Champions for Change is designed to provide you with the opportunity to influence change for the student population, such as leadership roles, Student Partner Intern roles, Students' Union research roles, student staff and ambassadors. You'll learn to make the world a better place through social awareness, active allyship, the consciousness of the individual impact on society, critical thinking, and in-depth analysis of local and global communities.
You must complete ONE Champions for Change role to count towards achieving the Stellify Award - take a look at the eligible roles below:
As a Students' Union Project Leader you lead a group of fellow students within one of the students' Union community projects. This includes Student Action and Access All Areas.
What do I need to do?
As a Project Leader you will be responsible for:
What training do I need to complete?
You will complete training which is relevant to the specific role.
Contact: volunteering.su@manchester.ac.uk
Running a society comes with its fair share of responsibilities and you're bound to learn so many things during your experience of managing a student group.
What do I need to do?
Find out more about the role of a Students’ Union Club or Society Committee Member.
At Manchester every halls of residence has a Hall Exec Team. These are made of up students who live in the Hall and are either Student Voice Reps or Events Reps who represent other students or organise social events for their halls such as summer balls, quizzes, BBQs and more.
What do I need to do?
What training do I need to complete?
Attendance at an essential annual role specific training event or workshop organised through the Students' Union to suit the requirements of the position.
Business creation and development MCEL60032
This unit provides you with case study experience of the processes and activities involved in developing a new venture at the start-up or early stage of development. You will work in groups with a real-life client business, conducting analysis on the business owner, the internal operations of the venture as well as the venture’s external business environment. Using the outcomes of this analysis, you will develop a set of strategies and recommendations for progressing the development of the firm. The unit will help develop applied skills, testing your academic knowledge and technical skills in a consultancy-style client relationship, with specific focus on business analysis and business planning.
Formative assessment: Individual critical reflection outline; Interim group presentation
Summative assessment: Individual critical reflection - 60%; Group business report - 40%
As a Student Rep, you are the link between students and the University on all things course related. You'll listen to students' thoughts and ideas about their course, and feed this back to your School.
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ROLE CLOSE ON 30th SEPTEMBER
This project aims to bring people together to learn about each other’s culture as well as learning life lessons along the way.
What do I need to do?
You must do two of the following:
What training do I need to complete?
You willneed to attend a face-to-face training session within your School or programme. Online training is currently being developed so get in touch if you're interested.
Find out more about the role of a student rep.
Contact: StudentReps@manchester.ac.uk
As an Employability Champion within Mathematics you will be a student influencer on employability issues. You will ensure the student voice is represented in the Department to help your fellow students gain a competitive edge for the future.
What do I need to do?
Take a lead role in the planning and delivery of careers activities for University of Manchester students by sharing experience and promoting activities and events to other students in your department. You must also do at least one of the following:
What training do I need to complete?
You will participate in training sessions to develop the skills required.
Contact: Nikesh.solanki@manchester.ac.uk (Lecturer in Mathematics)
Developing enterprising individuals MCEL60142
Ever thought about why people become entrepreneurs? Or if you could become one yourself? Being an entrepreneur is tough, physically and emotionally. This unit will show you how successful entrepreneurs use motivation and selfreflection to improve their decision-making skills and enhance their personal and venture’s performance. You’ll study case studies and personal development tools, models, and theories of entrepreneurship to develop your own entrepreneurial skills.
Formative assessment: Small set of PowerPoint slides related to assignment topic
Summative assessment: Structured report - 50%; Self-development plan - 50%
Essential risk management for business MCEL63402
This unit takes a holistic approach to risk management in business and provides practical tools for managing risk, with a strong emphasis on effective risk communication methodology. Our practical tools include the use of a visual tool (BowTie) that makes risk understandable to all stakeholders, and software by CGE Risk Management Solutions that provides a state-of-the-art risk management solution. Rest assured that this unit will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently manage risk in any business setting.
