Role Type
Full time; open to flexible, part-time and job share requests
Main Purpose of the role
- Support Brookes Union to deliver its strategic and operational KPIs
- Support the Union to deliver its core function of representing students through effective individual and group advocacy
- Support the elected officers to deliver high-impact and evidence-lead campaigns and activities
- To work as part of the Advocacy team in the provision of a confidential, non-judgemental, independent information, advice, specialist casework and advocacy service to students of Oxford Brookes University and associated partner colleges.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive Initial Contact Form which enables the Advocacy Team to collect useful information and insight about our members and trends affecting them, which can then contribute to future policy positions
- Conducting initial interviews with students, supporting them to complete an Initial Contact Form or associated check-list, ensuring that sufficient information to proceed with advising the student in more detail has been recorded
- Keeping detailed, accurate and confidential records of casework on Google Sheets, AdvicePro or other computerised case recording system to be designed and maintained by you, supported by Student Staff
- With training and supervision – undertake holistic casework on behalf of students in relation to University policies, procedures and regulations, including researching issues, exploring options and deciding on the most appropriate course of action. Assisting students in the drafting of statements, advising students on, and helping them to assert their rights, accompanying students to hearings within the university
- To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures particularly in the area of education and quality and undertake regular relevant training
- To contribute to maintaining and developing online self-help information resources for students based on trends and data gathered through the Initial Contact Form
- To contribute to the preparation and active delivery of induction activities, talks and awareness raising events throughout the year over all campuses. To give presentations to groups of students on issues related to the Centre’s activities
- To lead on the development of advocacy policy by working with colleagues in the Advocacy Team and using information collected through the Initial Contact Form to identify trends, issues and areas for policy development
- To produce briefing reports and policy positions for elected officers and other Union staff to provide background information and evidence of relevant issues
- Create persuasive and evidence-based policy positions and papers to support officers to effectively represent students on proposed changes to the University Regulations, Policies and Procedures, or other relevant policy bodies
- Support elected officers by providing specialist advice and guidance on the most impactful ways to negotiate changes in regulations, policies and procedures through the University’s academic governance and quality enhancement programmes, including through the academic representative system
- Work with the Academic Representation Coordinator to organise academic representatives to lobby and campaign on issues affecting multiple students, including using information gained through Advice casework
- Provide effective and comprehensive line management for student staff, including objective setting, personal and professional development, performance management and wellbeing/pastoral support
Reporting to
Head of Advocacy
Responsible For
Student staff as required
General Terms
- Lead on, contribute to, or take part in occasional organisation-wide events and activities including Freshers Fair, Awards Ceremonies, Open Days, elections, Officer Campaigns and organisational change
projects or similar - Ensure and role-model a positive organisational culture at all times, living by the Union’s values
- Minimise environmental impact by attending to your duties in a resource efficient manner, and actively support the delivery of the SU’s Environmental Policy in the performance of your role
- Any other duties commensurate with the role, as required
- Support the elected Officers to deliver on their manifesto pledges or other ideas, campaigns and lobbying using whatever means available to you
- Continually streamline services using technology and digital solutions
- Lead on the development of online content related to your area of work including social media and website content
Person Specification
Experience/Knowledge/Understanding
Essential:
- Experience of working within, or an understanding of students’ unions or other similar membership organisations
- Experience of working within, or an understanding of higher education quality policy & processes
- Experience of, or an interest in policy analysis and development
- Experience of working within a confidential environment, or an understanding of the principles required to work within such an environment
- Tangible experience of leading a campaign or project, which resulted in success
Desirable:
- Tangible experience of leading a campaign or project, which resulted in success
Tested at: Application
Qualifications/Training
Essential:
- Relevant professional qualification
- Role-relevant training
Tested at: Application
Personal Attributes
Essential:
- A demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to living by the Brookes Union Values
- A demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace
- Ability to motivate others to achieve a goal
- Analytical and intellectual approach to problem-solving
- A passion for change-making and social justice
- A collaborative approach to work
Tested at: Interview