We’re looking for a passionate and driven student to become Arden’s very first Vice President Student Needs. This is your opportunity to take on a paid, full-time leadership role dedicated to improving the non-academic aspects of student life, both on-campus and online. If you believe every student deserves a strong sense of community, access to wellbeing support, and the best conditions to thrive at university, this could be your moment to lead that change.
What Does the Vice President Student Needs Do?
The Vice President Student Needs is the primary student representative on matters related to wellbeing, community and belonging, and the fundamental needs that support academic success. You’ll lead on projects, campaigns, and conversations that directly impact student life beyond the classroom, from mental health and cost-of-living support to community-building and accessibility. From committee meetings with senior staff to engaging students across campuses, you’ll ensure the student voice is central to every decision about their broader experience at Arden.
You’ll work in partnership with:
- University leaders and student support departments
- The Students’ Association team
- Student Leadership Team (Student President and Vice President Education)
- Student Representatives across Arden’s campuses and online community
This is a newly created role, shaped by feedback from the Student Voice Project, and designed to focus on inclusivity, wellbeing, and the full student journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Community and Wellbeing Representation
Act as the primary advocate for student community, wellbeing, equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring feedback leads to change.
- Champion the Whole Student Experience
Speak up for students on issues beyond the academic – such as financial pressures, mental health, inclusion, and social belonging.
- Drive Positive Change
Work closely with university staff to remove barriers, improve access to services, and create an environment where every student can succeed.
- Organise Impactful Campaigns
Lead initiatives focused on student wellbeing, belonging, and the cost-of-living, using insights and data to inform your work.
- Be Visible and Accessible
Visit all Arden campuses and engage with distance learners to understand and represent the full student experience beyond education.
What’s In It for You?
✔ Salary: Full-time salary, £25,000 (plus London weighting if applicable)
✔ Contract: Full-time, 12 months (starting October 2025)
✔ Travel: Paid travel across Arden’s UK campuses and Berlin
✔ Development: Build skills in leadership, public speaking, project management, and student advocacy
✔ Support: You’ll have training, mentoring, and a dedicated staff team backing you every step of the way
A Day in the Life of the Vice President Student Needs
As we have excitedly announced, this is a brand-new role, so it is yours to shape! Here is the base of the role, to which you can then begin to build on:
- Meet with students to hear concerns about wellbeing, cost-of-living, or support access
- Join a university meeting on inclusivity or student services
- Plan a campaign to improve student belonging or access to mental health support
- Support student reps in identifying and acting on wellbeing needs
- Work with fellow officers on joint student initiatives
- Share updates with students about recent wins or upcoming opportunities
Who Should Nominate Themselves?
If you care deeply about student wellbeing, access to services, and building a stronger student community, this role is for you.
You’ll thrive as Vice President Student Needs if you:
- Believe in making university life more inclusive, supportive, and accessible
- Enjoy organising, listening, and speaking up for others
- Are confident navigating different voices and priorities
- Want to help shape a university where everyone can belong and succeed
Whether you're studying online or on campus, you’re eligible to nominate yourself. You don’t need to be an expert in wellbeing policy, just someone ready to listen, act, and lead. You’ll be a key voice in shaping the wider student experience at Arden.
Nominations Are Now Open!
This is your chance to lead Arden’s voice on community, inclusion, and wellbeing. Step forward, speak up, and shape the future for thousands of students.
As you read this, did a fellow student come to mind who would excel in this role? If so, why not recommend them? By putting their name forward, you could help them take the next step in their journey. Once nominated, we’ll get in touch with them to share more details about the opportunity and how they can get involved. Your recommendation could be the encouragement they need to realise their potential and make a real impact.
Click here to recommend a friend!
Click here to nominate yourself.
Click here for the full job description.