Senior Widening Participation Officer

Senior Widening Participation Officer

Closing date: 27 April 2026

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

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, improving recruitment efficiency, enhancing candidate experience, and opening doors for individuals from under represented 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.

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 under represented 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
• Bring experience in widening participation and employability, alongside a strong understanding of apprenticeships and inclusive recruitment

Employee information

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. The Trust is committed to building an inclusive organisation that values diverse perspectives and promotes equality, respect, and fairness.

Job responsibilities

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience delivering programmes or projects at scale
• The ability to influence and collaborate across organisational boundaries

Commitment to Trust values and behaviours

• Commitment to the Trust's core values in equality, diversity and inclusion, and to maintain a safe, respectful working environment for all staff and patients

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check to confirm any previous criminal convictions.

Address

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust