Students Assistant

Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. Equity is respected as one of the most powerful entertainment unions in the world, and at the heart of the UK trade union movement. We are a growing union of around 50,000 members, proud of our strong organising and campaigning record. Our members are mostly freelance- with many working in greenfield and emerging areas in audio, videogames, dance and the light entertainment sectors. By contrast, most British TV, film and theatre are made on union agreements with minimum terms driving forward industry standards on everything from pay to dignity at work. The Union has a team of staff in offices across the UK who have a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to advice and representation. They are able to deal with the issues raised by members working in all areas of the industry whether it be a major feature film, a theatre in education show, radio voice overs, a circus act or any other live or recorded work.
Equity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all who believe they fit the essential requirements for the job.
The Role
In a newly created post, the Students Assistant works under the direction of the Assistant General Secretary for Live Performance, with day-to-day supervision from the Students Officer and in collaboration with Officials across the UK to support the union’s recruitment, organising and campaigning strategies across Performing Arts educational institutions around the UK.
You will be responsible for providing administrative support to the Students Officer and relevant Secretariat member as required, with a particular emphasis on the mapping of performing arts educational institutions, coordinating visits, and distribution of student resources. Working with the Students Officer you will identify and develop activists through the union’s democratic structures and support the wider student membership from education through to full membership.
The Students Assistant is to ensure membership and activism of students within Equity and their workplaces as well as build sustainable membership amongst those in education and training. They do not deal with relations between students and their training or educational institutions.
The successful applicant will have good communication skills, both in writing and in person, have the ability to organise events, provide initial advice to members on member benefits, escalate industrial issues, provide some case work support and undertake member-focused activities including visiting training institutions as well as a full range of administrative skills.
The role requires a commitment to the role and work of trade unions, and Equity’s Vision, Mission and Values.