Head of Department of Society and Environment

SBU/Department

School of Law, Education & Society

The Head of Department for Society and Environment will provide strategic and operational leadership for a diverse academic portfolio within the School of Law, Education and Society. Reporting to the Deputy Dean, the postholder will be responsible for shaping the direction, performance and ongoing development of the department, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research, enterprise and the overall student experience.

Working collaboratively with the Dean, Deputy Dean and Associate Deans, the successful candidate will lead departmental planning and delivery, ensuring that the department's activities align with School and University priorities. They will oversee academic quality and standards, support curriculum innovation, and ensure the effective deployment of staff and resources to meet strategic objectives and operational requirements.

A key aspect of the role will be building a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture that enables staff and students to thrive. The Head of Department will provide leadership and support to academic colleagues, oversee workload allocation and staff development, and promote an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

The postholder will play a leading role in enhancing student recruitment, retention and success, working closely with colleagues across the University to develop initiatives that strengthen admissions, conversion and progression outcomes. They will ensure that data and evidence inform decision-making and that the department consistently delivers an excellent student experience.

The role also includes responsibility for contributing to business planning, budget management and resource allocation. The successful candidate will work closely with the Associate Dean Research and Enterprise to advance the department's research and enterprise performance, foster a vibrant research culture, increase external funding opportunities, and strengthen partnerships and impact activities. They will represent the department within the University and externally, identifying opportunities to enhance the department's profile and reputation and ensuring engagement with relevant professional, community and sector stakeholder.