Leadership Academy - Guide to leadership roles

Leadership Academy Creating future leaders

Guide to leadership roles

Guide to leadership roles | 1

Introduction The Leadership Academy is a bespoke development programme for talented students to gain specific skills for routes through the Union into leadership roles.

It’s a series of training, courses and opportunities to enhance employability and build leadership traits - all free of charge courtesy of The Big Deal.

There are many routes into leadership roles within the Union and beyond your University life and depending on your interest or ability, your choice of route may be individual to you. Each route will have tailored development sessions to help you reach your goal.

You may have a clear career path in mind and we want to help you achieve it either within the Union or with the employer of your choice when you have graduated. Our programmes can be adapted for any leadership role. Leadership opportunities within the Union are detailed on the following pages.

Contact sutraining@bucks.ac.uk for further information.

Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Freshers’ Helper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Head Freshers’ Helper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Student Rep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 School Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Executive Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Vice President of Student Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Vice President of Education & Welfare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Student Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NUS Delegate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sport for Fun Ambassador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 RAG Ambassador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fairtrade Ambassador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Green Ambassador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 AU Council Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Union Council Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Societies Council Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Bucks Student Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Rusty’s Radio Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 University Council Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bucks Graduate Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Student Experience Assistant (Uxbridge). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Activities Coordinator (Competitive Sport). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Activities Coordinator (Recreational Sport and Societies). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Activities Coordinator (Volunteering & Charity Fundraising). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bar and Events Team Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Venue Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Trainee Assistant Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Freshers’ Helper Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To help students integrate into Bucks New University and the local community and provide a friendly welcome to new students during the first two weeks of term. As part of a team, organise trips and activities for students, provide information about Bucks Students’ Union and local services and socialise with freshers as well as acting as ambassadors for Bucks New University and Bucks Students’ Union.

• • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: High Wycombe – First two weeks of the new academic year Uxbridge – 3 weeks in September and one week in February for the new intake.

On-going positions available in both locations as well.

4 | Creating future leaders

Verbal communication skills Decision making Problem solving Networking Teamwork Creativity Organisational skills Marketing Citizenship Community awareness Cultural awareness

Head Freshers’ Helper Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To help students integrate into Bucks New University and the local community and provide a friendly welcome to new students during the first two weeks of term. As part of a team, organise trips and activities for students, provide information about Bucks Students’ Union and local services.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

To supervise Freshers Helpers whilst on duty, delegate responsibilities, and work with the Project Coordinator in the construction and distribution of rotas.

When it happens: High Wycombe – First two weeks of the new academic year

Verbal communication skills Written communication skills Delegation Decision making Problem solving Networking Teamwork Time management Leadership Creativity Organisational skills Marketing Citizenship Community awareness Cultural awareness

Uxbridge – 3 weeks in September and one week in February for the new intake.

Guide to leadership roles | 5

Student Rep Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

As a Student Rep you will have the chance to represent the students in your class to academics within your department, providing a credible voice and bringing about change on a local level. You will be the principle representative for any class related issues of your peers, gathering and reporting this feedback to those who lead your course and influencing the academic life of students at Bucks New University. As a Student Rep you will also be invited to provide feedback through a number of other forums, meetings and events, with a wide range of topics and be expected to give regular feedback to your School Officer and potentially join in campaigns that would affect you and/ or your class.

• • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: September – June, approximately 8 hours per term.

6 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Decision making Problem solving Leadership Networking Creativity

School Officer Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

As School Officer you would head up representation in your school, liaising with student reps to ensure that you have a sound understanding of the issues affecting students across the variety of courses within your school.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

One of your key responsibilities as School Officer would be to gather and report the feedback of student reps to the Students Union. You will also contribute to the formulation of Students Union policy on a number of issues regarding the whole student experience. You would subsequently be expected to be a credible voice for these policies at Education Forum and Library Forum, influencing the whole experience of students at Bucks New University.

When it happens:

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Management Delegation Citizenship Decision making IT Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Networking Creativity Environmental awareness Project management

September – June.

Guide to leadership roles | 7

Executive Officer Summary of role:

When it happens:

There are eight Executive Officer positions available and they are elected by the membership:

September – June, Union Council meetings to be attended every month during term time, but most meetings held in the evenings. Extra time for correspondence between meetings.

