December 2013
Dear Applicant,
Application for Student Coach and Peer Support Senior Officer
Thank you for your interest in the post of Student Coach and Peer Support Senior Officer at the
University of Sunderland Students’ Union (USSU).
Please find enclosed the following information:




Introduction to USSU and the job role
Job Description
Application Form Part 1: Application for employment
Application Form Part 2: Confidential Section (Equal Opportunities Monitoring)
We will not accept CV’s and covering letters for this role.
Please note that this role is not eligible for Tier 2 sponsorship in accordance with the Home Office
Points Based Immigration System. Should you require further information, please visit the Home
Office website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is Monday 13th July at 12 noon, with interviews to be held week
commencing 20th July 2015. If you have any questions regarding the role please contact Eleanor
Farrington, Head of Wellbeing, Confidence and Connections on 0191 515 3587 or
eleanor.farrington@sunderland.ac.uk
Completed applications (both Parts 1 & 2) should be forwarded by the closing date to Louise Bell,
Central Services Manager on louise.bell@sunderland.ac.uk
Yours Sincerely,
Marie Nixon
Chief Executive
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About USSU
University of Sunderland Students’ Union is an independent charity and exists to enhance the overall
experience of all 17,500 students and to support the student voice. A Board of Trustees, comprising 5
Officers and 5 Lay Trustees govern the Union. The Chief Executive and staff members work alongside
the Board.
Every student registered on a course with the University of Sunderland is a member of the Students’
Union.
We believe University provides students with opportunities to grow, develop and achieve, throughout
their lives. These academic, social and civic experiences are valuable: to themselves, alumni,
employers, and society. They encourage more equal access to jobs, and to roles in civil society. Our
students are central to, and an active participant in, their University experience.
Therefore our mission to our members is to: ‘Make your university experience valuable, for life’.
And our objectives are to:

·Enhance our members' Learning Experience

·Support our members' Wellbeing

·Build our members' Confidence and Connections

·Be a thriving 21st century student union – Living our Values
In the next four years we will achieve this by:

Improving the quality of our members’ learning experience

Developing a thriving range of societies

Developing student engagement in the learning experience

Delivering effective campaigns that make positive change

Improving and developing pastoral care here

Delivering a programme of fun, social, enjoyable activity
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Working with partners to help develop Sunderland as a place our members want to be, have fun, work and achieve
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Developing and maintaining effective partnerships with organisations that can help us to build our members’
confidence and connections
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Brokering opportunities and experiences for our members

Connecting our international members – to each other, to other students, to the University of Sunderland, and the
wider community

Developing our members’ leadership, and creating opportunities for them to lead

Working with NUS to capitalise on expertise, access research and develop services

Providing the right spaces, physical and virtual, for our members to connect, have fun and develop
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
Understanding the diversity of our membership and making sure our work is lead and influenced by the real needs
and interests of our members, removing barriers to participation
Our organisational values are central to how we achieve our goals:
Innovation & Energy
We are passionate about supporting our members, and are driven to achieve with them.
We are pioneers; challenging current practice to seek out new ideas.
We are enthusiastic in all that we do.
Fairness & Equality
We promote and act with transparency, fairness, respect and dignity.
We are powerful advocates of equality.
We strive to understand the differing needs of all our members.
Empowerment & Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and know everyone has an important role in making this a
leading students’ union.
We support our members and staff to be leaders, decision-makers, independent and empowered.
You can find out more about our work at:
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
www.sunderlandsu.co.uk
www.facebook.com/sunderlandsu
www.twitter.com/sunderlandsu
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Wellbeing, Confidence and Connections, the Student Coach and Peer Support Officer
will help our elected Officers and Senior Leadership Team to understand new and important developments in
wellbeing, employability, personal development and peer support. They will develop and deliver a programme
of support, including one-to-one coaching sessions for students so that we are always prepared to help develop
students at the University of Sunderland.
A full job description for the role can be found over the page.
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Job title:
Student Coach and Peer Support Senior Officer
Reference No.
SCPSSO
Location:
University of Sunderland Campuses
Working hours:
Salary:
Part Time, 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week) to be worked flexibly
£22,675 to £24,734 pro rata
Department/Team: Wellbeing, Confidence and Connections
Reporting to:
Other key staff
links:
Head of Wellbeing, Confidence and Connections





