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
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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 [email protected]
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