Widening Participation and Development Manager

Description:

Widening Participation and Development Manager

£35,741 to £42,655

37hrs per week

Application close date: 05/07/2026

Interview Date: Friday 10 July 2026

The Role

The College is seeking to appoint a dynamic, flexible and proactive individual to lead and continuously improve the college’s participation, personal development and student voice strategy. The successful candidate will ensure all learners benefit from a high-quality, impactful and inclusive experience, with consistently high expectations and ambition for every student, including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged.

The post holder will design and implement a cohesive personal development, tutorial and enrichment offer that promotes active participation, develops learners’ knowledge, skills and behaviours, and prepares them effectively for their next steps in education, employment or training.

Working collaboratively across curriculum and support services, they will ensure that personal development is embedded within study programmes and reflects current national priorities, including safeguarding, equality, British values and careers education.

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a suitably qualified professional with a proven track record of designing and delivering impactful, engaging personal development programmes that drive high expectations and ambitious outcomes for all learners. You will bring significant experience of leading student voice and participation initiatives, ensuring inclusive engagement from all learner groups—particularly those whose voices are often underrepresented—and be able to demonstrate the positive impact of this work.

A strong understanding of Ofsted expectations in relation to inclusion, participation and personal development is essential, alongside up-to-date knowledge of national priorities such as safeguarding, Prevent, equality and careers education. You will be an effective leader with strong people management skills, able to influence, inspire and collaborate across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.

What makes Blackburn College an Employer of choice? 

You'll have access to a wide range of benefits and support, including, but not limited to:

Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7/365 helpline for advice and support 
Regular Staff Physical Activity Sessions and reduced-price gym membership
Cycle to Work Scheme
Discounted Bus Travel with the Transdev Commuter Club
Family-friendly policies
Free eye tests and contribution to VDU-use-only glasses
Several food outlets with a variety of menu choices
A full range of discounted professional Hair & Beauty services provided by the Academy Salon
Professional bakery offering a variety of fresh breads, cakes, and ready meals
Blackburn College values diversity and is committed to create a diverse workforce. Blackburn College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to a variety of pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references, medical clearance, and an enhanced DBS check