Committee Roles
The Makerspace Committee has the following roles:
President
Description
The president must be able to communicate with all members of the committee creating a cohesive society. The president should delegate tasks to other committee members, and prioritise what is most important for the function of the society. The president will run the society meetings, ensuring to create an agenda beforehand and pick a time for the meeting.
The president will contact staff members for the society, such as being the direct connection between the makerspace technical and managerial lead.
The president should also ensure that all committee members are appropriately trained to use and operate the space, as well as upholding the rules of the space and the society, that is everyone using the space needs to complete an induction and that the projects should be submitted with a proposal form, unless said otherwise by the makerspace technical lead.
The president should create a timeline of events for the society creating individual to-do’s for committee members and aligning it with the scheduled goals. The president should provide clear weekly to-do updates and check in on committee members regularly to ensure tasks get completed.
Skills Required
Strong leader
Task delegation
Time management
Able to chair meetings
Commitment Level
10/10
Vice President
Description
The vice president has to carry out the same roles as the president when the president is not available. The vice president should also alleviate the workload from the president by completing tasks that have been requested of them, as well as being proactive and completing tasks and creating ideas for development. The vice president should be able to take on the role of president when the president is unavailable.
Skills Required
Strong leader
Task delegation
Time management
Able to chair meetings
Commitment Level
10/10
Secretary
Description
The Secretary plays a crucial role in maintaining the administrative and organisational framework of the society. This individual is responsible for the meticulous recording of meeting minutes, ensuring that all discussions and decisions are accurately documented and accessible for future reference. The Secretary organises and manages society data, creating structured documentation that supports the efficient operation of the society.
A key responsibility involves managing the society's email, ensuring timely and professional communication both within the society and with external parties. This role requires a keen attention to detail in organising schedules, agendas, and records, which are essential for the smooth functioning of the society.
The Secretary also plays a vital role in supporting the President and Vice President, by preparing meeting agendas in advance and ensuring that the necessary materials are available for each meeting. In addition to these primary tasks, the Secretary may be involved in various general tasks such as assisting in event planning, maintaining society records, and ensuring compliance with society policies.
Skills Required
Strong organisational skills
Attention to detail
Proficiency in data management and documentation
Excellent written and verbal communication
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Commitment Level
10/10
Treasurer
Description
The treasurer is responsible for submitting budgeting requests for the society, in this the treasurer will assess the costs of the society and make a request based of the demand for new materials and parts ordered. Following this the treasurer should keep a budget spreadsheet and check the society account to make sure the numbers match with the spreadsheet and to ensure that the society stays within budget.
The treasurer is not responsible for ordering tools into the space, such as laser cutters, drills, etc, but they are responsible for materials that the makerspace itself cannot supply, such as special PLA, specific fabrics, wood, etc.
The treasuer must submit PR7, iproc etc requests when: students want to order parts through the society; the events manager requires funding for an event; for society merchandise.
Skills Required
Excel
Accounting
Admin
Commitment Level
8/10
Graphic Designer
Description
The graphic designer is responsible for the design of society merch and advertisements. The graphic designer will design:
Social media posts for the social media officer
Posters to be displayed throughout the university
Merchandise
The graphic designer should ensure that the society brand is consistent across all platforms including virtual and physical.
The graphic designer should select companies to purchase merchandise from and send this information to the treasurer. The graphic designer should also maintain contact with the MECD marketing department in terms of sharing designs for posters and displays.
Skills Required
Graphic design
Communication skills
Commitment Level
9/10
Executive Chief Engineer
Description
Regularly check risk assessments/SoPs to ensure the society has the assessments needed for operating all used activities
Ensure chief engineers are well versed in risk assessments for their technicalities and are aware of mitigating measures in case of problems
Routinely check in with chief engineers on progress of projects and Maker experience
Aid chief engineers with any technical know-how which may be lacking. This may include either direct teaching, or helping the chief engineer acquire adequate resources
Aid chief engineers in determining the plausibility and implementation of new tools, techniques or otherwise resources which may be of demand by the makerspace society or its Makers
Report to makerspace society president on the state of aforementioned responsibilities
Where needed, work with makerspace society treasurer to finance technical resources or Maker projects.
Where needed, aid other makerspace society committee members should they have questions regarding technical know-how.
