Secretariat

Secretariat – Reading Students’ Union

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire

Salary: £30,981.64 per annum 

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours a week)

'Governance that matters - because students matter'

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. 

The Role: Secretariat

As our Secretariat Officer, you’ll be the heartbeat of our governance and democratic life. You’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, transparently, and in line with our charitable purpose. From supporting our CEO and Board of Trustees to guiding student leaders, you’ll be our trusted expert.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the go-to expert for governance and democracy queries, providing timely, accurate advice an training  to trustees, student leaders, and staff. You’ll keep us compliant with charity law and sector best practice, and lead governance reviews to drive continuous improvement
• Own the annual cycle of Board and committee business—schedule meetings, prepare agendas, write clear and accurate minutes, and track actions. You’ll also coordinate trustee inductions and training, building strong relationships that enable effective decision-making
• Facilitate democratic processes, from elections to policy development. You’ll guide student candidates and elected officers, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to lead confidently. You’ll design and deliver induction programmes for our elected sabbatical officers, setting them up for success
• Provide high-quality support to the CEO and Senior Management Team—managing diaries, inboxes, and meetings, and ensuring smooth communication across the organisation
• Maintain governance records, policy schedules, manage statutory filings, and oversee the student complaints process
• Identify opportunities to streamline governance systems and introduce digital tools that make processes more accessible and efficient
• Analyse governance and democratic participation data to produce reports that inform strategy and improve engagement. You’ll turn numbers into actionable insights that enhance student representation

About You

You’re passionate about governance and thrive in roles where precision, integrity, and impact matter. You’ll bring a mix of expertise, confidence, and curiosity to help us deliver exceptional governance and democratic processes for our students.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in governance, democratic processes, or charity administration
• Knowledge of charity law and governance best  practice
• A track record of supporting senior leaders or Boards—minute-taking, meeting coordination, and managing confidential information
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to juggle calendars, inboxes, and complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear, accurate minute writing
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Experience designing and delivering training in all things governance

Desirable:

• Experience managing complaints
• Charity experience in an education or student-focused environment
• Knowledge of Student Unions, university structures and student representation systems

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture
• Flexible working options
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
• Professional development opportunities
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us bring our ambitious new strategy to life with sector-leading governance!

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability — building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.