With a membership of around 3200 members in over 200 higher education institutions, the AUA needs a well-established organisational framework and communications system to function effectively and efficiently.

The members of the AUA working within a university, college or other institution associated with HE constitute a local or institution network. The local network provides the link between the individual members, the geographic network and the AUA Office. It plays an important and fundamental part in maintaining and developing the Association and its activities. The local and geographic networks can provide opportunities for learning from colleagues working in different areas within the same institution and networking with members in neighbouring institutions working in similar areas of administration.

Advocates are vital to AUA and perform a crucial role as they are the links between individual members and the national organisation, ambassadors of AUA in their own institutions and the channels by which AUA can listen to the views of its members on higher education policy, professional development issues and the services we provide.  Advocates are supported by their Network Coordinators and the AUA Office.

Being an Advocate of the AUA is extremely rewarding, helping professionalise the HE administration and management environment in which we work. There are also fantastic personal development opportunities, as an Advocate you will be able to:

• Gain experience and skills you would not normally have the opportunity to obtain in your own role and institution
• enhance your professional profile within and outside your institution
• gain substantial networking opportunities
• develop your knowledge of the sector by taking part in strategic projects, developments or working groups

The benefit of our networks is that any number of members can become Advocates at their institution, there’s no limit. Apply here

What is expected of advocates?

Including time attending events Advocates would usually be expected to spend around 5 to 10 days’ worth of time on AUA activity over the course of a year. This can be split where the role is held by more than one person.

Engagement

• Proactively recruit new members at your branch and take action to retain existing members.
  (Target: year on year positive growth)
• Promote AUA benefits such as accreditation, the PgCert, and events.
  (Target: year on year growth in Accredited Members/Fellows)
• Run small scale events at your branch, collaborating with other branches across the Network as appropriate.
  (Target: at least three small scale events per year – this might be a lunchtime meeting, representing AUA at any internal conference or fair, or a collaborative event with another local branch)

Liaison and administration

• Bid for funding from the Network Coordinator as required to support Branch activity.
• Contribute to a blog post or report on Branch activity at least three times per year, as requested by the Network Coordinator.
• Represent grassroots members’ views to the Network Coordinator and/or Deputy Network Coordinator.
• Respond to requests from the Network Coordinator, Deputy Network Coordinator, AUA Office, and members within a reasonable timeframe.
• Achieve and maintain Accredited Membership or Fellowship.