Student Peer Support Mentor (PSM)

The Student Peer Support Mentor (PSM) will be part of a small team supporting StudentServices and Accommodation teams throughout the academic year, starting from mid-November 2026.The role is designed to provide friendly, inclusive, and time-limited peer support to new andcontinuing students, helping them navigate academic, social, and personal challenges andfeel connected to the RAU community.PSMs are not counsellors or advisors. They provide informal peer support, social connection,and early signposting to appropriate university services when additional help is needed., 1. Student Wellbeing and Peer Support

• Offer informal, non-judgemental peer support to students who may be experiencing
difficulties, providing a listening ear within agreed boundaries and role limits.
• Support students during evenings or weekends where appropriate, helping reduce
isolation (for example, accompanying a student to shared spaces or providing supportive conversation).Updated OCTOBER 2026
• Recognise when a student needs more specialist support and refer or escalate
concerns appropriately in line with training and Student Services guidance.
• Provide inclusive peer support to international students, including those who are new
to the UK and university life.2. Community Building and Engagement
• Be a visible and welcoming presence within the Student Lounge, offering
conversation and informal support.
• Organise and support inclusive social and community activities that promote
belonging, wellbeing, and engagement.
• Encourage participation in campus life, events, and student-led activities.
• Confidently signpost students to relevant services, including:
o Student Services o Students' Union o Chaplaincy o Careers and academic support
• Work collaboratively with the Students' Union and Student Services to gather
student feedback to inform future activities and events.
• Promote an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all
backgrounds and identities.3. Accommodation and Arrivals Support
• Support Student Services and Accommodation teams with pre-arrival preparations.
• Be present during student arrival periods (including staggered arrivals throughout
the year) to welcome and help students settle in.
• Observe and report concerns, including poor or threatening behaviour, to
appropriate RAU staff in line with procedures.4. Campaigns and Communications
• Support Student Services and Students' Union-led health, wellbeing, and inclusion
campaigns.
• Assist with promoting events and campaigns through agreed communication
channels as directed by Student Services.General responsibilities:
• The University is committed to equality of opportunity. All staff are required to comply
with current legislation, University policies and good practice guidance.
• All staff are required to act in a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of
children and vulnerable adults at all times. The post holder must be familiar with and adhere to appropriate safeguarding policies and guidance and participate in related mandatory/statutory training. Managers have a responsibility to ensure their teamUpdated OCTOBER 2026 members understand their individual responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• The University expects staff to attend any training designated as mandatory and to
undertake learning and development activities to support their role. Managers must facilitate learning and development within their teams.
• It is a condition of employment that staff will not disclose any information obtained in
the course of their duties other than to those entitled to receive it. The post holder must ensure that the confidentiality of personal data remains secure and that restricted information or highly restricted information to which they have access remains confidential during and after their employment at Royal Agricultural University. All staff must undergo appropriate data protection training as required.
• The University acknowledges its responsibility to provide a safe, smoke free
environment, to its employees, service users and visitors. It is the policy of the University not to allow smoking on University premises other than in specifically designated areas.University ValuesAs a University we have chosen five values to underpin our learning community. These arethe values which we will all work by and for which we want the RAU to be known. We are:
• Collaborative - we believe in the power of working together. We are stronger as a
community of practice - inspiring each other, identifying shared goals, and providing reciprocal support leads to greater success.
• Open-Minded - we are receptive to new ideas and we value the diversity of experiences
and skills. We are committed to listening to everyone across the RAU community.
• Resourceful - we adopt creative approaches to achieve our goals while setting higher
standards, promoting professionalism and sustainability.
• Responsible - individually and collectively we take accountability for our actions
working with integrity to achieve the highest ethical standards.
• Inclusive - we acknowledge the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and
are committed to maintaining an environment that seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination and respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.

Essential (E) Measured by; Knowledge, Skills & Experience or A - Application form Desirable B - Interview (D) C - Presentation Excellent verbal communication skills. E B/C Evidence of a responsible attitude and the ability to E B/C show initiative and creativity. Able to contribute and work effectively in a team or E B/C independently. Ability to motivate and communicate well with young people and adults from a diverse range of E B/C backgrounds. A positive attitude to university life. E A/B/C A commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice. E A/B/C An understanding of the importance of professional D A/B/C boundaries in a peer-support role. Experience following instructions. D A/B/C Experience in a customer-facing role. D A/B/C Experience of working as part of a team in either a D A/B/C paid or voluntary capacity. Essential (E) Measured by; Other requirements or A - Application form Desirable B - Interview (D) C - Presentation Current RAU undergraduate or postgraduate student. E A Proof of the right to work in the UK. E A Be available to attend mandatory training session(s). E A/B Availability throughout the academic year, including E B occasional evenings and weekends, is essential.