Job Description

(RMA) is a research-informed initiative delivered by the Widening Participation team at Lancaster University, designed to reinforce the University's commitment to widening participation and engaging communities that are underrepresented in higher education. Borne out of a research project conducted by Dr Sayjda Talib and Eleanor Dove in 2018 the programme was developed in response to the specific barriers faced by British South Asian students in accessing higher education. It now works primarily with local schools and colleges, youth groups, and Islamic faith schools, aiming to provide positive, relatable role models.
We are looking for enthusiastic students who are keen to work with young people from Years 7 to 13 by sharing their experiences of being a student, choosing a university, and study skills. As a Role Model Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to co-create sessions on your own experiences to inspire and support students from a similar background. Previous and current sessions include 'Finance and Budgeting', 'The Female Muslim Experience at University', and 'Mental Health Management'.
Part of the role will also involve leading small groups of young people during on-campus events. Some travel to schools to deliver sessions and careers fairs, and some evening and weekend work with youth groups, will be a potential part of the role. There will also be the opportunity to participate in the community radio show, 'Education Matters' to talk about your time at university and your educational journey.
New to the Programme...
Previously focused on pupils in Years 9 and 10, the Role Model Ambassador Programme has expanded this year to include two distinct strands:

• Pre-16 strand (Years 9 and 10):

Focuses on building early awareness of higher education through interactive workshops and school engagement. * Post-16 strand (Years 12 and 13):
Provides continued guidance through key decision-making stages, including university choices and applications.
This development allows the programme to provide age-appropriate support across a broader range of students- encouraging early awareness of higher education and offering targeted support through the transition to higher education.
Moreover, this year we are introducing an Advisory Board-a new opportunity for Role Model Ambassadors to sit on to help shape the direction of the programme. The Board will create a continuous feedback loop, ensuring the programme remains grounded in the experiences and voices of British South Asian students. Our goal is to ensure the Role Model Ambassador Programme is truly for Asian heritage students, by Asian heritage students.
If you're passionate about supporting British South Asian students and students from Islamic Faith schools in accessing higher education-and can bring strong organisational skills, content creation experience, and collaborative skills-this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact! As a Team Member, you'll help shape the programme, develop valuable transferable skills, and gain experience that will strengthen your CV. Full training and ongoing support will be provided by the Widening Participation Team.
Diversity and lived experience
The Widening Participation (WP) team promotes equality of opportunity within higher education. Given the importance of role modelling within the programme, we would like to encourage applications from South Asian-heritage students and/or students who went to Islamic Faith schools or attended a Madrasa.
Pay Rate: 12.21 per hour plus 1.47 holiday pay
Start Date: 27th October 2025
End Date: 31st July 2026
Location: On campus
Working Pattern: Varied

Event delivery * To work with the WP Project Lead and designated Team Leader(s) to deliver Lancaster's Role Model Ambassador Programme on campus and in schools. E.g. on campus visits, in-school visits/workshops.

• Collaborate with Team Members and Leaders to co-create and deliver interactive content for young people in Years 7-13.
• To travel to other locations/venues (i.e. schools, colleges and community groups) to promote Lancaster University E.g. attend careers fairs.
• To supervise the travel arrangements of young people attending RMA events at Lancaster University (i.e. by coach, train or taxi).
• To work with your Team Leader(s) and members to deliver pre-written session plans in accordance with the risk assessment.
• To work with a range of stakeholders including visiting teachers and pastoral staff and other internal LU staff to successfully deliver WP activities.
• To support pre-event preparation and set up i.e. packing resources or setting up rooms for session delivery.
• To complete campus tour training and be equipped to deliver engaging tours,

Working with young people * To emphasise the benefits of higher education and encourage young people (of all ages) to identify their strengths and personal qualities.

• To give an authentic insight into the Lancaster University experience, including accurate information, advice and guidance on a range of topics i.e. student finance, degree courses, student support and university life.
• To enthuse and motivate young people to facilitate learning (being a positive role model and displaying a 'can do' attitude is essential to the role).
• To make sure that young people are engaged in activities and understand session content, providing one-to-one or small group support as needed.

Advisory Board * Provide feedback and insights to evaluate the programme's content, structure and delivery.

• Contribute to planning key events, including in school workshops and on campus visits.
• Ensure the programme reflects the lived experiences of South Asian students, students who attended Islamic Faith schools, and students who attended Madrasas. Ultimately supporting a "for us, by us" approach.
• Act as a link between Team Members and programme staff, helping to maintain a strong feedback loop.
• Attend 3-4 Advisory Board meetings throughout the year and actively participate in discussions and decision-making.

Safeguarding/Other * To complete designated training (including being able to deliver an interactive/age-appropriate campus tour) and an enhanced DBS check (where appropriate) prior to session delivery.

• To undertake duties in accordance with University policy relating to safeguarding, health/safety and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• To support the evaluation of widening access provision, including participating in focus groups to provide SA feedback.

Person Specification
Skills & Experience

• Registered as a current Lancaster University student (undergraduate, masters, PhD) Essential
• Passionate about widening participation and supporting young people in making informed decisions . Essential
• Highly organised and proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver sessions to groups of young people (various age ranges). Essential
• Excellent communication skills and an aptitude for explaining difficult concepts and key ideas in simplistic and creative terms. Essential
• The ability to enthuse and motivate young people (i.e. friendly, upbeat and enthusiastic) and positive attitude towards learning. Essential
• Experience of following processes and procedures, demonstrating problem solving skills and seeking advice/escalating issues as required. Essential
• Reliable, committed and punctual. Essential

Other Desirable Experience

• Previous experience of working with young people and/or a clear understanding of youth engagement. For example (but not limited to), volunteering, tutoring or mentoring. Desirable
• Awareness of safeguarding when working with young people and the parameters of confidentiality. Desirable
• Experience of developing written materials i.e. session plans, educational resources and presentations. Desirable
• We would particularly welcome applications from students that have previously taken part in a widening participation (WP) project delivered by Lancaster University as a prospective student. Desirable

You are required to submit a cover letter to support your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Please note: Unless specified otherwise in the advert wording, this role is only open to individuals living in the UK.
Under the terms of this work, we endeavour to provide the advertised number of hours however, hours are not guaranteed and that work may cease if there is a fall in demand.
Adverts that display a closing date should be treated as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
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