1The professional University

APPOINTMENT OF the head of school of applied social studies

www.rgu.ac.uk

CONTENTS

the oPPORTUNITY

FACULTY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

SCHOOL OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES

A CLEAR FUTURE

THE PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

TRACK RECORD

ROLE PROFILE

CANDIDATE PROFILE

ABERDEEN CITY AND SHIRE

CORPORATE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

ORGANISATION CHART

SUMMARY OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

HOW TO APPLY

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’THE TOP MODERN UNIVERSITY IN THE UK’ IN ‘THE TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE’

THE OPPORTUNITY

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THE UNIVERSITY PRIDES ITSELF IN PRODUCING

HIGHLY VALUED GRADUATES FOR THE HEALTH

AND SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONS AS WELL AS THE

SOCIAL SCIENCE AND SCIENCE SECTORS. INDEED,

OUR CLEAR FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

COUPLED WITH STRONG LINKS TO THE PUBLIC AND

THIRD SECTORS AND TO THE SCIENCE INDUSTRY,

MEANS THE UNIVERSITY HAS ONE OF THE UK’S BEST

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT RECORDS.

By 2013 our “Estates Master Plan” will have provided us with

the best riverside campus in Europe. This, together with our

Virtual Learning Environment, will assure continued provision

of a first class learning experience for all our students, both on

and off campus.

We are seeking to build upon our reputation for excellence

in Social Work and Social Sciences education, research and

“business interaction”. As Head of School, you will be at

the heart of this, seeking to accelerate the pace of change,

focusing on strategy and national policy and responding to the

educational needs of the workforce, locally, nationally

and internationally.

This is a superb opportunity for a respected, ambitious leader,

with the appropriate professional qualifications.

- THREE YEARS IN A ROW

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faculty of health and Social care

The Faculty is one of the leading providers of applied,

practitioner focused education for Social Care, Health and

Science. Currently there are approximately 3,500 undergraduate

and postgraduate students studying across the Faculty in the

Schools of Applied Social Studies, Health Sciences, Nursing

and Midwifery and Pharmacy and Life Sciences. Our Schools

offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate

professional qualifying courses, the majority of which are

approved by professional and statutory and or regulatory bodies.

These include the Scottish Social Services Council, General

Pharmaceutical Council, the Health Professionals Council, as well

as the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The Faculty takes pride in preparing students to meet the ever

changing needs of the Health and Social Care sectors and the

advances in laboratory science, so that, as graduates, they can

make a contribution to meeting the needs and expectations

of patients and clients, as well as supporting our local

communities and the wider population.

Inter-professional Education (IPE) is a key component in the

majority of our courses. Working in interdisciplinary teams

and learning alongside a range of other professionals provides

students with an invaluable experience that reflects the

workplace of today.

The Practice Development and the Pharmacy Practice Centres

play a key role in preparing students for placement and

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future practice. These Centres are recognised as leading the

field in simulation and offer students the opportunity for the

development of professional skills. The use of Volunteer Patients

further enhances the fidelity of this learning experience. The

strong practice focus of all of the courses ensures that all our

graduates are fit for purpose when they enter the workplace. As

a result the Faculty enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality

of its graduates who are in high demand by employers both in

the UK and increasingly internationally.

Working in partnership with our stakeholders we have

developed a range of courses to meet the needs of the public

sector for role development, service redesign and continuing

professional development. Examples include the Postgraduate

Certificate Mental Health Officer Award and the Graduate

Certificate Practise Learning Qual (Social Services) as well

as courses for assistant practitioners for example the DipHE

Radiographic Studies.

Building on the Faculty’s outstanding performance in the 2008

Research Assessment Exercise, the University has established

three Research Institutes to continue the development of

multidisciplinary research. Staff continue to be successful in

attracting research grants from a range of funding bodies and

organizations including the Chief Scientist’s Office, the Scottish

Government Health Department, Local Authorities, the

Scottish Government, and the Ministry of Defence.

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SCHOOL OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES

THE SCHOOL OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES IS ONE OF

FOUR SCHOOLS WITHIN THE FACULTY OF HEALTH

AND SOCIAL CARE AND IS THE LARGEST PROVIDER

OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION IN SCOTLAND. IT

HAS APPROXIMATELY 610 UNDERGRADUATE AND

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND 360 DISTANCE

LEARNING STUDENTS.

