Role Model Ambassador Team Member
Closing Date: 12/10/2025

The Role Model Ambassador Programme (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.

Event delivery

1. 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.
2. Collaborate with Team Members and Leaders to co-create and deliver interactive content for young people in Years 7–13.
3. To travel to other locations/venues (i.e. schools, colleges and community groups) to promote Lancaster University E.g. attend careers fairs.
4. To supervise the travel arrangements of young people attending RMA events at Lancaster University (i.e. by coach, train or taxi).
5. To work with your Team Leader(s) and members to deliver pre-written session plans in accordance with the risk assessment.
6. To work with a range of stakeholders including visiting teachers and pastoral staff and other internal LU staff to successfully deliver WP activities.
7. To support pre-event preparation and set up i.e. packing resources or setting up rooms for session delivery.
8. To complete campus tour training and be equipped to deliver engaging tours,

Working with young people

1. To emphasise the benefits of higher education and encourage young people (of all ages) to identify their strengths and personal qualities.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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

1. Provide feedback and insights to evaluate the programme’s content, structure and delivery.
2. Contribute to planning key events, including in school workshops and on campus visits.
3. 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.
4. Act as a link between Team Members and programme staff, helping to maintain a strong feedback loop.
5. Attend 3-4 Advisory Board meetings throughout the year and actively participate in discussions and decision-making.

Safeguarding/Other

6. 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.
7. To undertake duties in accordance with University policy relating to safeguarding, health/safety and equality, diversity and inclusion.
8. To support the evaluation of widening access provision, including participating in focus groups to provide SA feedback.

• 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 

• 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