VP Wellbeing and Engagement & VP Education
Wellbeing, Confidence and Connections Team
Learning Experience Team
University Stress and Wellbeing Group
University Disability Support Team
Staff reporting to
this role:
None but will involve extensive work with volunteers
Our Mission:
Make your university experience valuable, for life.
Our strategic
objectives:
1. Enhance our members' Learning Experience
2. Support our members' Wellbeing
3. Build our members' Confidence and Connections
4. Be a thriving 21st century student union - Living our Values
Job purpose
The Senior Officer will help students and our elected Officers in particular, to make wellinformed choices about the political positions that Sunderland SU should adopt on issues in
personal development and wellbeing. Senior Officer will help students to plan and deliver
successful campaigns to improve their wellbeing, confidence and connections.
The Senior Officer will help our elected Officers and Senior Leadership to understand new
and important developments in wellbeing, employability, personal development and peer
support. They will develop and deliver a programme support, including one-to-one coaching
sessions for students so that we are always prepared to help develop students at the
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University of Sunderland.
The Senior Officer will support the Head of Wellbeing, Confidence and Connections in
helping all student members of University Committees and Working Groups to act
confidently and with authority as student representatives.
The Senior Officer will lead the creation and delivery of a peer support programme to design
accessible and useful ways that we can help students to support one another throughout
their time at Sunderland. The Senior Officer will, at peak periods during the year, provide
coaching support to a caseload of student requests for support. The Senior Officer will be
the staff on lead the creation and delivery of a wellbeing strategy for the organisation, and
devise ways to engage and support all members to access the full range of services and
activities designed to improve and enhance their student experience.
The Senior Officer will develop and maintain excellent working relationships with the
support community at the University of Sunderland, and participate in our work in
supporting a framework for partnership between staff and students.
Main duties
Delivery
 To lead the creation and delivery of a person-centred wellbeing strategy for the
organisation with the VP Wellbeing and Engagement and the Head of Wellbeing,
Confidence and Connections.
 To provide effective coaching sessions to students focused on their wellbeing,
confidence, performance, personal development needs and employability skills.
 To lead the creation and delivery of a peer support programme, to encompass SU
Buddies.
 To contribute to organisational strategy.
Feedback and analysis
 To record, monitor and evaluate the impact of participation in coaching, wellbeing
and self-development activities and communicate the benefits and outputs to
stakeholders in an engaging way.
 To administer and monitor expenditures for the programme against the approved
budget.
 To improve accessibility, increase participation and remove barriers to engagement
for low-engagement groups by offering evidenced solutions.
 To share trends and information with key stakeholders including with the University
Faculties and Academic Services.
 To evaluate the risks associated with activities and events and ensure that students
participate in a safe, healthy and supportive environment in accordance with policy
and procedures.
 To review, develop and increase participation in peer support activities including SU
Buddies, group workshops, enhanced training opportunities and networking events.
 To analyse and share trends in student wellbeing and access issues and information
with key stakeholders, including on mental health, disability, and drug and alcohol
awareness.
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Development
 To create and develop strong links with external partners on wellbeing matters to
enhance resources and opportunities that benefit members.
 To be lead contact with the University and lead on our organisation’s response to
issues related to wellbeing.
 To use creative ways of promoting wellbeing and peer support opportunities to
members, and to provide content for publicity and social media.
 To produce and maintain effective resources to enable members to access a wide
range of support and guidance including in liaison with the Information, Advice and
Guidance Senior Officer.
 To lead and manage the creation and development of online self-development
information and guidance resources, in liaison with the Information, Advice and
Guidance Senior Officer.
 To recruit, engage and support students to take part in Students’ Union wellbeing
activities and campaigns, self-development and peer support opportunities.
 To represent the Students’ Union at appropriate University committees and groups.
Other duties:
 Help our elected Officers achieve their manifesto commitments.
 Be enthusiastic advocates for student leadership and the organisation’s values
 To actively engage in student-facing projects and activities of all kinds as required.
 Be administratively self-supporting.
 Maintain own professional networks.
 Undertake any other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post.
 May be required to work some weekends and evenings.
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Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
Educated to ‘A’ Level standard or
equivalent
Desirable
Educated to degree level
standard
Evidence of CPD or accredited
training in coaching, advice and
guidance.
Professional coaching
qualification.
Professional volunteer
management qualification – such
as ILM level 5
Experience
Experience in coaching or giving
Experience in working with
advice and guidance professionally, stressed or distressed clients
in either a paid or voluntary role.
Experience of working with
clients in an intensive interview
Experience of working in an
setting.
educational environment.
Experience of producing
Experience of organising successful resources that successfully
and engaging coaching or
support personal development
mentoring activities.
or CPD.
Experience of building networks to
generate new knowledge and
opportunities.
Experience of working in sustained
and successful partnership with
external organisations.
Experience of working with and
motivating students or volunteers.
Experience of communicating with
a diverse range of people, both
individuals and groups.
Skills,
Knowledge &
Expertise
Accurate interpretation and
analysis of client need.
Ability to manage complex and
conflicting information.
Excellent interpersonal skills and
the ability to communicate
effectively in a variety ways (active
listening, questioning written,
verbal) and situations.
Knowledge of the regulatory
framework within higher
education institutions.
Expertise in the design and
deliver of a research plan or pilot
activity.
Excellent quantitative and
qualitative data analysis skills.
Knowledge of further and higher
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Confident IT skills including using
Microsoft Office and knowledge of
a variety of digital technologies.
education, issues affecting
students today and the different
types of students.
Excellent time management and
organising skills including being
consistent and meeting deadlines.
Knowledge of current trends,
resources and regulatory
information related to wellbeing.
Ability to be flexible and resilient in
response changing priorities and
challenges.
Ability to solve problems quickly,
creatively and efficiently.
Ability to establish positive work
relationships, work effectively in a
team as well as work
independently.
A commitment to supporting, and
enabling self-development and
wellbeing as part of the student
experience.
Values &
Behaviours
A demonstrable commitment to
our organisation’s values
Date Completed:
Feb 2015
In the first year
this role will
deliver...




