Residential Support Officers (RSOs) are responsible to the Head of Residential Support for the provision of an efficient and effective service to residential students and provide a critical role in keeping the campus safe. This includes supporting the Duty Team with pastoral, health and wellbeing support to ensure the safety and safeguarding of students is paramount and at the forefront of the Residential Support team’s practice and in accordance with the appropriate regulatory frameworks (Social Care Common Inspection Framework/National Minimum Standards). Whilst the main focus of this role is student focused, Night RSOs are responsible for the safety and security of all Hartpury buildings, the estate, property and people. In addition, the role is responsible for the protection of students, staff and all visitors to the Hartpury campus and to prevent and deter crime.
Whilst the Residential Support team support all students living on the Hartpury campus, there is a strong focus on those aged under 18.
About You
You’ll be a calm, dependable, and proactive individual who takes pride in supporting young people and keeping them safe. With a caring yet professional approach, you’ll be confident managing a wide range of situations, from offering pastoral and wellbeing support to ensuring the security of our residential community overnight. You’ll have excellent communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
You’ll share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student, helping to maintain a safe, supportive and positive residential environment.
Desirable experience and qualifications:
1. Experience of working in a residential, educational and / or safeguarding setting.
2. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and the ability to apply them in practice.
3. First Aid or Mental Health First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).
4. A good understanding of young people’s pastoral needs, particularly those aged 16–18.
5. Confidence using basic IT systems for record keeping and communication.
6. Full UK driving license (desirable but not essential).
We offer a fantastic package of including:
7. Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
8. 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays rising to 30 days with length of service
9. Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
10. Generous pension scheme (LGPS)
11. Employee Discounts Scheme
12. Onsite fitness facilities
13. Cycle to Work Scheme
14. Support for continuous professional development
15. Flexible working opportunities available
16. Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
About Us
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas.A passionate and innovative business culture and exceptional support networks make Hartpury an ideal career choice.
Hartpury is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We particularly welcome applicants that we are underrepresented in, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and those living with disabilities. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, please click .
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.