Activities and Community Development Manger

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JOB APPLICATION PACK

Activities and Community Development Manger

This pack contains:

• Welcome from the Chief Executive
• Guide to University of West London Students’ Union
• Job Description & Person Specification
• Application Form
• Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
• Application Process

WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Hello!

Thank you for your interest in our Activities and Community Development Manger role. The University of West London Students’ Union supports around 14,000 students studying across 8 schools. As our name suggests, the University is primarily based in West London with our main campus in Ealing and a large teaching & living site in Brentford – we also have a campus in Reading.

The University is known widely for serving the people and businesses throughout West London and for pioneering partnerships with local government, Regional Development Agencies, and regeneration bodies.This is an incredibly exciting time to join us at West London because both the University and the Students’ Union are on a journey of change. The University have published a new strategy that aims to build its reputation as a first choice institution for career focused students looking to study in an environment that is inextricably linked with industry. In the Students’ Union we want to be the first excellent students’ union in a modern London university – with a focus on retention and improving the student experience.

TheActivities and Community Development Manager’s purpose is to ensure that we have a vibrant student community at UWL. The new ACD Manager will be pioneering new ways of offering extra-curricular activities. Alongside the traditional sports clubs and societies that we already offer, this team member will expand opportunities in intermural sport, fitness classes, course based activities, enterprise, and social events. They will take an organisational lead in the design and delivery of key activities including Freshers, Union Awards, and Varsity. Overall, this person is responsible for making sure that all UWL students have access to a thriving student community filled with fun, friendship, and new experiences.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in delivering impact through a high performing team of staff and volunteers. The ideal candidate will have experience in delivering membership or service user lead activity and have a rich experience in engaging people from hard to reach groups. The successful candidate will have outstanding organisation and planning skills as well as a keen mind for systems and data.

We are trying to develop a new approach to engagement which involves taking services to students, ensuring that all of our activity is not only student lead but co-produced by students. We would welcome applicant with experiences in youth work, volunteering, community organising and membership engagement

Working in a vibrant, student focused, and motivated organisation like the Students’ Union is a truly rewarding experience. We view our staff as our most valuable resource and we provide team members with flexibility around working arrangements and a commitment to personal development.

I hope you find this information pack useful. If you need any additional information in preparing your application or if you would like to speak to someone about the role please contact Ben Whittaker, Deputy Chief Executive by emailing

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 12th January 2015, with interviews on Wednesday 14 January 2015

We look forward to receiving your application.

Kat Stark|Chief Executive

GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON STUDENTS’ UNION

University of West London Students’ Union (UWLSU) provides support, activities and representation for over 14,000 students studying at University of West London. The University provides a mixture of higher and further education across 8 schools in London and Reading. The 8 specialist schools that make up the University are: Ealing Law School, Ealing School of Art, Design and Media, London College of Music, College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, London School of Hospitality and Tourism, School of Computing and Technology, School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences, and the International Business School. The University aims to give students an educational experience that prepares them fully for industry and work upon graduating.

How is UWLSU run?

UWLSU is a charity run by a group of student leaders who have been democratically elected by the student body. On a day to day basis we are run by 3 full time student officers; President, VP Education, and VP Activities & Participation. The student officers and student volunteers are supported by a dedicated and professional staff team. The highest decision making body within UWLSU is the Trustee Board who meet throughout the year to oversee our strategic progress and organisational health. UWLSU also enables students to influence our day to day decisions through a variety of democratic functions including through elections and policy making.

UWLSU 2018 Strategy

Our vision is to be the first modern university in London with an excellent students’ union. We will measure our success against our ability to increase retention and improve student satisfaction. Our strategy is to deliver this by a) creating excellent student representation and, b) developing community & belonging.

What does UWLSU do?

We exist to improve the student experience and we do that through a combination of representation and services:

Advice Service

UWLSU has an advice service that is independent and free to West London students. Professional staff provide students with advice, information and advocacy on a range of issues with a focus on academic issues. The most common issues we deal with include situations where a student wishes to appeal grades or a university decision, and situations where students have been accused of some sort of misconduct by the university.

