Job Description
Job Title:  Access Co-ordinator
Posting Start Date:  19/05/2026
Job Id:  2622
School/Department:  Marketing Admissions Recruitment & Comms
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type:  Permanent
Salary per annum (£):  27,319 - 31,236
Closing Date:  14/06/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

 

Overview

 

As an Access Coordinator you will be responsible for providing clerical, administrative & event support for a variety of Access Service targeted interventions contributing to the University’s Access strategy. You will be committed to ensuring high service standards and  a quality prospective student experience for participants from groups typically underrepresented in higher education. Regular tasks will include project and event planning, liaising with schools and pupils, delivering high levels of customer service to both internal & external stakeholders. You will have responsibility for maintaining accurate financial and participant data across a range of University systems. The role will support Access to Sheffield (Y12-13) activities, however you will be integral to ensuring that cross-programme initiatives run smoothly and will support the wider Service as required.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Respond to day-to-day and specialist enquiries from internal and external enquirers, including academic staff, teachers, active and prospective participants, parents/carers or other supporters and current University students via telephone, email and post, always providing excellent customer service
  • Provide administrative support to Access programmes and events, assisting with wider service activities as required
  • Support the organisation and delivery of activities designed to promote study at the University of Sheffield or in Higher Education generally. This will include some weekend and evening work for which time off in lieu will be given
  • Input into the resource and operational planning process, maintaining accurate financial records & monitoring spend in line with University procedures
  • Ensure evaluation and reporting activities comply with internal University and external systems, regulations, policy and procedures
  • Ensure that all data is recorded accurately within University approved internal or external systems
  • Liaise with internal colleagues, externally with schools, colleges and other partner organisations to make and confirm arrangements for Access Service activity and to exchange information
  • Recruit registered University of Sheffield students to work for the Service on our activities
  • Keep accurate records of the work undertaken by students; including checking and authorisation of Casual Worker timesheets; maintaining accurate financial records for audit purposes
  • Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Educated to A Level or equivalent (or with relevant experience)

Essential

Application Form

General administrative experience including use of email, Microsoft Office, organisational database and financial systems

Essential

Application Form / Interview / Assessment

Ability to write effective communications and to present information to others

Essential

Application Form / Interview / Assessment

Ability to work effectively within a team, developing strong working relationships with others and assisting other team members as necessary to meet Service objectives

Essential

Application Form / Interview

An awareness of Child Safeguarding and a recognition of its importance in supporting young people

Essential

Application Form / Interview

Awareness of General Data Protection Regulations and confidentiality issues relating to documents including the maintenance and retention of data

Essential

Application Form / Interview

Excellent customer service skills with ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written forms

Essential

Application Form / Interview / Assessment

Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage concurrent tasks or projects in an agile way

Essential

Application Form / Interview

Experience of working with University systems and processes

Desirable

Application Form / Interview

An understanding of the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from progressing to Higher Education

Desirable

Application Form / Interview

 

 

Further Information

 

 

Duration

1 x Permanent, 1 x Fixed term to 16 July 2027

 

There are two vacancies for the role of Access Co-ordinator: one is a full-time permanent position, and the other is a full-time fixed-term contract until July 2027. Please indicate in your application if you have a preference for either vacancy

Salary

£27,319 - £31,236, with potential to progress to £33,951

Line manager

Lucy Scheinkonig - Access Officer

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/access-sheffield

For informal enquiries about this job contact [Kirsten Fretwell], [Access Manager]: on k.fretwell@sheffield.ac.uk

 

 

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 29 June and week commencing 6 July. This will consist of an interview and a task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 22nd June. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Kirsten Fretwell k.fretwell@sheffield.ac.uk .

 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

  • A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
  • Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
  • A range of generous family-friendly policies
    • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
    • access to menopause support in the workplace
    • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
    • and more


More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

 

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

 

Criminal record

A enhanced with barred lists DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

 

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.