A passionate and values-driven leader to drive student policy and governance and shape meaningful change across representative structures.
It’s a key strategic role, empowering student leaders to operate confidently in complex governance and policy environments and build strong partnerships at a University level.
You will provide expert advice and leadership on charity compliance, higher education policy and build strategies for WSU that enhance the student experience.
What’s on offer:
Salary: From £38,719 to £44,515 per annum, plus excellent benefits including holidays and a contributory pension scheme.
Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week. Some evening or weekend work will be required from time to time and will be agreed in advance.
Location: 2 days per week working from home, 3 days per week from Warwick Students’ Union, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL. This will be subject to change depending on needs of the business. Occasional off‑site working is required.
Closing Date: Monday, 1 June 2026 at 16:00
Interview Date: TBC
Benefits: 22 days holiday plus no less than a total of 18 days at Christmas, Easter, New Year, May Day, Spring and Late Summer bank holidays or days in lieu thereof, a dedicated wellbeing programme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, substantial pension scheme and salary extras.
Who are we? Part business, part charity, part membership body, Warwick Students’ Union is a vibrant place to work. An independent organisation in our own right, we’re professionally run, but different. Our talented teams support elected student leaders to make change, improve lives and fulfil potential; we empower them to make all this happen.
Warwick Students’ Union is one of more than 550 students’ unions across the country. And with more than 25,000 members, over 250 societies, 70 sports clubs, hundreds of elected representatives, a huge range of services and a bold strategy, we’re one of the most exciting.
What’s the role? Key Responsibilities:
* To lead on strengthening the Unions’ policy, influence, governance effectiveness and democratic legitimacy, ensuring that structured policy development sits within a robust governance framework.
* To provide strategic organisational advice and support so that democratic outcomes meaningfully influence internal, University and national discourse. Support Warwick SU’s student leadership team to help navigate evidence‑led campaign and influencing work to relevant stakeholders.
* To provide expert advice and leadership to elected student representatives, Trustees, and colleagues on governance, charity compliance and higher education policy.
* To deliver strategies that build upon our policy development and policy projects, support the publication and dissemination of relevant motions and policy work with students and prepare briefings and consultation responses on policy that affects WSU within the local community, regionally and nationally.
Why apply? The precise opposite of corporate, we’re progressive, passionate individuals striving to make an impact in unconventional workplaces. In exchange for your enthusiasm and experience, we offer a competitive salary within the non‑profit sector, a contributory defined contribution pension scheme, and excellent holiday entitlement.
We are committed to equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from people regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We aim to foster diverse and inclusive working environments and are actively seeking individuals who share our values. Whoever you are, we’d love to hear from you.
Any queries, please contact jobs@warwicksu.com.
Job Description & Person Specification
Job Title: Policy and Governance Manager (2-Year Fixed-Term Contract)
Responsible To: Director of Membership, and through them the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees
Responsible For: Data & Insight Researcher, Policy & Governance Assistant
Main Purpose for Role: To lead on strengthening the Unions’ policy, influence, governance effectiveness and democratic legitimacy, ensuring that structured policy development sits within a robust governance framework. To provide strategic organisational advice and support so that democratic outcomes meaningfully influence internal, University and national discourse. To provide expert advice and leadership to elected student representatives, Trustees, and colleagues on governance, charity compliance and higher education policy. To deliver strategies that build upon our policy development and policy projects, support the publication and dissemination of relevant motions and policy work with students and prepare briefings and consultation responses on policy that affects WSU within the local community, regionally and nationally.
Main Responsibilities and Expected Standards:
1. Policy Leadership and Influence. To provide strategic advice and guidance to Officers and representatives on shaping and influencing the Unions’ policy and direction with regard to improving the student experience. To provide high‑quality policy briefings, consultation responses and position papers to Officers, Board of Trustees and elected representatives on key issues affecting students locally, nationally and across higher education. To lead on the development of credible, evidence‑based policy positions that reflect democratic student decisions and translate into organisational and/or national influence. Manage and respond to information requests relating to policy and monitor policy developments across the HE sector and provide recommendations to WSU policy alignment.