• Executive Officer for BAME Students • Executive Officer for Women • Executive Officer for Students with Disabilities • Executive Officer for International Students • Executive Officer for LGBTQ+ Students • Executive Officer for Mature Students • Executive Officer for Part-time Students • Executive Officer for Postgraduate Students.

These are unique opportunities to be part of the team driving the direction of the Union, ensuring that the represented group are firmly at the centre of Bucks Students’ Union’s planning, development and implementation of our strategic aims.

Working alongside our full time Sabbatical Officers, this gives you the opportunity to ensure that the charity, with a turnover of £2 million a year, meets its objectives and continues to operate in the best interests of its members.

8 | Creating future leaders

Skills gained by working: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Citizenship Decision making Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Networking Creativity Environmental awareness Project management

President Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The President is the principal officer of the Union and member of University Council and is responsible for setting the political direction of the Union and communication with all stakeholders. The President is the primary representative of all students at Bucks on issues within the University, the local community and the national stage. The President also has responsibility for engaging with the national student movement and the future direction of higher education and enabling others to do so as well, in order to strengthen the Union’s sphere of influence.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: Fixed term for 1 year full time, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday with considerable evening and weekend work.

Written communication Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Delegation Financial management Decision making IT Community awareness Problem Solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Environmental awareness Project management

Guide to leadership roles | 9

Vice President of Student Involvement Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The Vice President Student Involvement (VPSI) is responsible for improving the non-academic experience of all students at Bucks, whether that be through sports teams, societies, volunteering or the many others opportunities on offer.

They hold political responsibility for the development and delivery of all student activities by the Union, and for increasing overall participation and maximising its diversity, in all areas of the Union’s work. The VPSI is also a trustee of the Union and a part of the Executive Committee.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: Fixed term for 1 year full time, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday with considerable evening and weekend work.

10 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Delegation Financial management Decision making IT Community awareness Problem Solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Environmental awareness Project management

Vice President of Education & Welfare Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The Vice President Education and Welfare (VPEW) is responsible for improving and enhancing the educational experience and welfare of all students at Bucks. They are the principal course representative and assume political responsibility for the Union’s input into the University’s system of student representation.

The VPEW also holds the University accountable for its promises and delivery of education, is a trustee of the Union and a part of the Executive Committee, and works in conjunction with the Advice Centre on welfare campaigns.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: Fixed term for 1 year full time, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday with considerable evening and weekend work.

Written communication Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Delegation Financial management Citizenship Decision making IT Community awareness Problem Solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Environmental awareness Project management

Guide to leadership roles | 11

Student Trustee Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The position of Student Trustee of Bucks Students’ Union is a unique opportunity to be part of the team driving the strategic direction of the Union. As a registered charity aiming to improve the education of students at Bucks New University, the Trustee Board has final sign-off on the Union’s biggest plans. Working alongside Officer Trustees and External Trustees you will ensure that the charity with a turnover of over £2 million a year meets its objectives and continues to operate in the best interests of its members.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

You will have the opportunity for networking within the Union as well as with other professionals and representatives in the not-forprofit sector.

When it happens: 2 years or end of study, whichever is sooner.

12 | Creating future leaders

Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Delegation Financial management Citizenship Decision making Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Networking Environmental awareness

NUS Delegate Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The position of NUS Delegate is a unique opportunity to represent Bucks Students’ Union and vote at the NUS Annual General Meeting (AGM).

• • • • • • • • • • •

It offers the right individual the opportunity to attend the sovereign policy making body of the National Union of Students.

National Conference sets policy for the year ahead in each of the 5 zones and elects the President, Vice Presidents and Block of 15 representatives on the National Executive Council. It is also where the budget for the year ahead is decided through AGM.

Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Citizenship Decision making Community awareness Cultural awareness Networking Creativity Environmental awareness

When it happens: One week near the end of March.

Guide to leadership roles | 13

Sport for Fun Ambassador Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

Responsible for supporting and developing the recreational offer within a specific sport, one of your key responsibilities as an ambassador will be the retention and growth of new participants in that activity.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Working closely with the University club and helping to strengthen the relationship with our community club partner to ensure we are providing a strong recreational sporting offer, you would be expected to be passionate about your sport and driven to help provide suitable sporting opportunities for all students at Bucks New University.

