Chelsea Community Advocate

Community Advocates help build a sense of belonging and connection among students through welcoming activities in shared indoor and outdoor spaces.

Working with the other Community Advocate at your site, you will plan and deliver an inclusive programme shaped by students. Sessions may be creative, social or focused on wellbeing, with seasonal gardening and green-space activities during warmer months. The programme will give students opportunities to meet, make and learn together.

You and your co-advocate will agree how to divide programme development, promotion, preparation, delivery and pack-down. The Lead Advocate will provide direction and coordinate cross-site arrangements. Hours may be used differently at different points in the term, including for programme development before sessions begin and promotion in advance.

This is a term-time-only role. Paid hours will be worked during term time, and no work is expected during university vacation weeks, which are:

• 11 December 2026 – 10 January 2027
• Week commencing 8 February 2027
• 19 March – 11 April 2027
• Role ends 21 May 2027 for Degree Show preparation

Community Building & Engagement

• Develop and deliver an engaging and inclusive community programme that encourages regular participation across shared spaces.
• Host regular "community meet days" open sessions where students can gather informally, share ideas, and take part in creative, social, or wellbeing-focused activities.
• Facilitate and coordinate a variety of activities such as:
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming environment where all students feel valued and able to participate.
• Encourage participation through actively engaging with students in an empathetic and approachable manner.
• Promote activities through the creation and distribution of promotional materials, including posters and flyers.
• Document sessions and contribute to social media channels.
• Regularly gather, evaluate, and respond to feedback to help the programme evolve in line with student interests and needs.
• Represent the college positively, sharing information about campus facilities, events, and support services.

Gardening and Green Space Activation

• Lead and maintain gardening and outdoor wellbeing activities that build connection and pride in shared green spaces.
• Develop a seasonal gardening programme as part of the community work, encouraging participation through planting days, maintenance sessions, and creative outdoor projects such as herb gardens, pop-up seating areas, or collaborative art installations.
• Encourage the use of outdoor areas as venues for relaxation, creative activities, and social interaction.
• Make sure activities are in line with sustainability principles.

Programme Development and Coordination

• Plan, promote, and report on your activities in agreement with your line manager.
• Plan and source materials and refreshments for the sessions.
• Coordinate your schedule to align with other student and advocate programmes, avoiding clashes and maximising engagement.
• Collaborate with other Advocates (e.g. Climate, Repair, and Change Advocates), course leaders, technicians, and student groups, clubs, and societies to strengthen the community on campus, share ideas, and co-create inclusive programming.
• Manage a small budget responsibly for materials (e.g. craft supplies, plants, refreshments, or event resources).
• Ensure all activities are risk-assessed, accessible, and delivered safely.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 16 November on either Tuesday 17th or Wednesday 18th November. Shortlisted candidates will receive the interview format and any preparation requirements in advance.

Successful candidates would start in post the following week, commencing 23rd November.

Essential

• A friendly, welcoming, and proactive attitude with a genuine interest in community building and student wellbeing.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills; confident engaging with students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable, organised, and able to take initiative when planning or running events.
• Passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Comfortable engaging in both indoor and outdoor activities, including basic gardening tasks.
• Able to work collaboratively and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Experience in event or activity planning, facilitation, or volunteer coordination.

Desirable

• Knowledge or experience of gardening, planting, or maintaining green spaces.
• Awareness of decolonisation, equity, and social justice in the arts and education.
• Experience managing small budgets or community project resources.

Additional Information

• Some lifting and manual handling (e.g. moving chairs, tables, or gardening tools) may be required.
• Attendance at training, team meetings, and cross-site networking events is expected.
• This is an alcohol-free, student-facing role that requires professionalism, empathy, and care.
• All Advocates are expected to complete timesheets detailing how their hours are used to develop and deliver their programme.