Job overview

Make a difference, shape pathways. 

We are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to join our team as a Senior Widening Participation Officer.

In this pivotal role, you will help transform how we recruit and develop entry-level talent across UHCW creating inclusive, sustainable pathways into NHS careers.

You will play a key role in delivering an apprenticeship first recruitment model .  This approach will improve recruitment efficiency, enhance candidate experience, and open doors for individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

As part of the Apprenticeship and Employability team, you will provide leadership, coordination, and expertise to develop a future-focused workforce pipeline.

You will work collaboratively with recruiting managers, apprenticeship providers, education partners, and community organisations to embed apprenticeships as the default entry route and expand access to NHS careers.

This role also includes line management responsibilities and the opportunity to deputise for the Widening Participation Manager.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Secondment will be considered for internal candidates – If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.

Main duties of the job

• Embed an apprenticeship first approach across  recruitment pathways
• Coordinate apprenticeship and work-based learning programmes with internal and external partners
• Develop and support inclusive employability initiatives, particularly for underrepresented groups
• Provide expert guidance on apprenticeships and employability pathways.
• Maximise Apprenticeship Levy utilisation to support organisational sustainability
• Monitor performance, analyse data, and report on programme impact
• Line manage and develop apprenticeship and employability officers
• Represent the Trust at careers events and community engagement activities
• You will bring experience in widening participation and employability, alongside a strong understanding of apprenticeships and inclusive recruitment.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. PPathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.