Open SU is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all students at the OU. The Trans Action Plan Steering Group will provide strategic direction and leadership for initiatives within the plan that promote equity, challenge barriers to studying and engagement, and improve support for trans students across the OU.
The Steering Group will be chaired by one staff member from the EDI and Belonging Team but will be a collaborative space co-run by students, and staff working across student support and EDI at Open SU and the OU. Members will share ownership and responsibility for the group’s direction, decision-making, and outputs for the action plan.
We are seeking 5 students to join the Steering Group and the majority of the group will be made up of trans and/or LGBTQ+ students, with additional places for committed allies dedicated to advancing equality and inclusion at the OU. We welcome individuals with a range of experiences, skills, and perspectives who are eager to contribute to meaningful change in advocating and supporting trans students at the OU.
The Steering Group will oversee a programme of consultation and engagement, ensuring a wide range of voices are heard, and will use evidence, lived experience, and best practice to inform recommendations for the OU’s policy and practice.
You must be a member of the Open Students Union and OU Pride to apply (all registered OU students are automatically members of the Open SU according to our Articles of Association). If you are not already a member of OU Pride and are successful in being appointed to the Committee, you will automatically be added to the Group.
Please be aware, that as a volunteer, you will be expected to follow our
Volunteer Policy and
Volunteer Agreement. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and you are expected to reflect this in your volunteer role.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday, 15 March 2026, and applications are considered shortly afterwards. We aim to inform all applicants of the outcome after 25 March 2026.
If successful, you will start the role after 6 April 2026 and the role will end 6 April 2028.
Benefits to self
Develop transferrable skills, including organisation skills. Make a difference by helping to create a community. Collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders. Improve representation for students
Benefits to others
Students who join Support Groups can feel less isolated and feel more empowered to make their voice heard. Students can make friends, benefit from informal student-to-student support and have fun!
Hours per week
2-5 hours per week for a 24-month period
Training available
Mixture of online induction sessions delivered via Teams as well as online self-study modules to complete. Covering Welcome sessions, Event and Meet-up Hosting, Accessibility, Safeguarding and GDPR.
Location
This role is mainly online with occasional face-to-face events/activities with prior arrangement.
Employability skills
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Communication - Core skills and competencies
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Collaboration - Core skills and competencies
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Digital and information literacy - Core skills and competencies
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Self-management and resilience - Personal attributes and behaviours
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Self-awareness - Personal attributes and behaviours
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Commercial and/or sector awareness - External awareness
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Global citizenship - External awareness
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