To develop and deliver a programme of one-to-one coaching
sessions for students.
To lead the creation and delivery of a peer support
programme.
To lead the creation and delivery of a wellbeing strategy for the
organisation.
To engage and support all members to access the full range of
services and activities designed to improve and enhance their
student experience.
Page 8 of 16
Application for Employment


Please complete all sections of the application form below.
CVs and additional sheets will not be accepted unless specifically requested in the advert.
APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF
Vacancy Ref No. / Title:
PERSONAL DETAILS
Last name:
First Name(s):
Title:
Address:
Email:
Telephone Work:
Telephone Home:
Post Code:
Telephone Mobile:
Please indicate your preferred telephone number(s) for contact:
Work / Home / Mobile
QUALIFICATIONS
Please include all relevant qualifications you currently hold and those you are working towards.
Qualification level and subject
Grade:
Place of Study
Dates from/to:
TRAINING / PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Please list relevant training or professional memberships, e.g. short courses, professional bodies etc.
Course / Membership
Date
Training Provider / Professional Body
Page 9 of 16
CURRENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYMENT
Employer’s Name & Address:
Job Title:
Salary/Grade:
Date started job:
Date started with employer:
Notice Required / Date left:
Reason for seeking new
employment:
Outline of main duties and
responsibilities:
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
Employer:
Dates
from/to:
Job Title:
Brief Outline of Duties:
Please provide a brief explanation for any gaps in your employment history:
If you have been dismissed from any employment, please provide details:
Page 10 of 16
Reason for leaving:
ASSESSMENT AGAINST ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE CRITERIA
 Please describe over no more than two pages how you meet the essential and desirable criteria of the person
specification as outlined in the job description.
 CVs and additional sheets should not be submitted unless specifically requested in the advert.
Page 11 of 16
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Eligibility to Work in the UK
You must be eligible to work in the UK or meet the requirements of the Home Office Points Based Immigration scheme.
Are you an EEA / EU citizen?
Yes / No
Are you eligible to work in UK without restriction?
Yes / No
Please provide details e.g. what type of visa do you have/what is the expiry date (mandatory, if applicable):
Criminal Convictions
Criminal convictions disclosed on this form will only be taken into account in so far as they are assessed to be relevant by
USSU. Spent convictions will only be taken into account where the job is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974 (this will be stated in the job advert where relevant).
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence or do you have prosecutions pending?
Yes / No
If ‘yes’ please provide details:
ACCESS REQUIREMENTS AND FACILITIES
Please give details of any arrangements or facilities you may require to enable you to attend an interview for the post
for which you are applying (e.g. sign language interpreter, level access etc).
DRIVING – PLEASE COMPLETE IF RELEVANT TO THE POSITION APPLIED FOR
Do you hold a current driving licence?
If so, what type?
Full/Provisional
Do you have any current/pending driving endorsements or convictions?
If “Yes” please provide details:
REFEREES
Please give details of two referees, with at least one from your most recent employer(s). Note: we may contact any
previous employer for a reference if you are successful. Students should provide referees from your most recent
educational establishment.
Name:
Position:
Address:
Name:
Position:
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
How long have you known this referee and in what
capacity?
How long have you known this referee and in what
capacity?
Page 13 of 16
DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998
All personal information that you provide will be held and processed in accordance with the requirements and
safeguards of the Data Protection Act 1998. USSU will use the information provided by you only for the purposes
stated in the relevant section of the application form, or for anonymised statistical monitoring. USSU retains
information about job applicants for 6 months. For successful candidates, Application Forms are retained on the
personnel file and information from both parts of the application form is held electronically for contractual and
statistical monitoring purpose.
By submitting this form you are actively indicating your understanding and acceptance of the
following:

