Ryan Bird Email & Phone Number

Bath, England, United Kingdom

A values-driven, motivated and committed professional with over 15 years of experience in the education sector. As Chief Executive, I report to the Board of Trustees and lead on the overall direction, strategy and management of the organisation. I have oversight of our governance, ensuring that the elected leaders are the key decision-makers and that organisational policy reflects this. Reading University Students’ Union is a student-led charity that supports and represents over 22,000 students at the University of Reading. Our top priority is making sure students have the best time - we do this by supporting over 150 student sports clubs and societies, facilitating volunteering activities, offering free advice and support services and representing students on the issues they care about. RUSU is home to three different types of student media, a 106 place day nursery for 3 month - 5 year olds and a number of retail outlets including a 2,600 capacity nightclub, café, shop, bars and unlicensed social space.

Oxford, United Kingdom

Responsible to the Board of Trustees for the direction, strategy, overall management and objectives of the Students’ Union in order to meet the needs of a diverse membership, internal and external stakeholders. As an organisation with charitable status I am responsible for ensuring compliance with Charity Commission requirements. I coach and support our annually elected leaders to achieve their campaigning priorities alongside ensuring the effective management of our £1million+ turnover, including income generational through our commercial subsidiary, Oxford Student Services Limited. I lead a group of senior managers, professionals and student staff to deliver our strategy and ensure this is monitored through a robust performance management framework.

* Strategic lead for Representation, Development and Student Services functions* Organisational values lead sustainability* Responsible for ensuring effective representation across the student experience and for the delivery of a high quality individual and group development activities framework* Responsible for achieving student focused quality standards and improving University liaison * Responsible for the delivery of our democratic structures and events* As a member of the Senior Leadership Team I contribute to the translation of organisational strategy and objectives, into operational service plans and budgets

Bristol

Management of the Education & Representation team and later the expansion into a Student Engagement team. The team included the areas of advice, student support, representation, democracy, campaigns, policy and research. My role involved the coordinating the student officers and permanent staff team, to ensure breadth, continuity and development of services. I work closely with University staff to develop stronger links to maximise the quality and promotion of advice and student representation.

Weston-Super-Mare

I continued to be module leader and lecturer for Sustainable Tourism on the Tourism Management Foundation Degree (in partnership with Bath Spa University) after moving from my full-time role at Weston College in 2010. I pride myself on being an energetic and enthusiastic lecturer who challenges students to achieve the very best.The module looked at the high importance of environmental sustainability in tourism activities. Students covered a range of definitions and concepts in their writing and discussion, such as sustainability, ecotourism, eco-labelling, nature tourism, eco-ethics and the challenge of climate change. Relevance to these issues was then explored in relation to the work environment.

As one of two middle managers in the Student Service Department I was responsible for the Student Progression and Registry teams. I coordinated Weston College links with secondary schools across Somerset, North Somerset and Bristol. As a team we delivered a range of activities focused on progression beyond school to university. Projects included the Early College Transfer scheme, taster days, Aimhigher initiatives and a mentoring programme. The Registry team were responsible for coordinating all course applications to the College. I also managed the front of house reception function for a short period of time.This role was extremely fulfilling and enabled me to develop my teamwork, problem solving and management skills. It also provided the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students on a day to day basis. Alongside this role I taught on the A Level Geography programme and Tourism Management Foundation Degree.

Weston-Super-Mare

As the first point of contact for a number of schools across Somerset, North Somerset and Bristol I coordinated a range of activities focused on progression beyond school to university. Activities included workshops, assemblies, classroom guidance sessions and 1:1 advice. In this role I led the Early College Transfer scheme and At-Risk mentoring programme across the Student Services Department. I also provided tutorial support for UCAS applications across the College. Following a period in this role I was successful in gaining a promotion to Progression Coordinator.

In this role I was responsible for the coordination of a number of teaching and learning developments. My main project was to work with a small team to design a new periodic review framework which supported and encouraged Academic Schools to look forward and develop their curriculum whilst continuing to uphold the excellent assurance standards of the institution. The project resulted in a change of institutional policy and procedure which included the creation of a new 'pathfinder' process. The project was a success and as a team we delivered a number of presentations at conferences to disseminate the work. Over 6 year period all Academic Schools at Reading went through the 'pathfinder' process. The QAA noted that 'the Pathfinder process makes a significant contribution to strengthening the University’s well thought out, rigorous and comprehensive periodic review system'.

I gained valuable experience in customer service, leading a team and staff training. I had to manage my time effectively often under pressure, working in a team, training, communicating and coaching colleagues.

As one of six elected officers and a trustee I was responsible for the leadership and strategy of the Students’ Union, and the lead on academic support and student representation.

Msc, Charity Accounting & Financial Management

Modules in: - Strategy, Diversity & Governance - People Management & Quality - Leadership & Change - Marketing & Fundraising - Charity.

Pgce, Education

2:1, Bsc Human And Physical Geography

A Levels, Geography, Design, Environmental Science & Physics