Formative assessment: Summary report
Summative assessment: Individual report - 60%; Individual presentation - 40%
The Faculty of Science and Engineering Mentoring Scheme provides an opportunity to be a mentor and make a difference. Students who undertake this role will join an online buddy scheme and connect 1:1 with home (UK) female and Widening Participation Offer Holders embarking on their Higher Education journey. You will connect on a mentoring specific online platform, sharing your insider perspective and experience on student life and the different support systems available. You will develop invaluable mentoring skills and reflect on your own practices in addition to providing your mentee with a greater understanding of university life and the potential career paths. Students will work with their mentees from when they receive an offer until they have finished their Welcome Week in September.
This role provides you with an opportunity to inspire and empower others while enhancing your own skills.
What training do I need to complete?
The recruitment process for this role begins in Semester One (approximately around November). Applicants will be asked to complete a form with their details and an approximate 150 word answer on why they would be suitable for this role. Should you be selected for this role you would be invited to attend/complete in-person training and asked to complete an enhanced DBS Check. The scheme then runs from February/March until the end of September when mentees will have completed their University Welcome Week.
Contact: fsementoring@manchester.ac.uk
Recruitment Period: October/November
Please contact dependent on school:
School of Arts, Languages and Cultures – salcambassadors@manchester.ac.uk
School of Social Sciences – sossambassadors@manchester.ac.uk
School of Environment, Education and Development – seedambassadors@manchester.ac.uk
Alliance Manchester Business School – ambsambassadors@manchester.ac.uk
As a School Rep, you are the link between students and the University on all things course related. You'll listen to students' thoughts and ideas about their course, and feed this back to your School.
What do I need to do?
What training do I need to complete?
You will need to attend a face-to-face training session within your school or programme. Online training is currently being developed so get in touch if you're interested.
Find out more about the role of a Student Rep
Shaping ideas for the market MCEL60021/60022
This unit provides a detailed examination of one of the primary steps in the entrepreneurial process: identifying an opportunity and subsequently developing a business model. Entrepreneurs must learn how to build and leverage their networks to gain information from potential suppliers, partners, and customers. Throughout this unit, students will learn about various methods for obtaining market intelligence and how to analyse and interpret that research to identify, evaluate, and refine valuable opportunities. The ultimate goal is to develop a viable business model that indicates how value will be created for whom, how it will be delivered, and how value will be captured by stakeholders.
Formative assessment: Individual PowerPoint slides
Summative assessment: Individual report part 1, 1600 words (40%); Individual report part 2, 2400 words (60%)
Work opportunities include working with prospective UG and PG students at University Open Days, campus tours, UCAS fairs, higher education conventions in secondary schools and community outreach schemes. Please contact ambassadors@manchester.ac.uk
(Recruitment for this role will normally take place from October onwards)
Whether it is by being an UoM Sport club committee member, a Sporticipate session leader or a Campus Sport league coordinator, our sporting workforce is the beating heart of our activities.
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ROLE OPEN IN JUNE AND CLOSE IN NOVEMBER
What do I need to do?
Your hours will be verified towards 'Champions for change' by the Sport club captain/chair or the appropriate Sport staff member depending on the nature of the task being logged.
What training do I need to complete?
You need to attend an essential annual role specific training event or workshop to suit the requirements of the position, as well as an induction in the use of the SVS system.
Find out more about the role of an UoM Sports Leader.
Contact: sportsvolunteer@manchester.ac.uk
As a Career Mentor, you will be supporting an undergraduate student with their career planning and employability, using your academic, and, if applicable, professional experience to advise them. This will take the form of semi-regular meetings with your mentee, roughly once every 4-6 weeks, to discuss their progress and issues, as well as communicating through our mentoring platform. This scheme will enable you to develop your skills such as listening and coaching, reflect on your own career journey, and support a student as they prepare for their future steps.
Recruitment Process
Students will complete a Qualtrics survey in the first instance and provided with additional information. Please see here.
