Student Casual – Public Programmes Student Panel Member – Public and Cultural Engagement – Grade 2 – 906216

Job Description

School or Department: Public and Cultural Engagement, External Relations

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Grade/Band: Grade 2

Hourly rate: £13.06 per hour plus holiday entitlement

Casual contract from: 20/10/2025

Advert closing date: 03/10/2025, 23:55pm

Number of positions available: 10

Please note that this vacancy may be taken down early depending on the number of applications received. We advise you to submit your application promptly.

Our offer to you

People are at the heart of what we are and do.

The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham

Background

The Public and Cultural Engagement team (PACE) work with academics, students, and communities to plug the university into the world.

In an era of rapid technological and societal change, our university has a vital role to play in addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges we face – here in Birmingham, across the country and as a global community. To continue to make a real impact, we know we can do more to bridge the gap between academia and the outside world.

Our new Public and Cultural Engagement Strategy aligns and embeds public and cultural engagement into the core of our university’s work and purpose. By empowering and enabling every member of the university community to take the initiative and connect with the world, we aim to create a vibrant, collaborative environment that drives innovation and positive change from the inside out and the outside in.

Our vision for the University is one that is dynamic, inclusive and plugged-in. Where every discovery and piece of research is directly connected to the world, where socially engaged education, research and co-production models ensure the benefits are shared equitably, and where our cultural partnerships inspire and transform lives.

Role Summary

As a valued member of our Student Panel, you'll be involved in crafting experiences that resonate with our diverse audiences. Your insights, feedback, and creative sparks will support us in our mission to make our public programme more engaging, compelling and inclusive.

Collaboration is key; together, we'll brainstorm ideas, share perspectives, and you’ll work hand-in-hand with the Public Programmes team to bring exciting ideas to life. Whether it's through event planning, brainstorming sessions, or engaging activities, your contributions will leave a lasting impact.

And it's not just about making a difference – it's about personal growth too. Membership on our Panel is a paid opportunity that also counts towards the University's employability skills awards, enriching your academic journey with real-world experience. You will gain hands-on experience of co-producing exciting and engaging events, and an insight into the running of a public programme at a city centre venue. You will have the opportunity to participate in trips and visits, attend talks by guest speakers, receive staff support and mentorship, and benefit from training and learning opportunities during your time as a member.

Main Duties

• Meet once a month in-person at The Exchange with the rest of the Student Panel and colleagues from the Public Programmes team and across the institution
• Take part in the planning and delivery of events at The Exchange and on campus
• Learn how the Public Programmes team and the wider organisation works
• Co-produce an event at The Exchange which engages audiences with exciting, cutting edge research which is happening at the University.
  
  

Person Specification

We are looking for applicants who:

• Are studying at The University of Birmingham, in any subject and at any level.
• Have a passion for public engagement and believe in the importance of engaging a wide range of people with the research that is taking place at universities.
• Are willing to collaborate, try new things and work with others who may have different views to their own.
• Have excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills.
• Are reliable and trustworthy.
  
  

Additional Information

In partnership with the Careers Network, membership of the Student Panel can be counted towards The Birmingham Award, the University's employability skills award for undergraduate students, or the Postgraduate Professional Development Award (PPDA), which is the equivalent for postgraduates. The awards support students from all disciplines to develop, recognise, and articulate their skills in preparation for real-world recruitment.

For any informal queries, please contact Kate O’Connor ([email protected])

View our staff values and behaviours here

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

The University of Birmingham restricts all students to working up to 20 hours per week during term time. If your application is successful and your course does not follow the usual academic term timetable (e.g. PGT, PGR or PhD student), you and your supervisor must formally agree vacation periods if this role exceeds 20 hours per week. In addition to this, please be aware if you are an International student you will be required to apply to the Registry for the appropriate Authorised Absence.

You are only eligible to apply to this role if you are a current University of Birmingham student. If you are not a University of Birmingham student your application will not be considered.

To work you will need to carry out a right to work check.These checks will need to be completed prior to work commencing.