To the best of your knowledge the information you have given on this form is correct and may be used as part of
your contract of employment.

You consent to the processing of your data for the purposes described in the ‘Data Protection’ section of this form.

Any of the following will disqualify your application or, in the event of discovery after appointment, may result in the
termination of your employment:

o
Deliberately giving false, incomplete or misleading information.
o
Failure to disclose unspent criminal convictions within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974.
You will be responsible for registering with the Independent Safeguarding Authority where the
job involves regulated activity within the meaning of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act
2006.
Page 14 of 16
APPLICATION FORM Part 2: Confidential Section
DETAILS
Title, First and Last Name:
National Insurance Number:
Vacancy Ref No. / Title:
Where did you first see the vacancy advertised?
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION – Mandatory
This section is used to assess eligibility for employment in line with UK law. This must be completed in
full in order for your application to be considered.
Eligibility to Work in the UK
You must be eligible to work in the UK or meet the requirements of the Home Office Points Based Immigration scheme.
Are you an EEA / EU citizen?
Yes / No
Yes / No
Are you eligible to work in UK without restriction?
Please provide details e.g. what type of visa do you have/what is the expiry date (mandatory, if applicable):
Criminal Convictions
Criminal convictions disclosed on this form will only be taken into account in so far as they are assessed to be relevant by
USSU. Spent convictions will only be taken into account where the job is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974 (this will be stated in the job advert where relevant).
Yes / No
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence or do you have prosecutions pending?
If ‘yes’ please provide details:
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING INFORMATION
Monitoring information will NOT be used in the selection of candidates. If you do not wish to provide
information please tick “Prefer not to say” rather than leave the question blank.
Date of Birth:
Nationality:
Gender:
Is your gender the same as assigned at birth? (tick ONE)
Yes
No
Prefer not to say
How would you describe your marital status? (tick ONE)
Civil Partnership
Divorced
Separated
Widowed
Co-habiting
Married
Single
Unknown
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What is your sexual orientation? (tick ONE)
Bisexual
Gay woman/lesbian
Heterosexual
Gay man
Other
Prefer not to say
What is your religion or belief? (tick ONE)
No religion
Hindu
Sikh
Any other religion or belief
Buddhist
Jewish
Spiritual
Prefer not to say
Christian
Muslim
How would you describe your ethnic origin? (tick ONE)
White
Gypsy or Traveller
Other Asian background
Mixed - White and Black Caribbean
Black or Black British – Caribbean
Mixed - White and Black African
Black or Black British – African
Mixed - White and Asian
Other Black background
Other Mixed background
Asian or Asian British – Indian
Arab
Asian or Asian British – Pakistani
Other Ethnic background
Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi
Prefer not to say
Chinese
Do you consider yourself to have a disability or disabilities? (tick up to TWO that apply)
No known disability
Specific learning disability (e.g. dyslexia or dyspraxia)
General learning disability (e.g. Down's syndrome)
Cognitive impairment (e.g. autistic spectrum disorder or resulting from head injury)
Long-standing illness or condition (e.g. cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, epilepsy)
Mental health condition (e.g. depression or schizophrenia)
Physical impairment or mobility (e.g. wheelchair / crutches / difficulty using arms)
Deaf or serious hearing impairment
Blind or serious visual impairment
Other type of disability:
Prefer not to say
If you require any arrangements to enable you to attend for interview please also complete the section on
Access Requirements and Facilities in Part 1 of the Application Form.
This is the end of Part 2 of the Application Form. Please also complete Part 1.
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