Union Advisor

Derby Union of Students

Markeaton

On-site

GBP 24,000 - 30,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Derby Union of Students is seeking a dedicated Union Advisor to provide free, impartial, confidential advice to members across academic appeals, housing, debt and welfare. You will support students through complex casework and promote the Union Advice service across the university.

This permanent, full-time role includes up to 35 hours per week, based at Kedleston Road, Derby with travel to Buxton and Chesterfield. Starting salary is £27,000, with a 6-month probation period.

Qualifications

Excellent communication skills and ability to approach complex situations with empathy and professionalism.
Commitment to supporting others and promoting the Union Advice service.

Responsibilities

Carry out solution-focused casework in a professional and impartial manner via face-to-face, telephone, email and Teams.
Provide specialist advice and guidance on academic matters, welfare, debt and housing.
Represent and advocate for students at meetings and in procedures related to academic offences, complaints or disciplinary actions.
Liaise with university staff, make professional referrals, and empower students to exercise their rights.
Maintain case records and report client statistics in accordance with data protection rules.
Lead on awareness campaigns and training for staff and student groups.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Supportive attitude

Job description

The role of Union Advisor provides free, independent and confidential advice to students across a range of issues, helping them to understand their options, make informed decisions and navigate challenges during their time at university. The role involves supporting students through a variety of casework areas, including academic appeals, complaints, disciplinary matters, housing issues and financial concerns, while promoting the Advice Service and its awareness campaigns across the University.

Alongside casework, you will contribute to projects and initiatives that support the Union's strategy, helping to improve the student experience and address issues affecting students across the University.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, a commitment to supporting others, and the ability to approach complex situations with empathy and professionalism. You will play an important role in ensuring students feel heard, empowered and supported throughout their university journey.

If you are passionate about making a difference to the student experience and enjoy helping people overcome challenges, we would love to hear from you.

Role: Union of Students Advisor
Contract: Permanent, subject to a satisfactory 6-month probationary period
Work pattern:Full time, 35 hours per week
Starting Salary: £27,000
Location: Kedleston Road, Derby (with regular travel to other sites in Derby, including travel to Buxton and Chesterfield)

Key dates

Application close at: 12pm on Wednesday 26th August 2026

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 1st September 2026 at Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB

We will advise all applicants whether or not they have been selected for an interview. Those selected for an interview will be informed no later than Thursday 27th August 2026.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Union of Students are an equal opportunities employer, and encourage and value diversity for our employees. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement or once in post. We will select the best candidate solely on the basis of merit and ability to do the job. Unjustifiable discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation or any other reason will form no part of our selection process. We champion equal opportunities, equality and dignity in the workplace.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE UNION OF STUDENTS ADVISOR

Main Purpose of Role: To provide free, impartial, and confidential help and advice to members of the Union whilst promoting the Union Advice service and its awareness campaigns across the University.

DUTIES

Union Advice & Representation

To carry out solution focused casework in a professional and impartial manner via various methods of communication including, face to face, telephone, email and Microsoft Teams.
To provide comprehensive specialist advice, information, support and guidance to current students and graduates on issues including but not limited to academic matters, welfare, debt and housing, navigating policies and procedures to ensure best outcomes.
To provide union representational support and advocacy to members at university level meetings and hearings relating to academic offences, complaints, disciplinary meetings, meetings with tutors or other University staff, negotiating on behalf of the student.
To liaise with university staff, offering advice and guidance in relation to policy and procedure.
To make professional referrals to both internal and external services in the city, county and further afield.
To empower students to understand and exercise their rights when experiencing a problem at the University.
To act for the student where appropriate, drafting letters, completing application forms and liaising with relevant internal departments and external organisations on their behalf.
To maintain and share knowledge of national best practice, legislation and initiatives in higher education that are relevant to University of Derby students.
To support strategy and operations to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of the Union Advice service which proactively supports, sustains and embeds the welfare provision.
To support the awareness of the Union Advice service and its provisions to the membership which supports and improves the student experience.
To lead on the preparation, implementation and completion of awareness campaigns and events, circulating posters/cards/information across the University sites and campuses.
To provide training for staff working at the Union relating to the Union Advice service as required.
To take part in the preparations of and delivery of training for Union committees and student groups.
To respond and react to student issues relating to safeguarding ensuring that relevant departments are notified and relevant procedures are followed, offering emotional support to those students in crisis.Research & Administration:
To participate in the use of Advice Pro to ensure that casework is progressing, and accurate data and statistics can be produced for purposes of reporting and meeting legislation in relation to data protection and confidentiality.
To maintain accurate and timely case records in line with the Union Advice service’s case management procedures, confidentiality requirements and data protection legislation.
To record, monitor and report client statistics in a professional and procedural manner.
To ensure that policy, procedures, and standards are supported across the Union Advice service which meets external legislative and internal requirements.
To regularly check emails, voicemails, and other methods of student communication within the Union Advice service, responding and prioritising urgent requests.
Prepare and regularly monitor the use of the Union Advice service resources, replenishing resources as required e.g. leaflets, condoms, posters etc.
To be aware of any changes to university policies and regulations and make recommendations to officers and staff through the Student Advice and SVLO Manager.
To support any research required within the Union Advice service including the utilisation of client need analysis and casework records.

Working Relationships

To prepare for and attend weekly team meetings with the Advice and SVLO Manager.
To maintain links with university staff and external partners, attending stakeholder meetings where necessary.
To support the Advice and SVLO Manager with the creation and delivery of the Advice annual plan.
Utilising external agencies to enhance the information and guidance offered to students.
To lead on actively recruiting relevant external partnerships and supporting existing external partnership relationships.
To support with the delivery of the Union strategic plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The principle role and responsibilities will change from time to time and the post holder is required to undertake any additional duties as deemed appropriate.

GENERAL

All Union employees are expected to work within the ethos of the Union and strive to achieve the following:

To work at all times within relevant legislation as well as structures, policies and procedures.
To work co-operatively with other Union staff and officers, as well as relevant external organisations.
To maintain the highest standards of professionalism, customer service and safety in all aspects of the role.
To seek to continually develop and improve Union facilities and services.
To keep up to date with sector developments, local competition and students’ views/needs, where necessary.
Undertaking market research to generate such information.
To undertake necessary training and to attend all meetings as requested.
To promote a positive and professional image of the Union of Students to its members, customers, stakeholders and other external people.
To positively contribute to the organisations ethical & environmental ethos.
To perform any other additional reasonable duties as deemed appropriate.

General Notes

Staff are required to have a monthly Performance Development Review and to participate in training, meetings or conferences considered relevant to their job. Staff must carry out their duties with full regard to the rules, policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff information guide.

The condition of the employment is that all staff are expected to assist in key events throughout the year e.g., Fresher’s, Elections, and any other key events if necessary. Staff are expected to portray a positive image both internally and externally of the Union by displaying standards of service, integrity, punctuality, politeness, and professionalism.

Environmental consideration and environmental best practice are the responsibility of all Union staff.

This list is not exhaustive and is a general indication - the role holder will be expected to complete any reasonable task requested of them.

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