ULaw - English Language Assessor

English Language Assessor Candidate Pack

The University of Law, a private university, (formerly the College of Law), is one of the UK’s leading and longest established providers of legal education and training with origins dating back to 1876 with the formation of the leading tutorial firm Gibson & Weldon and later on, with the establishment of The Law Society School of Law. In 1962 the two were amalgamated to establish The College of Law. The University was the first ever independent institution to be granted degree awarding powers, gaining University title (The University of Law) in 2012 before being bought by Global University Systems in 2015. Working right at the heart of the legal profession, the University brings together teaching of the highest quality, a focus on practical skills and innovative learning styles to deliver perfect preparation for life in legal practice and ongoing professional development. The University is in an ongoing, exciting period of growth and expansion with more than 10,000 students, circa 800 staff and 14 campuses across the UK and Hong Kong. Alongside its Legal education and training, it is also expanding its Business school offering both in the UK and in Berlin. All campuses are close to thriving commercial centres, leading law firms and have strong transport links. Each campus is a modern, well-equipped professional law school providing a comfortable and stimulating learning and working environment. The University has ambitious plans for the future and anticipates a significant increase in the number of applications in 2020/21, this is on top of two previous cycles of significant applicant growth. Reporting to the Senior English Language Assessor, the post is responsible for assessing the English language ability of international students applying to the University of Law and ensuring that the policies and processes associated with English language assessments are accurate and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. The University of Law has a dedicated Student Immigration Compliance and Advice (SICA) department which sits within the Academic Registry. The department provides advice and support to prospective and current students on UK study immigration and visa regulations. It is also responsible for ensuring that the University complies with its legal responsibilities as a Tier 4 sponsor licenced by the Home Office. SICA are based at the University’s London Bloomsbury campus, but support staff and students across all of the University’s UK locations. It is committed to ensuring the University remains fully compliant with the University’s Tier 4 sponsor duties, while providing an efficient and robust support service to our diverse international student body.

BACKGROUND

VISION, CORPORATE PLAN & STRATEGY

Vision and mission To be the global university of choice for the professions, by driving innovation in applied education to deliver outstanding employment outcomes. The University of Law exists to serve its students and their future employers by being global leaders in providing applied knowledge and skills.

Vision and Mission

Strategic Aims

Drawing on our heritage as one of the UK’s longest established law schools, we strive to build on our success through the ethos of IDEAS:

Student Focus

Widening Participation

• Innovation - for our people, campuses, technology and business practices

Innovation and Growth

• Diversity - continuously improving the quality, quantity and flexibility of our courses

People

• Employability focus - ensuring our students are in demand by firms and businesses

• Ambition – inspiring the best in our students and society

• Success - academically and professionally for all

Strategic Aims

Student focus • The quality of the student experience is key to our ethos, reputation and our ability to recruit and be commercially successful We were ranked in the Top 10 for 5 core categories in the National Student Survey 2019 and in the same year were awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework for our teaching, learning and outcomes. Our performance in the critical categories of teaching excellence and academic support for students is sector leading.

Widening participation We are committed to widening participation and diversity across all of the University’s programmes. • The University will continue to invest in alternative modes of study including part-time and online to enable the University to meet the needs of the students from the broadest possible range of backgrounds. Innovation and Growth • Our programme portfolio is constantly evolving to remain innovative, topical and relevant • Our reach is being extended through the creation of new campuses and partnerships Student Recruitment • Our reputation, and the global importance of the English legal system, position us well to increase overseas recruitment beyond our traditional UK-focused student base • We continue to grow student recruitment and develop our brand • We aim to provide a seamless approach to recruitment, ensuring clarity of offer and a genuine engagement with applicants throughout their application process • We continue to strengthen our ties with Alumni, celebrating their success and using our shared history to further enhance the student experience

People We strive to:

• Support the development of colleagues to enable the delivery of an even higher quality service • Recognise and reward strong performance

CAMPUSES

1. Birmingham

2. Bristol

3. Chester

4. Guildford Campus

5. Leeds Campus

6. London Bloomsbury Campus

7. London Moorgate Campus

8. Manchester Campus

9. Nottingham Campus (new for 2019)

10. The University of Law at UEA in Norwich (new for 2019)

11. The University of Law in Exeter

12. The University of Law in Liverpool

13. The University of Law at Reading

All of our campuses are in thriving commercial areas and offer the same fully-resourced facilities, including well equipped IT suites with PCs for DVD and i-Tutorials, comprehensive law libraries with all the latest legal texts, quiet study areas and places to relax.

