What is the Student Equality Network?

The Student Equality Network is a group run by students, for students, and supported by the Union. Its purpose is to help to ensure that the Union and University remain informed about the experiences of different groups that make up our Student community. It helps to bring together students who are passionate about improving equality of opportunity, celebrating diversity and creating a stronger sense of belonging across campus. 

The Network provides a space for students to share experiences and shape positive change. Throughout the year, Network Leaders lead meetings and organise, support or contribute different events and campaigns, working with the Union and University to make sure student voices are heard.

Last year alone, the Network grew to over 350 members and delivered or collaborated on more than 30 events, all aiming to celebrate and champion Surrey's diverse student community. You can find out more about the Network here. 

What roles are available?

We are recruiting for a range of paid leadership roles, all designed to fit flexibly around your studies (approximately 2 hours per week).

These roles include:

• Student Equality Network Chair
• Communications Officer
• Secretary
• Race Equality Subnetwork Lead
• International Students Subnetwork Lead
• Disability & Neurodiversity Subnetwork Lead

What do the roles involve? 

From chairing monthly meetings to supporting with events and campaigns, the positions are what you make of them. You can find out more information about the roles here: Jobs @ USSU powered by StaffSavvy

Why become a Network Leader?

As a Network Leader, you'll gain unique experience in leadership, project management, communications and event planning while helping shape projects that matter to students. The roles are flexible around your studies and include training and professional development. You also work in a fantastic team and receive plenty of support. 

Hear from our 2025-26 Network Leaders

 

Being the Race Equality Network Leader has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience. I had the opportunity to lead meetings, organise awareness events and campaigns like #MyNameIs, and represent student voices in Race Equality Charter meetings to help shape long-term change across the University.

What I enjoyed most was meeting so many different people and working with an incredibly supportive team who made every event and project enjoyable. The role also helped me grow personally. I became much more confident speaking to strangers, leading discussions and working with senior staff while developing valuable communication and leadership skills.

If you're thinking about becoming a Network Leader, go for it! It's a chance to make a genuine difference, build your confidence, meet amazing people and leave a positive impact on the student community long after your time at university.

Rida, Race Equality Network Leader 2025-26

As Communications Officer, I was responsible for managing communications across the Network, creating social media content, promoting meetings and campaigns, and working with other Network Leaders to help increase engagement.

Being Communications Officer has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to develop valuable communication, organisation and engagement skills while helping to create a connected and informed community. I particularly enjoyed improving my time management by balancing content deadlines alongside my studies, which helped me become more organised and efficient. The role also boosted my confidence and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, helping me grow both personally and professionally

Chelsea, Communications Officer 2025-26

If you're thinking about applying to be the Student Equality Network Secretary, I'd definitely encourage you to go for it. Before starting the role, I thought it would mainly involve taking minutes and sending emails, but it's so much more than that.

You'll have the chance to contribute ideas, support projects that make a real difference for students, and work with an amazing team of people who genuinely care about creating a more inclusive university. One of my favourite parts of the role was seeing the work that happens behind the scenes and knowing that what I was doing helped support the Network and future students.

The team is incredibly welcoming and always happy to help, so don't worry if it's your first leadership role or you don't have loads of experience. It's a fantastic opportunity to grow your confidence, meet new people and leave a positive impact on the university community

Iaah, Student Equality Network Secretary 2025-26

 

Ready to make an impact?

Applications are now open to become a Network Leader. You can find the details on the Surrey Union Jobs page or just click here. 

For any questions or queries please reach out to Victoria, Voice Zone Coordinator here: V.Wiltshire@surrey.ac.uk