Vacancy at Union of Students Derby University
FE Coordinator
Salary
£ 24,050.00
Buxton - occasional travel to Derby
Vacancy listed
28/01/2026
Application deadline
20/02/2026
Details
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Purpose of Role
The FE Engagement Coordinator plays a central role in creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging experience for Further Education learners at the University of Derby’s Buxton campus. This role acts as the main Union of Students representative on site, ensuring that FE learners feel welcomed, supported and empowered to take part in Union activities, student voice structures and community‑building opportunities.
You will lead on designing and delivering a varied programme of events, campaigns and initiatives tailored to FE learners, helping them feel part of a vibrant and supportive campus community. You will also support student groups, including underrepresented communities and liberation groups such as LGBTQIA+ learners, by creating safe spaces and opportunities to connect.
Working closely with colleagues across the Union and the University, you will gather student feedback, support the election and training of FE Course Representatives, and ensure that the voice of FE learners is heard and acted upon.
This is a dynamic, student‑facing role ideal for someone who is proactive, creative and passionate about helping young people thrive.
Student Development
Increase engagement of FE learners in Union opportunities, activities, services and events.
Develop tailored strategies to reach and support underrepresented groups, including BAME learners, Looked After Children (LAC), carers, and others who may experience barriers to participation.
Contribute to FE Induction and Fresher’s activity, ensuring learners understand the benefits of engaging with the Union.
Build and manage a system to recognise and reward FE Course Representatives.
Plan and deliver a year‑round programme of FE‑focused campaigns and events aligned to learner needs and OFSTED priorities.
Oversee activities within the Union’s Social Space during lunchtime and enrichment periods, ensuring the environment is welcoming and engaging.
Support the delivery of campus‑wide events including Welcome Weeks, Liberation Months, Open Days and Officer‑led initiatives.
Undertake C‑Scheme distribution training and extend the service to FE learners.
Student Voice
Strengthen and evolve how FE Course Representatives are elected, trained and supported.
Work with the Union Voice Team to deliver effective elections, training, communications and ongoing support for FE Course Reps.
Organise regular opportunities for FE learners to meet, share feedback and raise issues, ensuring accurate documentation and follow‑up.
Collaborate with the President, Student Voice Coordinators and other staff to interpret FE student feedback and propose meaningful improvements.
Maintain awareness of relevant FE policies and regulations, advising officers and colleagues where changes may impact learners.
Student Advice
Increase awareness and understanding of the Union Advice Service among FE learners.
Collect, report and provide feedback on Advice Service usage for monitoring and continuous improvement.
Administrative Duties:
Provide a consistently high standard of customer service in person, by phone and via email.
Handle all enquiries professionally, confidentially and efficiently.
Produce accurate reports, data summaries and feedback when required.
Working Relationships
Work collaboratively with FE staff to support the delivery of an effective student voice system and ensure learners are aware of support services available.
Build productive working relationships with Union staff, the FE Learner Journey Team and external partners to deliver a high‑quality FE Union service.
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 Student Union employees are expected to work within the ethos of the Students’ 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 adhere to the highest standards, especially of customer service and safety.
To seek to continually develop and improve Unions' facilities and services.
To keep up to date with sector developments, local competition, and student’s 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 organisation’s ethical & environmental ethos, according to best practice.
To perform any other additional reasonable duties as deemed appropriate.
Staff are required to have a Personal Development Plan 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 of policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff information guide.
A condition of employment is that all staff are expected to assist in key events throughout the year e.g., Welcome Weeks, 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.
This list is not exhaustive and is a general indication - the role holder will be expected to complete any reasonable task requested of them.
PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR FE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
| CRITERIA | Requirement | Application | Interview Day | Post Offer
| QUALIFICATIONS | | | |
| Good general education, typically to the Higher/A level equivalent | Essential | ✓ | |
| University/College Degree | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Appointment will only be confirmed on completion of a DBS check | Essential | | | ✓
| Hold a full UK driving license | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| EXPERIENCE | | | |
| Experience of working with young people | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Experience of coordinating multiple tasks and working to deadlines | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demonstrable experience of working effectively on own initiative | Essential | | ✓ |
| Experience of delivering training and development activity | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Experience of working with administration systems and databases | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Experience of risk assessing and reviewing risk assessments | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Experience of coordinating small to large scale projects | Desirable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Experience of formulating reports for senior colleagues | Desirable | ✓ | |
| KNOWLEDGE | | | |
| Understanding current policy and themes in Higher Education, Further Education and Students’ Unions within the UK. | Desirable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Knowledge of current relevant legislation: | | ✓ | |
| Ø Health and Safety legislation | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Ø Data Protection Act 1998 | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Ø Child Protection/Safeguarding | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ø Prevent | Desirable | ✓ | |
| ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS | | | |
| Able to understand working with, and alongside, a complex external organisation | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-motivated and self-reliant and able to overcome challenges | Essential | | ✓ |
| IT competent with a working understanding of Microsoft Office | Essential | ✓ | |
| Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Able to create and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders and staff | Desirable | | ✓ |
| Skilled in time management–able to meet deadlines and cope with varying workloads | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| VALUES AND ETHICS | | | |
| Desire to work within a democratic & student led environment | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities | Essential | ✓ | |
| Committed, positive, outgoing and approachable with a ‘can do’ attitude | Essential | | ✓ |
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE FE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR:
Purpose of Role
The FE Engagement Coordinator plays a central role in creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging experience for Further Education learners at the University of Derby’s Buxton campus. This role acts as the main Union of Students representative on site, ensuring that FE learners feel welcomed, supported and empowered to take part in Union activities, student voice structures and community‑building opportunities.
You will lead on designing and delivering a varied programme of events, campaigns and initiatives tailored to FE learners, helping them feel part of a vibrant and supportive campus community. You will also support student groups, including underrepresented communities and liberation groups such as LGBTQIA+ learners, by creating safe spaces and opportunities to connect.
Working closely with colleagues across the Union and the University, you will gather student feedback, support the election and training of FE Course Representatives, and ensure that the voice of FE learners is heard and acted upon.
This is a dynamic, student‑facing role ideal for someone who is proactive, creative and passionate about helping young people thrive.
Student Development
Increase engagement of FE learners in Union opportunities, activities, services and events.
Develop tailored strategies to reach and support underrepresented groups, including BAME learners, Looked After Children (LAC), carers, and others who may experience barriers to participation.
Contribute to FE Induction and Fresher’s activity, ensuring learners understand the benefits of engaging with the Union.
Build and manage a system to recognise and reward FE Course Representatives.
Plan and deliver a year‑round programme of FE‑focused campaigns and events aligned to learner needs and OFSTED priorities.
Oversee activities within the Union’s Social Space during lunchtime and enrichment periods, ensuring the environment is welcoming and engaging.
Support the delivery of campus‑wide events including Welcome Weeks, Liberation Months, Open Days and Officer‑led initiatives.
Undertake C‑Scheme distribution training and extend the service to FE learners.
Student Voice
Strengthen and evolve how FE Course Representatives are elected, trained and supported.
Work with the Union Voice Team to deliver effective elections, training, communications and ongoing support for FE Course Reps.
Organise regular opportunities for FE learners to meet, share feedback and raise issues, ensuring accurate documentation and follow‑up.
Collaborate with the President, Student Voice Coordinators and other staff to interpret FE student feedback and propose meaningful improvements.
Maintain awareness of relevant FE policies and regulations, advising officers and colleagues where changes may impact learners.
Student Advice
Increase awareness and understanding of the Union Advice Service among FE learners.
Collect, report and provide feedback on Advice Service usage for monitoring and continuous improvement.
Administrative Duties:
Provide a consistently high standard of customer service in person, by phone and via email.
