Annual Report 2022-23
Contents 3
CEO Introduction
4
About Us
5
Year In Numbers
6
Year In Review
8
Welcome 2022
10
Representation
12
Elections
14
Celebrating Successes
16
Student Activities
22
Events
28
Fairtrade
29
SU Advice & Support
30
National Student Survey (NSS)
32
SU President Conclusion
34
2022/23 Actions
CEO Introduction The Students’ Union annual report is an
engagement, the team have been creative
opportunity to pause, reflect, and to thank the
and courageous within their respective areas,
many people whose dedication and hard work
to drive awareness and deliver impact.
has supported the SU throughout the year. Without the knowledge and passion of our
As we move forward, there is much to be
staff, students, and trustees, both the volume
optimistic about, with key reviews initiated
and impact of our work would be much
within the year to drive forward enhancements
reduced. As with any year, there has been
to
diff icult moments, but the determination
democratic processes. Through this, further
and togetherness of all involved in the SU has
work on our people and culture, and through
ensured we’ve had a successful 2022/23.
the creation of a new organisational strategy,
our
organisational
governance
and
we have an opportunity to reshape the SU to This was my f irst year as SU Chief Executive
better meet the needs of our membership.
Off icer and I’m incredibly proud to lead the
We must do this with students, with staff, and
team who have delivered on the initiatives
with other key partners, in a transparent and
you will read about within this report. In a
inclusive manner, so that together we build
year where we aimed to make the SU ‘ more
the very best version of Cardiff Met SU, both
visible, in more places, more often’ to improve
for now, and for the future.
member understanding of their SU and drive
Will Fuller Students’ Union CEO
3
About us
We
are
Cardiff
Metropolitan
Students’
Union (SU for short). We are separate body and
organisation
to
Cardiff
Metropolitan
University, and we are here to support you through your student journey at Cardiff Met. We provide you opportunities for expression of your opinion through the rep structures, communicate
with
the
university
and
external bodies on your behalf, and facilitate recreational
student
activities
such
as
Societies and Sport Clubs. We help you boost your employability through the Cardiff Met Award, and we provide support and advice to any members in need. Through all this, we aim to make your welfare & experience at Cardiff Met the best it can be.
4
Year In Numbers SU Societies Members 755 SU Student Reps 413 SU Advice & Support 258
Cardiff Met Award 93
SU Sport Members 1,680
We were able to engage 3,200
We
students
2,033 students voting in the SU
in
our
membership
have
had
phenomenal
elections in 2022/23, biggest
services!
turnout since 2017.
3
of
our
biggest
events
The
SU
engaged 8,069 students! These
Freshers’
consisted
giving
of
the
Freshers’
has
sold
Fortnight incoming
over
700
bands, students
Fayre, Ref reshers’ Fayre and
great experiences during their
Varsity.
welcome.
5
Year In Review
The SU initiated three key organisational reviews
this
year,
which
included
the
Governance & Democracy Review, Health & Safety Review, and an HR Review, all of which were aimed at improving the effectiveness of the SU and improving your experience as our member. Work continues on two of the reviews, whilst the Governance & Democracy Review has now concluded with all its f indings available to read here.
How was the Governance and Democracy review completed, and what it did tell us? As part of the review, crucial staff members of the SU and University have been interviewed by an external agency – GGI (Good Governance Institute) to establish the basis of the review. Student focus groups and rep focus groups were held where they dived into the issues you faced while engaging with the SU democracy, and what your expectations were.
6
Governance The SU is governed by the Board of Trustees,
Changes to the board composition was also
currently consisting of 2 elected sabbatical
suggested, with the removal of the SU CEO,
off icers,6 School Reps, the SU CEO and 2
and
external trustees, and functions with one sub-
trustees, the removal of the School Reps as
committee. One of the major recommendations
trustees and designing a process to select
is for the board to create purpose and strategy
student trustees in the future, allowing for
that sets out the values, aims and outcomes
more independent oversight.
with
the
addition
of
more
external
of the organisation, to give clear direction on what the SU purpose and direction.
