University Campus Suffolk Union exists to represent and support over 5,000 students currently studying at UCS across five centres based in Suffolk and Norfolk. The Union is student led and provides sports and social activities for its members, and operates a retail outlet and advisory services on the main Ipswich campus.

Student Voice coordinator

Location: Union office, Library Building, University Campus Suffolk

Salary: £20,500

Hours: 37

Reports to: Chief Executive

Responsible for: Appropriate volunteer and staffing roles

Main Purpose

The purpose of this role is to oversee the administration of all student representative structures. This includes the organisation of elections for all representative roles, the development of the student representative network and the oversight of a regular programme of interactions that are established between student representatives, the membership, the Union and UCS. In addition, the role is to provide overall support to the Union’s governance structures.

Elections Organiser

·  To serve as the elections organiser for all Executive and representative elections.

·  To work effectively with relevant staff to divide the responsibilities of elections between the appropriate staff.

·  To recruit for all elected student positions, and to support them through on-going training and mentoring.

·  To ensure the effective collation and administration of representatives’ details.

·  To work effectively with Executive Officers, UCS Academic Services, UCS Learning Network Centre staff and others to ensure the success of course representative elections

Developing Representation

·  To be responsible for developing the Union’s student representative structures, including Union Council and the Executive Committee.

·  To be responsible for liaising with students and staff at UCS Ipswich and the UCS Learning Network centres.

·  To promote the student representation network to the student body and staff and identify opportunities for cross-development.

·  To ensure representatives have timely and relevant information in advance of meetings or other events, including a full schedule of meetings early in the academic year.

·  To monitor the progress of matters raised by, or on behalf of, students and to compile appropriate reports.

Training and Development of Representatives

·  To design, facilitate and evaluate training for elected student positions to enable representatives to be effective in their roles.

·  To assist in the design and delivery of Executive Committee training.

·  Serve as a source of knowledge, guidance and support for all representatives.

·  Nurture student representatives’ enthusiasm for their work and inspire their development

Reports, Surveys and Research

·  To work on a day-to-day basis with the elected officers to enable achievement of the Executive’s aims in relation to democracy and representation.

·  To organise and/or contribute to focus groups within the Union and UCS.

·  To support the promotion of any Union surveys and the National Student Survey.

·  To investigate quality assurance and enhancement issues in higher education and brief officers and staff.

·  Conduct any appropriate research to further inform the student representative decision making processes

·  To lead an annual review evaluating the effectiveness of student representatives.

Finance & Strategy

·  To be responsible for the administration of the Student Voice budget.

·  Produce the departmental strategy with line manager support.

·  Provide overall support to the Union’s governance structures, particularly the development and accuracy of bye-laws, articles of association and regulations.

·  To lead the Governance Review, particularly our Articles of Association, as required by law, on behalf of University Campus Suffolk.

Relationships

·  To work with relevant Union officers, particularly Sabbatical Officers and staff to develop a system of recognition for the achievements of Union volunteers, including student representatives.

·  To develop working relationships with UCS staff to ensure the role of student representatives is understood, respected and facilitated.

·  To ensure that all staff understand UCS Union’s democratic and representative structures, and the individuals involved within those structures

Other

·  Contribute to appropriate handbooks, guides, publications and the Union’s website.

·  Deliver and develop targets outlined in the Union’s strategic plan.

·  Contribute to the Union’s planning processes and the review of its performance and systems.

·  Observe and uphold the requirements of the Union’s governing documents and act at all times in accordance with policies including equality of opportunity.

·  Assist in all key events throughout the year, e.g. summer ball, fresher’s/welcome weeks and any other key events, including elections.

·  Portray a positive image – both internally and externally – of the Union by displaying high standards of service, integrity, punctuality, politeness and professionalism.

·  Take ownership of induction, appraisal objectives and departmental staff meetings and be responsible for carrying out duties with full regard to the rules, policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff handbook.

·  Attend conferences, training and other events relevant to the role.

Additional notes:

·  The list above should not be considered an exhaustive list and post holders may be required to undertake other tasks from time to time.

·  Duties and responsibilities may change over time. Job descriptions will be reviewed and amended with the consultation of the post holder.

·  The post holder must follow UCS Union policies and be aware of Fire and Health and Safety Regulations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable
Education / Educated to degree level or above or have three years’ experience in a membership organisation / X
Hold a clean valid driver’s license for the UK / X
Knowledge / Demonstrable knowledge of and interest in elections and the democratic process / X
Knowledge of effective promotion through a range of media / X
Knowledge of the issues affecting students in HE / X
Understanding of the role of the Students’ Unions, in particular the process of elections and representation / X
Experience / Experience of working in an office environment / X
Experience of working as part of a team and independently / X
Experience of working with volunteers / X
Experience of working with elected individuals / X
Experience of researching, project planning and report writing / X
Experience of creating and maintaining effective working relationships / X
Experience of delivering training / X
Skills / The ability to act confidentially, neutrally, and with integrity / X
Attention to detail / X
Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment / X
Excellent numeracy skills / X
Excellent organisation and administrative skills / X
Excellent verbal and written communication skills / X
Attitudes and Behaviours / Able to approach tasks from a creative, enthusiastic and innovative angle / X
Commitment to the principles of equal opportunities / X
Commitment to enhancing the student experience / X