SENIOR STUDY SKILLS ADVISOR (COACHING AND ENGAGEMENT)

Senior Study Skills Advisor (coaching and engagement) (2069) Senior Study Skills Advisor (coaching and engagement)

Full Time – High Wycombe

Salary - £33,951 - £37,694

We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently – because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.

We are looking for a Senior Study Skills Advisor to join Library and Learning Services in a new role focussing on academic coaching to support our students to reach their full potential. Committed to student success, you will work directly with students to help them identify their strengths, clarify their goals, and build the confidence and strategies needed to succeed in higher education. You will design and deliver support that goes beyond traditional study skills, using a coaching-led approach to develop resilience, independence and effective long-term learning habits. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, you will help ensure early, joined-up support is in place for students who may be at risk, taking a data-informed approach to identify need, plan targeted interventions, and evaluate their impact.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• free gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Rachel Scott Halls, rachel.scotthalls@bnu.ac.uk.

All applications are to be made in full and online.

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing Date: 18th July 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 3rd August 2026

If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Sponsorship is dependent on the salary level of the position and this role can only be sponsored via the new entrant route if eligible.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

• Contribute to the design and delivery of the wider Library and Study Advice team’s offer including: research skills, digital literacy, assessment literacy and broader academic skills such as group work, presentation skills, time management and academic writing. This will include face-to-face, blended and distance learning and the production of asynchronous learning materials that promote independent learning and confidence.
• Provide targeted support for students identified as at risk of underperformance by using a coaching approach to help students assess their needs, identify goals, develop a support plan and implement solutions, promoting resilience and independence.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University to ensure cohesive support across teams students are referred to relevant services and available resources as necessary and maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Further develop the existing coaching framework to meet institutional priorities and support the team in implementing a coaching approach in their work.
• Deliver support to students through workshops and the creation of online materials to develop independent learning and confidence.
• Work closely with the Teaching and Engagement Librarians and Academic Colleges to ensure services and support are aligned to course requirements.
• Contribute to evaluation and continual development of the service by gathering, collating, and analysing data and feedback, identifying and implementing actions to enhance the student experience and outcomes.
• Promote the team across the University to ensure accessibility and maximise student participation.
• Work with teams across the University in planning and implementing broader initiatives that contribute to student success and confidence, improving the overall student experience.
• Whilst based at one campus the post holder will be expected to work regularly at our other campuses as needed.
• Contribute to the delivery of Library and Learning Services’ evening and at weekend staffing rota.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices).
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
• Supervisory duties including motivating and supporting team members, giving direction and feedback, ensuring adequate staffing cover, and have an agile approach to change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows: