Student life needs student leaders, will it be you?

Be part of the story

What is the Leadership Race?

How does the Leadership Race work?

We recruit passionate students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, who want to make a difference at UCL, to develop skills in project management, teamwork, communications, and leadership by becoming part-time or full-time Student Officers. Training will be provided on campaigning and later when candidates are announced, they'll have the opportunity to develop their leadership style. Those who are voted to be our next leaders will be supported throughout the year by multiple teams in the Students' Union, along the way. We want students to gain valuable experience which they can take into the world beyond while leaving their mark during their time, here at UCL.

See the full schedule here.

What roles are available?

During the Leadership Race you can nominate yourself and vote for:

• The six full-time Sabbatical Officers who lead the Students’ Union.
• Student Officers, including the People of Colour (POC) Students’ Officer and Women’s Officer, who volunteer their time to represent students.
• The president or treasurer of your society.
• The president or treasurer of your sports club.
• Networks
• Student Trustees

What do Sabbatical officers do?

Picture yourself at the forefront of student advocacy, making key decisions across a £15 million Students' Union as a Director and Trustee for the students who elect you. As a Sabbatical Officer, you won't just be a representative – you'll be the driving force behind every aspect of student experiences at UCL.

Serving as a Sabbatical Officer isn't just a role; it's the ultimate graduate scheme. In this paid position, you'll gain invaluable leadership skills, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the professional world. While you are shaping policies to make a positive influence on causes that truly matter to your fellow students, you'll be working across all departments of the Student Union and across UCL to make a difference. This is a unique chance to shape the narrative, ensuring that student voices are not just heard but amplified. This isn't just a position; it's a fantastic chance to progress your career, gain invaluable training, and access opportunities like no other.

As a Sabbatical Officer, you'll focus on key issues based on student feedback. By drawing up manifestos which are public declarations of commitments, you'll work towards addressing these concerns through policies, strategies, and goals. Throughout the year as an officer, you'll be working to make your promises a reality and it's always rewarding to see your ideas come to fruition with a lot of hard work.

There will be no shortage of mentors, coaching, and training to set you up for success. We'll support you to grow professionally and personally, so you can thrive as a leader. So, what are you waiting for? Be part of the legacy of student leaders who have left a huge impact and register your interest today.

As a leader at the Students' Union, you'll take care of the following responsibilities:

• Being a Director and Trustee of a £15m organisation, you will oversee the Student Union's strategic direction, finances, budgeting, and decision-making, managing the Chief Executive and senior team.
• Decide on the SDU strategy and oversee the work of its services
• Work strategically with UCL to influence key decisions, practices, and policies
• Attend meetings with multiple departments across the Student Union to feedback on key developments and updates
• Work to achieve your manifesto objectives
• Be a point of contact for students and share their opinions across the Students' Union
• Plan events, and activities across campus to increase student engagement

Get int touch with the Representation and Democracy team, should you have any further questions - [email protected]