Course Reps & Campaigns

One of UWLSU core aims is to help students affect change within their university. Alongside our democracy, we also support students and student officers to run campaigns for change. To enable students to influence long term developments within the university we support a course representative scheme. This scheme involves supporting at least one student representative per year group per course to represent their classmates on a wide range of issues related to their education.

UWLSU is also a member of the National Union of Students (NUS) and engage in representing University of West London students at a national level on a wide range of national and international matters.

Student Activities

We support students to run and participate in a range of extra-curricular activities. Students form groups around any number of themes – we have religious groups, activity societies, political and charity groups, and groups bringing students from countries around the world together. Most of our activities are run by students for students and UWLSU provide the students with the skills, knowledge and administrative support they need to succeed. Participating in student activities offers students the chance to socialise, build networks, and develop new skills.

Membership events

We run a range of events that help students to network, socialise and get involved in the Union such as Fresher's fair, refreshers, training session and workshops

Employment opportunities

Times are tough for many students and most UWL students work whilst studying. We believe that students are best placed to be the face of UWLSU and as such we provide a range of part-time employment opportunities in administration, media, events and activities to West London students.

Commercial Services

Our bar, coffee shop and gym are all based at our main building on the Ealing campus. Freddie’s Bar acts as a regular bar on most night and also hosts special events at key times of the year including Fresher’s, Re-Freshers and key holidays. The Den Coffee Shop serves a variety of hot and cold food as well as excellent coffee and is open throughout the day during term time. Our gym has a regular following and is always in use.

UWLSU and change

Like many students’ unions in London, UWLSU needs to respond to the changing nature of students and education by reflecting on what we’re doing and finding out how we can better serve our members in the future. We have developed a new 2018 strategy that sets out challenging aspirations. In the next four years, innovation and embracing change will be essential to achieving our strategy. If that sounds exciting to you we’d love to get an application from you.

UWLSU is not the only students’ union re-thinking the traditional students’ union model. Many other unions, particularly in London, are doing the same. There is huge potential for collaborative thinking and working which makes UWLSU an even more exciting and rewarding place to work.

JOB DESCRIPTION

ACTIVITIES & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Accountable to: Deputy Chief Executive

Responsible for: Activities Coordinator, Events Coordinator, BUCS Intern, and Student Staff

Hours of work: Full Time

JOB PURPOSE

1. Manage the Activities and Community Team;
2. Responsible for delivery within the Activities and Community Team, and for the Team’s operational planning, and key involvement in UWLSU’s strategic development;
3. Line manage staff in the Activities and Community Team, student staff, and responsible for departmental support to the Sabbatical Officers

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage the Activities and Community Team

• Arrange, chair, and keep a record of staff meetings within the Activities and Community Team
• Manage and update regulations and procedures relating to the Activities and Community Team
• Manage the Activities and Community Team’s budgets;
• Manage the A&C Team’s attendance at relevant events and conferences.

2. Responsible for delivery within the Activities and Community Team, and for the Team’s operational planning, and key involvement in UWLSU’s strategic development;

• Responsible for the planning and delivery of the Fresher’s Period including coordinating all Union departments and working closely with UWL departments and third party suppliers;
• Responsible for the planning and delivery of student activities including Sports Clubs, the Gym, Societies, student media and student led events held on and off our premises;
• Responsible for the planning and delivery of social and one-off opportunities at course, school, and other grouping levels;
• Responsible for the planning and delivery of key large scale events;
• Responsible for the delivery of primary and secondary research papers and briefings in areas relevant to the Activities and Community Team’s work;
• Responsible for UWLSU’s adherence to Health & Safety and environmental policies in relation to the A&C Team;
• Manage operational planning processes for the Activities and Community Team’s
• Responsible for producing accurate and in-depth reports on the performance of the Activities and Community Team– including analysis and comparison with previous years and other organisations;
• Key involvement in UWLSU’s strategic plan including putting forward evidence based ideas for improvements and new projects/services within Activities and Community Team
• Liaise and negotiate with Union staff, UWL staff, and other relevant external parties on issues relating to Activities and Communities.

