Academic and Welfare Adviser (maternity cover; it is expected that the role will commence in July for a minimum of 6 months, subject to the current postholder. This will include a handover period)

£25,000 FTE - 24 – 30 hours per week (may consider a reduction of hours or a secondment opportunity)

Would you like to make a difference to students’ experience at University? Are you interested in joining a fast-paced team that prides itself on going the extra mile, supporting its members, having fun and fostering a fantastic #Teamworc community?

 We are looking to recruit an Academic and Welfare Adviser (maternity cover) within our growing independent Help and Advice Service, to provide advice and guidance to our members, University of Worcester students.

We are looking for someone who is a good listener, empathic and non-judgmental and who has a genuine desire to ensure that our students have the best student experience whilst at University. You will have strong organisation and administration skills with an eye for detail. Experience of both working in an advice setting and of Higher Education would be very beneficial but is not essential.

You will:

• Provide advice to students on a range of issues, from guidance on academic procedures and process, supporting students in university meetings, to advising on housing.
• Help us to grow our partnerships with community organisations to support students with matters such as sexual health and personal safety, while playing a key role in maintaining existing relationships we hold.
• Have the unique opportunity to support elected Officers in their campaigning around welfare matters, as well as the outreach work of the Union in promoting the range of support that it provides for its members.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a fun, dynamic and professional Union, which has seen engagement from the student body grow significantly in recent years. You will be able to make a genuine difference to students at a formative time in their lives, whilst developing your own skills and abilities in a unique environment.

To apply please fill the attached forms out and send them to StudentunionHR@worc.ac.uk

Worcester Students’ Union recognises the value of difference and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religious belief, age, marital status or disability, or any other individual characteristic or intersectionality of different characteristics.

We want to support a diverse and inclusive work environment as we believe it makes a team more effective and are actively looking for people who share our values. You can see our work as an organisation and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion here.

We know that diverse candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don’t meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the job description but we encourage anyone to apply who can demonstrate a variety of skills and experiences relevant to meeting the requirements of this role. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application process that may better facilitate your participation please contact StudentunionHR@worc.ac.uk for an informal chat. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.

We very much look forward to hearing from you!

Applications open: Friday 17 April 2026

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 5 May, midday (12pm)

Interviews will be held on: w/c 18 May 2026

Closing Date: 05 May 2026

Sub Department: Professional Services

Salary: £25,000 per annum pro rata

Worcester Students' Union (WSU) exists to represent, support and enrich the lives of students at the University of Worcester. As a charity, everything they do is guided by a commitment to members, ensuring they have a voice, access to outstanding services, and a community they are proud to be part of.

This is a genuinely exciting moment for the organisation. WSU has a fantastic opportunity to reshape its strategy and culture, supported by a dedicated and talented staff and officer team, and is determined to deepen its reach across a diverse student body, strengthen partnerships, and build on the energy and momentum that defines life at Worcester.

About the orle

As CEO, you'll provide overall leadership and management of WSU, taking responsibility for delivering its charitable objectives and ensuring excellent services for students. You will develop a sustainable, strategically focused organisation that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Working in close partnership with elected student leaders and the Board of Trustees, you will bring professional expertise to support governance, operational delivery, and long-term planning. You will lead a committed staff team, model the values of the organisation, and ensure that WSU continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact across the student community.

About you

WSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, and a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful organisational strategy. You'll be financially and commercially astute, able to interpret data to inform sound decisions, and experienced in working constructively with Boards and senior external stakeholders. Experience within the Higher Education, Students' Union, charity or membership sectors is desirable, though not essential.

You'll be an empowering and energetic leader, someone who builds inclusive, high-performing teams, encourages creativity, and is willing to engage with operational delivery as well as strategic direction. You'll bring the ability to balance challenge and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation.

Above all, WSU are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a real passion for working in a democratic, student-led environment. You'll believe in the importance of student voice, be able to communicate a compelling shared vision to a wide range of stakeholders and demonstrate a lasting commitment to WSU's charitable objectives and long-term development.
  

How to apply

Please refer to the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Nida at nida@atkinsonhrconsulting.co.uk
  

Key dates

Closing date: Midday, Tuesday 5th May 2026

Longlist interviews (remote): Tuesday 26th May 2026

Final stage interviews (In-person, Worcester): Monday 1st June 2026

Closing Date: 05 May 2026

Sub Department: Professional Services

Salary: £62,000 to £64,000