Why become an Officer?

There are so many great reasons why you should consider being an SU Officer, here are just a few:

Lead campaigns that tackle the big issues that hold students back

Poor student housing. Induction that doesn’t set us up to succeed. Barriers to access and participation in all the stuff that makes Durham special. The SU has committed long-term resource to solving these complex problems, and as an Officer, you will lead the work that makes a real difference to students.

Represent and advocate for students across the University.

You will represent over 22,000 students across seventeen colleges in Durham. Your role as an Officer is to listen to and work with students on issues that matter to them. You will work with the University to create change and review and implement policies to improve the education and everyday lives of Durham students.

You will make sure that the Union is owned and led by students and stands up for their rights.

Work on issues that matter to you

As an elected representative, you will be able to address issues that are important to Durham students and bring their ideas to life.

You will have many opportunities to make change in your areas of interest, including higher education, academic affairs, student welfare, student activities, community impact, student and national politics, student experience and widening access to participation and opportunities.

It is an opportunity like no other.

Being an Officer is a full time, paid position and is a great chance to work at top board level within charitable organisation, and be part of the decision-making processes.

You will be working closely with senior members of staff within the Union and the University for example the Union Chief Executive, University Senior Management and Union Board of Trustees.

You will develop many important skills.

During your time as an Officer, you will gain many useful skills. Here are just a few:

You will be working towards achieving your own campaign goals, the strategic aims of the SU and delivering on the needs of students. You’ll have to demonstrate the outcomes of your work against these aims.

Skill
Drive You will be working towards achieving your own campaign goals, the strategic aims of the SU and delivering on the needs of students. You’ll have to demonstrate the outcomes of your work against these aims.
Analytical thinking As an Officer you’ll be addressing problems that affect students daily. You’ll learn how to break problems down into manageable parts and be involved in the decision-making process of how issues should be solved.
Business knowledge You will gain valuable insight into how the organisation functions. You will have a role in reviewing its financial statements and management accounts as well as taking part in sub-committees of the Board of Trustees.
Influence You will be leading local and national campaigns, convincing others to work with you to get behind the cause and encouraging them to act.
Leadership Your will lead on working towards the priorities of the SU as well as championing student-led campaigns.
Teamwork You’ll be working with colleges, student groups, the University, the SU, and wider student networks developing your ability to collaborate and listen to others.