Democracy The review concluded that 2 full-time student
Changes
off icers is too few to appropriately represent
immediate effect include the removal of the
the diverse membership that we seek to
Lead Reps f rom the SU structure. This puts
we represent. It has been recommended to
bigger emphasis on the School Rep. The SU
increase the amount to 4 sabbaticals starting
will need to closely monitor this to assess
in 2024 /25, with distinct remits for the 4
whether the current structure can function
roles. There has been recommendation to see
effectively, or if an additional school rep roles/
a SU President, and 3 Vice-Presidents with
staff support roles are required.
that
will
be
implemented
with
areas of : Education, Welfare and Community, and Activities to be introduced. The SU will
Other major changes you wanted to see
be
to
is creation of an online portal, where you
determine if these continue to be the remits
can leave feedback at any point, or give
our members want to see going forward.
suggestions to your full-time and part-time
undertaking
further
focus
groups
reps on areas to explore, with ultimately Further enhancements for the academic year
creating a student-voice forum. In 2023/24
2024 /25 included changes in the Part-Time
the SU will work towards the creation of these,
Off icer roles, changing them f rom activity
giving you more opportunities to have your
based to more liberation based representative
voices heard!
groups, which we aim to deliver in conjunction with the new roles of full-time off icers, to ensure the remits are clear, and that they cover all areas of representation.
7
Welcome 2022
In September 2022, we have welcomed over 13,000 students back on campus. We were pleased to see many new students beginning their journey at Cardiff Met, as well as many returning students who did not previously have
the
opportunity
to
experience
the
extracurricular activities or even welcome activities due to the impact of Covid-19. The SU has printed 3,000 of our Ul timate Freshers’ Guide. For the f irst time, the SU has been part of the move-in weekend, being part of your experience f rom the moment you arrived to University halls, telling you about the opportunities and services available to you! We
held
our
annual
Freshers’
hosting a series of 14 700
students
wristband,
events, with over
purchasing
making
Fortnight,
new
the
Freshers’
memories,
and
meeting new f riends and becoming part of the Cardiff Met community.
8
Freshers’ Fayre
ReFreshers’
We kicked off the academic year with our
Fo r th e se co n d ti m e , we have o rga n is ed
Freshers’ Fayre, which was a one-day event
th e Re f re sh e rs’ Fay re i n te rm 2 , g i vin g our
attracting over 100 stalls f rom Societies, Sport
Januar y e ntr y stud e nts o p p o r tuni ty to f in d
Clubs, the SU, University Services and external
o ut ab o ut th e SU a c ti v i ti e s an d ser vices .
vendors. We were able to welcome more
Wi th ove r 3 0 stalls, we m ana g e d to get 1,167
than 5,600 students! On top of the Freshers’
o f o u r stu de n ts to atte n d an d g e t en ga ged
Fayre, your President and Vice-President were
i n n ew a c ti v i ti e s!
holding welcome lunches along with the School Reps and Part-Time Off icers, which were held throughout the week. They raised the visibility of their respective roles, and how students can leave feedback.
9
Representation We were able to recruit 385 course reps
We want to thank all 413 of our reps for always
and 16 lead reps, who were led by the SU
bringing student issues to the foref ront of
President, Venky Gonavaram, and the Vice-
agenda, and to thank all of the university staff
President, Natalia-Mia Roach, and supported
who were receptive to the student feedback
by team of 6 School Reps and 5 Part-Time
in one of the most challenging times higher
Off icers.
education has faced.
As
previously
mentioned
in
the
report, the democracy structure of the SU is currently underdeveloped, and has faced
Although we are thankful for all the changes,
staff changeovers resulting in diff iculties in
we were able to make, we are also mindful we
delivery and content creation of the training
still have great scope for improvement of our
and support to the reps this year. The positive
representation systems at Cardiff Met SU. The
outcome is that the SU now has a dedicated
democracy review has highlighted many areas
staff support to the representative structures
of improvement, and we are looking forward
for the f irst time!
to implementing these changes over the next 3 years. We want to create spaces where you
The
representative
played
have a chance to leave your feedback, and to
a signif icant role this year, as we faced a
discuss your ideas. We are aware we do not
high level and scale of issues students were
currently
handling. These included coming back f rom
happen as a result of your feedback better,
covid, the cost-of-living crisis, a local and
and by implementing changes every year, you
national housing crisis, transport issues, UCU
will see improvements in your representative
strikes and many more.
systems in next few years.
