TU Dublin Students’ Union  Independent Chairperson of Student Council

Context and Background  

The Technological University of Dublin Students’ Union (TU Dublin SU) is a Constitutional Body that represents the interests of the students of TU Dublin. It is student owned, student led, student accountable and officially recognised by the Governing Body of TU Dublin as the autonomous voice of the students of the university. Its mission is to support student life by providing a range of student services including events and campaigns, providing advice & advocacy and representation in the defense of students’ rights in academic, social, and personal matters and is independent of TU Dublin. 

TU Dublin SU Student Council is the primary democratic body of TU Dublin Students’ Union: its overall operational decision and policy making body. Its membership comprises the Independent Chairperson, all elected officers and elected representatives. 

Fundamental to the role of the Independent Chairperson of Student Council is the understanding of the values and ethos of TU Dublin Students’ Union. 

Principal Purpose of the Position (the general nature, level, purpose, and objectives of the role): 

The Independent Chairperson works closely with the Representation Team (2 staff members, one of whom is Clerk of the Student Council).  

Role of Student Council Chairperson: 

• To understand, clarify and interpret the Students’ Union Constitution and its Schedules and respond to any queries from the Council, Executive, etc. 
• To chair Student Council meetings which are held at least 7 times per year in the evenings from 6 pm on a weekday (travel to different campuses will be required as meetings are rotated between Blanchardstown, Tallaght and City Campus). 
• Preparation, understanding and application of Standing Orders to effectively chair the meeting 
• To support and encourage Councilors to participate effectively in the Council and its processes 
• Responsibility for the preparation and approval of all the Council’s meeting documentation (with the support of the Student Council clerk) 
• Responsibility for compliance with the Students’ Union Constitution and its associated regulations 
• To support the training of the Executive team and student Councilors at the beginning of each academic year.  

Role Specification – The ideal candidate will have the following: 

Essential Criteria: 

• Knowledge and understanding of student democracy 
• Experience of chairing meetings in a diverse environment 
• Objectivity and impartiality 
• Stability in view of the transient nature of student membership 
• Strong organisational skills  
• Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Strong IT Skills  
• Experience working with third-level students and/or youth advocacy groups 
• Good working knowledge of Students’ Unions or similar membership-based organisation  
• Basic understanding of Data Protection (GDPR).  

Exclusion Criteria:  

Current or former members of the Students’ Union within the past four academic years from the date of their nomination, including student members, board members, staff and elected officers.