Recognised as leaders in its field by the Scottish Government,

the School is well known and respected throughout the UK,

particularly with organisations such as Centre for Excellence for

Looked after Children in Scotland (CELCIS). The School was

the first provider of distance learning Social Work education in

the United Kingdom.

The School is committed to its successful working partnership

with Social Work agencies, which contribute to its outstanding

graduate employment record through the close involvement

of employers and practitioners in course planning, delivery and

practice supervision. The School also benefits from a high level

of involvement from service users and carers in the selection of

its Social Work students, and in their subsequent teaching and

assessment. These partnerships ensure that all its courses are

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always relevant to current practice. The School has a growing

research profile in Sociology and Psychology with staff research

and publications in these disciplines underpinning the BA

(Hons) Applied Social Sciences degree.

The School currently has around 45 academic staff delivering

its courses. Over half of the academic staff are qualified and

experienced Social Work practitioners who have specialist

knowledge of a wide range of Social Work settings. These

include, child care, older people, disability, social work law,

social work methods, substance misuse, criminal justice,

residential and community care. Other staff have a variety

of academic social science backgrounds in; Psychology,

Sociology, Law, Social Philosophy/Ethics and Research

Methods. The School’s staff provide the students with a

creative range of learning experiences integrating e-learning,

face to face teaching and skills development. The enthusiasm

and commitment of the School’s staff is highly valued by

students and is reflected by the excellent student feedback

described by the National Student Survey (NSS).

The School is actively involved in offering Continuing

Professional Development to those staff who are working in

Social Work/Social Care and many other areas of work. This

includes staff who are working for Local Authorities, Health

Trusts, the Third Sector and Private Organisations. The School

provides post qualifying courses in Social Work/Social Care

and contributes to the practice teaching and Mental Health

Officer training programmes in the North East of Scotland.

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The School has received a number of accolades over the years.

Working in collaboration with the University’s own Aberdeen

Business School and an external training provider, the Taylor

Clarke Partnership, the School won “The Scottish Training Award

– Partnership and Collaboration” for the development and

delivery of a leadership course for Social Work middle managers.

This provision was commissioned and funded by the Scottish

Executive/Scottish Government.

The School is also committed to Inter-Professional Education.

The underpinning philosophy for IPE is to achieve the goal of

developing practitioners who are confident and comfortable

with their uni-professional identity and capable of embracing

inter-professional collaboration and team working for the

benefit of quality care. The main stakeholders of the Aberdeen

IPE initiative are the Faculty of Health and Social Care at Robert

Gordon University including the Schools of Applied Social

Studies, Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Health Sciences, and the

School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen. Ten

disciplines are involved: Diagnostic Radiography, Dietetics,

Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Nutrition, Occupational

Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Social Work.

UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

The School of Applied Social Studies delivers the following

courses:

BA (Hons) Applied Social SciencesBA (Hons) Social Work (SSSC*)BA (Hons) Social Work by Distance Learning (SSSC)BA (Hons) Social Work (Residential Child Care) by Distance Learning (SSSC)PGDip/MSc Social Work (SSSC)Graduate Certificate Practice Learning Qualification (Social Services) (SSSC)Post Graduate Certificate Mental Health Officer Award (SSSC)Graduate Certificate Working with Abuse and Abuse Related Trauma

*Scottish Social Services Council

Social Work

All our Social Work courses provide the knowledge and skills

necessary for registration with the Scottish Social Services

Council. Currently the Social Work group provides three

undergraduate courses leading to the BA (Hons) Social Work

(one full-time and two distance learning); a Postgraduate

Diploma / MSc Social Work; and an array of short courses

and post-qualifying courses. The School is part of the Centre

for Excellence for Looked after Children in Scotland (CELCIS)

and provides education, training and consultancy to staff in

residential child care units.

Students are taught about all aspects of Social Work practice,

including community and residential care, Social Work with

families and children and within the criminal justice system

along with sociology, psychology, ethics, assessment,

intervention and law. Those students undertaking an

Honours degree are, in addition, introduced to management,

interdisciplinary work, research and evaluation of practice/

service delivery.

