Senior International Student Adviser 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 Head of Student Immigration Compliance and Advice, the Senior International Student Adviser will be the first point of contact for the University of Law’s international students accessing immigration advice. This role will be responsible for the provision of specialist immigration advice to prospective and current students on Tier 4 and other immigration routes. This is an important role for the University as the International market is a core part of its strategy. 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
Senior International Student Adviser Main Function of Job
The primary functions of this post are:
Main Function of Job
• To be a first point of contact for The University of Law’s international students accessing immigration advice • To be responsible for the provision of specialist immigration advice to prospective and current students on Tier 4 and other immigration routes • To coordinate and implement front-line support to staff and students at induction and through in-person meetings and drop-in sessions • To work with the Head of Student Immigration Compliance and Advice and Head of Student Support Services in the development of the service and on initiatives to enhance the student experience
Department Academic Registry / Student Immigration Compliance and Advice Reporting to Head of Student Immigration Compliance and Advice Location London Bloomsbury Direct Reports International Student Adviser
Reporting Line
The post-holder will report to the Head of Student Immigration Compliance and Advice.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Specific Responsibilities
Service Delivery
• Coordinate the provision of specialist immigration advice and casework for international applicants and current students through a variety of methods, including in-person meetings, comprehensive written guidance and webinars • Develop and implement a regular drop-in service for applicants and current students and individual appointments where required • Provide specialist immigration advice on study and visa implications following a change of circumstances e.g. intermissions and withdrawals • Develop and implement regular advice sessions for students applying for further leave to remain under Tier 4 and visa extensions • Accurately interpret and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant Home Office legislation and regulations and good practice within the sector • Provide confidential immigration advice within the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC) guidelines, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) Code of Practice and UKCISA / Association of International Student Advisers (AISA) Code of Ethics • Ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date case notes and statistics in line with University procedures and OISC guidelines • Work closely with academic staff, Admissions Managers, Head of International Recruitment and Student Services to share information on individual student cases subject to the University’s Confidentiality and Privacy policies • Liaise with the Visa Compliance Manager on ongoing complex student cases • Contribute to the development of policies and procedures within Student Immigration Compliance and Advice. • Maintain the guidance and information available to students and staff across all publications, including information contained on the University website • Undertake regular training and continuing professional development through attendance of conferences, peer networks and workshops • Maintain excellent working relationships with external agencies including UKCISA and the Home Office and represent the University at external events
Specific Responsibilities
• •
Other duties
• Work with the Head of Student Immigration Compliance and Advice, Head of Student Support Services and International Recruitment Team on initiatives to enhance the international student experience at The University of Law • To participate in International Student Advice and Visa Compliance activities and team meetings, as well as those of the wider Academic Registry • Undertake any other duties as required by the Head of Student Immigration Compliance and Advice consistent with the nature of the role • The job holder will be required to work flexibly, particularly during peak periods July to October • Travel between the University’s campuses will be required for events such as rollover sessions for international students
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-operate 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 to be read in conjunction with the relevant Roles and Responsibilities Career Level document.
This job description is correct at 15 December 2019. 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 • Educated to degree level or equivalent • High level of numeracy and literacy Experience
Training & Education
Experience
Skills & Knowledge
Essential • Evidenced commitment to working with international students in a higher education context • Detailed knowledge of UK immigration law as it relates to prospective and current students • Experience of providing specialist immigration advice Desirable • Knowledge of the requirements of the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner, preferably at Level 2 • Experience of supervising staff Skills & Knowledge Essential • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex or sensitive information in an appropriate manner and format to students and staff • Demonstrable ability to interpret complex legislation and regulations and communicate them clearly and effectively to different audiences • Proven ability to provide a high standard of service accurately and professionally within a confidential framework • Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to large groups • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential data in an appropriate manner and review data handling processes in line with legal requirements • Highly competent at analysing student data to anticipate service delivery and identify potential issues in international student immigration Desirable • Knowledge of other areas of UK immigration law, such as dependant and work visas • Ability to create and maintain web-based content
Behavioural Skills
Special Circumstances
Behavioural Skills
Essential • Ability to work effectively as part of a team both as part of SICA and with colleagues in other departments • Ability to develop and maintain internal and external networks • Self-motivated and able to work effectively without close supervision, while having the confidence to raise issues and areas of concern • Ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload with conflicting priorities and meet deadlines • Ability to engage proactively in the future planning of the department by exploring and identifying stakeholder needs • Ability to set boundaries within the role and emphasise while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries Special Circumstances Essential • Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet demands of the role • Travel between the University’s two London campuses will be required and to other campuses for certain events • 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 9th Febrary 2020.
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