Sport for Fun Ambassadors opportunities are available in the following sports: Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Climbing, Cheerleading, Cycling, Football, Handball, Horse Riding, MMA, Snow sports, Table Tennis, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Uxbridge (September and February cohort), Volleyball.

When it happens: September – June with approximately 2 hours per week.

14 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Decision making IT Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Project management

RAG Ambassador Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

As RAG Ambassador, you will be responsible for the organisation, recruitment, development and management of the organised projects, with the opportunity to run your own events as well as be an ambassador for the Students’ Union.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: Fixed for one academic year, approx.

6 hours per month.

Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Written communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Community awareness Problem Solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Project management

Guide to leadership roles | 15

Fairtrade Ambassador Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

As Fairtrade Ambassador, you will be responsible for the organisation, recruitment, development and management of Fairtrade projects already planned, with the flexibility to implement your own ideas and plans.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: Fixed for one year, approximately 6 hours per month.

16 | Creating future leaders

Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Written communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Community awareness Problem Solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Project management

Green Ambassador Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

As Green Ambassador, you will be responsible for the organisation, recruitment, development and management of the Green Impact projects already planned, with flexibility to implement your own ideas and plans.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: Fixed for one year, approximately 6 hours per month.

Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Written communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Community awareness Problem Solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Project management

Guide to leadership roles | 17

AU Council Chair Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The role of Chair is to ensure Union Council is running well, by chairing AU Council meetings. The Chair works well with others and adopts a leadership style that is both inspiring and approachable for members. You must be self-motivated for this yearlong role and have good organisation.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: September – June, attending monthly AU Council meetings.

18 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Problem solving Leadership Networking Creativity Project management

Union Council Chair Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The role of Chair is to ensure Union Council is running well, by chairing Union Council meetings. The Chair works well with others and adopts a leadership style that is both inspiring and approachable for members. You must be self-motivated for this yearlong role and have good organisation.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: September – June, attending monthly Union Council meetings.

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Problem solving Leadership Networking Creativity Project management

Guide to leadership roles | 19

Societies Council Chair Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The role of Chair is to ensure your society is running well, by chairing committee meetings and to encourage the committee with their duties. Often seen as being the ‘face of the society’, the Chair works well with others and adopts a leadership style that is both inspiring and approachable for members. You must be self-motivated for this year-long role and have good organisation.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: September – June, attending monthly committee meetings and whenever the society requires attendance.

20 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Problem solving Leadership Networking Creativity Project management

The Bucks Student Editor Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The primary person who will work closely beside the Editor and Communications and Marketing Coordinator to ensure that The Bucks Student has direct student input with relevant high quality content.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: 2 hours per week all year.

Initiative Interpersonal skills Team-work Time management Networking Project management Problem solving Leadership Verbal communication Community awareness Decision making Delegation Organisational skills Written communication Creativity

Guide to leadership roles | 21

Rusty’s Radio Manager Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

Working closely with the Students’ Union Communications and Marketing team, the Radio Station Manager will oversee the day to day running of the radio station. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has a passion for music and online media, is able to work to tight deadlines, and wants to gain valuable experience working with a radio station.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: 5 hours per week, September – June.

22 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Delegation Decision making IT Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Networking Creativity

University Council Member Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

The University’s Council has agreed to extend its membership by the co-option of a current registered student of the University to the Council. The co-opted student member would be a full member of the University’s Council and incur the same rights and responsibilities as other Council members including allocation to Council sub-committees as appropriate.

• • • • • • • •

Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Decision making Networking Community awareness Problem solving

When it happens: The co-opted student member’s term would run from 1 August to 31 July annually. This would be renewable for a further year or more as long as the student remained registered with the University and was re-selected.

