Assistant Student Recruitment and Access Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the team

UK Student Recruitment & Outreach plays a central role in supporting the University’s mission to attract talented students and widen access to higher education. The team works closely with schools, colleges, students, and families to provide clear, accurate, and inspiring information about higher education pathways and opportunities.

This work aligns closely with national priorities around access, participation, and social mobility, including those set out by the UK government and the Office for Students

The opportunity

This role offers an excellent entry point into the higher education sector and is particularly well suited to a recent graduate or placement student with strong organisational and communication skills. You will be part of a friendly, outward-facing team and will contribute directly to activities that support fair access and informed decision-making for prospective students.

The University has ambitious recruitment and widening participation goals, and this position plays a practical and visible role in helping to achieve them by working with schools and colleges across the UK.

What you will do

Your work will span three main areas:

1. Recruitment and outreach delivery
You will support the planning and delivery of on-campus recruitment and outreach initiatives. This includes coordinating student-led resources, helping to organise subject-specific events, and contributing to activities that showcase the University to prospective applicants.

2. External representation
You will act as a representative of the University at school-based events, higher education fairs, and outreach activities. In these settings, you will provide clear and engaging information about higher education choices and the University of Reading, supporting national access and participation objectives promoted by the Department for Education:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education

3. Enquiries and front-line support
As part of a wider enquiries team, you will respond to questions from prospective students and stakeholders via email and in person, ensuring that information shared is accurate, inclusive, and consistent with University policy.

Safeguarding and compliance

This role involves working with children and young people and is classed as a regulated activity. An Enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check is required. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

The University follows national safeguarding guidance and DBS procedures as set out by the UK government:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Information on safeguarding responsibilities in education can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2

Visa information

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker route, applicants who may require visa sponsorship are advised to review eligibility independently before applying. Visa routes can only be discussed with candidates invited to interview. Further guidance is available from UK Visas and Immigration:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

About you

You will be well organised, confident when engaging with a range of audiences, and comfortable working in both campus-based and external settings. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in education and widening participation are essential.

You will also be able to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively while representing the University in a professional and approachable manner.

Internal applications and secondments

Applications are welcomed from both external candidates and existing University staff. In line with the University’s commitment to professional development, this role may be considered on a secondment basis. Internal applicants should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and actively supports the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ equality initiatives. The University is also a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).

Flexible working arrangements, including job-share and part-time working, are welcomed where operationally possible. This approach reflects best practice and UK equality legislation supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission

Informal enquiries

For further information about the role, please contact:

• Morgan Steel, Student Recruitment & Access Officer
• Amy Fairbrother, Student Recruitment & Access Manager