Your representatives have worked closely
There are many more issues we were not able
with university staff at all levels, f rom school
to solve, f rom the housing crisis, to achieving
staff, professional ser vices depar tments and
more student and society space in Llandaff,
university
they
or having a bar, and having more sporting
were able to implements many changes to
facilities to be able to facilitate more social
your experience.
sports in both Cyncoed and Llandaff. These are
senior
structure
has
management ,
and
communicate
the
changes
that
the issues at foref ront of all our discussions, so please keep providing us with feedback and what you want to see, and we will achieve better student experience together.
10
Achievements Cost-of-living Menu
More vending
Getting university
machines and water
to change
Discounted menu
dispensers across
boundaries of
in all university
the university
’local’ students for
catering outlets,
purposes of getting
providing affordable
Addressing high
food options on
usage of campus
campus
outside opening
accommodation
hours of catering outlets
Free graduation
Warm spaces on
Keep the SU space
gowns hire for the
campus 24 /7
P Block in Llandaff
Commitment f rom
Keeping the M1
Continuing Period
university to not
services into
Dignity Campaign
raise prices of
2023/24 despite
food during the
funding cuts
f irst time
year, despite any
Funding f rom University to extend
unexpected changes
Allowing f irst 800
the campaign. Provide
in inflation
students to get
students period
discounted rate on
products during cost
bus pass by £100
of living challenges. 11
Elections
We held the annual student-off icer elections
Additionally, the nomination process was put
in March, electing your next President and
fully online this year – meaning to register an
Vice-President. Elections are one of the most
interest, you simply had to log into the SU website
important times of the year, when you get to
and sign up for the election, and f reely change
decide which ideas and candidates resonate
your manifesto and picture any time before the
with what you have been experiencing, and
deadline, and signing up for the Election meant
who should lead the SU in the upcoming year.
member of staff was immediately reaching out to offer additional support.
Results f rom the previous elections indicated that signif icant changes to the process are
The support provided to candidates, combined
required in order to attract more candidates
with longer nomination period has seen an
f rom diverse backgrounds to these roles and
increase in candidates running – 15 in total,
to drive voter turnout. This will be even more
up f rom only 3 candidates in 2022.
important once we increase the number of full-time off icers to 4 .
The SU has explored how to make the voting process easier and more appealing to students,
We were able to have an external Returning
and
Off icer, who has supported us in creating
polling stations for those voted, and we were
new processes and independent oversight of
able to use tablets at 3 voting stations, where
the delivery of the election, and providing a
students were able to vote by simply putting
valuable insight.
in their student ID, overcoming some of the
we
have
implemented
incentives
at
barriers presented by having to log into the We have updated all our election rules, and
SU website.
for the f irst time extended the nomination period to 4 weeks, allowing candidates more
We were able to achieve total of 2,033 unique
time to come across the idea of leading the
voters in the election, up f rom 520 in 2022,
SU through different events, posters and
making it the largest turnout in an SU election
communications. The SU has held multiple
since the SU began running their voting
sessions across these 4 weeks, where students
digitally in 2017.
could drop in to f ind out more about roles and receive support in running campaigns.
12
13
Celebrating Success
Sports Awards The
SU
has
received
a
combined
869
Our Sports Awards have attracted over 450
nominations across our awards, in order to
attendees,
recognise
the
the successes of our sport clubs, athletes,
by
students,
fellow
university staff!
amazing
work
student
undertaken leaders
and
acknowledging
and
celebrating
coaches and support staff. Our partnership with university’s broadcast MSc course enabled us to play a fantastic year of sport video which has raised the spirits of all our archers. As part of the awards, we received 550 number of nominations which we recognised on the night.
14
Student-Led Teaching Awards (SLTA’s)
Student Achievement Awards
Our
the
We were able to celebrate the hard work undertaken
exceptional efforts university staff are making.
by our student-led societies, society members and
This year, we have introduced new categories
our representatives in 2022/23. It led to some really
such as Student Life Award, Postgraduate
hard decisions, as we have seen a rapid expansion
Tutor
Research
across the societies! We have received 122 number
Awards and received total of 197 nominations
of nominations across the different categories. We
across these!
were able to celebrate these successes jointly with
annual
Award,
awards
and
that
recognise
Postgraduate
the Student-Led Teaching Awards, which attracted 70 attendees on the night.
15
Student Activities
SU Societies As we continue recovering f rom Covid, we are
Societies have been prominent in engaging
looking back at a year that has been busier
with students, with many having a stall in
than ever for the societies. With the ability
Freshers’ Fayre. In addition, societies have
to plan any activity, and with nearly all covid
been more active than before, with many
restrictions gone, we were able to grow to
hosting weekly events and meet ups.