Skills Required
General workshop knowledge
Managerial skills
Health and safety experience
Skills in common software needed for the workshop such as CAD
Commitment Level
10/10
Mechanical Chief Engineer
Description
The Mechanical Chief Engineer is responsible for leading, helping, and advising the makers and their projects with any mechanical based aspects of the projects. This includes aiding the viability of the design, manufacturing, and testing of the project, with available resources at the Makerspace. They must also help with the use and operation of mechanical tools and machines.
The Mechanical Chief Engineer carries out the tasks assigned by the Executive Chief Engineer and reports to them for any executive or major problems and decisions. There must be constant collaboration with the rest of the engineers, which include the Electrical and 3D Printing Chief Engineers.
The Mechanical Chief Engineer must also plan workshops which pertain to their area of speciality, for example, wood working, metal working, to contribute effectively within this role, and also acquire training, knowledge, and skills to better help the makers with their projects in the Makerspace. They must also attend events pertaining to mechanical engineering that are organised by the events manager.
Skills Required
Time management
Some technical knowledge in workshop operation, CAD, HSE, Materials
Eagerness to learn more
Active
Willing to teach and help
Commitment Level
10/10
Electrical Chief Engineer
Description
The Electrical Chief Engineer is responsible for leading, helping, and advising the makers and their projects with any electronic based aspects of the projects. This includes aiding in the viability of the design, construction, and testing of the project, with available resources at the Makerspace. They must also help with the use and operation of electronic tools and machines, such as lab-bench power supplies, multimeters, and soldering irons. As electrical components range drastically in form and use-case, the Electrical Chief Engineer should be open to looking up datasheets and aiding makers in component selection and implementation.
The Electrical Chief Engineer carries out the tasks assigned by the Executive Chief Engineer and reports to them for any executive or major problems and decisions. There must be constant collaboration with the rest of the engineers, which include the Mechanical and 3D Printing Chief Engineers.
The Electrical Chief Engineer must also plan electrical workshops such as soldering workshops, Arduino workshops, understanding electrical components, to contribute effectively within this role, and also acquire training, knowledge, and skills to better help the makers with their projects in the Makerspace. They must also attend events related to electrical engineering that are organised by the events manager.
Skills Required
Time management
Some technical knowledge in electronic circuitry and design, working with stripboards and PCBs, soldering, fault-finding and working with electronic lab equipment
Eagerness to learn more
Active
Willing to teach and help
Commitment Level
10/10
3D Printing Chief Engineer
Description
The 3D Printing Chief Engineer is responsible for leading, helping, and advising the makers and their projects with any 3D printing and manufacturing aspects of the projects. This includes ensuring the viability of printing the required part/s in terms of design and with the available printers and materials at the Makerspace. They must also help with the setup, operation, and maintenance of the 3D printers.
The 3D Printing Chief Engineer carries out the tasks assigned by the Executive Chief Engineer and reports to them for any executive or major problems and decisions. There must be constant collaboration with the rest of the engineers, which include the Mechanical and Electrical Chief Engineers.
The 3D Printing Chief Engineer must also plan 3D printing workshop, to contribute effectively within this role, and also acquire training, knowledge, and skills to better help the makers with their projects in the Makerspace. They must also attend events related to 3D printing that are organised by the events manager.
Skills Required
Time management
Some technical knowledge in CAD, and 3D printer operation (setup, printing, etc)
Eagerness to learn more
Active
Willing to teach and help
Commitment Level
10/10
CAD Chief Engineer
Description
The CAD Chief Engineer is responsible for leading, helping, and advising the makers and their projects with any CAD related aspects of the projects. This includes ensuring the viability of models in relation to the design, manufacture and assembly.
A key role of the CAD chief engineer to liaise with the 3D Printing Chief Engineer and the Mechanical Chief Engineer to aid in the production of quality CAD files for 3D printing models and technical drawings for manufacturing mechanical engineering parts.
The CAD Chief Engineer must also plan CAD workshops, this may be in conjunction with the 3D printing and mechanical workshops (i.e. to optimise the workshops it's ideal if they complement each other). The CAD Chief Engineer is also expected to provide knowledge, and skills to help the makers with their projects in the Makerspace. They are also expected to attend events related to CAD that are organised by the events manager.
The CAD Chief Engineer carries out the tasks assigned by the Executive Chief Engineer and reports to them for any executive or major problems and decisions. There must be constant collaboration with the rest of the chief engineers, especially the 3D Printing and Mechanical Chief Engineers.
