Change your career, change lives
This vacancy is advertised on behalf of the Open University Students Union (Open SU). Please do not use the Apply Now button. Details on how to apply can be found below.
The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.
Please find a link here to an application information pack: Application Pack
About the Role
This exciting permanent role involves managing multiple projects that further Open SU’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives. Your involvement will be key from conception through to evaluation. You will work alongside the other Officers in the EDI and Belonging Team to create events and raise awareness of various EDI campaigns for students. You will also work closely with our volunteers, supporting them through inductions, training and helping them materialise their ideas.
Key Responsibilities
- To work proactively with our elected student representatives (in particular Vice Presidents responsible for EDI, Student Welfare and underrepresented groups). to develop ways to support our students throughout their student experience.
- Recognise mental health initiatives and work with the University to ensure students are being supported to maintain good wellbeing throughout their studies.
- To plan, deliver and evaluate projects which strengthen student to student support. To maintain a consistent, project-based approach and ensure delivery.
- Provide training and guidance for staff and volunteers on best practise for accessibility and inclusion. Championing and embedding an accessibility-first approach to our processes, systems and tools, ensuring everything we do is fully accessible and can be modified to suit individual requirements. Work closely with the Senior Training and Wellbeing Officer to develop a wellbeing focused culture for volunteers and for students, planning student facing welfare events such as booking specialist speakers or mindfulness/self-care sessions during big events.
- To work with the Head of EDI and Belonging to develop expertise within the organisation and to ensure that we are leading the way in terms of inclusion, equity and belonging work for students.
- To ensure that there is a strong presence in any student engagement platforms where students are regularly signposted to support if they are having a tough time.
- Taking ownership for our Library Study Service and other related engagement with Students in Secure Environments.
Please find a link to the full job description here: JD Link
About You
This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and experience of leading projects.
You will have a passion for EDI issues and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. For a small organisation, we are a very busy team. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to work to deadlines, manage time and prioritise your workload efficiently. You will also enjoy working collaboratively as you will be supporting other colleagues and volunteers with the planning of campaigns.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact The Open University Students Union at oustudents-jobs@open.ac.uk quoting the job title.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.We are happy and open to discuss flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments; however, all staff are required to work on a Tuesday each week. This role will include a need to work occasional weekends to support face to face or online events within the portfolio.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
Interviews will likely take place on 8 or 9 April 2026.
Early closing date notification
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
How to apply
To apply for this role please send your CV and supporting statement to oustudents-jobs@open.ac.uk
In your supporting statement, please answer the following questions, using examples from your experience where possible:
1. What does ‘belonging’ mean to you in the context of a students’ union, and how would you help foster it across our diverse student community?
2. Describe a project you have delivered that aimed to support wellbeing, belonging or inclusion. How did you plan, implement and evaluate it, and what did you learn?
Note: Please do not use the Apply Now button. Applications submitted via the Apply Now button will not be accepted. Please email your CV and supporting statement over to oustudents-jobs@open.ac.uk
The Open University Students Union is committed to equal opportunities for everyone in education and employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