42 active societies, up f rom 31 in previous year, and up to 755 society members, nearly
Just some of the society highlights of the
double the previous year ’s 386!
year: Climbing and Snow society reached new highs, with 61 and 57 number of members
The
SU
supports
societies
in
handovers,
respectively.
Met
Marketers
were
able
to
training and in supporting the delivery of
secure a collaboration with Nando’s. LGBTQIA+
their plans through dedicated staff support.
society has joined the SU during the Pride
We were able to provide handovers for more
march in Cardiff. Capture the Flag won a
societies than ever before, but also start many
hacking competition, and so much more!
new exiting societies like Yoga, Poker, Chess
16
17
Student Activities
The Cardiff Met Award We continue providing students with fur ther development Cardiff
Met
oppor tunities Award.
Through
through this
the
award,
Cardiff Met students are able to star t a personalised which
is
self- development
suppor ted
by
the
SU.
journey, It
helps
students reflect on skills learnt throughout their studies and employment , identif y areas for development and equip them with reallife employability skills. We have had 94 students registered for the award in 2022 /23, with 41 of them completing either the main or an additional level of the Award. This year has seen the addition of the “Justice Level”, designed with suppor t f rom BSc Law staff. We have continued returning more to in-person meet ups throughout the year, which has been positively received by students. We continue to provide suppor t for the Cardiff Met Award online and through Teams,
to
students.
18
provide
fur ther
flexibility
for
SU Workshops The SU provides f ree personal development
We have had 91 students attend 10 of our
workshops, which can be attended by any
workshops, and while the engagement at
student , but continue to be predominantly
these has been great, we will trial putting some
attended by students enrolled in the Cardiff
of the workshops in 2023/24 online, to provide
Met Award. All of these have been scheduled
students with more flexible opportunities on
to be in-person workshops.
how they can engage in further development.
19
Student Activities SU Sport We have seen great engagement throughout our
This year there was much to celebrate, with
Sports Clubs this year, with 29 clubs and total of 60
20 of our BUCS teams achieving f irst place in
teams, joined and led by 1,680 students, reaching
their respective leagues, and 3 teams coming
our highest f igure yet. Although sport had been
in f irst in non-BUCS national leagues. We have
slowly returning throughout the previous year, it
been able to help 290 athletes in attending
is undeniable that with a full return of sport, we
29 events, with 36 students scoring a medal
have seen many f irst years through third years
in BUCS League and 31 scoring a medal in
and postgrads taking part in sports. New and
non-BUCS national competitions, with 15 and
returning students have been able to f ind more
13 of those bring in gold medals respectively.
about different clubs through Freshers’ Fayre. These
achievements
show
unwavering
SU Sport has seen the return of many regular
commitment to competitive sport f rom the
activities such as BUCS Wednesdays, with some
SU, our students, off icials and coaches who
of our biggest events attracting much wider
have collectively made these achievements
audiences than ever before. We have seen
possible. It is safe to conclude the student
over 600 tickets sold for our Clash on Court
engagement in taking part in sports, or
(basketball and netball) matches, and over 3,000
coming to support your teams and f riends
tickets sold for the Cardiff Clash, two BUCS
remains at a very high level, driven by the
Super Rugby matches between Cardiff Met
amazing achievements of our sports teams
& Cardiff University held at Cardiff Arms Park
and individual athletes who help us grow the
Stadium. We were able to hold a three nations
archer family.
event to prof ile women’s and men’s rugby at Cyncoed, with over 1,500 students attending.
20
21
Sports Events
Varsity The much-anticipated return of the biggest
The attendees were given a Varsity T-shirt,
sporting event at Cardiff Met, seeing our f irst
with addition of reusable cup upon entry. It
home Varsity since 2019! The event has returned
was a unique opportunity to invoke the Archer
bigger than ever, with 3,000 students watching
spirit. It has been hugely successful event,
or competing at the event. Although the weather
despite Bath University winning overall.
was not in our favour, the atmosphere was second to none, with 24 games of our students going head-to-head with Bath University.
