Student Voice Chair

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable and approachable students to fill our Student Voice Chair position!

If you are a student in the 2020-21 academic year, ambitious and have an interest in benefitting 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 are also streamed live online.

What is Student Voice Chair?

As the Chair, you will have a key role in Student Voice meetings; you will welcome and meet all new members of Student Voice, ensuring members understand the purpose of the meeting and the processes followed during the meeting. You will encourage and give students the opportunity to debate and vote on ideas submitted to Change It and also encourage them to question and scrutinise the work of the Full-Time Officers. You will be supported prior to meeting and throughout the meeting by a member of RUSU staff who will take minutes.

As Student Voice Chair, you will need to;

  • Prepare for Student Voice; which involves reading Officers’ reports and preparing questions, as well as reading the ideas submitted to each round of Change It
  • Agree format and timings of Student Voice with the RUSU Democracy & Policy Coordinator
  • Ensure all members of Student Voice have equal chance to discuss Change It ideas
  • Attend and act as Chair during formal scrutiny and Change It debate
  • Ensure elected officer is 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 meetings prior to publication on the RUSU website and distribution to RUSU Trustee Board
  • A unique opportunity to gain experience within a democratic organisation
  • Develop invaluable skills such as time management, communication, chairing, negotiation & public speaking
  • Demonstrable ability to remain impartial whilst displaying tact and sensitivity to other’s views
  • 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

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