Job Title: Student Partner 

Team: Diversity and Cultural Change (DCC) 

Location: All campuses (Chelmsford, Cambridge, Peterborough & Writtle) 

Working Hours: Paid, Flexible hours (see below) 

Pay rate: £13.45 p/h

We are seeking additional Student Partners to work with the Diversity & Cultural Change (DCC) team!

Job Role: Student Partners are a core part of ARU's commitment to embedding meaningful student voice in university decision-making. Sitting within the Diversity & Cultural Change (DCC) team, Student Partners will work alongside staff as co-creators, shaping initiatives, policies, and services that affect the wider student community.

This role is important because it ensures a wide range of student perspectives and lived experiences influence ARU's strategies and culture. We welcome applications from all students.

For students, this is a chance to build skills in leadership, consultation, and inclusive practice - and to see tangible change result from your input. For ARU, it’s a valuable opportunity to learn from students’ lived experience, centre diverse voices, and ensure our strategies and services reflect the realities of our whole student community.

You don’t need any formal experience or to see yourself as a “student leader” to apply. If you care about improving the student experience and are open to learning and collaborating, this role is for you. We’ll provide all the training, support, and guidance you will need.

Hours & commitment:

This is an ad-hoc engagement role with flexible hours. Student Partners are invited to participate in opportunities as they arise, depending on your interests and availability. On average, we expect most Student Partners to contribute around 4 hours per month, though this can vary; some months may be quieter, while others could involve multiple focus groups or co-design workshops.

Key responsibilities:

As a Student Partner, you may be invited to:

• Participate in focus groups and consultation sessions
• Join co-design workshops with staff to develop or refine initiatives
• Provide feedback on university policies, services, and campaigns
• Support the design and delivery of student surveys or peer engagement
• Contribute to student-staff forums and stakeholder events
• Help foster inclusive and respectful collaboration in all activities

What we're looking for:

Essential:

• A current ARU student studying at Chelmsford, Cambridge, Peterborough, or Writtle (HE) campus
• Applicants must be continuing their studies at ARU in the 2026/27 academic year
• Passion for improving the student experience
• Willingness to share insights and lived experience to support inclusive change
• Openness to listening, giving constructive feedback, and working respectfully with others
• Comfort engaging in conversations with curiosity and care
• Commitment to the values of inclusion, respect, and collaboration

Desirable (but not required):

• Experience contributing to student-led initiatives, campaigns, or projects
• Confidence in giving feedback and participating in group discussions

What you will gain from being a Student Partner

• Paid experience contributing to real change within the university
• Opportunities to develop transferable skills in communication, leadership, consultation, and advocacy
• Connections with like-minded students and staff

How to apply: To apply for the role of Student Partner, please submit the following by 16 February 2026:

• A simple summary of your studies, work, volunteering, or other experiences. 
• A short cover letter (maximum one page) that addresses the points below

In your cover letter, please make sure to cover the following:

1. Your details:

- Which ARU campus you are based at (Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough or Writtle)

- Your Year of study (e.g 1st year undergraduate)

- Your faculty ( Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Business & Law; Health, Education, Medicine & Social Care; or Science & Engineering)

2. Why you are interested in becoming a student partner (Tip: consider what motivates you to apply)

3. What perspectives, skills, interests, or experiences you would bring to the programme? (Tip: This could include things you’ve done in your studies, work, volunteering, or everyday life)

4. An example of a time you worked with others to achieve a goal. (Tip: consider including, what was your role, and what did you learn from it?)

5. We want the Student Partner group to reflect the diversity of our student community. If you would like, you can use this space to share anything about your background, lived experience, or perspective that you think would help us understand what you could bring to the role. This is completely optional, please only include what you feel comfortable sharing. This information will be kept confidential and will only be shared with ARU Temps and the Diversity and Cultural Change team. 

Tips for your application:

• You don’t need to have been a “student leader” or have formal experience; we are interested in your passion, perspective, and willingness to collaborate.
• Everyday experiences (like caring responsibilities, group coursework, or community activities) are just as valuable as formal roles.
• If you're unsure how to write a short summary of student/ work/ volunteering experiences or a cover letter then you can speak with the employability and careers team who can assist with this. You can book an appointment via Handshake or email them on [email protected].

Role Expiry Date: 16/02/26