Applications are open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.
The process takes place annually in October, with an application deadline of 17:00 on Monday in 5th week. Student Associates will join the EDU from January to April.
The team
The Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU) supports the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students are respected. A welcoming and friendly team of 10 people, we have a team of specialists covering different areas of equality and diversity, for both staff and students (with the exception of disabled students, managed by the Disability Advisory Service).
The role
During your time as a Student Associate, you will be supported and mentored by an Advisor, a senior member of the team who leads an area of work (for example, the Race Equality Strategy or the LGBTQ+ steering group). You will have the opportunity to work with your Advisor and other team members in one of your specified areas of interest or desired area of professional growth.
You will work up to a maximum of ten hours per week, although hours are flexible depending on your programme workload and we expect that hours will vary by week. There is no expectation that you will work hours during weeks when you have a substantial course load. You will join the EDU team in its Hayes House office at 75 George street on working days.
It is expected that you will get approval for this part-time role from your programme supervisor, and regularly check in to manage workload on both sides once in post.
By the end of your time as a Student Associate, it is expected that you will gain experience, and an understanding of:
- How to progress an EDI initiative within a University context
- The University’s governance and decision-making structures and how to progress EDI initiatives or policies
- Working with key teams and stakeholders across the institution to progress EDI work
- How to develop action plans to progress EDI work in a large decentralised institution like Oxford
- Detailed knowledge of one specific focus area of EDI, including the benefits and challenges
Responsibilities
In addition, we would welcome demonstration of:
- The ability to work independently, having been provided with clear instructions from your Advisor
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with appropriate sensitivity and tact
- A willingness to ask questions and collaborate with the team to learn from their knowledge and experience to inform your work
- The desire to role model and visibly demonstrate every day that all staff and students have an important contribution to make at the University.
Student Associates will be enrolled as casual workers and paid at the hourly rate equivalent of salary grade 5.1, currently £15.15/hour.
Selection criteria
We are looking for undergraduate or graduate students who are keen to learn more about working in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and who can demonstrate an interest or past experience in this area.
Applications are particularly welcome from students in under-represented groups at the University or those who have a demonstrated interest in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work.
In addition, we would welcome demonstration of, or an interest in:
- The ability to work independently, having been provided with clear instructions from your Advisor
- Writing and communication – clear written and verbal communication skills, with appropriate sensitivity and tact
- Teamwork – ability to ask questions and collaborate with the team to learn from their knowledge and experience to inform your work
- Role modelling – a capacity to recognise and visibly demonstrate every day that everyone has an important contribution to make at the University.
How to apply
Please submit a completed application form and your CV to the Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU) at equality@admin.ox.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is Monday, 6th November at 17.00.
Interviews will take place the week of 4-8th December and will be face to face in Oxford.
Please direct any questions to the EDU at equality@admin.ox.ac.uk.
Pre-employment screening
If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments.
Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks
