Accessibility & Disability Student Advocate

Job description

Working Hours: 5 -7 hours per week

This role is only open to current University of Hertfordshire students

Main duties and responsibilities:

Definition of Disability: The term &slshquot;disability&slshquot; throughout this document refers to any condition which has a long-term effect on an individual's ability to engage with some or all activities of daily life. Disability is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and can include physical health conditions, neurodivergence, specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), or mental health difficulties.

The role of the Accessibility & Disability Student Advocate is to work collaboratively with the University to understand the lived experiences of students with disabilities, and to contribute actively to developing inclusive practices across both the academic curriculum and the wider student experience.

This is a pivotal, high-profile role where you will make a direct contribution to the University's strategic commitment to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, while sharing and developing best practices.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience of a disability or demonstrable experience of working with or supporting disabled people. We are seeking an organised, proactive individual with effective team-working skills. We actively encourage applications from students who represent the diverse intersectionality of our student community.

Full training, mentorship, and ongoing support will be provided for this role.

Awareness of inclusive practices and strategic contribution:

• To contribute student perspectives to departmental action plans, including initiatives aimed at closing non-attainment/awarding gaps for disabled students.
• To collaborate with academic and professional staff to improve inclusive approaches to teaching, learning, and the broader student journey. For Advocates assigned to Academic Schools, this may include assisting with virtual learning environment (VLE) module site reviews, student-facing communications, social media engagement, and in-person events.
• To seek opportunities to work alongside professional Strategic Business Units (SBUs) on targeted projects (e.g., Careers and Employment, Dean of Students, and Marketing).
• To gain deep insights into the experiences of disabled students by gathering feedback through discussions, polls, surveys, and focus groups.
• To handle, analyse, and disseminate student experience and performance data in an appropriate, ethical, and sensitive manner.

Community and belonging for disabled students:

• To foster and maintain safe, welcoming spaces where disabled students across the University can voice concerns, seek peer guidance, and share their experiences of studying at UH.

• To support, design, and deliver events and opportunities tailored to students who identify as disabled.

• To raise awareness among the wider, non-disabled student body regarding the barriers and issues faced by disabled students.

• To support and develop student-led campaigns related to accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion.

• To perform other duties as reasonably determined by the Head of Accessibility & Disability.

Skills and Qualifications:

The following core values inform and sustain all our activities at the University of Hertfordshire. We aspire to be Friendly, Ambitious, Collegiate, Enterprising, and Student-focused (FACES). We expect the successful applicant to demonstrate and champion all these qualities.

Skills and Attributes

When writing your personal statement, please ensure you provide clear evidence of how you meet the following criteria:

Essential:

• Lived experience of a disability, or experience working with or supporting disabled people.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to collect, process, and present qualitative and quantitative data clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to handle sensitive material with strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Creative problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset.
• Effective organization, reliability, and time-management skills.
• A proactive, approachable, and empathetic demeanor.

Desirable:

• Foundational knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and data privacy.
• General awareness of University policies and regulations specifically related to disability, reasonable adjustments, and inclusive practices.
• Strong digital skills (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, social media, or collaborative digital tools).

Closing Date: 27th September 2026

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Emma Diston - [email protected]

Reference Number: REQ000842

Please note we may close this advert early should we receive sufficient response

Our vision is to transform lives and UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics.

The University is required to meet UKVI visa regulations. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK will have to satisfy UKVI regulations before they can be appointed