Training
Students must attend an induction session, once this has been completed, students will then be invited to make a profile on Mentorloop, the mentoring platform used for this activity whilst you are paired with a suitable mentee.
Please note that it is the Mentors only who are eligible for Champions for Change, not the role of mentee.
Please contact mentoring@manchester.ac.uk for any queries related to this role.
Careers Applications Advisers support students in 1-1 appointments giving them feedback on their CV, application form, cover letter, personal statement or LinkedIn profile. Full training is given.
The roles run September - June. The post is open to returning University of Manchester students at all levels, PGTs can apply if they graduated from a degree from The University Manchester and have a CareerConnect account at the time of application.
All information regarding the role requirements and application process can be found via Career Connect.
PLEASE NOTE this role opens for applicatiions in early August and closes at the end of August.
All training will take place in September.
Entrepreneurship Champions play a key role in raising awareness of Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) initiatives, supporting events, and engaging students in opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills. You will also be a first point of contact for students interested in starting their own ventures or accessing University support on their entrepreneurial journey.
Applications are now open and close on Sunday 31st August 2025 at midnight.
Apply now: https://forms.office.com/e/WE4WFMuEBJ
Please note that if you miss the deadline, you can still complete the form to join the waitlist of Entrepreneurship Champions who may have an opportunity to work with the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) later in the academic year.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 15minute call with the stream lead in the first 2 weeks of September, between 1st September and 14th September 2025. Please make sure you check your student email address for an update during this time.
In 2025/26, Champions will specialise in one of six streams:
You will select your preferred stream when applying, with the option to indicate a backup choice.
What will I do?
As an Entrepreneurship Champion, you will:
Training
You will be trained by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre through an in-person induction at the beginning of the year and regular catchup meetings with your stream lead.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies by stream but is generally an estimated 30 hours to complete the programme.
Please contact: entrepreneurship@manchester.ac.uk with any queries related to this role
As a Moving on Group (MOG) Facilitator you will be providing a consistent, supportive environment to other students to share difficulties and explore them in the presence of peers with the aim to support attendees to find new ways forward. You can remain in the Moving on Group Leader role for 2 or even 3 consecutive years if you choose to.
Recruitment to this role is only via engagement with the Counselling and Mental Health Service. Facilitators will be service users of the Counselling and Mental Health Service and have attended therapeutic groups, been an active member of the Moving on Group, before pursuing the role of facilitator.
What do I need to do?
As a Moving on Group Facilitator you will:
Every group has a designated member of staff from the Counselling and Mental Health Service available to them to debrief and be a source of contact.
What training do I need to complete?
All MOG facilitators (with the exception of the LGBTQ+) will have attended one of the service’s Therapy Groups before registering their interest in becoming a facilitator. All facilitators will have been supported in some way by the Counselling and Mental Health Service. You then need to be trained by either the Moving on Group Co-ordinator or the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS services as a Peer Support group Facilitator. Training will be provided to you.
Contact: shanelle.mcintyre@manchester.ac.uk
Heart Heroes instructors are trained to deliver basic life support training to student groups at the university or members of the community. This includes delivering training about how to conduct CPR, choking remediation, use of an AED and the recovery position.
No prior knowledge of basic life support is required as full training will be given to instructors on how to perform each of the skills required, and how to train others in the same skills.
The activity can either count towards:
What do I need to do?
Find out more about the Heart Heroes role or recruitment, please email heartheroes@manchester.ac.uk.
For more information about the project, please click here.
International Society Trip leaders are integral to the success of the International Society's weekly trips. They take on diverse responsibilities to ensure the well-being and enjoyment of participants. They take the responsibility of the volunteer phone, which they use to act as an emergency contact for participants and external providers relevant to the trip, during the trip’s duration. Also, they have the Members list for checking people in for departure and return trips. They distribute the itinerary and introduce destinations and points of interest, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the participants. They handle cash payments, such as coach parking fees, ensuring smooth financial transactions on the day of the trip.
