Student Leadership Coordinator Recruitment Pack June 2018
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator
June 2018 Dear Prospective Candidate Re: Student Leadership Coordinator Thank you for your interest in the position of Student Leadership Coordinator for Greenwich and Kent Students’ Unions Together (GK Unions) partnership. The Greenwich & Kent Students’ Unions Together partnership is a unique set up in that it provides student union services to students from the universities of Greenwich and Kent studying at the Medway campus. The partnership means that we have close working relationships with each of the students’ unions (Students’ Union University of Greenwich & Kent Union) to ensure the students at Medway have access to services and are represented effectively. Kent Union (the representative body for students of the University of Kent) is the managing partner for the GK Unions partnership meaning that all financial and legal aspects of the partnership are the responsibility of Kent Union’s Board of Trustees, and hence this role is employed directly by Kent Union. About the partners Kent Union is a successful, vibrant and exciting organisation with a bright future ahead of us. We have achieved a great deal in the last few years with more than doubling in size to our current £11 million turnover, 500 employees and approximately 2,000 volunteers. Included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For, for nine years, we believe we are one of the best students’ unions in the U.K. For further information on Kent Union please visit www.kentunion.co.uk Greenwich Students’ Union is a developing London Union representing 20,000 students across three campuses based in Greenwich, Avery Hill (Eltham) and Medway. Greenwich Students’ Union has a 2.5 Million Turnover and 35 career members of staff with 200 student staff employed throughout the year. Greenwich Students’ Union has been on a transformative journey in the last 7 years and is currently undergoing a rebrand, democracy review, advice service review, a move to a new building and opening two new venues, which will transform the membership offer. For further information on Students Union University of Greenwich please visit www.suug.co.uk Campaigning on important issues and representing student interests has historically been led by the ‘home unions’ for Kent and Greenwich students at the Medway Campus . A joint Representation Review was conducted in November 2017 to see whether this model was working, and whether home union representation was effective for students on the Medway Campus. The creation of this new role was one of five key recommendations based on the following principles: 1) 2) 3) 4)
Medway problems need Medway solutions The universities are key partners Maximising opportunities and removing barriers to leadership A shared willingness to change
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator Expanding the visibility and impact of student voice in Medway is at the heart of this new role. We are developing key student leadership positions for Medway students to become agents of change, channelling student feedback, ideas and suggestions via a new online localised system to enable GK Unions to develop its services, and joining up with the home unions on matters affecting academic policy. Schools are being empowered as partners to assist with the appointment of strong student representatives (reps), ensuring wider diversity and more meaningful engagement with students outside of the leadership elections, and developing vibrant academic communities. As Student Leadership Coordinator, you will be key in implementing these exciting recommendations. This role will support the development of a shared Students at Medway Committee to effectively represent all Medway students, and coordinate our programme of student reps on their programmes of study, enhancing their learning experience through academic societies. You will be passionate about identifying strong leadership potential, and will work to support the delivery of our democratic structures and elections. You will be driven to encourage students to find their voice and influence decision making through feedback, campaign and policy. The successful candidate will have good experience in working with volunteers, a track record in coordinating multiple projects and a demonstrable passion for supporting students to change the world. This is an incredibly exciting and rewarding post and an opportunity to shape and shake up one of our most important areas of work. I hope that you will consider applying and take up the chance to work with inspiring student leaders in a dynamic and vibrant organisation. This pack should provide everything you need to support your application. It contains:
Job description Person specification Copy of full advert Summary conditions of appointment Summary governance and management arrangements Application and selection process and timetable
If you require further information about the role please contact Alison Chambers on 01634 888925. Yours faithfully
Alison Chambers Head of GK Unions Partnership
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator
Job Description – Student Leadership Coordinator Department: GK Unions Partnership Reports to: Head of GK Unions Partnership Direct reports: None Role Purpose: The post holder will expand the visibility and power of student voice in Medway, developing key student leadership positions for Medway students to become agents of change and implementing recommendations from the Representation Review to ensure all students on the Medway campus feel represented.
Duties and Responsibilities Financial Responsibilities 1. To oversee and support the Representation and Democracy budget line. 2. To monitor and support academic society budgets. 3. To be responsible for the security of all resources including stock and cash, and to follow all Kent Union’s financial procedures. 4. To support the department in processing financial paperwork including invoices, purchase orders and internal transfers, ensuring value for money.