3. Line manage staff in the Activities and Community Team, student staff, and responsible for departmental support to the Sabbatical Officers

• Arrange, conduct and keep records of management meetings with members of the A&C Team – including performance reviews, appraisals, and investigations;
• Responsible for recruitment and induction of staff in the Activities and Community Team;
• Manage the learning and development of the Activities and Community Team;
• Responsible for the recruitment, induction, and management of student staff and volunteers within Activities and Community ;
• Provide briefings and support to Sabbaticals, and involve relevant Sabbaticals in planning and delivery within Activities and Community Team

Personal Specification

CRITERIA / Requirement
QUALIFICATIONS
Good general education, typically to the Higher/A level equivalent / Essential
University/College Degree / Desirable
EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in a democratically led organisation / Desirable
Previous experience of delivering membership lead/engagement activity / Essential
Proven success managing small-medium groups of staff / Essential
Proven success managing budgets / Essential
Experience of managing through managers / Desirable
Experience of managing significant numbers of staff / Desirable
Proven experience of instigating change of a strategic nature / Essential
Demonstrable experience of working effectively on own initiative / Essential
Experience of managing multiple projects / Essential
Experience of volunteer management / Essential
Experience of building relationships with stakeholders / Essential
KNOWLEDGE
High level understanding of current issues and themes in higher Education and Students’ Unions / Essential
High level knowledge of current issues and themes in students unions – particularly in student activity, course based societies events and enterprise activity / Essential
Knowledge of current themes and innovations in youth sector and membership engagement organisations / Desirable
Knowledge of students’ unions in relation to relevant legislation:

• Charity
• Education Act
• Data protection

/ Essential
ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS
Able to understand working with a complex external organisation / Essential
Good coaching and mentoring skills / Essential
Proven ability to problem solve – particularly in situations requiring the candidate to influence others / Essential
Self-motivated and self-reliant / Essential
Skilled in utilising research and interpreting data / Essential
IT competent with a working understanding of Microsoft Office and some database experience / Essential
Ability to formulate development plans for services and activities / Essential
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) / Essential
Able to create and maintain strong working relationships / Essential
Able to lead, empower and engage others in shaping the future / Essential
Able to overcome hurdles and problems in a constructive manner / Essential
VALUES AND ETHICS
Desire to work within a democratic student led environment / Essential
Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities / Essential
Desire to work within organisation servicing a culturally diverse membership / Essential
Demonstrably high standards of personal integrity / Essential
KEY COMPETENCIES
Data capture and analysis
Organisation skills
Project management
Developing people
Understanding complex issues

APPLICATION FORM

Type or write clearly using black ink. Return the form by email to

The closing date is 12noon Monday 12th January 2015

(Where a cross is required in a box please highlight the box and type an X.)

Application for the post of: / Closing date: / Post Reference No:
A.Personal Details
Family name:
Forenames:
Name you wish to be ‘known as’ if not your forename
or if you prefer a shortened version of your name:
National Insurance Number:
If you are currently in employment:
May we contact you at work? YES NO
Work Tel No: Ext.
E-mail address: / Title: Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr Prof. Other (please specify)
Address:
Postcode:
Email:
Tel No:Home:
Mobile:
Are you a UK/EEA national? YES NO
If you are not a UK/EEA national do you have a visa to work in the UK? (e.g. a Tier 1 visa) YES NO
Are you applying under the Tier 2 PBS? YES NO
B.Employment
Name and Address of current or most recent employer: / Post held:
From:To:
Salary/Grade:
Please state notice period and/or earliest start date:
Tel No: / Reason for wishing to leave or for leaving:
E-mail address:
Please summarise the main duties and responsibilities in your current or most recent job:
Previous Employment
(Please give details of previous posts held and include any relevant voluntary or unpaid work. Continue on a separate sheet if required)
Past Employer(s) most recent first / Post held and main role(s) / Dates
From To / Reason for Leaving
Additional Information in support of your Application
This part of the application form will be used for shortlisting. Please give details of your relevant qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills demonstrating how you meet each of the criteria on the person specification. Give detailed answers and examples where appropriate. Continue on a separate sheet if required.
Education and Training
(If you have attended a place of further or higher education, information concerning schools and school examinations may be omitted). You will be required to produce original certificates/qualifications.
a)Secondary education OR Further and/or Higher education, giving most recent qualification first
School/College/University/Other / Qualification and subjects(s) / Level / Grade / Year obtained

