral support and advising on retention systems across the programme. Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion to reduce awarding gaps and structural barriers through leadership of the community spaces Training and developing internal practice tutors and curriculum leads in effective academic skills guidance and culturally responsive tutoring. Monitoring impact through clear metrics, reporting outcomes, and refining approaches for continuous improvement. Demonstrate expertise in higher education participant support, commitment to social justice, and the ability to influence strategic change that empowers participants. Lead and participate in teaching, marking, moderation and dissertation supervision Provide line management and leadership within the chief social worker directorate Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Experience and Knowledge Creating and implementing a proactive framework to identify participants requiring early intervention, informed by data and tutor insight. Register social worker in England Strong understanding of postgraduate student support, retention strategies, and success merits Excellent knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and strategies to reduce awarding gaps Excellent knowledge of social work practice and education Proven track record in designing and delivering academic and/or pastoral support at higher education level Experience creating early intervention systems for participants at risk of non-progression or underachievement Demonstrated success in leading initiatives to improve belonging and community for diverse participant cohorts Experience training or mentoring staff in tutoring, study skills, or student support approaches Characteristics and Skills Ability to analyse participant data and translate insights into targeted action using Salesforce and other software. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage participants and colleagues from varied backgrounds Strategic planning and organisational skills to design, implement, and evaluate support programmes Commitment to culturally responsive, participant-centred practice Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence stakeholders at programme and institutional levels Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice Empathy, integrity, and a proactive approach to removing barriers to participant success Commitment to Frontline’s culture of Freedom and Responsibility. Benefits Flexible working hours Competitive pension employer contribution 25 days annual leave bank holidays office closes from 25 Dec to 1 Jan Buy up to five days annual leave a year Interest free loan for season ticket Personal coaching and mentoring Cycle loan scheme Deposit loan scheme Volunteering days Employee assistance programme Life Assurance Scheme (x3 salary)