2. Governance and Regulatory Compliance. To provide expert support for the governance and policy functions of WSU, including Board and sub‑committee structures. Ensure compliance with charity law, governance best practice, and relevant regulatory frameworks, advising Officers and staff on lawful and effective decision‑making. Support ongoing governance review and continuous improvement, ensuring democratic processes are robust and transparent. Advise on risk, scrutiny and provide assurance relating to policy decisions and democratic outcomes that align with the organisation’s strategy, vision, and values. Work to ensure adequate control measures and scrutiny is in place.
3. Policy Development. Offer guidance to the Union’s Leadership Team, ensuring organisational policy development is integrated with existing policies, taking account of wider sector and University policies and procedures and relevant legislation. To carry out information gathering and research that develops organisational policy on behalf of the Full‑time Officers and Board of Trustees in relation to current trends, legislative changes affecting higher education and students, and provide evidence‑based recommendations to inform policy decisions.
4. Democratic Engagement. To support Officers and students in developing policies and motions that are evidence‑led, achievable and aligned with the Unions’ charitable objectives. To develop policy briefings for Student Council, Forums, and motion proposers on the organisational impact of implementing new ideas and policies. Advise on Impact Assessment in relation to organisational legal, financial and reputational risk on proposed policies. Coordinate effective policy‑led campaigns with the Student Voice team and ensure democratic policy outcomes are embedded into operational planning and external advocacy.
5. Data, Insight and Evidence. To ensure governance and policy data is analysed and reported to inform decision‑making and demonstrate impact. Work in collaboration with the Student Voice, Advice Centre and Marketing & Comms teams to coordinate insight sharing, student feedback, policy trends and provide evidence‑based solutions and recommendations.
6. Stakeholder Engagement. To prepare and coordinate detailed briefings for Officers on University committees, ensuring positions are informed by student feedback, policy insight and governance considerations. Build and maintain relationships with University departments, faculty and department staff to gather input, collaborate on policy initiatives and provide support to ensure the student voice is central to policy development. Stay informed with relevant legislation commensurate to the role.
7. Strategic Planning. To play a central role in the Membership Engagement Plan and budgeting processes, including student staff budgets linked to policy work. Support strategic initiatives and funding bids that strengthen the Unions’ engagement with students on new ideas, policy proposals or stances and contribute to the long‑term planning around democratic engagement, governance effectiveness and policy leadership.
8. Training and Development. To design and deliver training for Officers, elected student representatives and staff on governance, policy development and regulatory responsibilities. Empower student leaders to operate confidently in complex governance and policy environments. Develop accessible guidance and resources that strengthen understanding of charity governance and policy influence. Lead on raising awareness of policy initiatives and ensure all webpage content is up to date and informed and accurate.
9. General Responsibilities. Ensure that all tasks are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and guidelines, including charity law, data protection, freedom of speech and other relevant regulations. Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to governance, policy and democratic outcomes. This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the post holder may, from time to time, be required to undertake other tasks that are commensurate with the strategic nature of the role.
Person Specification
* A relevant degree or equivalent experience which demonstrates experience in HE policy and representation and evidence of ongoing professional development.
* Excellent understanding of the issues affecting students and higher education institutions and understanding of student engagement practices and democratic structures.
* Strong organisational and policy project skills in a students’ union or comparable influencing environment, with the ability to prioritise effectively, work to deadlines and manage projects.
* A commitment and passion for developing and delivering policy to improve the student experience and policy development and briefing knowledge.
* Strong problem‑solving skills and sound judgement, with the ability to understand diverse perspectives and to be able to successfully influence and negotiate both internally and externally.
* Effective research and analysis skills needed to build an evidence base from which you will work.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork and collaborative skills, a high level of diplomacy and tact and the ability to work with a range of student groups, colleagues, and stakeholders to absorb complex information and present it to different audiences.
* A high degree of personal accountability with the ability to live and model the values of Warwick Students’ Union, including a commitment to equity, liberation, and diversity in every aspect of your work.
* A passion for working with student with the ability to support and empower them to succeed in their roles.
* The ability to work well under pressure, use initiative and creativity in solving problems, and with the ability to make decisions autonomously or advise others.
* Ability to manage difficult conversations with empathy whilst maintaining an impartial position, appreciating confidentiality when managing sensitive information.
* An understanding of charity law applies.
* Knowledge and competence with Microsoft Office applications and good IT skills.
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