HELOA voluntary roles provide our members with the opportunity to build networks across the sector and can support career progression with development of new skills and experience outside of job roles.
Volunteering with HELOA has been professionally invaluable. It has deepened my understanding of the higher education sector and provided opportunities to connect and network with colleagues across various universities and HELOA partners.
National Roles
Be part of the UK Committee as a Trustee, Vice-Chair in the Operational Group or as an Appointed Officer.
Charity Trustees
- HELOA members can stand for a charity trustee position as the UK Chair, UK Vice-Chair (Finance & Governance) or, as a Group Chair.
- Elections for these positions is through an informational interview and election process, communicated through national and group emails, in accordance with the HELOA Standing Orders .
- The position of HELOA UK Chair cannot be held by a member from a Non Publicly Funded Institution or Further Education College.
- A maximum of ONE position on the HELOA Operational Group, and ONE position on the UK Committee, can be held by members from a Non Publicly Funded Institution, with the same restriction applying to members from Further Education Colleges.
Operational Group
- The Operational Group consists of the UK Vice-Chairs who work at a national level to help support the UK committee in meeting the goals of the strategy.
- Appointment of these positions is through an application and interview process, communicated through national emails.
- A maximum of ONE position on the HELOA Operational Group, and ONE position on the UK Committee, can be held by members from a Non Publicly Funded Institution, with the same restriction applying to members from Further Education Colleges.
Appointed Officers
- There are many appointed officer roles who work at a national level to help support the UK committee in meeting the goals of the strategy. These include Conference Managers, Partnerships Managers and Digital Communication Managers.
- Appointment of these positions is through an application and interview process, communicated through national emails.
- There are no restrictions on the number of Non Publicly Funded Institution members, or Further Education College members standing for UK appointed officer roles.
Current Vacancies
For further details on current post holders and how these roles sit within HELOA, see the Committee Page page of the website and the UKC Structure Chart.
Group Roles
Each group is led by a volunteer committee that organises events and supports group activity planning in coordination with the HELOA UK Committee.
Group Chairs – Charity Trustees
- HELOA members can stand for a charity trustee position as a Group Chair.
- Elections for these positions is through an informational interview and election process, communicated through group emails, in accordance with the HELOA Standing Orders.
- A maximum of ONE position on the HELOA Operational Group, and ONE position on the UK Committee, can be held by members from a Non Publicly Funded Institution, with the same restriction applying to members from Further Education Colleges.
Group Vice-Chairs
- In addition to the Group Chair, there are also group Vice-Chair positions, Group VC (Membership & Communications), VC (Training) and VC (Partnerships).
- These are elected positions and are communicated through group emails.
- There are no restrictions on the number of Non Publicly Funded Institution members, or Further Education College members standing for Group Vice-Chair roles.
Current Vacancies
For further details on how groups operate within HELOA, see the Group Page of the website and the Group Structure Chart.
Institutional Roles
Each institution nominates one primary contact, who will be the representative of all HELOA members within the institution. This is the main administrative contact for HELOA at the institution.
Primary Contact
- The primary contact for each institution is decided by its HELOA members.
- For details on the role of the primary contact, please see the Primary Contact role descriptor.
- The role of primary contact can be transferred to another institutional member by completing the Primary Contact Form.
Current Vacancies
National Roles
HELOA UK Vice-Chair (Communications)
This is an appointed role within the association and sits within the Operational Group.
As Vice-Chair (Communications), you will lead the communications strategy for the Association. Managing a team of three volunteers, you will work across HELOA to support the delivery of a wide range of activities. You will also be the brand guardian for HELOA, ensuring that materials and publications, both physical and digital, reflect the HELOA brand.
You’ll work with the team to find exciting and innovative ways of solving problems across the work of the Association, supporting engagement techniques and ensuring that members are kept informed of developments and opportunities to meet their needs.
Application Process
To apply for the Vice-Chair (Communications) role, please send a covering letter outlining your suitability to Lauren Storey at governance@heloa.ac.uk by 5pm Tuesday 19th May 2026.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 26th May via Teams.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss aspects of the role in more detail, please contact Lauren Storey, HELOA Vice-Chair (Communications) at governance@heloa.ac.uk.
HELOA Digital Communications Manager
This is an appointed role within the association and sits in the UK Committee within the Communications team.
The role works as part of a team of Digital Communications Managers and sits within the communications team. The Digital Communication Manager supports the Vice-Chair (Communications) in executing the HELOA strategy across a range of platforms, to include social channels, email and web. Working alongside a range of internal and external stakeholders, this varied role will equip the post holder with a range of skills across marketing and communications.
Application Process
To apply for the Vice-Chair (Communications) role, please send a covering letter outlining your suitability to Lauren Storey at governance@heloa.ac.uk by 5pm Tuesday 19th May 2026.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 26th May via Teams.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss aspects of the role in more detail, please contact Lauren Storey, HELOA Vice-Chair (Communications) at governance@heloa.ac.uk.