Dignity & Respect Investigator x 2 (part time) (JS10280)

Job title Dignity & Respect Investigator x 2 (part time)

Department Student Support and Safeguarding

Salary Starting from £35,333, rising to £42,155 (pro rata)

Grade Grade 7

Placed on Tuesday 24 January 2023

Closing date Sunday 12 February 2023

Interview date To be confirmed

Reference JS10280

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The University of Bath are looking for 2 skilled and committed Investigators to lead internal investigations as part of the Dignity & Respect procedure and Student Conduct procedures.

About the role:

Working closely with our colleagues in HR, you will play a crucial role in the implementation of the recently revised Dignity & Respect policy and procedure. In this role you will:

Undertake all investigations relating to Dignity & Respect for students, including allegations made against students or staff, and ensure they are carried out in a transparent, professional and timely manner, taking lead responsibility in assigned investigations into reports of varying complexity.

Use evidence based interviewing techniques such as trauma informed interviewing to conduct investigations of alleged breaches of student regulations and staff disciplinary policies with due regard to the wellbeing and safeguarding needs of both the reporting and responding parties.

Produce high quality investigative reports, prioritising cases where required. Ensure that reports are of a quality to withstand scrutiny by outside agencies having regard to their potential use in civil and criminal courts.

Present and be cross-examined on the findings of fact and for some cases determine case to answer, based on the balance of probabilities

Work to tight deadlines, often on own initiative

About you:

To be considered for this position you will have substantial experience in an investigative role in criminal and/or civil or misconduct settings and in undertaking complex investigations, including sexual misconduct. You will have an applied understanding of the different evidence thresholds between civil and criminal standard of proof. We want to see exceptional interpersonal skills and that you are able to build trust and good relationships, show empathy and sensitively manage multi-party, complex and challenging situations and conflict.

Knowledge of HE sector-wide issues, case management, legislative requirements and relevant national codes of practice are needed for the role; knowledge of employment law and civil law would also be an advantage.

You will have substantial experience of producing clear, objective and succinct investigative reports and presenting to senior decision-makers as well as highly effective analytical skills where you are able to interpret, analyse and apply complex information and draw reasonable findings.

Having qualifications or completion of training in areas of mental health, trauma-informed investigation, sexual misconduct and suicide prevention will be an advantage, but not essential. (Training can be provided and you will need to be willing and enthusiastic about developing skills in this area).

You will understand the importance of risk assessment in all areas of your work as well as discretion in the handling of sensitive information and maintenance of confidentiality.

You will need to be organised, self-motivated and able to balance the demands of this challenging but fulfilling role.

These are 2 positions, working 18.5 hours per week (0.5FTE) on a permanent basis. We would consider the position as 1FTE for the right candidate. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Elisabeth Day [email protected] or Kully Rennie on [email protected] however please ensure that you submit your application through the University website.

These roles will sit within the new Student Policy and Safeguarding Department. There are four teams within this department:

Policy and Projects

Student Conduct

Student Casework

Student safeguarding

These roles will be within the Student Conduct team and reporting to the Student Conduct Manager.

The Student Policy & Safeguarding unit has brought together a number of related student experience functions into one permanent organisational unit, with the aim of improving effectiveness, efficiency and transparency including, supporting students through Student Discipline and Fitness to Study processes, preventing harassment on campus and promoting a safe, inclusive environment where students thrive.

This is a small and supportive department, driven by improving the experiences of all students at the University. Joining the team at this time gives an opportunity for the post holder to contribute to the developing culture and direction of this department.

What we can offer you:

a very generous employer contributory pension scheme

generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance

we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements

an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce

a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities

a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.

Further details:

Job Description & Person Specification

Terms of Employment

Visa information

If you think you may require a visa to work in the UK, you should refer

to our guidance on the Skilled Worker Visa before embarking on a job application to ensure you understand the requirements for sponsorship. You may be eligible to work in the UK via other alternative visa routes such as the Global Talent Visa or by having Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain − please refer to our Staff Immigration webpages for further details.

Update to our application process

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any

assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details will be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.