Job Position:                        Welfare and Diversity Officer

Term:                                      1^st August 2024 to 31^st July 2025

Relationships with:                Students’ Union Staff, Elected Officers, Students, University staff, University Governors and external agencies

How to Qualify for the Role

• You must be a current 1^st or 2^nd year student of the University
• You must be available for 5-10 hours per week to fulfil the duties of your role including attending regular Student Executive Committee meetings
• Attend mandatory induction training sessions at times to be agreed during June, July, August and September (estimated 3-4 days)
• You must be available to attend handover meetings during the Summer terms of 2024 and 2025
• You must attend the Students’ Union AGM
• You must not have been subject to any University or Students’ Union disciplinary procedures

Main Purpose of the Role

The Welfare and Diversity Officer is a part-time, voluntary, elected student representative and the main point of contact for campaign activity alongside the Students’ Union President and Vice Presidents. The Officer is the lead on the SU inclusive programme of activity to promote attention to the concerns regarding race, gender, sexuality or disability of students at RAU.

Benefits of the Role

• The opportunity to participate in student democracy and to share the voice of all students
• In-depth knowledge of the workings of the Students’ Union and the University
• Training and personal development opportunities tailored to the individual role
• Experience of leading, developing and supporting campaigns for change
• Support from Students’ Union staff and the opportunity to build relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Development of transferrable skills such as collaborative/team working
• A reference for future employers

As the Students’ Union Welfare and Liberation Campaigns Officer you will:

• Be an Ambassador for the Students’ Union, safeguarding its good name and values
• Be a member of the Students’ Union Executive Committee, attending all meetings, holding the President to account and advocating on behalf of all under-represented students and general student welfare
• Liaise with the Sabbatical Officers and Student Support Services team to facilitate, promote and endorse relevant and national welfare campaigns
• Recruit and manage a team of Equality & Liberation Champions (ELC’s) to represent the needs and views of students who are frequently underrepresented in the curriculum, social activities and other aspects of University life
• Regularly meet with the University Head of Student Services to ensure a joined approach to campaigns and awareness days
• Engage enthusiastically with Student Support’s mental health/wellbeing events and campaigns throughout the year
• Raise awareness and promote sexual health, mental health, responsible drinking, personal safety etc across the student body
• Act as advocate for student health and wellbeing and actively signpost to Support Services internally
• Work alongside the elected officers to support underrepresented groups within the university, e.g. part time students etc to ensure they have a positive student experience
• Act as a key point of contact for Global Majority students at the University
• Play an active role in ensuring that Global Majority students engage with the Union’s democratic functions
• Lead on the development of inclusion and access improvements for Global Majority students
• Identify issues relevant to Global Majority students
• Canvass Global Majority student opinion to be aware of common issues and concerns and ensure these are escalated to the Students’ Union Executive Committee
• Work to improve student integration within the local community and promote good citizenship amongst students at the University

• To be the lead officer for students who live in off-site student housing by sitting on local community groups, such as the Chesterton Community Group, Safer Cotswolds etc.
• Regularly and reliably support and promote University events and initiatives related to wellbeing, mental health etc on the RAUSU social media channels to increase student engagement
• Work alongside the Student Support Services team in order to promote campaigns surrounding student safety and wellbeing
• Take a lead role in promoting community projects and the organisation of volunteers to enhance Town and Gown relationships
• Ensure a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all Students’ Union activities
• Provide student representation on University committees as required
• Work closely with the Students’ Union staff and the elected officers to support the effective management of the Students’ Union