VP WELFARE

Before we dive in the job detail, here are some epic wins from past Student Leaders...

Plan & deliver Welcome events

Which helped to ensure that 98% of students felt like they belong at Essex. The Student Leaders have a say in which day and night events go ahead, advise on the best acts to get for Sub Zero and also help host them.

Cost of living funding

SU President Nashwa (2022-23), secured £1.5million in additional cost of living funding

Introduced SU Eat & Meet

As part of the extra funding secured for cost-of-living. Your Student Leaders launched a new event where any student could come a long to get a free hot meal. Students were encouraged to come with friends, or come alone and chat to some new people whilst eating.

Cultural Celebrations

Essex is a place where you can celebrate the world in one place. The Student Leaders pay a key part in making sure we celebrate the events most important to you. From Lunar New Year to Holi to Diwali and beyond.

Free sanitary products

VP Welfare Dorothy (2021-23) secured funding for free sanitary products in bathrooms across the Colchester campus.

SU Shuttle Bus

The funding for this project was secured by your Student Leaders. A multi-year project, starting three years ago with Samira (SU President 2021-22), and involving Dorothy (VP Welfare 2021-23), Nashwa (VP International 2021-22 & SU President 2022-23), San (Women's Officer 2022-23), and finshing with Nifemi (VP Welfare 2023-25) and Kieran (SU President (2023-24).

24hr Library

Yep! There once was a time when the library would closed. You’ll feel the pain of this if you’re a night owl who *must* get out of the house to study. This was a joint product with all Student Leaders.

As an Essex Student Leader, you'll also:

• Adhere to the Union’s governance, bylaws, policies, and accountability procedures.
• Represent the Students’ Union on any relevant committees. Specifically, committees that will directly or indirectly impact our student communities and international students.
• Represent the voice of student communities and international students on all relevant committees.
• Monitor and implement SU policy while upholding the Students’ Union’s reputation.
• Fairly represent SU members’ opinions and interests internally and externally.
• Encourage member participation, lead campaigns, and support initiatives based on student feedback.
• Attend relevant meetings, report activities, and represent the Students’ Union on internal and external committees.
• Sit on Council and update annual plans.
• Collaborate with staff to achieve goals set by the Trustee Board and Student Council.
• Fulfil duties as a Union trustee and work towards organisational objectives.
• Collect issues and concerns from the Student Community Officers and relay them to the appropriate individuals within the University and Students’ Union to ensure that they are dealt with swiftly and effectively.
• Ensure that there is regular, clear, and engaging communication with our members in relation to engagement and communities’ activities and events.
• Agree targets and remit of the Students’ Union annual plan with Students’ Union staff.
• Inform and influence the process of feedback collection as part of the creation of the Annual Plan.
• Play an active part in the creation and delivery of central campaigns where relevant.
• Foster good working relationships with key individuals and departments within the university. Including but not limited to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team, Inclusivity Champions, Staff Forums and Networks, Faith Centre.
• Have flexibility in working hours to ensure that events held in the evenings are fully attended and covered as required within the role.
• Participate in Union wide projects such as events and campaigns throughout the year.
• Prepare a comprehensive handover document for your successor.