Socially Mobile is recruiting volunteer assessors and examiners

20 Jul

We are looking for practitioners to support our assessment and examination process.

Socially Mobile is a UK‑wide, fully funded executive education programme supporting mid‑career public relations practitioners from under‑represented backgrounds to progress into leadership.

Founded in 2021 by Sarah Waddington CBE and Stephen Waddington, the community interest company tackles structural barriers affecting working‑class practitioners, ethnic minority professionals, LGBTQ+ communicators, women returners and disabled practitioners.

Our ten‑week accredited Certificate in Leadership Communication builds management capability, financial literacy, strategic confidence and senior‑level networks rarely accessible to underserved groups.

With more than 200 graduates, high satisfaction scores and measurable career progression, Socially Mobile is reshaping the UK public relations industry by creating a more diverse, equitable and representative leadership pipeline.

If you like to join us as a volunteer assessor or examiner please review the role descriptions below and follow the application instructions. The deadline for both roles is 21 August.

Assessor

Role: Volunteer assessor

Purpose:
To review applications from prospective Socially Mobile participants and help identify practitioners who will benefit most from the programme.

Responsibilities:

Review participant applications against agreed criteria.
Assess evidence of motivation, potential and need.
Make recommendations on programme admissions.
Participate in moderation discussions where required.
Maintain confidentiality and impartiality throughout the assessment process.

Time commitment:
Typically two to four hours per cohort, undertaken remotely.

Experience:

Experience working in public relations, communications or a related field.
An understanding of management and career development.
Good judgement and a commitment to fairness and inclusion.

Term:
Two-years with potential to renew for a further term

Application:

Please email our programme manager Beth Thomas setting out your expertise and experience in the areas outlined above.

Examiner

Role: Volunteer examiner

Purpose:
To assess participant assignments and support the quality and consistency of the Socially Mobile programme.

Responsibilities:

Review and mark participant assignments against published criteria.
Provide constructive written feedback.
Participate in moderation and quality assurance activities where required.
Support the maintenance of academic and professional standards.
Maintain confidentiality and impartiality throughout the examination process.

Time commitment:
Typically six to ten hours per cohort, undertaken remotely. This is a voluntary role however we offer an honorarium of £150 per set of marking.

Experience:

Senior management experience in public relations, communications or a related discipline.
Experience of coaching, mentoring, training or assessment is desirable.
Strong analytical and written communication skills.
A commitment to supporting social mobility and professional development.

Skills:

Based on the current Socially Mobile syllabus, examiners would assess reflective assignments linked to the following module areas:

Core management capabilities

Core skills
Creativity
Planning and measurement
Financial planning and management
Technology and workflow
Risk management
Managing people and building a high-performance team

Specialist management capabilities

Starting a business
Building better organisations
Change management
Strategy and growth
Leadership and culture