ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.

At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

About the Role:

In this role, the Personal Development Coach will play a vital part in promoting student engagement and personal growth across Writtle College’s Further Education provision. They will deliver group tutorials and coordinate extra-curricular activities that align with Ofsted and college standards, focusing on preparing learners for life beyond education. Through workshops and one-on-one support, they will help students develop key life skills, manage academic pressures, and explore career pathways. The coach will foster understanding of personal development, diversity, and wellbeing, while supporting students during induction and throughout their academic journey. Collaborating closely with academic and support teams, they will track student progress, maintain accurate records, and contribute to safeguarding and inclusive practices, ensuring every student is equipped for success in modern Britain.

We are seeking a proactive, empathetic, and highly organised individual with a genuine passion for supporting young people in their personal and educational development. The ideal candidate will bring strong communication skills—both written and verbal , experience of delivering sessions to diverse groups of people and demonstrate excellent time management, IT proficiency (particularly in Microsoft Office), and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team. A solid understanding of specific learning difficulties, mental health challenges, and safeguarding principles is essential, as is a commitment to equality, diversity, and continuous professional development. Experience working with Further Education students and familiarity with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework would be advantageous. Above all, we are looking for someone who is flexible, customer-focused, and motivated to make a meaningful impact on learners’ lives.

To be considered for this role you will hold two A levels or vocational qualifications at NVQ level 3 or equivalent.

Informal enquiries can be made to Kim Bedford-Straw, at Kim.Bedford-Straw@aru.ac.uk

Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.

We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. Visit our benefits page for full details.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.

All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check. Shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any prior disciplinary action or investigation related to sexual misconduct or abuse.

This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In accordance with Home Office guidance and the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Act 2006, ARU has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work in the UK and in the role for which they have been recruited. Prior to their start date, the successful candidate will be asked to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

For candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, ARU is a UKVI-licensed sponsor and may be able to provide sponsorship for eligible candidates appointed to skilled roles, subject to meeting the relevant immigration requirements. Eligibility for sponsorship will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Further information about UK immigration requirements and working in the UK can be found on the Home Office website.

Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.

Guidance Notes:

Please download the Job Description Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.