This opportunity is for the Vice-Chair and the successful recruit will work closely with the Chair of the Group to provide leadership to the Committee and to the Group in creating a student community and improving the representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students at the OU.
As a Vice-Chair, you will work closely with the Chair of the Committee and agree on sharing certain tasks between yourselves. You will be helping to deliver the agreed strategy for the Group and to support the Committee to be effective in their roles to deliver this. Your duties will include but are not limited to (depending on the agreed strategy of the Committee):
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Deputising for the Chair (attend meetings, make decisions in their absence).
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Working closely with the Chair to share managerial tasks.
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Collaborating closely with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Rep to support, advocate and engage BAME students.
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Coordinating and delegating tasks to other Committee members.
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Empowering Committee members by identifying support needs and communicating these to Association staff.
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Ensuring the Committee and members of the Group adhere to relevant OU and Association rules and regulations.
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Maintaining a safe environment for the Committee and members to participate in discussions.
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Producing a quarterly report on the work and impact of the Group to the Student Leadership team.
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Representing the Group in an official capacity at the OU and the Students Association by making public announcements and attending or taking part in events.
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Liaising with Association staff, the Student Leadership Team, the Race Equality Charter Project team, the OU’s BME staff network and other student-led Support Groups to collaboratively drive forward improvements related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and to address intersecionalities among students.
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Working with the Communications Officer to moderate the Group’s online platforms.
To apply you must be a member of the Students Association and the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Group to apply (all registered OU students are automatically members according to our Articles of Association).
If you are not yet a member of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Group but would like to apply, please join the Group here first.
This role also required a DBS Check.
Please be aware, 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 midnight on midnight on Sunday, 21 July 2024 and applications are considered anonymously shortly afterwards.
If you have any queries or require the application form in an alternative format, please contact oustudents-volunteer@open.ac.uk
Benefits to self
Develop transferrable skills, including leadership 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
Up to 5 hours per week (up to 10 hours in busier periods) for a two-year 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 and Accessibility, Safeguarding, GDPR.
Location
This role is mainly online with occasional face-to-face events/activities with prior arrangement.