Student Casework Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced and empathetic Student Casework Manager (Complaints and Conduct) to play a key role in safeguarding fairness, integrity, and student wellbeing across the institution.

Working in partnership with an existing Student Casework Manager, you will lead the delivery of student casework relating to complaints, disciplinary matters, and criminal conviction processes. This is a role that combines procedural rigour with compassion, requiring sound judgement, discretion, and a strong commitment to equity and transparency.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will manage and oversee complex and sensitive student cases, ensuring that all processes are handled lawfully, consistently, and in line with sector expectations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on high-risk and complex casework, including cases involving sexual misconduct
• Supporting and clerking Student Misconduct Panel Hearings
• Advising senior decision-makers to ensure outcomes are proportionate, defensible, and compliant with University regulations
• Acting as the University’s primary liaison with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) on complaints escalation
• Identifying and mitigating institutional legal and reputational risk
• Strengthening systems, procedures, training, and guidance across complaints and conduct processes
• Keeping practice aligned with national developments in safeguarding, student discipline, and higher education regulation
• You will work closely with colleagues across Professional Services and Academic Schools, contributing to a joined-up, student-centred approach.

Who We’re Looking For

You will be an experienced casework professional with a strong investigative background and a trauma-informed approach to managing sensitive matters.

You will bring:

• Proven experience handling complex, emotionally demanding cases
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and impartial under pressure
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational and IT skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and advising on risk

You will be educated to degree level (or equivalent) and ideally have experience within higher education, public sector casework, safeguarding, or the criminal justice system.

A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential, and you will be experienced in embedding inclusive practice into your everyday work.

About the Student Experience Division

The Student Experience Division exists to ensure that every student at Sussex feels supported, heard, and empowered to succeed. Led by the Director of Student Experience, the division brings together services including:

• Complaints and Conduct
• Student Wellbeing
• Academic Quality
• Careers and Entrepreneurship
• Advice and Guidance
• Student Data and Records

The division works closely with academic Schools and professional teams to enhance student outcomes and uphold institutional standards.

Why Work at Sussex?

The University of Sussex is a globally recognised, research-led institution located next to the South Downs National Park. Our 150-acre campus offers excellent transport links, cycle-to-work schemes, and discounted on-site parking.

We believe our people are central to our success and are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment.

You may find the following UK government resources helpful:

Employment rights and status in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/employment-status

Safeguarding and protecting individuals:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children–2

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the University of Sussex vacancies page and submit your application online.

Closing date: 5 January 2026 (04:59 AM UK time)
Expected interviews: 21–23 January 2026
Expected start date: February / March 2026

For informal enquiries, please contact:
Katharine Travis
k.travis@sussex.ac.uk

The University of Sussex values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All work for the University must be carried out in the UK. Visa sponsorship may be available subject to eligibility.