b)Qualification(s) currently being undertaken

Institution/Provider

/ Qualification/level / Subject(s) / Exam/finish date
c)Relevant Training and Non-Qualification Courses Attended

d)Membership of Professional Body(ies)/Professional Qualification(s) (If more than one, please list all)

Name of Professional Body(ies) / Qualification(s) / Membership level / Registration No. / Date obtained
F.Disclosure of a Criminal Record/Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (to be completed by all applicants)
If the post you have applied for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires a Standard or Enhanced Disclosure (as indicated on the job description), you must disclose all convictions (whether spent or unspent), cautions, reprimands and final warnings on your criminal record. (Please read the guidelines carefully)
If the post is subject to either a Standard or Enhanced Disclosure, you must answer the following question:
Have you ever been convicted by the courts or cautioned, reprimanded or given a final warning by the police? YES NO
If the post is subject to Enhanced Disclosure, you must also answer the following question:
Are you aware of any police enquiries undertaken following allegations made against you or do you have any pending prosecutions, which may have a bearing on your suitability for this post? YES NO
For all other posts: Do you have any unspent criminal convictions? YES NO
(If you answer yes to any of the above questions, please give details of offences, penalties and dates on a separate sheet (which should be signed and dated), enclose in a sealed envelope marked ‘Private & Confidential’ and attach to the form. Write your name, the post reference number and job title on the envelope.)
Have you worked for University of West London Students’ Union before? YES NO If yes, please state dates employed and job title:
Please indicate if you are applying for this post on a part-time/job share basisYES NO
If yes, please state (a) number of hours you wish to work per week (b) do you have a job share partner Yes No
G.Disability (To be completed by all applicants)
The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as anyone who has or has had a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Taking this definition into consideration, do you consider you have a disability? : YES NO
If you have a disability and have demonstrated in your application that you meet the minimum (essential) criteria for the vacancy you can request a guaranteed interview. Do you wish to claim an interview under the 2 tick’s scheme?
YES NO
Please describe any special requirements/reasonable adjustments which will help you participate in an interview or to carry out this post if appointed:
H.References
Please give names and addresses of TWO referees, not related to you, who are willing and able to provide up-to-date information on your qualifications, experience and skills. One of these must be your line manager from your current or most recent employment or if you have not been employed, a referee related to relevant voluntary or community work or, if appropriate, your head teacher or lecturer/tutor from your last school or college or university.
We reserve the right to contact your present/last employer if an offer is made and accepted. References may be taken up prior to interview, unless you have specifically requested otherwise in the section below.
Name / 1. / 2. / 3.
Position
Working relationship
(if any)
Address
Post Code:
Tel No:
Fax No:
E-mail address:
May we contact
prior to interview? / YES NO / YES NO / YES NO
I.Declaration
I understand the Students’ Union reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment or to terminate my employment with or without notice or payment in lieu in cases where: (a) it is discovered I do not have the claimed qualification or experience (b) I do not obtain, for whatever reasons, any appropriate examination or licence; (c) I become disbarred from the appropriate Regulatory Body or Authority.
I understand that an offer of appointment will be subject to references satisfactory to the Students’ Union.
I understand that, if the post is subject to Standard or Enhanced Disclosure, I must disclose details of any criminal record, including convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings and (for Enhanced Disclosure) any other information that may have a bearing on my suitability for the post.
I understand that providing false or misleading information will disqualify me from appointment or if appointed will render me liable to dismissal without notice.
I declare that the information I have given is, to the best of my knowledge, true and complete.
I agree that the information given may be used for registered purposes under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Has anyone else completed this form on your behalf YES NO
Signed (please insert electronic signature or leave blank):
Date:
University of West London Students Union | Application Pack / 1