We are a friendly staff of around 30 people, split across six specialised teams that work closely with our elected student representatives, and are responsible for delivering the wide range of services and activities undertaken by the Association:
Led by our Chief Executive, Beth Metcalf, along with Dan Moloney (Director of Strategy and Democracy), Taina Nicolicin (Director of Finance and People) and Heather Bloomer (Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications), our super staff team is as follows:
EDI and Belonging
Our EDI and Belonging team supports all OU students to gain equal access to appropriate services, regardless of the different challenges that they face, and they work alongside the OU to improve students' study experience. These services are there to help you get the most from your studies, provide a listening ear to any problems you encounter and can offer words of encouragement during difficult times.
The team overviews our three Support Groups – OU Pride (our LGBTQIA+ group), the Disabled Students Group and our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Group – who are there to be a supportive network for you throughout your OU journey.
They also support a variety of societies and clubs that OU students can join.
In addition, this team looks after our student volunteers. They support the creation of new roles, planning training and support for all volunteers, and ensure that volunteers feel looked after and able to perform in their roles.
The EDI and Belonging team also incorporates our Student Advice team, who provide free, independent and confidential advice to current students (plus anyone who has recently graduated or withdrawn from their studies) through the Individual Representation Service.
The team is supported by Deputy President, Andrew Wilson, VP Student Welfare (currently vacant) and VP Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Ross Thorne.
oustudents-belonging@open.ac.uk
oustudents-studentadvice@open.ac.uk
Programmes
Our Programmes team manages and leads on the Association’s portfolio of events and projects, such as Welcome Week and University Challenge, ensuring they are carried out successfully from start to finish.
The team aims to create a vibrant and thriving network of OU students to help them succeed in their OU journey. They also create opportunities for students to chat with each other through Community Drop-In sessions and meet-ups.
The team looks after our organisational strategy, and also provides training and support for all our degree ceremony volunteers.
The team is supported by VP Community & Engagement (currently vacant).
oustudents-projects@open.ac.uk
Student Voice
Our Student Voice Team are responsible for ensuring the student voice is heard across the University. The team supports our Student Leadership Team, and is also tasked with supporting and empowering our Student Representatives, who are key to ensuring that the student voice is heard at all levels of university governance, and are crucial to our strategic objectives.
The team supports our research efforts to ensure that we are giving you the support and information you want (and need) to enhance your student experience. This team also supports our Annual Membership Survey, and hold focus groups throughout the year to ensure we are providing the right services for our diverse student body.
The Student Voice team also supports the Association’s external engagement activities on topics related to student experience and the Higher Education sector.
The team is supported by VP Student Representation, Nichola Connolly, and VP Academic Student Voice, Katie Hickmott.
oustudents-voice@open.ac.uk
People
Our People team is the Association’s small HR team, and they lead the way in best practice for people management. The team is key to ensuring that the Association does things how they need to be done. They keep the organisation running through organising all of our official governance meetings, taking and sharing minutes, and generally ensuring the office runs smoothly! They also look after staff training and wellbeing.
oustudents-exec-support-staff@open.ac.uk
Finance
Our Finance team monitors the Association's financial standards and keep everything moving along. The team looks after our budget-setting, as well as our important subvention negotiations with the University. They also make sure that the Student Association office is all ship-shape, and ensure our volunteers are reimbursed quickly for any expenses related to their roles. The team is also in charge of managing the OU Students Shop.
The team is supported by VP Administration (currently vacant).
ousa@open.ac.uk
oustudents-resources@open.ac.uk
Marketing and Communications
Our Marketing and Communications team is here to keep you informed and connected. They share important updates from the Association, manage our social media channels, website and branding, and create newsletters to keep you in the loop. Plus, they help promote student events, campaigns and initiatives.
They also keep an eye on our student online magazine The Hoot, where you can get involved and submit your own article or blog.
The team is supported by VP Community & Engagement (currently vacant).
oustudents-media@open.ac.uk