They are responsible for greeting people and they play an important role in the trip evaluation by collecting feedback from attendees and providing their own feedback as trip leaders for us, helping us to make a difference and providing better experiences for our students and wider communities. They also deliver city tours to international students, helping the International Society and the SU to build strong relationships with our internal and external stakeholders.
What training do I need to complete?
All trip leaders undergo formal training including understanding their responsibilities before during and after the trip. Skills developed include project management, teamwork, leadership, customer service and written and oral communication skills.
Contact: info@internationalsociety.org.uk
The role is a supportive one in the Teaching, Learning and Students Team and is part of a large group of current students (UG/PGT) and PGR and PhD candidates that support the teaching, learning and student support activities in the Library. This can include supporting our workshops and sessions for My Learning Essentials, working on projects around widening access and outreach and writing blogs, analysing data and more.
Contact: Adam Cooke - adam.cooke@manchester.ac.uk (the role is advertised on Career Connect)
From February to July each year, the Manchester Calling Campaign matches international offer-holders of UoM with current international students from their country or region for an informative telephone call about their next steps. Our student callers use their own personal experience to help offer-holders find answers to any questions they may have about life and study at Manchester. Please contact manchester.calling@manchester.ac.uk for more information regarding this role.
(Recruitment for this role will normally take place from October onwards)
Maths Buddy is designed and led by GM Higher with the support of the University of Manchester. The programme is designed to support Year 11 students at risk of being awarded a 4 or below in their Maths GCSE, as well as those re-sitting at Level 3. The programme is delivered in schools to small groups (1:5) over 12 sessions. The scheme complements classroom teaching by targeting areas where pupils struggle, helping them develop effective learning skills and strategies to tackle mathematical problems. The approach of the programme will involve a 'buddy led' and student led section in each session.
Applications are expected to go live in November with in-school sessions to begin in January 2026.
Please contact gmhigher@manchester.ac.uk for more information regarding this role.
The Manchester Interdisciplinary Mathematics Undergraduate Conference (MIMUC) is an annual event organised mainly by students and open to the wider academic community. Its aim is to enhance the academic journey of undergraduate and PGT students at the University of Manchester by promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Students will present and attend plenary talks given by invited speakers and panellists.
What do I need to do?
You will take a lead role in the planning and delivery of the MIMUC conference. You will work with academic colleagues in leading, managing, planning, and organising the MIMUC conference, which is aimed at benefitting all students in Manchester with an interest in mathematics.
What do I need to do?
As a member of the event planning team you will be responsible for:
Should you wish to apply for this role or need any further information, please contact: mimuc.organisers@manchester.ac.uk
This role will close for applications on 21st November 2025
Do you want to make a difference alongside your studies with the School of Environment, Education and Development? If so, would you like to work within the School of Environment, Education and Development Change Social Responsibility Team. As a SEED Change-Maker you will:
Commit to the role: Actively participate in the role for at least two semesters.
Attend regular meetings initially at school level and then in small groups (based on the themes that the students express interest in) where you will organise awareness-raising events, volunteering, or fundraising opportunities to help in that area. You will organise one event and one awareness-raising campaign per year in your group’s area of choice, supported by SEED. You will be a Champion for Social Responsibility in SEED, telling your networks and fellow students what this work is and how they can get involved and help to publicise events and lectures. Students will use the SEED social media channels to promote this role and work. This is an exciting opportunity for students to create space for themselves and fellow students to take action. The role should be a motivating, inspiring, and fulfilling opportunity as well as providing students with the opportunity to develop new skills and networks.
The role is open to both UG and PGT students within the School of Environment, Education and Development. The role lead is Professor Nicola Banks (School of Environment, Education and Development - Social Responsibility Director) within additional support provided by the SEED communications team.
Training will be provided by the role lead and meeting attendance. Please contact Professor Nicola Banks (nicola.banks@manchester.ac.uk) for more information.