Responsibilty for People 1. To liaise effectively with colleagues across the partnership and to work closely with representation teams at Greenwich Student Union and Kent Union. 2. To build strong relationships with academic schools across Medway Campus. 3. To effectively communicate individual, team and organisational goals to all people. 4. To encourage open feedback and debate from people. 5. To effectively coach and mentor people to help achieve potential, and lead by example on continuous personal development. 6. To work with the Volunteering team to implement best practice in volunteer management, including although not limited to inducting and training volunteers, performance management of volunteers, reward and recognition and provide regular support to our volunteers. 7. To ensure that Kent Union’s procedures on the employment and ongoing management of Tier 4 Student Staff are adhered to at all times.
Responsibility for Representation 1. To develop, support and train shared student committees and networks. 2. To be aware of University structures and support student representation on University committees. 3. To coordinate officer accountability against Medway priorities and to develop reports for boards and committee meetings. 4. To promote a bespoke online feedback system and ensure smooth implementation. 5. To provide administrative support for academic meetings and events. 6. To support the delivery of strategic objectives on behalf of Greenwich Student Union, Kent Union and GK.
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator 7. To work with academic schools to appoint strong student/programme reps and coordinate associated year-round activity.
Responsibility for Academic Communities 1. To work towards establishing an academic society in each school at Medway 2. To support academic societies to develop and fulfil their aims, by providing operational and administrative support. 3. To liaise with a designated staff member in each school to ensure the society is appropriately supported. 4. To coordinate the creation and development of student led spaces that create academic communities and innovative environments for students to develop their learning. 5. To coordinate the support of academic based student groups with the student rep system 6. To support Education Forum and other structures to support student led representation on education matters. 7. To work with academic societies and student representatives to ensure all students have a fair and accessible means of offering feedback on their academic experience. 8. To coordinate initiatives to celebrate good teaching at the University.
Responsibility for Democracy and Campaigns 1. To support the delivery of democratic structures. 2. To support the planning and delivery of the annual Leadership Elections and all other elections. 3. To support the planning and delivery of campaign activity by elected officers.
Expected Behaviours 1. To attend training sessions, and appropriate meetings as and when required. 2. To contribute to the positive image of GK Unions and home unions with students, Universities and the local community. 3. To lead by example and demonstrate a full understanding of the organisations’ democratic structures. 4. To ensure systems are in place to reduce the impact on the environment. 5. To act as an ambassador for GK Unions and show loyalty to the partnership, abiding by policies and procedures at all times. 6. To undertake other tasks and responsibilities compatible with the level and nature of the post as required by your manager from time to time to support the achievement of the GK Plan.
Summary of terms This is a full time, permanent position Hours of work – 35 hours per week Normal place of work – Medway
This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
Tested at interview
Tested at application
Essential requirements should be demonstrated before appointment and maintained in post. Desirable elements should be developed and maintained once in post as needed Qualifications Educated to degree level An appropriate qualification in working with or managing volunteers A training qualification (for example Train to Train) Experience
X X
X X
X
X
A track record of designing, planning and delivering effective campaigns and projects, both personally and through empowering others, ideally volunteers Experience of building strong and productive relationships with external stakeholders to deliver shared objectives A demonstrable record of working with, supporting and empowering volunteers and/or elected officers to deliver personal and organisational objectives Experience of developing, planning and delivering training programmes, in particular soft skills training Experience of supporting elections in students’ unions or similar organisations Experience of working with volunteers within the representation sector Experience of successfully managing projects to deliver organisational objectives Knowledge
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A thorough understanding of the current issues affecting higher education institutions and students and how this impacts upon the role A good knowledge of how to run effective campaigns utilising a range of tactics and communication tools A good understanding of best practice in student representation and engagement in a learning environment Skills and Abilities
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
The ability to operate effectively in a complex environment, with the skills and acumen to develop productive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders A skilled and committed user of IT, enabling efficiencies and improved service through the use of technology A firm commitment to standards of excellence, thoroughness, perseverance and good attention to detail
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, in a positive way, choosing the most appropriate method of communication for the audience Sound judgement and ability to handle competing priorities and a challenging workload in a pressurised environment An effective and highly capable individual who is punctual, friendly and has a positive attitude, takes pride in own work and that of team members and provides the highest standards of customer service Values and Behaviours
X
X
X
X
X
X
Evidence of commitment to continuing personal and professional development A firm commitment to equality of opportunity; an individual who values diversity, shows respect for all people and works well with people who have different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds A team player, who helps others to build a successful team, celebrates others’ successes and supports others to achieve individual and team goals A responsible individual who is committed to Kent Union’s values, will take steps to reduce the organisation’s impact upon the environment and support efforts to give something back to society A strong commitment to working in a democratic and membership organisation; the ability to empower and build constructive relationships with elected officers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator
