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President

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE ROLE DESCRIPTION IN FULL BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR NOMINATION

 

Job Position:       Students’ Union President

Start Date:          1 August 2024

Hours of work:   Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday

                             (commitment to work outside of regular working days on occasions as required)

Contract:            Fixed term contract 1st August 2024 to 31st July 2025

                              (with the option to start for a further one year if re-elected)

Grade/Salary:     £23,000 p/a

Induction:            3-4 days during July/August 2023 (compulsory)

                              Attend NUS Lead & Change – 30th July to 1st Aug 2024

 

Qualification for the role

Must be a current 3rd year student at the Royal Agricultural University when elected and be a Full Member of the Union. Must also be able to declare legal capacity to serve as a Trustee and Company Director under charity and Company Law.

 

Main Purpose of the role

The Students’ Union President is the senior representative of students at the University.  Their role is to ensure that students’ views are effectively represented across the University and that the Students’ Union has students' best interest at the heart of what they do.

 

Main Duties

  1. To Chair and report to the Students’ Union Executive, representing all students
  2. To sit on the Students’ Union Board of Trustees
  3. To regularly obtain feedback from students and present this to the University so the Students’ Union always reflects the needs and wants of its members and to be an ambassador and spokesperson for student members
  4. To actively contribute and work towards the development of the Students’ Union strategy and its objectives
  5. To work in partnership with the SU Director to help them achieve the vision and objectives of the organisation and to help drive the strategic planning process
  6. To work in partnership with relevant Students’ Union staff in all areas of work
  7. To work with key staff within the University to help them understand the views and needs of students and to liaise with the University on key issues affecting students
  8. Consult with and work flexibly in conjunction with the Vice President Sabbatical Officers to ensure students are effectively supported and represented
  9. To provide leadership to the Volunteer Officers, and to co-ordinate the team’s annual priorities, targets and individual work plans
  10. To lead the Student Voice Forum, engaging with Course Representatives alongside the Vice President – Learning
  11. To work with the Vice President – Learning on issues relating to academic quality, learning and teaching as well as the academic welfare of students at the University and to ensure these are shared with the University
  12. To work with the Vice President – Leisure to ensure that the SU delivers an entertainments programme that reflects the needs/wants of the student body
  13. To be a member of and represent students’ views at University academic committees such as Academic Board and Learning Teaching and Assessment Committee (LTAC)
  14. To be a member of and represent students’ views at University non-academic committees such as Student Community and Wellbeing Committee (SWAC)
  15. To be the Lead Delegate for the NUS Conference and represent RAU students nationally
  16. To be a member of University Governing Council as Student Governor
  17. To represent students and the Union to external stakeholders, the media and the local community
  18. To meet regularly with key stakeholders including the University, its partners and the local community
  19. To work with Union staff to actively promote yourself and promote the work of the Students’ Union, encouraging students to engage and maximise the opportunities available to them
  20. To encourage students to be actively involved with the democratic and election processes of the Students’ Union
  21. To maintain your personal and official email account for The Students’ Union, replying to emails and queries as and when they come in within a reasonable time
  22. To ensure Student Ideas are taken forward and actioned wherever possible
  23. To ensure the completion of points raised in your manifesto and lead on major Union campaigns alongside your fellow Officers
  24. To lead on all social media in accordance with Union policy and delegate where required
  25. To uphold the core values of the Students’ Union and be an ambassador for the Students’ Union
  26. To support activities such as University open days, Welcome Week and official Students’ Union events
  27. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the post

Benefits of the Role

  • In-depth knowledge of the workings of the Students’ Union and the University
  • Competitive salary
  • Training and personal development opportunities tailored to the individual role
  • Experience of leading, developing and supporting campaigns for change
  • Support from Students’ Union staff
  • Practical real-life experience
  • Develop leadership skills and gain experience of leading an organisation
  • A reference for future employers

As a Trustee you will:

  1. Attend and contribute to Board of Trustees meetings
  2. Ensure that the Students’ Union acts in accordance with its charitable objects, constitution and other guiding documents and, in particular, remains true to its Mission, Vision and Values
  3. Ensure that the Students’ Union complies with all relevant legislation and regulations, including relevant charity acts and education acts
  4. Develop and deliver the Students’ Union strategic plan, policies and procedures
  5. Ensure that the Students’ Union does not undertake activities that put its financial stability, members or reputation and undue risk
  6. Ensure the Students’ Union keeps proper financial accounts and records
  7. Work with other trustees, staff and volunteers in a constructive manner and for the greater good of the Students’ Union
  8. Participate fully in Board meetings
  9. Seek external professional advice where they may be material risk to the Students’ Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties, or at any other appropriate moment.
  10. Add value to the Board and the Students’ Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking, and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity

Eligibility Criteria to be a Company Director and Charity Trustee

Aged 18+ so as to be able to enter into contracts

Must NOT have been declared bankrupt, been party to bankruptcy proceedings or have entered into a composition or arrangement with their creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement and must not still be on the Insolvency Service Register

Must NOT have been banned from being a company director by a court / be subject to a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

Must never have been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is spent;

Must never have been previously removed from trusteeship of a charity by the Court or by the Charity Commission

Please also note that students who have been subject to any sanctions in accordance with the RAU or RAUSU Disciplinary Procedures are not eligible to stand for any elected position.

This is a description of the post as it is presently constituted. The Students’ Union reserves the right to periodically examine an employee’s Job Description and update or amend it in order to ensure it delivers the need of the Union.