Guide to leadership roles | 23

Bucks Graduate Intern Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

You will spend time with different departments of the Union gaining an understanding of the day to day operation as well as involvement in key projects. You will be fully supported by the Training and Development Team who will work with you to agree a development programme of formal training and mentorship to compliment the employment experience you will gain.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: September – June

24 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Teamwork Organisational skills Verbal communication Time management Marketing Delegation Decision making IT Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Networking Creativity

Student Experience Assistant (Uxbridge) Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To assist the Student Experience Manager and the Student Engagement Co-ordinator in delivering and supporting the Union’s recreational activities programme, additional skills sessions, representation system, student societies, advice centre enquiries and day-to-day administration at the Uxbridge Campus. The Student Experience Assistant will also support the Union’s outreach work at partner colleges.

• • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens:

Written communication Verbal communication IT Teamwork Organisational skills Time management Marketing Decision making Problem solving Networking Creativity

41 week contract – September – June, full time, 37 hours per week.

Guide to leadership roles | 25

Activities Coordinator (Competitive Sport) Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To support the Student Activities Manager in increasing the number of students participating in competitive sporting activity.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Provide operational support for all clubs and teams operating within the Athletic Union.

Support the Union’s ongoing aim to improve the student experience through sport and physical recreation opportunities within the University.

When it happens: Full time, permanent.

26 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Verbal communication Project management Teamwork Organisational skills IT Time management Marketing Decision making Problem solving Networking Creativity

Activities Coordinator

(Recreational Sport and Societies)

Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To widen access to sport and physical recreation for all students (and employees) at the University, by providing a new and different variety of participation opportunities. To support the Student Activities Manager in increasing the number of students (and employees) participating in recreational sporting activity. Support the ongoing aim to improve the student experience through sport and physical recreation opportunities within the local community as well as at the University.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

To be responsible for planning, managing and monitoring the organisation’s societies and to support student committee and society members as individuals and groups from induction through to graduation.

Written communication Verbal communication Project management Teamwork Organisational skills IT Time management Marketing Decision making Problem solving Networking Creativity

When it happens: Full time, permanent.

Guide to leadership roles | 27

Activities Coordinator

(Volunteering & Charity Fundraising)

Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To be responsible for planning, managing and monitoring the organisations programme of student volunteering and charity fundraising and to support student volunteers and fundraisers as individuals and groups from induction through to graduation.

Take a lead on sustainability projects and writing the Green Impact and Invest in Volunteering accreditations.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

The post holder will also lead on our civic engagement work and support major Union projects and events such as elections and the Union Awards as well as supporting other colleagues within the wider Student Activities Team.

When it happens: Full time, permanent.

28 | Creating future leaders

Written communication Verbal communication Project management Teamwork Organisational skills IT Time management Marketing Decision making Problem solving Networking Creativity

Bar and Events Team Leader Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To support student staff as well as management and to ensure the provision of quality, effective beverage operation within the Union bars ensuring highest quality of customer service.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: All year round, part time, subject to weekly rota.

Teamwork Organisation skills Verbal communication Time management Delegation Financial management Decision making Community awareness Problem solving Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity

Guide to leadership roles | 29

Venue Supervisor Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

To assist the daytime operation of the Students’ Union bars and catering operations. This will involve duties such as: preparing the Venue for daytime opening hours; operating tills and checking the safe and float in line with financial procedures; ensuring adequate stocks are maintained; controlling admission to the premises in line with the set procedures; reporting all incidents to the Venue manager.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

When it happens: September – June, term time only

30 | Creating future leaders

Verbal communication Problem solving Teamwork Organisation skills Leadership Cultural awareness Numeracy Networking Creativity Financial management Time management Community awareness

Trainee Assistant Manager Summary of role:

Skills gained by working:

This role involves on-shift bar, cellar and venue management at the main High Wycombe Campus Venue. Key roles will include: shift management of a casual staff team, comprising of bar staff, events security staff and crew; setting an example to all staff and leading the bar team by ensuring the Venue and customer environment is in line with service standards, increasing revenue and quality of service; providing support to the Venue Manager, Assistant Venue Manager and Events Manager and ensuring compliance with policies and legal requirements.

• • • • • • • • • •

Organisational skills Time management Problem Solving Teamwork Verbal communication Decision making Financial management Community awareness Leadership Networking

When it happens: September – June, 16 hours per week with additional hours by arrangement.

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bucksstudentsunion.org union@bucks.ac.uk 01494 601 600 Bucks Students’ Union Queen Alexandra Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION BUCKSTUDENTSUNION BUCKSSU

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