What is a PAL Leader (PALL)?
As a PAL Leader, you’ll support students in the year below you by running relaxed, student-led study sessions.
You’re not there to teach or give answers. Instead, you’ll:
- guide discussions
- help students think through challenges
- share your experience of studying at Kent
You’ll create a space where students feel confident, supported, and able to succeed.
PAL Leaders play an important role in helping others:
- settle into university
- build confidence
- feel a sense of belonging
- achieve success in their studies
Why become a PAL Leader?
What you’ll gain
Being a PAL Leader helps you grow personally, academically, and professionally:
-
Build real-world skills
Develop leadership, communication, facilitation and teamwork skills -
Boost your confidence
Gain experience speaking in groups and supporting others -
Enhance your CV
Receive recognition, a certificate, and employability points -
Stand out to employers
Add your PAL experience to LinkedIn and future applications -
Make a difference
Support students in their first year and help them succeed -
Connect with staff and students
Build relationships across your School
I have definitely developed my coordination skills – organising sessions and what will be explored within them… my students rely on me to make the decisions as a third year who has experienced the course.
What to expect in the role
As a PAL Leader, you will:
- Plan and run regular PAL sessions
- Encourage discussion and participation
- Share study strategies and experiences
- Help students find useful support and resources
- Keep a simple record of sessions
- Take part in training and PAL community meetings
You’ll be supported throughout, with training and guidance to help you feel confident in your role.
You might be a great PAL Leader if you:
- are doing well in your course (or on track to progress)
- understand what it’s like to start university
- enjoy working with others and supporting your peers
- are approachable, reliable, and organised
- want to build confidence and develop new skills
You don’t need to have all the answers, just a willingness to help others learn.
Support and Training
You’ll be supported every step of the way
Before you start, you’ll complete mandatory training to help you:
- run effective sessions
- support different learners
- build inclusive, welcoming environments
You’ll also:
- join a PAL Leader community
- attend regular meetings
- receive ongoing support from the S.A.S. PAL supervisors team
Apply to become a PAL Leader
We’re currently recruiting PAL Leaders for the next academic year.
Explore the Job Description and Person Specification and apply online.
📅 Application deadline: Friday 22 May 2026
📍 Interviews: w/c 1 June (on campus)
Check your eligibility
PAL Leader roles for 2026/27 are available in selected Schools and courses, including Foundation Year, Kent Business School, Kent Law School, Biosciences, Humanities, and Actuarial Science.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Get in touch with saspal@kent.ac.uk
If PAL isn’t running in your course this year, there may be opportunities to get involved in the future.
Being a PAL Leader is more than a role, it’s a chance to build confidence, support others, and be part of something that makes a real difference.
[Being a PAL Leader is] super fun! I got to work with an amazing Stage 1 group.