• Summary of the role
• Responsibilities
• Meetings and committees

Summary of the role

The Student Support Officer will be directly responsible for welfare, as well as running all campaigns and the support for volunteers. The Student Support Officer runs Elections, along with all the democracy of the SU, i.e. Union Council and general meetings.

Responsibilities

1. Be responsible for all matters of welfare affecting the Union and its members.
   
2. Be Chairperson of, and convene any welfare or support Committee.
   
3. Work on training programmes relating to welfare, support and student well-being matters.
   
4. Liaise with support services within the University.
   
5. Survey developments in student based research and in Government educational policy and keep the Education Committee, the Student Council and the Union Executive Committee aware of these matters.
   
6. Be responsible for a team of volunteers who can assist students in matters of individual welfare and in doing so assist in providing an advice, information and referral service for students.
   
7. Consult with national student bodies and other national bodies on education and welfare matters and keep the Education Committee and the Student Council and the Union Executive Committee aware of them.
   
8. Have a particular responsibility for supporting committee chairs whose portfolios represent specific groups of students
   
9. Have a particular responsibility for the representation of international students, including appropriate support and provision inside the Union, University and Local Community
   
10. To run regular campaigns on issues such as, housing, sexual health, mental health and equality and diversity.
    
11. Consult with other Union Officials on matters of welfare.
    
12. Liaise and promote, campaigns with relevant Sabbatical Officers and Union Officials.
    
13. Represent the Union on committees of the University, as set out in the policy statement.
    
14. With the President be responsible for all NUS campaigns alongside any related officers.
    
15. In conjunction with the relevant Union Officials, promote multicultural integration within the Union.
    
16. To be responsible for and co-ordinate an annual review of the publicity provision and future requirements in liaison with all relevant departments of the Union.
    
17. To be responsible for maintaining the central file of the Union's Constitution such that it is immediately updated, in line with any approved amendments to the constitution.
    
18. To ensure that arrangements are made annually for the appointment of the Returning Officer and for the review of the Election fee and publicity allowance. 
19. Be responsible for the development of Rag.

Meetings and Committees

University of Portsmouth-led Meetings

The UoP Academic Council

• Quarterly
• The President, Education & Representation Officer and Student Support Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for the management of all The UoP academic policies and procedures.

The UoP Learning & Teaching Committee

• Quarterly
• The Education & Representation Officer and Student Support Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for The UoP learning, teaching and assessment strategy.

The UoP Student Academic & General Affairs Committee (SAGA)

• 3 times a year
• The Sabbatical team sit on this committee which is the principal medium through which Governors are directly able to hear the views and concerns of the students through the Students’ Union’s Sabbatical Officers.

The UoP & Community Mediation Services Stakeholders

• Quarterly
• As Student Support Officer you will attend this meeting with UPSU, the UoP and the Portsmouth City Council to discuss any issues which may be affecting students or the local community.

UPSU-led Meetings

UoP Directorate

• Bi-monthly
• An informal meeting with The UoP Directorate Team to discuss issues affecting students at The UoP. The President will lead the Sabbatical team in all discussions and negotiations.

The UPSU Board of Trustees

• Monthly
• As Student Support Officer you will hold the role of Trustee at The UPSU. This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of The UPSU and you will be part of the decision making process. The President will Chair this meeting.

PSUT Board of Directors

• Monthly
• As Student Support Officer you will attend the Portsmouth Students’ Union Trading Company Ltd (PSUT). This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of PSUT and you will be part of the decision making process.

UPSU/UoP Steering Group

• Bi-monthly
• To liaise with The UoP, UPEL regarding any issues surrounding the Student Centre and the provision of services for students.

UPEL/UPSU Liaison Group

• Monthly
• To provide a forum to discuss Catering and Bars Services and Facilities and to discuss, liaise and agree on all issues affecting the management of the Student Centre Building.

The UPSU Finance & Staffing

• Quarterly
• As Student Support Officer you will attend this meeting which is responsible for the management of all The UPSU finances and staffing.

The UPSU / UPEL Student Activities Meeting

• Monthly
• To liaise with UPEL on all student led activities.

The UPSU Union Council

• Monthly in term time
• The Sabbatical Team report into the Union Council Committee which is made up of elected student representatives.

The UPSU AGM

• Once a year
• Union Council and the Sabbatical Team report back to the student membership on a yearly basis.

The UPSU Sabbatical Exec

• Weekly
• An informal meeting in which the Sabbatical Team discuss any operational issues.

The UPSU RAG Committee

• Monthly
• The RAG Committee meet to plan fundraising activities

The UPSU EED Committee

• Monthly
• The EED Committee Exec meet to discuss ethics, equality and diversity issues effecting students

Halls Committee

• Monthly
• The Halls Committee meet to discuss issues facing students living in Halls of Residence