Applied Social Sciences

The BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences offers modules in

psychology, sociology, politics, social policy and health. The

course prepares students for employment in many fields of

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people-centred work such as the Social Care professions,

further research, teaching, human resource management

and the police. The emphasis throughout the course is on the

applied nature of the subjects studied, thus equipping students

with key transferable and employment-related skills giving

graduates a wide range of employment opportunities.

RESEARCH

The School of Applied Social Studies are committed to

conducting high-quality research in Psychology, Social Work and

Sociology. The School’s policy based and theoretically informed

empirical research reflects its engagement with academic and

public sector stakeholders in local, national and international

issues. Innovative research is undertaken within the academic

disciplines and in interdisciplinary collaborations within the

School and University and with other institutions. The School

encourages specialised expertise in research-led teaching within

an inclusive research culture that extends to postgraduates

and undergraduates. The success of this can be measured by

the School’s burgeoning research activities and the extent that

research underpins its highly regarded teaching programmes.

Key areas of research within the School include the sociology

of Islam, homelessness, wellbeing in schools, the emotional

sociology of health, substance abuse and self harm. The

School is also a major publisher text books in Social Work and

the Social Sciences.

A number of staff from the School are seconded to one of

two of the University’s Research Institutes: The Institute of

Health and Welfare Research or The Institute for Management,

Governance and Society Research. The Institute for Health and

Welfare Research is a multi-disciplinary research centre that

focuses its activities on addressing major issues around the

diagnosis, prevention, treatment, care and welfare of patients.

The Institute for Management, Governance and Society

Research’s mission is to enable excellence in multidisciplinary

research, high value knowledge-based solutions; and

empowerment of enterprise, business development,

management and governance within a global knowledge

society.

Staff Resources

The School is managed by the Head of School who is

supported by an Associate Head, an Administration Manager

and a number of senior lecturers. The administrative staff

report to the School Administration Manager.

The staff complement comprises 7 senior lecturers, 38 lecturers

and 10 administrative staff.

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ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY HAS A VERY CLEAR

FUTURE, SET OUT IN OUR STRATEGIC PLAN.

BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS AND OUR PROGRESS

TO DATE, WE ARE ONE OF THE BEST MODERN

UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK, IN AN INCREASINGLY

CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT

In achieving our objectives, we will be clear about the markets

which we serve and the services we deliver. We will be

responsive to the changing environment and developments

in the economy and society. Ongoing development and

continuous improvement will help to ensure that we set the

benchmark for quality in all aspects of our work.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Student experience: Enrich the all-round experience of our

students through their engagement with the University

• Teaching and learning: Enhance the quality and relevance

of our taught provision

• Access for all: Increase the diversification of our student

population

• Learning through life: Expand our provision of corporate

programmes and life-long learning opportunities

• Research and commercialisation: Grow our

internationally excellent research and knowledge

exchange activities and reputation

• A sustainable future: Secure our economic and

environmental sustainability

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

We have assessed the factors which will be critical to our

success as follows:

• Sustain our Scottish Funding Council and international

student numbers in a more challenging competitive

environment

• Generate a major revenue stream from business interaction

activities for the value that we add

• A relentless focus on quality which will help to maintain

and develop our reputation – an excellent student

experience from first point of contact through every

interface we have with students

• A focused research portfolio which underpins teaching, is

of international standing and is financially sustainable

• A workforce which is committed, resourceful and effective

• Continued financial health

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

In order to monitor progress at Board of Governors’ level, a

set of six key high level performance indicators (KPI) has been

agreed. These monitor the impact of our success or otherwise

in relation to our key strategic objectives and against the critical

success factors indentified above.

• Level of total SFC teaching funding and proportion of total

SFC teaching allocation compared with previous years

• Level and geographical sources of income from

international students compared with previous years

• Net financial contribution from business interaction over time

• Level of research grant and contract income and % full

economic cost recovery over time

• Net surplus, current ratio and borrowing over time

• Consistent high performance within the modern university

sector in national league tables

A CLEAR FUTURE

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‘PROFESSIONAL’ IS OUR WATCHWORD FOR THE WAY

WE TREAT ALL OUR STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING AND

ESPECIALLY OUR STUDENTS. IT GUIDES THE WAY WE

WORK TOGETHER, AND DEFINES WHAT WE EXPECT

FROM EACH OTHER.

