Official Remit:

“5.5.1. Shall be responsible for organising frequent ‘show debates’ during Term Time, these debates shall consist of a panel of speakers judged to have expertise in the topic or authority to speak on said topic; may also organise individual speaker addresses, discussion panels or similar audience focused events;

5.5.2. Shall have a responsibility to ensure panels are balanced with regard to viewpoint;

5.5.3. Shall be responsible for ensuring the values of the society are upheld in these show debates;

5.5.4. Shall select the motions (topics) for debate, their choices should be presented to the committee who shall be given the opportunity to voice concerns. If a simple majority of the committee votes that they have concerns then a new motion shall be chosen and presented;

5.5.5 Shall be responsible for any risk assessments required for external speaker events;

5.5.6. Shall chair and moderate the debate, remaining personally impartial and ensuring that decorum and equity is maintained by all parties; and,

5.5.7. Shall ensure that the audience be given the opportunity to put questions to speakers at debates.”

What this job really looks like:

The two chairs lead the organisation of our Friday show debates. The process for this includes: choosing motions, finding speakers, writing risk assessments, booking transport/accommodation, running the events on the day by delegating tasks and managing deputy chairs and, of course, actually chairing the debates. By far the biggest part of this process is finding speakers and chairs will often spend dozens of hours researching and emailing up to 100 (or more) speakers for a single debate. Also unlike many other roles, a huge amount of this work takes place over the summer which potential nominees should account for. Working with external speakers can be stressful but is also highly rewarding providing opportunities it is difficult to find anywhere else at university. Desirable traits include confident public speaking, the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, delegating efficiently and considerately, research skills and a good understanding of current events.