14. Hong Kong Centre (new for 2019 )

Birmingham

Nottingham

Hong Kong

Guildford

Chester

Bristol

JOB DESCRIPTION

English Language Assessor Main Function of Job

Main Function of Job

• To assess the English language ability of international students applying to the University of Law and ensure that the policies and processes associated with English language assessments are accurate and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. • In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the post-holder is required to perform other duties assigned by the manager from time to time.

Main Duties

Department Academic Registry – Student Immigration Compliance and Advice Reporting to Senior English Language Assessor Location London Bloomsbury Direct Reports None

Main Duties

• Assess the English level of international students through testing the four key English language components: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. • Assist with the development of the University’s internal English Language Test (ELT). • Implement and review the University’s English Language Policy (ELP) in collaboration with the Senior English Language Assessor. • Assist with English Language interviews and recommend any appropriate changes to the process. • Conduct bespoke Speaking and Listening English language assessments using the University’s online platform. • Complete an English language assessment sheet for each student with relevant feedback on their performance, assign an IELTS equivalent score and submit this information to the Admissions Team. • Assist with the marking and standardisation of the ELT. • Advise applicants and staff on the University’s ELP and the entry requirements for all courses. • Continue to review the University’s ELP and ELT and recommend any appropriate changes needed to ensure compliance with external regulations and maintain standards. • Regularly create and update all materials for the ELT and assist with creating resources for any relevant courses.

This job description is to be read in conjunction with the relevant Roles and Responsibilities Career Level document.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required to perform other duties as assigned by the Head of International Visa Office from time to time.

The job holder has a duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons with whom they come into contact at work. The job holder also has a duty to co-op- erate with the University in complying with any statutory duty or requirement concerning health and safety at work. In particular, they must familiarise themselves with the Health and Safety Policy and its safety and fire procedures.

This job description is correct at 3 January 2020. It may vary in consultation with the post-holder to reflect changes within the market place, in the Academic Registry and the University.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Training & Education

Essential • CELTA / DELTA or equivalent academic or professional qualification • Educated to degree-level or appropriate and relevant work experience / other equivalent qualifications Desirable • Evidence of ongoing professional development and engagement with the English language sector Experience Essential • Experience in assessing international students’ English language level • Experience in creating English Language Test materials • Extensive knowledge of CEFR and EFL levels • Experience of implementing and reviewing English language policies and/or requirements Desirable • Understanding of English Language testing systems (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL etc., their levels and scores) • Experience of supporting students on Law and/or Business courses Skills & Knowledge Essential • Knowledge of different cultures gained through practical experience • Clear organisational and planning skills and the ability to use own initiative to manage workload • Excellent attention to detail • Excellent written and verbal communication skills Desirable • Knowledge of international students’ academic and welfare issues • Understanding of international student recruitment in higher education

Training & Education

Experience

Skills & Knowledge

Behavioural Skills

Special Circumstances

Behavioural Skills

Essential • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with various stake- holders • Ability to work across cultures and different cultural environments • Ability to work as part of a team, but also to work independently using one’s own initiative • Flexible approach with the ability to adapt to changes in circumstances, procedures and systems • Willingness to undertake training to develop own skills and knowledge in relation to the role (e.g. annual standardisation exercises) • Ability to maintain confidentiality and a demonstrable understanding of data protection Special Circumstances Essential • Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet demands of the role • Travel between the University’s campuses (particularly between Guildford and London) may be required • There will be some restriction on when leave may be taken at peak periods, in consultation with line manager

Application Process

The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG) .

To arrange a brief conversation please contact our advisor Sian Gardiner of MRG.

Sian Gardner E: sian.gardiner@mrgpeople.co.uk

T: 020 3962 9900 M: 07932 717 458

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and covering letter.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 15th March 2020.

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