Union Assembly Chair
Publish Date:
Sitting in the Student Influence team, the Union Assembly Chair will play an integral role in overseeing the running of Union Assembly, ensuring that our democracy at Union Assembly is inclusive, transparent and fair. You will aim to seek meaningful engagement from all students, impartially chair student-led discussions, oversee the agenda of Union Assembly and ensure that Union Assembly meets its policy-setting purpose as outlined in the Union Assembly and Policy byelaw.
Union Assembly brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds to discuss, debate, and shape policy proposals. Where appropriate, students can propose amendments to policies before decisions are made. The structure and decision-making processes of Union Assembly are set out in the Union Assembly and Policy Byelaw. As this framework is currently under active review, the postholder will play a key role in helping to develop, implement, and embed any agreed changes. More information on Union Assembly can be found on our website. Our current policies can be found here.
Fundamental to the role is applying community organising principles to ensure that a diverse range of students attend each Union Assembly. You will help to identify communities of students that are likely to be impacted by proposals being discussed and communicate the power they hold in shaping and influencing policies that seek to improve their student experience.
You will facilitate a deliberative process and set out how discussions will take place at Union Assembly. You may enable students to propose changes to submitted policy at your discretion. Items submitted to Union Assembly can be contentious so it will be important for the Chair to that ensure all students are confident in sharing their ideas and opinions.
In addition to your responsibilities in chairing Union Assembly, you’ll be a member of the Union Assembly Committee that helps to facilitate the democratic will of the student body through ensuring that policies are actionable. You will sit alongside the Union Affairs Officer and the other members of the SU Executive Officer Team on this committee.
This role aligns with all organisational values though there will be a focus on putting students at the heart of our work, being open and transparent, and being inclusive. This role will be ideal for anyone who has a keen interest in democratic values, policy and member led organisations.
Please read the full role profile before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.
Details
Wage: £13.45 per hour + holiday pay
Contract: Zero Hours, Fixed-Term until 31st July 2027
Hours: approximately 20-30 hours per term
Eligibility: Applications are open to all current students at the University of Manchester, at all degree levels, graduating no earlier than July 2027, who are eligible to work in the UK.
Recruitment Timeline
Applications opened: 03/08/2026
Applications close: 24/08/2026 25:59pm
Interviews: 15/09/2026
Following the interview process, you will take part in an election to decide who will hold the Union Assembly Chair position.
Role Commencing: 12/10/2026
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.
Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any further changes. Please ensure you are happy with your responses before submitting.
Details
Company: University of Manchester Students' Union
Location: Oxford Road, Manchester
Contract: Zero Hours
Wage: £13.45 per hour + holiday pay
To apply for this job please visit umsu.staffsavvy.me.