Student Leadership Coordinator Circa £19,758 35 hours per week Generous pension scheme, 37 days annual leave, rising to 42 after 5 years Thank you for your interest in the position of Student Leadership Coordinator for Greenwich and Kent Students’ Unions Together (GK Unions) partnership. The Greenwich & Kent Students’ Unions Together partnership is a unique set up in that it provides student union services to students from the universities of Greenwich and Kent studying at the Medway campus. The partnership means that we have close working relationships with each of the students’ unions (Students’ Union University of Greenwich & Kent Union) to ensure the students at Medway have access to services and are represented effectively. Kent Union (the representative body for students of the University of Kent) is the managing partner for the GK Unions partnership meaning that all financial and legal aspects of the partnership are the responsibility of Kent Union’s Board of Trustees, and hence this role is employed directly by Kent Union. About the partners Kent Union is a successful, vibrant and exciting organisation with a bright future ahead of us. We have achieved a great deal in the last few years with more than doubling in size to our current £11 million turnover, 500 employees and approximately 2,000 volunteers. Included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For, for nine years, we believe we are one of the best students’ unions in the U.K. For further information on Kent Union please visit www.kentunion.co.uk Greenwich Students’ Union is a developing London Union representing 20,000 students across three campuses based in Greenwich, Avery Hill (Eltham) and Medway. Greenwich Students’ Union has a 2.5 Million Turnover and 35 career members of staff with 200 student staff employed throughout the year. Greenwich Students’ Union has been on a transformative journey in the last 7 years and is currently undergoing a rebrand, democracy review, advice service review, a move to a new building and opening two new venues, which will transform the membership offer For further information on Students Union University of Greenwich please visit www.suug.co.uk Kent and Greenwich students at the Medway Campus have been represented by their home unions in terms of campaigning on important issues and representing student interests. The home Unions undertook a joint Representation Review in November to see whether this model was working, and whether home union representation was considered to be effective for students on the Medway Campus. This new role was one of five key recommendations based on the following principles: 1) 2) 3) 4)
Medway problems need Medway solutions The universities are key partners Maximising opportunities and removing barriers to leadership A shared willingness to change
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator Expanding the visibility and power of student voice in Medway is at the heart of this new role. We are developing key student leadership positions for Medway students to become agents of change, chanelling student feedback, ideas and suggestions via a new online localised system to enable GK Unions to develop its services, and joining up with the home unions on matters affecting policy. Schools are being empowered as partners to assist with the appointment of strong student reps, ensuring wider diversity and more meaningful engagement with students outside of the leadership elections, and developing vibrant academic communities. As Student Leadership Coordinator, you will be key in implementing these exciting recommendations. This role will support the development of a shared Students at Medway changemaking Committee, and coordinate our programme of student reps to successfully represent their peers on their programme of study and enhance their learning experience through academic societies. You will be passionate about identifying strong leadership potential, and will work to support the delivery of our democratic structures and elections. You will be driven to encourage students to find their voice and influence decision making through feedback, campaign and policy. The successful candidate will have good experience in working with volunteers, a track record in coordinating multiple projects and a demonstrable passion for supporting students to change the world. This is an incredibly exciting and rewarding post and an opportunity to shape and shake up one of our most important areas of work. I hope that you will consider applying and take up the chance to work with inspiring student leaders in a dynamic and vibrant organisation. For an application pack, please visit http://www.kentunion.co.uk/careers/ To apply please return your completed Application and Equal Opportunities form to
[email protected] Closing date for applications:
Wednesday 18 July midday
Interviews will be held on:
Friday 27 July
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator
Summary Conditions of Appointment Salary The post is at Grade 4.1 of Kent Union’s payscale with a salary of £19,758. Staff normally move up one incremental point annually, subject to performance. Probationary arrangements This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, with 1, 3 and 6-month reviews. Notice Period The notice period for this position is one-month. Annual Leave Entitlement The post-holder is entitled to 23 days’ leave, increasing by 1 day a year to a maximum of 28 days; 6 ‘customary’ days’ leave, normally taken over Christmas; and the 8 statutory leave days for England. Total entitlement is therefore 37 days in year 1, rising to 42 days after 5 years. Pension The post-holder is entitled to join the Superannuation Arrangements of the University of London (SAUL), CARE pension scheme with salary sacrifice, in which Kent Union contributes 16% and employees contribute 6% of salary. Alternatively, the post-holder can join a personal pension scheme through Scottish Equitable, in which Kent Union contributes 6% and employees contribute 3% of salary. Hours of Work The contracted hours are 35 hours per week; additional hours where deemed necessary with occasional evenings or weekends. Work-Life Balance Kent Union is committed to facilitating a healthy work-life balance and has cutting edge flexible working policies, including extensive maternity, paternity and grand-parent leave; generous adoption and parental leave entitlement; facilities for sabbatical leave; the option to work from home on occasion and time off for volunteering. Equality of Opportunity Kent Union is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and will endeavour to meet the needs of any candidate who fulfils the requirements of the person specification.
