DANCOP Outreach Facilitator (0241-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB

DANCOP Outreach Facilitator ) - Derby, DE22 1GB

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Partnership (DANCOP) is a Uni Connect partnership led by the University of Derby, including the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Chesterfield College, Nottingham College, Derby College Group, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, and University of Derby Buxton. DANCOP works in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders including EMCCA Careers Hub and Local Authorities. 

The purpose of DANCOP is to work closely with partnership higher educational institutions and colleges to help improve social mobility, focusing on raising educational standards from early years, through school and beyond; inspiring young people to shape their own futures. 

About the Role

DANCOP are seeking an Outreach Facilitator to join our high performing Collaboration and Engagement team. This diverse and rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people aged 11 to 19 across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. 

Working closely with our community partners, you will help ensure DANCOP's outreach activities achieve maximum reach and impact, delivering engaging, relevant and high-quality programmes that are effectively monitored and evaluated.

As an Outreach Facilitator, you will support the development, delivery and evaluation of the outreach programme and associated activities, contributing to the achievement of our Office for Students (OfS) objectives. The role involves designing and delivering engaging outreach initiatives that raise awareness of higher education opportunities, increase attainment, and inspire ambition among young people from groups currently under-represented in higher education. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual who is passionate about widening participation, empowering learners, and helping them realise their future aspirations.

As a significant part of the role involves delivering activities and building relationships in schools and colleges across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, regular travel is required. Candidates must therefore have the flexibility to travel and work between university and external sites in a cost effective and timely manner.

This is a fixed term contract until 30th June 2027.

Anticipated interview date:  Thursday 1st October 2026

About You

We are looking for someone who has first-hand experience of higher education and a strong understanding of the challenges that can prevent young people from accessing it. You will be passionate about widening participation and committed to helping young people realise their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will be engaging with a diverse range of young people, many of whom may face significant barriers to opportunity. Your ability to build positive relationships, inspire confidence and communicate effectively will be key to success in this role.

The role is varied and fast-paced, requiring the ability to balance multiple priorities and manage competing demands while maintaining your own wellbeing and resilience.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives. Flexibility is important, as the role will occasionally require evening and weekend working to support events and outreach activities.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Denise Jelly, Head of DANCOP via  

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our  website  for more information.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the  DBS website  at interview stage.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here .

Closing Date: 20 Sep 2026

Area: Operational Support

Salary: £28,807 to £30,125 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £34,643.75 per annum)