Project Leader Handbook 2017/18

PROJECT LEADER HANDBOOK:

All you need to know about setting up your own project and becoming a project leader

An introduction from the VPSI A key part of our strategic plan here at Bucks Students’ Union, is to create as many opportunities for our students to get involved with, and in turn, increase student leadership. This means that there’s always a chance for you to get involved in what we do, as a Union.

On top of this, you also have the opportunity to become a Project Leader; whether it’s on one of our projects or something of your own that you feel passionately about, we’ll be there to support you, every step of the way! So what are you waiting for? You never know where it might take you!

Jimi Adeyinka

Vice President Student Involvement Bucks Students’ Union

What is a project leader?

A project leader is someone who either leads a Students’ Union project, or sets up and leads their own project. It’s a great way to make a difference to a cause that you feel passionate about.

It can involve working with a specific charity or organisation, helping out with projects that are already up and running, or starting something from scratch. All aspects of running the project are down to you including the planning, developing and managing all events and activities. You will have full support from the Students’ Union, however the main responsibility is given to you!

Why become a project leader?

• It’s a great opportunity to tailor volunteering to your own passions, ideas and interests • You can develop great leadership skills which will help you personally and professionally, setting you up for graduate life • It’s a chance to be involved in a project at a higher level to make a real difference whether it is locally, nationally or internationally.

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Setting up a project Don’t imitate – innovate!

Got an idea for a project? Great! Organising your own project is a fantastic experience and will help you develop loads of new skills and give you some great experiences to include in job applications and interviews.

Whether it’s working in the environment, setting up a reading group at a local school, or something completely different, we want to hear about it! Just follow these three simple steps: 1. Research - make sure there isn’t a similar project happening locally.

If there is, look at how your project can help them develop. Ensure there is a need for your project in the community 2. Plan - think about the mission of your project, what it’s aims and goals will be and how you will achieve them 3. Submit - fill out a project proposal form and submit it to volunteering@bucks.ac.uk

Applying to lead a current project We have several projects which have been set up by the Students’ Union, and need volunteers to take the lead! These projects have already been set up, so all the ground work has been done for you; it’s just a case of recruiting volunteers and liaising with the charity.

You can find a list of our current project leader vacancies online where you can also fill out an application form.

Once you have submitted your project proposal form, a committee will decide whether your project will be funded.

The committee will consist of: • Vice President Student Involvement • Membership Services Manager

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• Activities Coordinator (Volunteering and Charitable Fundraising)

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What’s in it for me?

There are many benefits to being a project leader; not only will you learn a load of transferrable skills which will set you up for graduate life, but you can also take advantage of our project leader package, which includes: • a project leader t-shirt • MiDAS (Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme) test - if necessary • support and mentoring from the volunteering team throughout the time of your project • certificate and recognition from the Students’ Union • the chance to be nominated as volunteer of the year at our annual Union Awards ceremony • leadership training which will cover: fundraising and budgeting leading a group project management working as part of a team delegation managing volunteers.

What kinds of projects can I set up?

Your project proposal can be on anything you like, as long as it benefits your target group and is not a replication of something which is happening locally. You can work with other charities or organisations, or you can go it alone. If your project proposal is successful, we will be here to help you every step of the way! Your project can be one off; short term or long term...it’s completely up to you!

How can we support you?

Here are a few examples of what you could set up…

• Provide advice, support and training

• Campaigning or raising awareness of a particular charity or organisation • Working with vulnerable groups (homeless, elderly etc.)

• Conservation or environmental projects • Fundraising.

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• Booking of rooms and stalls in the Students’ Union

• Help establish links with organisations, whether this is locally, • Give you access to a finance account nationally or internationally • Health and safety guidance, and how to write a risk assessment • Publicity for your project through our • Insurance. website and social media pages

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Bucks Students’ Union HW Campus - North Wing, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 2JZ Tel: 01494 601 600 UXB Campus - First Floor, 106 Oxford Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1NA Tel: 01494 605 180 Email: union@bucks.ac.uk Website: bucksstudentsunion.org Bucks Students’ Union is a registered charity – no. 1144820