Senior Study Skills Advisor

Senior Study Skills Advisor

Full time – Permanent – High Wycombe

Salary - £33,951 - £37,694

We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently – because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.

Join our Library and Learning Services directorate as a Senior Study Skills Advisor (Academic) and play a key role in helping students thrive at BNU. With a broad focus on academic study skills, you will work as part of a newly created, supportive and student-focused team, to design and deliver inclusive academic skills support. You will work directly with students through one-to-one appointments and workshops, helping them build confidence, develop effective study strategies and achieve their potential. Supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, you'll also contribute to wider academic skills and digital literacy provision. You will support the coordination of evaluation activity across the team, to understand the reach, effectiveness and impact of its work and to help shape engaging, accessible support that makes a real difference to our students.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• free gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Isabelle Brent, Isabelle.brent@bucks.ac.uk.

All applications are to be made in full and online.

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Isabelle Brent, Isabelle.brent@bucks.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing date: 05 November 2026

Interview date: 18th November 2026

If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Sponsorship is dependent on the salary level of the position.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Senior Study Skills Advisor

College/Directorate:
Library and Learning Services

Grade: F

Location: High Wycombe with regular working at our other campuses

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Library Engagement and Study Skills Manager

Responsible for: supervision of Study Skills Advisors, Library Engagement Advisors, student Peer Mentors

Job Purpose:

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver engaging and impactful academic skills support to all members of the University community, making a direct contribution to their success.

With a broad focus on academic study skills, you will work to deliver the wider range of academic skills supported by the team (information and digital literacy, study skills, numeracy and academic English). You will also support the coordination of evaluation activity across the Study Skills service, helping the team to understand the reach, effectiveness and impact of its work. You will also work with teams across BNU to design and deliver outreach activities that promote Library and Learning Services across the institution and our external stakeholders.

To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

1. Contribute to the design and delivery of the wider Library and Study Advice team’s offer including: research skills, digital literacy, assessment literacy and broader academic skills such as group work, presentation skills, time management and academic writing. This will include face-to-face, blended and distance learning and the production of asynchronous learning materials that promote independent learning and confidence.
2. Deliver support to students through one-to-ones, workshops and asynchronous delivery across a broad range of academic study skills, including academic writing, assessment literacy, learning strategies, time management, presentation skills and other areas supported by the team.
3. Develop accessible, inclusive and engaging learning materials that promote independent learning and confidence.
4. Work closely with the Teaching and Engagement Librarians and Academic Colleges to ensure services and sessions are aligned to course requirements.
5. Provide targeted support for students identified as at risk of underperformance.
6. Contribute to evaluation and continual development of the service by gathering, collating, and analysing data and feedback, identifying and implementing actions to enhance the student experience and outcomes.
7. Promote the Library and Study Advice team across the University to ensure accessibility and maximise student participation.
8. Work with teams across the University in planning and implementing broader initiatives that contribute to student success and confidence, improving the overall student experience.
9. Whilst based at one campus the post holder will be expected to work regularly at our other campuses as needed.
10. Contribute to the delivery of Library and Learning Services’ evening and at weekend staffing rota.
11. Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices).
12. Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required
13. Supervisory duties including motivating and supporting team members, giving direction and feedback, ensuring adequate staffing cover, and have an agile approach to change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.