THE PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

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THE UNIVERSITY TODAY

The University generates an annual group income of around

£94 million through corporate programmes, consultancy and

other business engagement, research income and fee paying or

funded students.

We currently employ approximately 1600 members of staff and

deliver courses to around 16,500 students.

Of the 16,500 students:

22% are engaged in distance learning and corporate courses

60% Full time and 40% Part time

64% Undergraduate and 36% Postgraduate students

Of the Undergraduates:

27% attend Aberdeen Business School

27% enrolled in Design and Technology courses

46% enrolled in Health and Social Care courses

Of the Postgraduates:

57% in Aberdeen Business School

24% in Design and Technology courses

19% in Health and Social Care courses

We offer an impressive range of professionally focused courses

across the arts and design, management, engineering and

computing, health and social care and the applied sciences and

technology. We are particularly focused on developing our key

areas of strength – energy, health and social care, the creative

industries and the knowledge economy.

“Robert Gordon’s branding as ‘the professional

university’ couldn’t be more appropriate. It

beats every other university in the most recent

employment figures.”

Sunday Times

“The partnership we have with Robert Gordon University not only helps to verify the high

quality of learning we provide for our people, but it also leads to a formal qualification at

degree level, which both Shell and our staff see as valuable.”

Adam Lomas Vice President, EP Learning & Development, Shell

OUR HERITAGE

The name Robert Gordon has been synonymous with

education in Aberdeen since 1750 when the original college

was founded from his bequest. With the addition of Gray’s

School of Art in 1885, the School of Pharmacy in 1898 and the

Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in 1957, the original

college has evolved over the years into a substantial university

– a leading institution of learning still able to draw upon this

rich heritage.

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THE VIRTUAL CAMPUS

The University has established a significant e-Learning capability,

based around the ‘Model’ virtual learning environment. This is

used to support an extensive range of distance learning courses

and to support the learning of on-campus students in blended

approaches. Effective use of appropriate technologies is a key

element of the University’s plans to extend distance learning

provision, including corporate learning, and to enhance the

learning experience of all students. We are, we believe, the

largest provider of online, distance learning in the UK after the

Open University. With this in mind, we are currently reviewing

our provision, marketing and corporate branding to ensure we

are capitalising on this USP.

INTERNATIONAL

Our strategy is of ‘internationalisation’ of the total student

experience for all students. This includes the curriculum, work

placements and the wider experience they have interacting

with our staff and the community. International students

have long been attracted to Robert Gordon University and

contributed much to our cultural fabric. Indeed, in recent

years, increasing numbers of international students have made

ours a truly international campus. 19% of the total student

population come from outside the EU. Expanding our cultural

and commercial links with overseas organisations has helped to

create many exciting opportunities for our staff and students to

work abroad.

Our commitment to internationalisation is evident in the

establishment of an International College at the University in

partnership with Navitas. Following the launch of the College

in September 2011, we expect to significantly increase our

recruitment of international undergraduate students at a time

when our recruitment of international postgraduate students is

coming under greater pressure.

ABERDEEN COLLEGE – AN ASSOCIATE COLLEGE

The strength of our regional commitment and also our

understanding of the social inclusion wider access agenda is

reflected in our partnership with Aberdeen College, the largest

FE College in Scotland. This is a truly outstanding alliance

recognised by the Scottish Funding Council as a model for

others. The College is an associated college of the University

and there are articulation agreements across many subject

areas leading to 2+1 and 2+2 progression.

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COMMERCIAL LINKS

Our strong links with industry have delivered corporate alliances,

CPD programmes and consultancy both in the UK and overseas.

The deployment of blended learning through the Moodle

Virtual Learning Environment is further expanding our capability

for working with corporate partners and SMEs. Enterprising

research is undertaken by groups throughout the University and

the results contribute to technology transfer and ‘spin outs’. We

have been especially successful in SMART awards.

Additionally, our commercial organisation, Univation Ltd,

continues to develop strong commercial relationships with

major energy organisations worldwide and a marketing

presence across the globe, bringing significant corporate

contracts for delivery in the UK and overseas.

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LEAGUE TABLES

“Now the top modern University in Britain and shortlisted for the University of the year, a degree from Robert Gordon University is a close to a guaranteed job as you can get.”

