The Role
in Summary
As Deputy Head, you will be responsible to the Head of School and Dean of Faculty for academic leadership in the School of PSS, and will work with the Dean, other Faculty role-holders, and Professional Services in realising the strategic objectives of the University and Faculty. You will demonstrate effective leadership and management of the academic staff and activity within the School, ensuring excellence in student experience and outcomes and high-quality, research-informed teaching.
The Deputy Head will support the Head of School in integrating the various disciplines within PSS, encouraging a collaborative way of working that helps to unlock the potential of these teams. You will also support the Head of School and Dean in developing our plans for growth, helping to drive forward the future sustainability of the institution.
The Deputy Head will role-model our University values so that we continue to be the place to become for both students and staff.
Terms of the Role Secondment
Following successful reviews at six and then 12 months, the role-holder will remain in their seconded post for a further three-year term.
At the end of the total four-year term, there will be a further opportunity for Faculty colleagues to apply for the role, as this is intended as a leadership and management development opportunity. The incumbent role-holder(s) may re-apply.
Similarly, should the need arise, the University reserves the right to terminate the secondment early, although this would not be done without a valid reason and with reasonable notice to the incumbent.
The role will attract a maximum of 600 workload hours, with the remaining FTE available for teaching and other academic activity. A responsibility allowance of £2,000 per 500-hour allocation will be paid, adjusted pro-rata as appropriate.
The role of Deputy Head of PSS may be undertaken entirely by one person, or shared between two. Applicants should state on which basis they would like to be considered (or express an interest in both).
Responsibility allowance for a single Deputy Head of School (600 hrs): £2,400 Responsibility allowance for two Deputy Heads (300 hrs): £1,200 each
Selection Process
Applicants will be assessed against the following elements, which cross-refer to the Job Description and Person Specification:
* Experience of leading teams to excellent student outcomes
* Experience of successful collaboration with wider stakeholders internal to the University
* Internal quality assurance processes and external regulation for Higher Education
* Higher Education policy and best practice
* An expertise that sits within the School’s or Department’s offer
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills
* Work-force planning using workload models and motivating diverse teams
* University values, policies on equal opportunities, health and safety at work and responsible employment practice
The selection will consist of the submission of a CV and cover letter via our recruitment team with the usual application route, followed by an interview if successfully shortlisted.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 17 April 2026.
There will then be a shortlist of applicants invited for interview. The panel will consist of:
* Michael Bradshaw, Dean of the Faculty
* Sarah Bayless, Head of the School of Psychology & Social Sciences
* Rachel Locke, Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health
The interview will be no more than an hour in length.
Interviews will take place on a date to be confirmed.
To apply, please access your iHR and click the silhouette icon far right on the top menu ribbon and then select ‘useful links’ and then ‘internal jobs’. This will take you to the web recruitment page where you will be logged in as an internal user. Please navigate to the role, select ‘Apply online’ and complete the application form.
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