Network Secretary Role Description

Student life needs student leaders.

Students understand what it is like to study, live and take part in life at UCL today. As Network Secretary, you will draw on your own experiences and listen to those of others to help ensure that students’ voices are represented and recorded accurately and transparently.

The Union is here to make more happen, and will provide the training and support you need to get started!

Network Secretary at a glance:

Could this be you?

You do not need to be an expert in the Students’ Union or have held a leadership role before. Your experience as a student is your starting point.

This role could suit you if you are willing to:

• Listen to students and take different experiences seriously.
• Notice the ideas, opportunities and challenges affecting your community.
• Share students’ priorities with the people who make decisions.
• Work constructively with other students and staff.
• Follow up and keep students informed.

You are not expected to speak for everyone based only on your own experience. We will help you gather feedback, identify shared priorities and represent a range of student perspectives.

Sound interesting? Nominate yourself today, or read on to learn more!

What the role involves

During a typical term, you will:

• Listen to students in your community through Network meetings, forums, polls and discussions.
• Identify shared ideas, experiences and priorities.
• Represent those priorities at Equi-tea sessions, Network meetings, and Policy Zones where relevant.
• Explain why students’ experiences matter when decisions are being made.
• Work with your relevant Network Student Officer, Sabbatical Officer and the Networks Team to ensure that students' interests are represented and recorded transparently.
• Contribute to the overall running of the Network.
• Report back so students know what was raised, what happened and what comes next.

This might involve taking accurate notes during Equi-tea sessions, supporting the Student Officer in producing and circulating agendas for Network meetings, or writing copy to keep Network members updated on key decisions.

Through this work, you could help your Network run effectively, maintain accurate records, and support clear and informed decision-making.

The role requires approximately 12-15 hours per term. Some parts of the year may be busier, particularly around Liberation Months.

Listen, represent, report back

1. Listen to different student experiences.
2. Identify the priorities students share.
3. Represent those priorities where decisions are made.
4. Report back on progress and next steps.

Who can stand?

You can stand for this role if you:

• Self-identify as the relevant category for the Network.
• Are a UCL student for the 26/27 academic year.

Not sure whether you are eligible? Contact [email protected] before nominations close.

Training and support

You bring valuable knowledge of what it is like to be a current student. We will help you build the skills needed to listen to others and use that insight effectively.

You will receive:

• An introduction to the role and the Students’ Union.
• Training in gathering feedback and representing different perspectives.
• Guidance on identifying shared priorities.
• Support to prepare for and contribute to meetings.
• Guidance on reporting back and signposting students to support.
• Ongoing support from the Networks Development Coordinator and relevant Network Student Officer and Sabbatical Officer.
• Opportunities to develop your communication, organisation, and administrative skills.

Mandatory training

If you are elected into the role, you will be required to attend mandatory training:

Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Time: 11:00 - 17:00
Location: TBC

If you need an adjustment to take part in the training or role, contact [email protected]. 

Ready to stand?

Your experience of student life is crucial to making change happen.

If you would like to listen to your community, bring students’ priorities into decision-making and help improve the effectiveness and transparency of your Network, consider standing for Network Secretary.

You do not need to have every answer or a complete plan. Tell students why you are interested, what you have noticed and what you would like to understand or improve.

• Nominations close: Monday 12 October 2026 
• Questions & accessibility: [email protected]

[Stand for Network Secretary]