Support Roles in Further Education
Support roles in Further Education encompass a wide range of non-teaching jobs. They are the roles that support the teaching staff and students in their academic and social endeavours by providing administrative and maintenance services.
Support staff are a vital part of Further Education institutions, they provide the support that keeps the college operational from a managerial and regulatory standpoint which leaves the educators to focus on teaching and learning.
Some key areas of support roles fall under:
Administration and Management
This includes departmental administrations, managers, receptionists, admission officers, supervisors and coordinators.
They are the foundation of any sector, completing the everyday administrative tasks that keep the college running, as well as coordinating students and staff alike through timetabling, recording keeping and staying up to date and implementing policies.
Student Support
Student support roles can overlap with administration but have more student-centred duties. These roles can include attendance officer, progress coach, inclusion officer, safeguarding officer, work-placement coordinator, careers advisor, and counsellor.
These professionals are key to keeping students safe and achieving to the best of their academic and social abilities. They work hand in hand with the teaching staff, students and their guardians.
Estates and Facilities Management
Estates and facilities staff ensure the college is physically maintained and safe for use. Positions can comprise of estates and facilities manager, maintenance technician, caretaker, groundskeeper, health and safety officer, cleaner, security, and environmental/sustainability officer.
Library Services
Library staff play an important role in supporting staff and students in their research and academic undertakings. Managing both digital and physical resources, staff can have a range of responsibilities.
Roles include librarian, digital resources librarian, information literacy officer, archivist, acquisition officer, and library services manager.
Corporate/Operational Support Staff
This incorporates a variety of roles that support the organisation’s infrastructure and operations across departments.
Human resources manage the college’s staff from recruitment, onboarding, retention, pensions and salary, performance management and training.
They are a key part of the creation and implementation of policies for both staff and students, as well as initiatives for diversity and inclusion.
Finance and accounting involve handling the finances of the college, from budgeting, procurement and payroll, they ensure the college’s resources are being used effectively and in compliance with internal and external policies and regulations.
Professionals in marketing and communications oversee the institution’s public relations, advertising, branding, and communication strategies.
They are responsible for both internal and external communications and may engage in student recruitment, alumni relations, and community engagement.
Information technology (IT) is often the backbone of any institution. They manage technological infrastructure and services fundamental to the college’s operations.
Roles can include data management and security, technical support, learning technologist, website developer, and network administrator.
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