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator Summary Governance and Management Arrangements
Our Belief
We believe every student at the University of Kent should have the opportunity to try out new experiences, have fun, make new friends and be part of a community; we believe every student should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential in life, have a voice in society and make a difference.
We believe that Kent Union is integral to empowering students to realise this belief.
Our Mission
We are a charity that supports students at the University of Kent; we:
Stand up for students
Help them have the best time at Kent Prepare them for life after Kent
Our Values
Bold – we are brave and courageous; we stand up for students’ rights; we are innovative and we challenge the status quo
Inclusive - we welcome all people and appreciate their uniqueness; we are champions of equality and diversity
Supportive – we look out for people; we want students to succeed in life so we offer transformative experiences for them to get involved in; we ensure our staff have a healthy work-life balance
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator Legal Status Kent Union is an unincorporated association and a registered charity. The Union has a Board of Trustees, which is legally responsible for all aspects of the organisation.
Democratic Structures Kent Union is a membership organisation; all students at the University of Kent are automatically members of Kent Union. The membership provide strategic and political direction through the Union’s democratic structures, including referenda, the Annual General Meeting, Union Council, four debating zones and seven elected Trustees. The Trustees The Trustees of Kent Union are the five ‘sabbatical officers’, four ‘external’ trustees and four ‘student’ trustees. The sabbatical officers and two of the student trustees are elected each year by and from the student membership of Kent Union. The sabbatical officers take a year out of their studies (or immediately after graduating) to serve as a trustee; they can stand for re-election for a second year if they choose, but can serve for no more than two years. Unlike the trustees of most registered charities, the sabbatical officers are paid a living allowance and work a normal working week. The four student trustees have all the responsibilities of being a trustee, but are still studying and fulfil their duties on a ‘part-time’ and voluntary basis. Two of the four student trustees are elected by cross-campus ballot and take office on 1 July each year; the other two student trustees are selected via a recruitment process in the October of each year. Staff and Management Structure Kent Union employs approximately 500 staff to provide services for its members. Staff are of two types – approximately 360 student staff, who work whilst completing their studies at the University of Kent; and approximately 140 career staff – professionals who have made working at Kent Union part of their career. The Board of Trustees oversees the work of staff through the Chief Executive and Director Group, who in turn manage staff through the 15 senior managers, each of whom is responsible for one of the Union’s Departments or a strategic function.
Application and Selection Process and Timetable Recruitment and Selection Timetable 18 June
Advertise position
18 July midday
Applications close
27 July
Interviews
Applications To apply please download and complete an application form from our recruitment website http://www.kentunion.co.uk/careers and email it, along with the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form to
[email protected]; please ensure that you pay particular attention in your
Recruitment Pack Student Leadership Coordinator application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification. The Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be separated from applications prior to short-listing. Completed applications must be received by midday 20 July 2018. Website Kent Union’s website contains further background information about Kent Union to help potential applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to look at the website prior to applying; the website address is www.kentunion.co.uk Further Information and Questions For an informal conversation, further information or any questions about this opportunity, please contact Alison Chambers, Head of GK Unions Partnership, on 01634 888925
