Student Life President

Student Life President - Role Description

The Student Life 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 Student Life 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 Students’ 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 Students’ Union Board of Trustees.

  • Support the other Presidents to fulfil their priorities.

  • Be a signatory of the Students’ Union.

  • Meet regularly with key departments to ensure a fit-for-purpose events and social

    integration programme occurs on campus.

  • Aid the coordination of all major social events on campus.

  • Create communities on campus via social events and meetings.

  • Develop and support all student Societies on campus including monitoring progress

    and impact.

  • Co-Chair the sports focus group with Sport St Mary’s

  • Conduct customer research into what students want from their student experience.

  • Be the Students’ Union main contact for the local community and aid in developing

    the relationship between the University and local residents.

  • Aid the coordination of all RAG fundraising.

  • Work with the SU Team to organise the annual Varsity with Brunel SU.

  • Work with the SU Team to organise the annual Sports Awards.

  • Work closely with the Sports Development Team and Sport St Mary’s to ensure the

    continuous development of Sports Clubs including coordinating the annual Sports

    Conference.

  • Work with the SU Team to organise the annual Societies Awards.

  • Coordinate at least 4 meetings with Senior Residents during the Academic year.

  • Undertake welfare related casework and signpost to relevant services.

  • Develop and implement welfare campaigns and activities relevant to student

    lifestyles.

Period and Terms of Office

The Student Life 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 Student Life 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: 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 Student Life 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* 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)