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Facilitators

Apply to be a postgraduate facilitator

Facilitators play a significant role in the overall success of the Grand Challenges programme. The facilitators work closely with undergraduates, student programme assistants, academics and external guests/speakers to ensure that the experience is well co-ordinated and that all students maximise their educational experience and potential. It is likely that every Grand Challenges group will differ in focus, content, dynamics and experience of the students and staff alike.


The definition of facilitate is "to make easy" or "ease a process". A facilitator helps to plan, guide and manage a group to ensure that the group's objectives are met effectively with good participation, time management and full commitment from all students involved. It is not the same as traditional ‘transmission’ teaching, and facilitators are not expected to teach subject content to students in their groups. Some challenges do ask for subject-specific knowledge but this will be clearly signposted on the application form. 

Become a Postgraduate Facilitator

Hear from Kate Massey-Chase about the benefits for applying for a postgraduate facilitator role with Challenges Online.

Please note that this video was filmed prior to the coronavirus outbreak, and that all work with Challenges Online 2021 will be conducted entirely remotely. 

The Role   

The rate of pay is £17.21 an hour. Facilitators will be paid up to £602.35 for Challenges Online week, for 35 hours work (those on Tier 4 visas will be paid £344.20 for 20 hours work). The role of the facilitator outside of Grand Challenges week will depend on the requirements of the individual challenge but will likely involve between 5-10 hours of work which will include training, meetings and individual preparation. Facilitators will claim on an hourly basis so they will need to help track of their hours, including during the Grand Challenges week.

 

This is an overall summary of the duties:  

 

  • Attend a briefing session in May.

  • Attend planning workshops during April/May with the academics who are running the challenges.
  • Facilitate enquiry group sessions from 9am-5pm during Challenges Online Week (7th-11th June 2021).

  • Be available to write up summaries of the week and attend feedback discussions in the week following Challenges Online (14th-18th June 2021).