– The Times Good University Guide, 11 Sept 2011

For four successive years, Robert Gordon University has

retained the position of best modern university in the UK

(The Times Sep 11) and we consistently maintain one of

the UK’s best graduate employment records. In 2011 The

Times, The Guardian and The Independent all rated Robert

Gordon University the top university in Scotland for Graduate

employment. The Sunday Times noted in September 2011

that 84.9% of graduates secure jobs commensurate with their

qualifications.

RAE RESULTS

“Together with a strong performance in last year’s researchassessment, this helps RGU to its highest ever ranking in our table,ranking second in the modern university sector.”

- The Sunday Times (13 September 2009)

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Robert Gordon

University achieved outstanding results with over 70% of

research being classified as of international quality. At the same

time, the Scottish Funding Council announced an increase in

our research grant funding of 99% to £2.7m for 2009/2010 -

the highest increase of any Scottish university.

The University aims to focus its research and knowledge

transfer activities to inform and underpin our teaching

capability. A £6 million seed-corn funding was invested in a

research development initiative over 3 years to grow research

activity across the University. The success of this investment

was demonstrated in the results of the 2008 (RAE). The

University was ranked the top modern Scottish University

for research quality, with ‘world class’ research activity in 8

out of the 11 subjects returned. In addition 73% of research

conducted was ranked as being of international quality.

As we build on the University’s success beyond RAE, we

aim, through the establishment of three Research Institutes,

to grow the level of internationally excellent research. These

institutes will develop the potential of strategically significant

areas by focused investment on areas of research strength. The

University has also demonstrated important success in research

commercialisation and has established a relationship with the

venture capital company Sigma IP Ltd.

TRACK RECORD

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THE UNIVERSITY PREPARED AND APPROVED ITS ESTATES STRATEGY IN 1994, COVERING A 20-25 YEAR

PLANNING PERIOD. WE NOW HAVE ONE VISION FOR THE FUTURE – TO LOCATE ALL OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS,

BY 2020, ON ONE CAMPUS AT THE STUNNING RIVERSIDE SETTING OF GARTHDEE.

one campus, one vision - garthdee 2020

THE MASTERPLAN 2009 AIMS TO:

• Consolidate all academic and administrative activities on

the Garthdee Campus site in order to create the finest

riverside learning environment in Europe

• Create a clearly legible campus heart, focused around a

student-centred experience

• Develop a new and unified academic development on

the eastern portion of the site in order to gain from the

advantages of co-location and collaboration between

disciplines

• Retain and enhance the landscaped qualities of the site

and seek to achieve a stronger relationship between

buildings and the riverside setting

• Develop the Garthdee Campus in a sustainable, phased

manner reflecting the availability of project funding

• Re-utilise appropriate areas within existing buildings to

form a more holistic and integrated campus

• Develop a new focus for arrival/entrance from the south,

including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to the south

side of the river

“In the past decade, the university has invested more than £100m to improve its facilities, and intends to make the Garthdee site ‘the best riverside campus in Europe.”

The Guardian (12 May 2009)

“Among the generation of new universities, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen is the best placed.”

The Times (June 2008)

The first phase, the consolidation of six sites into two, (Garthdee

and Schoolhill) was essentially complete by 2004. To date we

have invested over £100 million in new buildings and upgrading

facilities for students. These have included the Aberdeen

Business School, the Faculty of Health and Social Care, as well

as a state of the art Sports Centre, modern onsite nursery and a

health centre open to staff, students and the local community.

We have recently secured full planning consent for the

Masterplan 2009 – likely to be a two phase, 10 year development

and refurbishment programme, adding 34,000 m2 of new

facilities and culminating in the realisation of our vision – one

campus at Garthdee by 2020.

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PURPOSE OF THE POST :

The Head of Applied Social Studies is accountable to the

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, reporting directly to the Dean of

Faculty, for the achievement of the School’s own future vision

and mission as a key component of the University’s strategic plan

a Clear Future.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

The Head of the School of Applied Social Studies is directly

responsible to the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care,

for providing leadership within the policies and procedures

laid down from time to time by the Board of Governors, the

Academic Council, and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Providing visible leadership and focus for the future

development of the School within the context of existing

and future strategic plans.

• Ensuring that the University’s ambitions to provide excellent

professional education and applied research are fully

articulated in School plans and effectively delivered.