The role of Student Content Creator offers an opportunity for current students to create content for the University’s communications channels that resonates with them and is relevant for both prospective and current students. The role is managed by the Directorate of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment. Applications for this role are available each year in late September - early October only.
Students are expected to create up to two pieces of content per month and attend regular workshops after-teaching hours to improve their skillset and meet the wider content creator team.
Please email studentmade@manchester.ac.uk for more information regarding this role. Applications for this role will close on Monday 6th October 2025 - please see here for further details.
The University of Manchester’s fundraising programme raises crucial funds to support projects including life-changing student scholarships and world-leading research. You will raise money to support these life-changing projects at the University and engage with our alumni and friends on the phone. As well as asking alumni for their support through a donation, you’ll also answer any questions they may have and keep our database records up to date.
Contact: Please contact Lucy Hobson - Regular Giving Officer in Development & Alumni (lucy.hobson@manchester.ac.uk) for more information regarding this role. (The role will be advertised on Career Connect in mid September)
Student Partners are current students paid to work in equal partnership with University staff on projects that aim to support the student experience. Student Partners are trained to work with staff on projects across the University, focusing on a range of themes and delivering tasks such as student consultation, data analysis, and report writing.
Contact: the Student Partnership Team (studentpartnership@manchester.ac.uk). All opportunities are advertised via CareerConnect.
As a Student Wellbeing Champion, you'll boost engagement and awareness of the 'Six Ways to Wellbeing' in your School/Hall of Residence and across the university.
What do I need to do?
As a Student Wellbeing Champion, you will be required to:
Complete at least one core activity per semester. These core activities include:
Your activities will be logged and veified by the Student Support Team.
What training do I need to complete?
You’ll be trained in the University’s approach to positive wellbeing (Six Ways to Wellbeing), and the campaigns the University has planned across the year. You’ll also be trained in planning and running events, and in marketing and promoting them as part of the monthly meetings, with input from specialist teams. You’ll be supported throughout the year by the Student Support and Wellbeing graduate interns.
Find out more about becoming a Student Wellbeing Champion.
Contact: studentwellbeingchampions@gmail.com
As a student, you can become a Sustainability Champion and take on an additional role alongside your degree programme to promote awareness of sustainability issues among your student peers and encourage environmental action.
As a Sustainability Champion, you’ll have the chance to get involved in a wide range of activities from engaging students at events to helping behind the scenes with content creation, social media, organising events, and more.
If you are a proactive student who is passionate about promoting sustainability this role could be for you.
What you will do as a Sustainability Champion:
What training is provided?
No prior experience or sustainability knowledge is necessary – just enthusiasm and passion for making a difference! We also have many existing resources and campaign material to share with you.
Each champion is required to attend RoundView training. At the start of each semester, you’ll attend an in-person briefing that covers the University's environmental sustainability strategy and outlines how you can raise awareness of sustainability within your role. Additional planning sessions and training will be provided as needed throughout the year, and you’ll receive ongoing support from the Environmental Sustainability Team intern.
The role is a great way to develop skills such as leadership and teamwork, build experience for your CV and earn a certificate to showcase on your LinkedIn profile.
Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now open and will close at the beginning of October. Please see here https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_5aUZJ2HSeKSsj6C
Please contact es@manchester.ac.uk for any queries related to this role.
Take part in a series of consultation activities. Across the University and Students’ Union there are regular opportunities to voice your views to help influence a range of student experience issues. Sign up to a range of activities from the list below, completing no less than 15 hours of activity across the different opportunities.
Contribute at a Faculty Forum
Air your views at a focus group
To make your activities count towards ‘Champions for Change’ you need to sign up to a range of activities and then ensure you have an email confirmation or similar from each event you attend as evidence of your participation.
The University Living Lab (ULL) enables students to make meaningful contributions to sustainability through academic work. By aligning student research projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Lab enables real-world impact. Students undertake projects proposed by external organisations, integrating them into their assessments across all disciplines and levels of study. Completed research is returned to partner organisations to support their sustainable development initiatives, with impacts shared back with the student. This is your opportunity to shape this powerful work.
