Student Voice Chair

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable and approachable students to fill our Student Voice Chair for the academic year 2021/22.

If you are going to continue to be a student in the 2021/22 academic year with an interest in getting involved in your Students’ Union whilst supporting Reading students, then this role is perfect for you. You’ll develop invaluable skills to increase your employability whilst ensuring students are properly heard and represented.

The role is voluntary and open to all students.

What is Student Voice?

Student Voice is a democratic forum which allows members of RUSU to discuss and vote on ideas for change, find out what progress has been made on winning campaign and policy ideas and hold Full-time Officers to account.

Student Voice is made up of 55 representatives from all areas of RUSU, from societies and sports clubs committee members to Course Reps and Part-Time Officers. Student Voice meets 3-5 times per year. Meetings are held in the Students' Union building and may also streamed live online.

What is Student Voice Chair?

As Student Voice Chair, you will have a key role in Student Voice meetings; you act as Chair during all Student Voice events and will welcome and meet all new members of Student Voice, ensure members understand the purpose of the meeting and guide them through the processes followed during the meeting. You will ensure students have the opportunity to get involved in the discussion and ensure all students, regardless of their views, have equal right to speak.

You will be supported prior to meeting and throughout the meeting by a member of RUSU staff.

As Student Voice Chair, you will need to;

  • Attend training sessions for the role and also for Student Voice Members
  • Prepare for Student Voice; reading all reports, liaising with RUSU Rep Team
  • Agree format and timings of Student Voice with a member of the RUSU Rep Team
  • Promote event and encourage student engagement
  • Ensure all members of Student Voice have equal chance to discuss ideas
  • Attend all Student Voice meetings and act as Chair
  • Ensure officers are given equal opportunity to discuss what they have been working on
  • Encourage students to ask questions and provide officers with opportunity to respond
  • Agree minutes of Student Voice

You’ll develop invaluable skills to increase your employability whilst working with students and supporting democracy within the Students’ Union. It is a unique opportunity to gain experience within a democratic organisation. You will also;

  • Develop and improve your transferable skills such as time management, communication, chairing, & public speaking
  • Demonstrable your ability to remain impartial whilst displaying tact and sensitivity to other’s views
  • Have the opportunity for personal development and training on Chairing Meetings
  • Develop a sound knowledge of the organisation’s work and an insight into the role of a Full-time Officer
  • Opportunity to network and work with RUSU staff, elected representatives and students

Although an important role, being Student Voice Chair won’t take up too much of your time. We estimate that you’ll need to commit approximately 15-20 hours throughout the academic year. The role lasts for one academic year. A Student Voice Chair may be re-appointed for a maximum further term of one year. A student may serve a maximum of two years as Student Voice Chair which may be consecutive or non-consecutive.

The successful candidate will have an interest in getting involved in democracy and in the Students’ Union. They will also have the following skills and outlook:

  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Strong inter-personal skills; be friendly and approachable
  • Ability to listen to others and respond in a clear and concise way
  • Ability to remain impartial and open in their approach
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Public speaking skills or a desire to develop these skills
  • Well organised, reliable and able to meet deadlines
  • Chairing skills or a desire to develop these skills

This role may be of particular interest to students who hope to work in media, journalism or politics as Student Voice is the key democratic forum within the Students’ Union. It may also be of interest to students who are interested in representation; or thinking of standing for a role in the RUSU Elections as you will gain insight into the work of Full-time Officers.

If you want to share your own views, get involved in the debate, scrutinise the work of the Full-time Officer team and vote at Student Voice, you should stand to become Student Voice Member rather than apply for the chair. Student Voice Members are able to share their own views and get involved in the discussion.

However, if you like to encourage others to participate, are able to remain impartial and can put aside your own views to allow others to share theirs, Student Voice Chair could be the role for you.

This role is voluntary and open to all students but you must be a registered at the University of Reading during the 2021/22 academic year whilst undertaking this role.

We welcome applications from undergraduate, postgraduate, home, international, full-time or part-time members.

If you are interested and want to discuss the role, speak to Kath Davey, Head of Student Voice & Engagement or Rachel Osbourne, RUSU President.

Alternatively, email Kath at k.davey@reading.ac.uk or Rachel at president@rusu.co.uk.

To apply for this role please send your CV (as Pdf) and a statement of NO MORE than 500-words supporting your application for the role of Student Voice Chair. Send this to k.davey@reading.ac.uk.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

Applications close – 31st May 2021

I am glad I've done something that has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me new skills. It was exciting to be a part of a brand-new initiative that takes decision-making powers away from the FTOs and gives it directly to the students.”

Previous Student Voice Chair

This role may be of particular interest to students who hope to work in media, journalism or politics as Student Voice is the key democratic forum within the Students’ Union; and to those students who are thinking of standing for a role in the RUSU Elections as you will gain invaluable insight into the work of Full-time Officers.

RUSU Student Voice Chair 2020/21 Rish Rajput

Student Voice Chair
Rish Rajput