About ARU
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading.
We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
About the Role
As a Residential Student Support Officer, you will provide out of hours safeguarding and pastoral support across our FE and HE residential community, contributing to student welfare, community engagement and inspection readiness. You will respond to welfare concerns, deliver needs‑led 1:1 pastoral meetings, support safeguarding of LBSET residents at curfew and with IRDP implementation and statutory practice, and help students feel safe, supported and connected.
You will also support the planning and delivery of welfare and community activities and events, helping to create a positive residential experience. Alongside direct student support, you will maintain accurate safeguarding and case records, monitor at‑risk students and respond to residential student welfare check requests, contributing to compliance with National Minimum Standards and SCCIF.
This is a hands‑on, out of hours, role requiring independent judgement, emotional resilience and the confidence to make safeguarding decisions within established frameworks. Through everyday interactions, safeguarding decisions and meaningful engagement, you will play a vital part in protecting and positively shaping the lives of young people in our residential community.
Working pattern
- 4 on 4 off shift pattern, 18:00 to 02:00, September to June
- Attendance at scheduled team days and pre‑term prep/training required in September (core hours – included in 1009 hours)
- Paid holiday entitlement included in salary, with designated breaks at Christmas/New Year and Easter
About you
You will bring experience of supporting young people or adults in challenging or emotionally demanding situations, ideally within a safeguarding, residential, FE or HE context. You will demonstrate empathy, resilience and sound professional judgement, alongside a clear understanding of statutory responsibilities relevant to an under 18 provision. You will need a Degree or be part qualified in a relevant professional qualification or have a demonstrable amount of experience and evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.
You will be confident working independently, able to prioritise under pressure and comfortable navigating safeguarding responsibilities within a regulated environment. Strong communication and IT skills are essential, and you will be organised and detail focused, maintaining accurate documentation to inspection standards.
Alongside this, you will have the ability to coordinate processes, liaise effectively with stakeholders and contribute to purposeful enrichment that enhances student experience.
Informal enquiries can be made to Joanne Wareham, Assistant Principal Safeguarding and Inclusion for Student & Library Services, at Jo.Wareham@aru.ac.uk.
Benefits
We offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package.
Equal Opportunity
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Right to Work
- Applicants applying from outside the UK: At this time, ARU is unable to sponsor applicants applying from overseas for a Worker Route visa.
- Applicants already in the UK: ARU is unable to offer Worker Route visa sponsorship to applicants whose salary does not meet our minimum sponsorship threshold, which aligns with roles at Grade 6 and above.
Safety and Checks
All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.
Flexibility
Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
Contact
For further information, contact Joanne Wareham at Jo.Wareham@aru.ac.uk.
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