What are the responsibilities of an Officer?

As an Officer, each day will be different – some days will be filled with meetings with SU or University staff or students and other days will be spent working on your own projects, creating and sharing content or writing papers. The work is very versatile! Here are some of the core responsibilities of being an Officer:

• Representing Durham students.
• Attending meetings with SU staff.
• Attending Officer Committee meetings.
• Providing regular updates to, and have two-way communication with, students.
• Sitting on the SU’s Board of Trustees.
• Attending University Committee meetings.
• Attending Assembly meetings.
• Working towards achieving the SU’s strategy.
• Working with and listening to the needs of students.

These are just some of the responsibilities of an Officer, but remember that you’ll receive guidance from SU staff along the way.

Support Available

As an Officer you will be fully supported by the SU. During your time as an Officer, you will receive training and support to make sure you feel confident and well-equipped in fulfilling your role.

Training

• You will receive ongoing training from the National Union of Students as well as SU staff to develop the skills you’ll need.
• During the training you’ll learn about the Students’ Union: its finances, democratic structures, activities and advice provision.
• The training will also develop your leadership skills. You will learn how to organise campaigns, lead projects and chair meetings, all of which will contribute to ensuring the SU delivers on its strategic plan and meets the needs of students.

Staff Support

• During the first few weeks in the role, you will be assigned staff as your dedicated support. Follow this link to find out who could be your SU staff support
• You will have regular meetings with your staff support, and they will be able to help and advise you with anything you need!
• Depending on the direction of your work, you may work closely with other members of SU staff – they will be able to assist you with any projects you may be working on.