Handle all enquiries professionally, confidentially and efficiently.
Produce accurate reports, data summaries and feedback when required.
Working Relationships
Work collaboratively with FE staff to support the delivery of an effective student voice system and ensure learners are aware of support services available.
Build productive working relationships with Union staff, the FE Learner Journey Team and external partners to deliver a high‑quality FE Union service.
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 Student Union employees are expected to work within the ethos of the Students’ 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 adhere to the highest standards, especially of customer service and safety.
To seek to continually develop and improve Unions' facilities and services.
To keep up to date with sector developments, local competition, and student’s 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 organisation’s ethical & environmental ethos, according to best practice.
To perform any other additional reasonable duties as deemed appropriate.
Staff are required to have a Personal Development Plan 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 of policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff information guide.
A condition of employment is that all staff are expected to assist in key events throughout the year e.g., Welcome Weeks, 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.
This list is not exhaustive and is a general indication - the role holder will be expected to complete any reasonable task requested of them.
PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR FE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
| CRITERIA | Requirement | Application | Interview Day | Post Offer
| QUALIFICATIONS | | | |
| Good general education, typically to the Higher/A level equivalent | Essential | ✓ | |
| University/College Degree | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Appointment will only be confirmed on completion of a DBS check | Essential | | | ✓
| Hold a full UK driving license | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| EXPERIENCE | | | |
| Experience of working with young people | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Experience of coordinating multiple tasks and working to deadlines | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demonstrable experience of working effectively on own initiative | Essential | | ✓ |
| Experience of delivering training and development activity | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Experience of working with administration systems and databases | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Experience of risk assessing and reviewing risk assessments | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Experience of coordinating small to large scale projects | Desirable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Experience of formulating reports for senior colleagues | Desirable | ✓ | |
| KNOWLEDGE | | | |
| Understanding current policy and themes in Higher Education, Further Education and Students’ Unions within the UK. | Desirable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Knowledge of current relevant legislation: | | ✓ | |
| Ø Health and Safety legislation | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Ø Data Protection Act 1998 | Desirable | ✓ | |
| Ø Child Protection/Safeguarding | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ø Prevent | Desirable | ✓ | |
| ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS | | | |
| Able to understand working with, and alongside, a complex external organisation | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-motivated and self-reliant and able to overcome challenges | Essential | | ✓ |
| IT competent with a working understanding of Microsoft Office | Essential | ✓ | |
| Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Able to create and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders and staff | Desirable | | ✓ |
| Skilled in time management–able to meet deadlines and cope with varying workloads | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| VALUES AND ETHICS | | | |
| Desire to work within a democratic & student led environment | Essential | ✓ | ✓ |
| Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities | Essential | ✓ | |
| Committed, positive, outgoing and approachable with a ‘can do’ attitude | Essential | | ✓ |
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE FE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR:
This job specification is non-contractual and is subject to alteration after consultation with the post holder.
Our full terms and conditions of service, staff handbook and statutory policies are issued on appointment, below is a summary of the main terms and conditions of service:
The salary for the full-time role is circa £24,050 subject to TAX and NI contributions and if applicable pension contributions. Salary is paid monthly in arrears by direct debit transfer.
The post holder is offered a fixed term contract ending on 31st July 2027 (Potential for contract to be extended) and is subject to a 3-month probationary period. There is the potential for this contract being extended.
The place of work is predominantly at the Buxton Campus and occasionally travel to Derby.
The FE Engagement Coordinator reports to the CEO
So, what does the Union of Students actually do?
The University of Derby Students' Union is a company limited by guarantee (trading as the Union of Students, University of Derby), registered in England and Wales, and a registered Charity (1169283). We are a democratic, membership-led Union. We provide services and support to our members, the students at the University of Derby, which enables them to develop their skills for future careers, provide a source of fun and enjoyment, offer opportunities to meet new people and become active citizens through volunteering. We also provide a broad range of commercial services which include café bars and kitchen venues, coffee shops and several retail outlets.