• Maintaining close liaison with the Research Institutes in

order to ensure the continued development of research

within the subject specialisms of the School.

• Liaising closely with social care, private and voluntary

sectors to ensure that appropriate undergraduate, post-

graduate and CPD courses are provided to meet the

requirements of the external marketplace.

• Deploying resources across the School and monitoring their

subsequent use.

• Networking, collaborating and partnering with employers

and other relevant organisations, professional bodies,

private sector etc. to promote the interests of the School,

the Faculty and the University.

• Managing and overseeing the future development of

curriculum, courses, and scholarship.

• Business interaction/diversification of income streams.

DUTIES :

• Implementing the academic programme of the School as

determined by the Academic Council within the School Plan

and subsequent changes, from time to time.

• Overseeing the academic work of the School including the

annual appraisal and the periodic review of courses.

• Co-ordinating the work of the School with that of other

Schools within the Faculty and University.

• Overseeing the arrangements for the admission of students,

provision of classes and assessment of students.

• Keeping records of the work of the School including the

performance of students and the utilisation of resources.

• Maintaining staff and student discipline within the School.

• Appraising staff performance and making arrangements for

the development of staff.

• Encouraging and promoting staff research and scholarly

activities.

• Liaising with key stakeholders and schools, including the

preparation of publicity material.

• Undertaking teaching and research as appropriate.

• Preparing estimates of resources required.

• Deploying available resources in the way that is

educationally and economically most effective, and in

accordance with the University’s health & safety policies.

• Monitoring the arrangements for the maintenance of

equipment, furnishings and facilities available to the School.

• Timeously preparing and submitting factual information

about the work of the School required by senior

management for internal use, or to meet the requirements

of external authorities.

• Participating in the committee work of the University.

• Developing and implementing a health and safety plan for

the School such other duties as may be assigned from time

to time.

ROLE PROFILE HEAD OF SCHOOL OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES

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We would expect that candidates would fit closely the

following profile:

• An inspirational and democratic leader with the credibility

and confidence to apply strong management across the

diverse disciplines within the school

• Possesses the vision, passion and personal commitment

to the advancement of Applied Social Studies and Social

Work within a modern, practice based University.

• An ability to set the context and strategic direction that will

transform and enable the School to meet the challenges of

the 21st century

• Significant experience in social work, sociology or

psychology education or practice with a passion to create a

modern, innovative, learning environment.

• A clear commitment to the values of Higher Education

and specifically to the vision, mission and priorities of the

university

• An appropriate professional qualification(s) in social

work, sociology or psychology with evidence of relevant

continuous professional development. PhD or research

capability preferred

• A strong financial manager with the business acumen to

both capitalise on opportunities and manage challenges

• An alliances and partnerships builder, internally and

particularly externally, through strong stakeholder

networking, political and relationship building skills

• A proven manager of change within a complex,

challenging and dynamic environment

• An ability to act in a leadership capacity as a research

enabler, with a strong awareness of the research agenda

• An ability to translate vision into strategy and success over

a 3-5 year horizon

• A developer of staff and a“self-developer”

• A highly effective communicator , with particular evidence

of persuading, influencing and presentational skills.

In addition, the management team agreed 12 critical leadership

behaviours that all managers should exhibit or plan to develop:

• Communicates a clear and consistent vision (or plan)

with commitment

• Champions change – able to engage others and enhance

buy-in

• Treats people with respect

• Demonstrates integrity and high ethical standards

• Sets and sustains high personal standards of delivery

• Is decisive, particularly when confronted with

challenging issues

• Able to adapt and capitalise on new opportunities

• Builds effective relationships

• Builds effective team performance

• Openly encourages and recognises the contribution of others

• Gives constructive feedback on a regular basis

• Encourages personal development and provides

appropriate opportunities.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

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ABERDEEN CITY AND SHIRE

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ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY IS LOCATED IN ABERDEEN WHICH IS SCOTLAND’S THIRD LARGEST CITY WITH A POPULATION IN EXCESS OF 200,000 AND 400,000 INCLUDING THE WIDER ABERDEEN HINTERLAND. THE MERCER 2010 ‘QUALITY OF LIVING’ SURVEY RECENTLY RATED ABERDEEN AS ONE OF THE TOP WORLD CITIES AND SECOND ONLY TO LONDON IN THE UK.

