Could YOU be the next VP Heath Park (Education and Welfare)?
“The best part about this role for me was the fresh break from my programme, plus an opportunity to temporarily do something completely different to the nature of the Healthcare sector. It is also fun!! The role isn’t without its down parts, I'm not a big fan of reading papers, however once they are read, some of the meetings we are able to contribute in are very interesting.”
(Sebastian Ripley, VP Heath Park 2020-22)
Sabbatical Officer Roles are far from your typical job experience and will place you in a working environment which will encourage you to develop a new set of skills to engage an audience of 30,000 students, whilst also challenging and supporting university stakeholders.
The Vice President Heath Park (Education and Welfare) role is your Students’ Union's lead role in fostering and developing the student community and experience at the Heath Park campus. The role works in partnership with the university to ensure quality academic experiences and plenty of opportunities for students to develop new skills.
We want to make sure that you are equipped with as much knowledge as possible to alleviate any doubts/queries you may have about the role, so please find below some FAQs which may answer some questions you have. If you have any more and would like them answered, please do not hesitate to contact us through Elections@cardiff.ac.uk
This is a full-time position, based between our offices at the Heath Park and Cathays Campus, and is fixed-term from 1st July 2023-30th June 2024. The annual salary is over £20k and newly elected Sabbatical Officers will be provided with a comprehensive induction and training, so don't worry if you don't know everything yet!
VP Heath Park (Education and Welfare) FAQs
How will I keep up with my professional skills?
Cardiff Students' Union will support you in keeping up your professional and clinical skills whilse you are a VP. Depending on your circumstances this could including workinhg reduced hours, having time set-aside for professional development, or attending catch-up sessions towards the end of your term in office ready for you to re-join your course following your IOS.
Can I do the role part-time to continue professional work?
The Vice President Heath Park role is a full-time role. However, we understand that committing to a full-time role and pausing studies can have implications on your professional path. We want to ensure you have a chance to shape your community whilst also carrying on your professional development. We would work with any candidates looking at the role to see how this would work for them, this may include allowing for some part-time studying, flexible working hours to keep up with clinical skills, or an increased flexibility on the taking of leave. We would recommend talking to our Student Voice team, so we can disuss the potential additional flexibility you would need to accomodate your professional goals.
Would I be based at the Heath Park Campus?
Yes, but you would also have to pop down to Cathays every now and then to ensure you are representing the medical courses who use the facilities on campus. Plus you will have meetings with the other Sabbatical Officers and SU/University staff members.
Will I have plenty of networking opportunities?
So many, you will be frequently meeting with university staff and professionals from the sector including NHS management. Sabbatical Officers have often met their future employers because of their time in office. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet colleagues from across the wider sector.
What student wins has the VP Heath Park had before?
Past Officers have secured a lot of change for Heath Park which has positively impacted students experiences, inclduing but not limited too:
- secured additional opening hours for the IV lounge
- 'Heath Park on Tour' activities for students on placement
- A more effective bursary payment timeline
- University approvals for refurbishments of Radiology and Haematology Seminar Rooms
- Worked alongside the University to provide a more inclusive campus
What staff support would I have?
Based at the Heath Park Campus are 2 coordinators who are enthusiastic about helping you achieve your personal goals, and then across the SU you will have 100+ staff members who are on hand to support you during your time in the role. Experts in different areas of the Uni sector will provide you advice and guidance, to ensure you are always equipped to carry out your goals.
Are there any reputational risks?
Sabbatical Officers can sometimes find themselves in the headlines of the press due to decisions they or the SU have made. This can sound daunting, but the SU’s Senior Management and Communications team will be on hand to guide you in press relations and supporting you in managing stakeholder relationships.
How do I run an election alongside my studies / professional commitments?
Talking to your lecturers and tutors is always a good first step, just to let them know you are looking at undertaking the role. They may be able to support you with managing your workload. In terms of campaigning, asking friends to help for an hour or two will really help. The Voice team will also provide training on how to effectively campaign alongside your studies and best use of social media for an effective digital campaign.
What skills will I develop towards my professional goals?
People Skills, leadership, confidence, ability to challenge and support stakeholder, communicating with an audience of 30k students, Written skills, report writing, dealing with difficult conversations, finance, risk assessment, public speaking and presenting. Project management.