Democracy and Governance Coordinator

Purpose of the Post

• To facilitate and support The Students’ Union democratic functions including Student Ideas, Student Council and the Executive
• To support the Deputy Returning Officer in the running of free and fair Elections and Referenda
• To support the student volunteers involved with The Students’ Union democratic function
• To support the student volunteers involved with The Students’ Union governance function
• To support members of the Academic Representation team with their role

The position shares with all other staff positions a general purpose to work collectively for the attainment of the goals of The Students’ Union at UWE as expressed in the Constitution, Policy Book, and Strategic Plan and through the decisions of its committees.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Within Democracy and Governance

1. To act as Minute Secretary to Student Council. Supporting the Secretary in arranging documents and the meeting itself, as well as attending, taking minutes at the meetings and making those minutes available to the wider student population.
2. To act as Minute Secretary to The Executive. Supporting the Secretary in arranging documents and the meeting itself, as well as attending, taking minutes at the meetings and making those minutes available to the wider student population.
3. To administer the Student Ideas system including the day-to-day operation and promotion.
4. In conjunction with the Representation Manager, undertake the full planning, promotion and smooth operations of The Students’ Union Elections and Referenda in a fair, transparent and democratic manner.
5. Facilitate and recommend ways to develop the democratic functions of The Students’ Union through effective planning, coordination, delivery and reviews.
6. To support the Democratic Procedures Officers in meetings and through effective training.
7. Act as one of the first points of contact for questions relating to the democratic operation of The Students’ Union.
8. Facilitate and develop the governance functions of The Students’ Union through effective planning, coordination, delivery and reviews.
9. In conjunction with the Representation Manager, undertake the review of the Constitution and, where appropriate, work with the Representation Manager to make recommendations for changes.
10. Act as one of the first points of contact for questions relating to the governance operation of The Students’ Union.
11. Work with the Democratic Procedures Officers to recommend changes to Bye Law 6.
12. To engage the wider student population to increase their understanding of The Students’ Union governance structure and processes.
13. Support Sports Conference, Societies Conference and Rep Committee as needed
14. Ensure H&S, GDPR, Laws, Union and University, Processes and Procedures are followed.
15. Maintain generalist knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect your work.

Within Academic Representation

1. To work with other members of the Representation team on the full cycle of planning, preparing and delivery of the Student Experience Awards and Welfare Awards.
2. To liaise and maintain a strong working relationship with the Advice Centre team to identify common trends and make the whole representation team aware.
3. To support the rest of the Academic Representation team in their day-to-day role.
4. To work with the Representation Coordinators to deliver training to students.

Key Working Relationships: The post holder will liaise with a range of colleagues within The Students’ Union and UWE Bristol, including Academic Staff, Heads of Department and Associate Deans from the faculties as well as central service teams as appropriate.

Please see the full JD and PS here.

Experience/Skills

Essential

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent
• Acting in a co-ordinating supportive role
• Liaising/networking with a diverse range of people
• Experience of managing own workload
• Excellent customer service
• Educational Report Writing Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Fully proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise a challenging workload
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent telephone manner
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to motivate & inspire others
• Ability to research, collate and disseminate complex information
• Understanding & commitment to equal opportunities
• Approachable & personable
• Ability to present a professional & positive image of The Students’ Union
• Ability to use own initiative, consulting relevant parties as & when required
• Adaptive & responsive to change
• Ability to work autonomously & as part of a team
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Reliable
• Values led
• Able & willing to work outside standard office hours as & when required

Desirable

• Current clean driving licence
• Working with a student/course representative system or similar
• Working with a democratically run organisation, charity or Union
• Experience in delivering training and mentoring
• Understanding of the current issues in the Higher Education Sector
• Knowledge of the needs and expectations of students in Higher Education
• Knowledge of Charity Commission regulations
• Knowledge of the 1994 Education Act
• Willing to travel within Bristol & the surrounding area

Additional Information

Rate of Pay: £ 20,944 per annum, pro rata

Grade: 3.1

Hours per Week: 37 hours per week over 5 days

Duration: 2 Year Fixed term (End of May 2023)

Location: Based at Frenchay Campus. The post holder may be required to work at, or from any UWE Bristol campus or Union Establishment.

How to Apply

Here at The Students’ Union we want our workforce to reflect the makeup of the community we serve.

Therefore, we welcome all applications irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation, age or disability.

To apply for this role, please download an application and Equal Opportunities form.

Application Deadline: 8th September 2021

Interview Date: 20 September 2021