Skills Required
Time management
CAD skills (ideally in both Solidworks and Fusion 360, or willing to learn)
Eagerness to learn more
Active
Willing to teach and help
Commitment Level
10/10
Social Media Manager
Description
The social media manager is responsible for promoting the society and creating its brand image. This is achieved by running and maintaining the society’s official instagram handle, moderating the whatsapp communities and group chat and being the direct line of communication to the potential “Maker” by replying and handling the direct messages from them on the above mentioned social media platforms.
Running the Instagram Handle
The instagram handle is the society’s face and acts as a major source of information about the society, its committee, the events hosted, workshops etc.. As social media manager, one is responsible to create captivating and creative posts that generate interest towards the events and workshops hosted. The instagram handle is also used to promote other societies and their events as a gesture of goodwill and encouraging them to use the space for their extra-curricular purposes. This would require the social media manager to work with their counterparts in the relevant societies.
Whatsapp Communities and Group Chat
These can be considered as an extension of the instagram handle and is used to advertise events, workshops and other events. These are used to promote the events of other societies using the Makerspace. This chat is also used as a medium for discussions.
Direct Messages
The social media manager acts as the direct line of communication with the Makers. These involve but not limited to replying to direct messages on instagram, messages and queries raised on the Whatsapp group chat and potentially emails regarding potential use of the space received on the official gmail account of the society. This also includes sending out information to society members through the SU communication systems. Responding to individual emails should be handled by the secretary.
The social media officer is also responsible for managing the linktree. This includes liaising with the graphic designer and ensuring that the branding is up to date, as well as adding necessary links and removing outdated ones.
Skills Required
Time Management
Social Skills
Creativity
Attention to detail
Commitment Level
8/10
Website Manager
Description
The website manager is responsible for the updation and the general upkeep of the society’s official website which is currently based on google site. The main purpose of the website is to garner attention towards the ongoing events at the space and act as a collection of all relevant links. It also provides information on the tools and services available in the space.
As website manager, the main responsibility is to keep updating the website, this includes addition of the new events, removing previous events, keeping the links and forms updated, and other such general upkeep.
The role requires good collaboration with the social media manager and the events manager to ensure that the website is up to date and that the correct information is displayed.
Note: We are currently looking for someone with an interest in building websites and would like to expand on their own experience through this role, and build a website for the society.
Skills Required
Time Management
Social Skills
Creativity
Attention to detail
Experience with Google Sites is a plus
Commitment Level
5/10
Events Team
Description
The events managers are responsible for planning, organising and managing all events and socials run by the society. It involves identifying the needs and wants of the society, formulating event ideas, and securing resources, such as equipment or manpower, for these events.
The events typically include socials and one-off events like big workshops/talks/hackathons. The chief engineers will work alongside the events team to host larger-scale events. The events team should take care of the administrative aspect of the events such as communication, registration and post mortems.
As events manager, you are responsible for the wellbeing and success of your events and should do your utmost to ensure that they consistently meet expectations. A significant part of it involves interacting with staff and faculty, so good communication and planning skills are required.
Skills Required
Social skills
Creativity
Attention to detail
Time management
Organisation
Commitment Level
7/10
Inclusions Officer
Description
The inclusions officer should be present at society meetings and periodically attend workshops to ensure inclusion within these sessions.
The inclusions officer should undergo relevant training as inclusions officer an ensure that operations within the society are inclusive, this incorporates the attendance of society events, welcoming students, and meeting students that are less confident beforehand.
The inclusions officer should also proactively provide solutions and ideas for ways to include people within the society.
Should an incident regarding inclusion occur then the inclusions officer must resolve this issue either internally or report this to the student union, or relevant staff, this is why it is imperative that the inclusions officer is involved with the inner workings of the society.
Skills Required
Kindness
Perceptiveness
Social skills
Commitment Level
4/10
General Technician
Description
The sole role of a general technician is to supervise in the makerspace. They are not expected to attend regular committee meetings, only specific meetings when the whole committee is called. They must be trained to supervise in the space, meaning they will attend training sessions with the makerspace technical lead, or get their existing skills assessed to see if they are experienced enough in a skill to be able to supervise for it. Once fully trained they are expected to help supervise in the space approximately one 2-hour shift a week (this may change).
Skills Required
Alertness
Technical Prowess
Social skills
Commitment Level
3/10