We are a value driven organisation, existing to meet the needs of our members who are students at the University of Derby. Every University is required to have a Students’ Union by virtue of the 1994 Education Act, the broad objective for each Union is to represent the needs of students to the University, provide relevant welfare services, ensure there are opportunities to play sport and engage in recreational activities and to run free and fair elections for our own governance.
We are led by students, for students and our purpose is to be a Union that is devoted to the educational interests and welfare of its members.
We have a team of up to 36 permanent employees and up to 60+ part-time students, all of whom play a key role in delivering a wide range of activities and support services for students. We provide a high level of student representation at the University via our four full time elected Officer Trustees:
President, Vice President (Activities), Vice President (Education) and Vice President (Welfare).
Our Vision:
Supporting you to make the most of your University of Derby Experience
Our Mission:
Empowering students at the University of Derby to shape their own journey by providing opportunities, support and a strong community where they can thrive.
Empowering students at the University of Derby to shape their own journey by providing opportunities, support and a strong community where they can thrive.
Our Values:
We are better together
We care for each other
We share success
We are positive
Work environment:
We encourage enquiries from everyone and value diversity for our employees. We are willing to consider flexible working arrangements and invite you to talk to us if you wish to consider a variation in the hours advertised.
We encourage enquiries from everyone and value diversity for our employees. We are willing to consider flexible working arrangements and invite you to talk to us if you wish to consider a variation in the hours advertised.
We champion equal opportunities, equality, and dignity in the workplace, making this a safe environment to work in. We are committed to allocating funding towards the development of our team ethos through events and activities as well as celebratory occasions and informal gatherings.
Training and development opportunities:
We are firmly committed to the career development of its employees to ensure continued business success. We are committed to developing employees that are professional in approach as well as being highly motivated. All this is essential to allow us to develop and grow the Union and provide rewarding career options for all employees in line with personal abilities.
Reward and recognition:
We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the highest quality employees. To do this, the Union seeks to create an environment where everyone feels valued and acknowledged for their contribution to the Union and who feel supported in their career aspirations. We recognise that employees want to be paid fairly and appropriately for the work that they do and that they want their contribution to be valued. Every member of staff who meets our ‘Performance Development Review’ standards are eligible for the annual Pay Award paid from 1 August each year.
We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the highest quality employees. To do this, the Union seeks to create an environment where everyone feels valued and acknowledged for their contribution to the Union and who feel supported in their career aspirations. We recognise that employees want to be paid fairly and appropriately for the work that they do and that they want their contribution to be valued. Every member of staff who meets our ‘Performance Development Review’ standards are eligible for the annual Pay Award paid from 1 August each year.
Support and annual leave for our employees:
There is an Occupational Pension scheme, subject to a qualifying period, and the highly popular Occupational Health scheme offered by Westfield Health (on successful completion of the probationary period).
There is an Occupational Pension scheme, subject to a qualifying period, and the highly popular Occupational Health scheme offered by Westfield Health (on successful completion of the probationary period).
The annual leave year runs from 1st August to 31st July. Holiday entitlement is 28 days per annum and is increased after 3 years’ service to 30 days, and again after 5 years’ service to 31 days (pro-rata for part-time salaried employees). In addition to this entitlement, our employees also receive paid leave during bank holidays and University closure days, for example for the academic year for 2021/22 equated to around 14 days per annum (pro-rata for part-time salaried employees). In addition, all permanent staff can take a day off for their Birthday!
Benefits
The annual leave year runs from 1st August to 31st July. Holiday entitlement is 28 days per annum and is increased after 3 years’ service to 30 days, and again after 5 years’ service to 31 days (pro-rata for part-time salaried employees). In addition to this entitlement our employees also receive paid leave during bank holidays and University closure days, for example for the academic year for 2021/22 equated to around 14 days per annum (pro-rata for part-time salaried employees). In addition, all permanent staff are able to take a day off for their Birthday!