The city is known internationally as the undisputed European

capital of the energy industry. However, it also has many other

sides to its character. Not least because it is located on the edge

of the world renowned Scottish Highlands and the spectacular

Cairngorms - a magnet for walkers, climbers and skiers from

across the UK.

Aberdeen is undeniably a wealthy city; it has one of the highest

per capita incomes of any city after London in the UK. Such

prosperity brings many benefits. The city boasts first-class

facilities. Shopping and leisure opportunities are constantly

expanding. Schooling at all levels is well catered for – with

secondary schooling, in particular, recognised for its quality in

both the public and private sectors. The hotel sector continues

to expand its full range of provision as you would expect of an

energy capital.

Aberdeen also offers a fine array of cultural attractions. There

is an eclectic mix of bars, cafés and restaurants and a host of

modern entertainments including cinemas, theatres, museums,

galleries and concert halls. And, throughout the year, Aberdeen

also plays host to several entertaining and stimulating festivals

including the Aberdeen Alternative Festival and the International

Youth Festival.

Aberdeen International Airport has direct connections with the

major ‘hub’ airports of Paris, Amsterdam and Oslo as well as London

(Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton) and Dublin. It also has established

connections with a wide range of other major UK cities.

USEFUL LINKS

To view our interactive site on Aberdeenshire, with excellent

information on education, health, housing, transport and

weather, please visit: www2.rgu.ac.uk/aberdeenshire/

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THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors of the University is constituted in

accordance with The Robert Gordon University (Scotland)

Order of Council 2006. The Board is composed of appointed

and elected Governors who have experience of higher

education, industrial, commercial, and public service sectors

and a wide range of professional practice. Staff and Student

Governors are elected and have equal standing with those

others who are appointed.

The Board of Governors has the following standing committees -

Chairman’s Committee

Staff Governance Committee

Audit Committee

Finance and General Purposes Committee

Nominations Committee

Remuneration Committee.

THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL

The Board are required to delegate to the Academic Council

those functions relating to the planning, co-ordination,

development and supervision of the academic work of the

University. Academic Council is chaired by the Principal &

Vice Chancellor. Much of the work of the Academic Council

is delivered through standing committees, sub-committees,

Faculty Boards, School Committees and course panels. As

a result a large proportion of the University community are

involved in its activities. The Principal reports to the Board of

Governors on the work of the Academic Council regularly.

THE ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL & VICE CHANCELLOR

The Board of Governors is required to delegate to the Principal

& Vice Chancellor those functions relating to the organisation

and management of the University. The Principal & Vice

Chancellor is the chief academic, administrative and accounting

officer for the University, effectively the “Chief Executive”.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND RESOURCES GROUP

(SPARG)

In ensuring the efficient management of the University, the

Principal & Vice Chancellor is assisted and supported by the

Strategic Planning and Resources Group (SPARG) which

comprises four Vice-Principals and Pro Vice Chancellors (one

of which is ‘senior’ and is the Deputy P&VC), two Executive

Directors, Human Resources and Information Technology,

three Deans of Faculty and two other Deans (Learning

Enhancement and Students). The four Vice-Principals each

carry a specific strategic role focussed on the planning and

resources, teaching, research and student experience agendas

and all members of SPARG carry wider portfolios which may

change over time.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP (SMG)

The Senior Management Group comprises all Heads of School

and appropriate Heads of Department within the University.

The SMG was established following a review of ‘involvement’

and communications to facilitate better and more frequent

involvement in policy development and a better flow of

information across the whole University. This group has regular

meetings with SPARG.

For further information, please visit:

www.rgu.ac.uk/about/senior-management

CORPORATE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

23

SENIOR MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION CHART

PolicyAdvisor

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Research &

Commercialisation)

Research & Enterprise

Services

Secretary tothe Board

Dean for theEnhancement of

Learning,Teaching & Assessment

Department forthe Enhancement

of Learning,Teaching &Assessment

Academic Affairs(inc. Research Degrees Office)

LibraryServices

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Student

Experience& ExternalRelations)

Dean ofStudents

StudentServices

Dean ofFaculty ofDesign &

Technology

School of Computing

School ofEngineering

Gray’sSchoolof Art

The ScottSutherlandSchool of

Architecture& Built

Environment

Dean ofFaculty ofHealth &

Social Care

School of AppliedSocial Studies

School ofHealth

Sciences

School ofNursing &Midwifery

School ofPharmacy

& Life Sciences

ExecutiveDirector

(InformationTechnology &

Communication)

IT Services

RecordsManagement

ExecutiveDirector(Human

Resources)

Dean ofAberdeenBusinessSchool

Department ofAccounting & Finance

Department ofCommunication,

Marketing & Media

Department ofInformation

Management

Department ofLaw

Department of Management

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Planning & Resources)

Finance &Procurement

Estates &Property Services

RGU: SPORT

Planning

Principal & Vice-Chancellor

Development Office

StudentAdministration

Business Development

Services

Marketing, Communications

& Student Recruitment

Deputy Principal & Vice-Chancellor

(Academic Development & Quality)

UniversitySolicitor

HumanResources

OrganisationDevelopment& Leadership

Occupational & Environmental

Health &Safety

The GatehouseDesign &

PrintConsultancy

Institute for Management,

Governance and Society

(IMaGeS)

Institute for Innovation, DEsign And

Sustainability(IDEAS) Research

Institute for Health and

Welfare Research

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SUMMARY OF CONTRACT TERMS & CONDITIONS

SALARY

The salary for this appointment is £65843-72337.

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE REVIEW

You will be required to maintain your expertise and professional membership (where relevant), to undertake programmes of personal development, and to participate in the employee performance review process.

ANNUAL LEAVE

You will be entitled to 33 days annual leave with pay per annum in addition to 10 Fixed Public and Statutory Holidays.

PENSION

We operate under the Scottish Teachers and Local Government Pension Schemes. Contributions are made by employer and employee and they are both “final salary” schemes incorporating ill health and death benefits. The schemes are widely recognised as excellent schemes. If you have a personal pension we will discuss with you the most appropriate arrangements.

FORM OF CONTRACT & NOTICE PERIOD

The contract offered is expected to be a normal substantive contract. The notice period is negotiable but we would expect it to be not less than 6 months. However, there may be candidates for whom other forms of contractual arrangement would be beneficial and, at this stage, we are open minded as to the final outcome.

SICK PAY

Sick Pay entitlement is generous (up to six months full pay and six months half pay) as would be expected under public service scheme arrangements, however, in the event of long term ill health, we reserve the right to seek early medical evaluation.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST, CONFIDENTIALITY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

We will expect that all other paid or unpaid appointment or employments are declared as a part of the appointment process. We encourage appropriate external activity within the higher education community and beyond as this can enhance

the University’s influence and reputation. However this can also lead to conflicts of interest and it is in the best interests of all stakeholders if other activities are declared, reviewed and properly approved. An annual declaration is also required by the Principal, SPARG and most other senior managers.

Our contracts include appropriate clauses that preserve for the University the right to confidentiality of its legitimate commercial interests and other rights over material property in its ownership.

RELOCATION

We will agree with the successful candidate relocation assistance appropriate to his/her particular circumstances, with a maximum allowance of 12% of salary (subject to Inland Revenue conditions and terms of the Relocation Policy). You will be required to reside in Aberdeen or within 30 minutes travel to work distance of it.

OTHER BENEFITS

You will have access to a range of voluntary and salary sacrifice benefits, including personal healthcare, dental plans, health cash plans, childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes, as well as an onsite Sports Centre and Nursery.

We are keen to ensure that your career move is appropriately rewarded and if circumstances dictate, we will discuss the terms of the overall package with the successful candidate. Unfortunately we are unable to offer car, car loan or leasing arrangements.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL

A comprehensive pre-employment medical will be required of the successful candidate.

DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND

A Disclosure Scotland check will be requested for the successful applicant

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HOW TO APPLY

We have appointed research specialists, the Write Research Company to conduct the initial research and pre-selection process.

For more information and to apply, contact:Katy Burridge on 0191 250 4955katy@writeresearchcompany.com

We intend to notify shortlisted candidates before the the end of April. Interviews should take place early to mid-May.

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Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7QE, United Kingdom

Produced by The GatehouseDesign & Print Consultancy at Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University, a Scottish Charity registered under charity number SC013781