Education President - Role Description

The Education President (part of the Officer Trustee Team) works full-time for SMSU. They receive a salary from the Students’ Union allocated funds and the Students’ Union also contributes towards their campus accommodation costs. The Education President holds an employment contract with the Students’ Union (via University) and is accountable to the Student Scrutiny Panel and to the SMSU Trustee Board. The main responsibilities include:

• Shall be one of the prime representatives of the Union and seek to involve as many students in the Union and its activities as possible.

• Be a Trustee and Company Director of St Mary’s Students’ Union.

• Be the Chair of the Education Zone and ensure that the decisions made are

  implemented.

• Be the Student Governor on the University Board of Governors.

• Be a (non-voting) member of the University Senior Management Team, Academic Board and other relevant committees, and report back to the Union and its members.

• Support the other Presidents to fulfil their priorities.

• Lead delegations to NUS annual conference, regional conferences and other

  conferences, reporting back to the Students’ Union.

• Be one of the prime representatives of the Students’ Union and to liaise with

  University and external bodies over any academic matters affecting students.

• Be a signatory of the Students’ Union.

• Compile a report on his/her activities for consideration at every meeting of the

  Education Zone, Scrutiny Panel and Trustee Board.

• With the CEO, arrange training for the Faculty Reps and Course Reps at the

  beginning of each academic year, monitor progress, and communicate impact

  throughout the year.

• Ensure that a report is presented at AGM on the activities of the Students’ Union over

  the previous year.

• Act as a Principal Officer responsible for liaison on behalf of the Students’ Union with

  any affiliated organisations or bodies and to act as a principal public spokesperson of

  the Students’ Union on matters affecting public policy.

• In conjunction with the Officer Team, Faculty Reps and Course Reps, run appropriate

  campaigns that reflect and represent the student membership.

• Act as an independent adviser for students on matters such as academic

  misconduct, appeals and complaints.

• Lead in the coordination and development of the Course Representative System.

• Support the promotion of the NSS on campus.

• Research and create academic policy to benefit St Mary’s students.

  Period and Terms of Office

  The Education President will take office for one calendar year from 1 July 2022 following the election in February/March 2022. This will include a handover period which includes in house training, external training, conferences and meetings with key university contacts.

No person may serve as for more than two years in total and may not serve a second year of office without first being re-elected. No person may serve as an Officer Trustee who does not, by law, meet the requirements of the Charity Commission. All candidates MUST read the Essential Trustee Guide on the Charity Commission website, sign the Trustee Declaration and return it to the SU Office before 12pm on 11 February 2022.

Key Meeting Attendance:

As the Education President, you will be required to attend: student council, Student Scrutiny panel meetings, Trustee Board, Course Rep meetings and SU sub-committees. Within the University, you will be required to attend: Senior Management Team meetings, the Board of Governors (observer only), Teaching, Learning, Quality and Experience Committees, Access Group, working groups and Academic Board. There may be other committees and meetings that relate directly to your role which you will attend.

Key Working Relationships:

As Education President, you will liaise with a range of colleagues within the Students’ Union and the University, including the Full Time Officers and Faculty Reps, the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Learning and Teaching, Student Services Team, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic Strategy), Vice Chancellor of the University and other staff members within the Students’ Union, university and community.

Benefits of the Role:

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the Students’ Union and University

• Can be taken as a year of leave from study (Sabbatical)

• Training and personal development opportunities tailored to the individual role

• Gain experience of leading, developing and supporting campaigns for change

• Financial/budget management experience

• Practical real-life experience

• Free SU brand clothing package

• Get paid a salary of £20,311.20* plus benefits**

• An annual contribution towards on campus accommodation***

• Free VIP access to Students’ Union and university events

• Develop leadership skills and leading an organisation

• A reference for future employers

  Essential Reading:

• Charity Commission Website CC3: The Essential Trustee: What you need to know

• Charity Commission Website C10: Hallmarks of an Effective Charity

• SMSU Website: Articles of Association and Byelaws

Footnote:

*2021/22 salary - subject to change for 2022/23
**includes: mobile telephone, iPad, travel and personal development allowance

***includes meal plan, double room, kitchen facilities, car parking permit, all bills included (accommodation costs will be deducted from monthly salary)