Role overview
As a postgraduate University Living Lab Champion, you will participate in a developmental role within ULL ensuring it reflects the sustainability priorities of both students and the University. You will also mentor or support undergraduate Champions and contribute your expertise and skills to maintain current projects and co-create new ones. You will also have a role in promoting engagement with ULL across postgraduate communities and the local community as a whole.
Key responsibilities
Submit a reflective statement at the start and end of the role to track skill development and leadership growth. This will also provide you with the opportunity to suggest how the role can be developed in future years.
These projects require approval and encourage creativity and initiative. They may be completed individually or as part of a group. Examples include:
Additional Opportunities
Requirements and support
Benefits
We recognise postgraduate study involves specific time and workload considerations. The ULL Champion role is designed with flexibility and relevance in mind.
To find out more about this role please contact Professor Jen O'Brien - jennifer.o'brien@manchester.ac.uk
University of Manchester Physics Outreach (UMPO) is a student-led outreach group whose volunteers promote physics and astronomy to a wide range of public audiences. Every Wednesday in term-time they visit local primary and secondary schools to deliver physics workshops developed by the students themselves. The volunteers also deliver ‘science busking’ and tabletop demos for families and the public at science festivals, musical festivals, and in venues that include museums, shopping centres, markets and city spaces.
Committee members contribute to running the group and planning and arranging activities which counts towards 'Step up and Lead.' Student volunteers delivering outreach activity as part of UMPO can count their hours towards 'Make a Difference' Volunteering hours.
What do I need to do?
Student leaders are members of the UMPO committee and work as a team over 1-2 years to deliver a programme of activities including:
What training do I need to complete?
The committee have instituted peer training and a six-month overlap period so that new committee members can work with the person they will be replacing.
Find out more about the UMPO Leadership position.
Contact: admin@umpo.co.uk
Volunteering Champions are students who take on an additional role promoting community volunteering to other students in their subject area. As a Volunteering Champion, you’ll be a point of contact for students in your subject who want to find out about volunteering opportunities. You’ll work with staff to raise awareness of upcoming volunteering events and activities across campus, sharing your enthusiasm for community volunteering with others!
What do I need to do?
As a Volunteering Champion you will:
What training do I need to complete?
There will be an initial briefing session and then on-going networking sessions (two sessions per semester), where you can share ideas and best practice with other Volunteering Champions.
Find out more about the role of a Volunteering Champion.
Contact: volunteers@manchester.ac.uk
Whilst these roles will count towards Stellify for anyone who has already completed them, they are no longer offered as an option to sign up to.
Whilst this role will count towards Stellify for anyone who has already completed it, it it no longer offered as an option to sign up to.
Contact: Gordon Fraser (Senior Lecturer) - gordon.fraser@manchester.ac.uk
THIS UNIT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE 2024/25 ACADEMIC YEAR
PGT Creating a Sustainable World: Interdisciplinary Applications of the Sustainable Development Goals
This online unit will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address the SDGs. It presents the concept of sustainable development and explains the basis of partnership working that underpins the SDG approach. Each SDG is explored through its own module, drawing on cutting-edge research carried out by world-leading experts across the University of Manchester, together with input from external experts and international policy-makers and practitioners.
Assessment:
THIS ROLE IS CURRENTLY BEING RESTED AND ISN'T AVAILABLE IN 2023/24. IT WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR.
International 12 is a unique project that brings together a diverse group of 12 students from 12 countries. The students are selected through informal interviews at the beginning of each academic year. If selected, you will be part of a unique cultural and educational experience.
This project aims to bring people together to learn about each other’s culture as well as learning life lessons along the way.
What do I need to do?
As a member of international 12 you will be responsible for:
What training do I need to complete?
You will complete training which is relevant to the specific role.
Contact: info@internationalsociety.org.uk
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