22
23
EDI Events
Black History Month Quiz The SU has hosted range of events throughout
For Black History Month in October, we were
this year, catered to wider range of audiences,
joined by Nubian Jak Community Trust, who
and
celebrating
created commemorative plaque and sculpture
different cultures. We were able to do this in
scheme focused on memorialising the historic
collaboration with the university, providing
contributions of Black and minority ethnic
our members with plenty of opportunities.
people in Britain and Beyond. They have
raising
awareness
and
created a quiz to teach our members more about black history in Britain.
Disability History Month Talk In collaboration with the University, we held a lecture followed by an interactive workshop held in the Atrium. Staff and students have been able to come together and celebrate the differences.
24
Pride March
It’s a Sin
Our f inal EDI event for the year has been
This was an event par t of our LGBTQ+ Histor y
a Pride March, in collaboration with the
Month, joined by Terrance Higgins’ Trust –
University
charity
and
the
LGBTQIA+
society.
It
raising
awareness
tackling
issues
has been a great way to bring many of our
regarding to HIV/AIDS , as well as by Jill
students, SU & University staff together, and
Nalder and Ruper t Whitaker, and sharing
mark the progress that has been made in
their experiences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
Britain, and to remind ourselves how we still
during the 1980s that led to the creation of
have a long way until achieving equality.
the hit TV show.
25
International Events
International Nights
Diwali
We were able to partner up with Revolution
We immediately jumped to Diwali, festival
Bar, for unforgettable International Nights.
of lights. This even was facilitated by your
We have had two rooms where a selection of
President – Venky Gonavaram.
Af robeats, Desi and Bhangra was played all
began with a traditional Pooja ceremony,
night long, to offer our international students
followed by a delightful fashion show featuring
a space that feels more like home, and to
traditional attire. We all relished a delicious
give our UK-based students opportunity to
Indian curry feast, and the evening came alive
experience something new! The event has
with music and dance.
been a great success and will see a return in the following academic year.
26
The event
27
Fairtrade
The SU celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight, and
As part of the Fairtrade Fortnight, the SU has
our part in Cardiff Met being ranked as the
held multiple information stalls engaging
best university in the UK for sustainability in
students
People and Planet’s Green League 2022/23.
engaged in the steering group that has been
Jane Hutt MS , Minister for Social Justice has
getting restarted, supported by our staff
reached out to the SU to join us in these
member and the environmental off icer.
celebrations
and
came
to
campus
for
a
Fairtrade Quiz and chocolate tasting. The event aimed to highlight the importance of making ethical purchasing choices and the impact those choices have on a global scale. This shows the extend of the commitment by the SU to sustainable initiatives.
28
in
Fairtrade
and
getting
them
SU Advice & Support
SU Advice and Suppor t is an independent
Aca demic year ( 1st July to 30 th Jun e)
and conf idential advice ser vice offered
Total cases suppor ted.
to all students enrolled on a Cardiff Met course, this also covers all students enrolled with our local par tners and
2016 / 17
200
international par tner organisations.
2017/ 18
247
2018/ 19
309
The ser vice offers guidance on all aspects
2019/20
229
of university life including university
2020/21
252
procedures,
procedures,
2021/22
373
housing, and student wellbeing. Our aim
2022 /23
258
academic
is to ensure that all students are fully informed of their options, are suppor ted to make decisions, and signposted to
Durin g 2022 /23 we have n oticed th e
ser vices and additional suppor t when
in crease in complexity in student cases,
needed.
often takin g lon ger tim e to suppor t an d establish th e base of th e issues. This
2 0 2 2 / 2 3 h a s s e e n a re t u r n to c a m p u s
has often been true especially wh en
and
the
oth er par ties such as parents want to
and
support
demand
for
service
the
advice
continuing
to
get involved in th e cases.
g row. We h ave s e e n a n i n c rea s e o f i n te r n a t i o n a l s t u d e n t s s t r u g g l i n g w i t h a c c o m m o d a t i o n , a n d i n s ea rc h o f p a r ttime opportunities.
29
National Student Survey (NSS) Every year, the Off ice for Students runs a
on programme level. It is important to note that
National Student Survey, where they ask all f inal
Mental Wellbeing was one of the 5 questions where
year undergraduates about their experiences
Cardiff Met has scored above the sector average.
throughout their time at the university. This year, the review methodology and a large amount
There is a singular question regarding how well the
of the questions within were changed, with the
SU represent students’ academic interest. The SU
neutral option removed. This made mapping to
has scored 50.8% in the previous year, with scoring
the previous NSS scores, with the exception of the
69.8% in the latest NSS. It is great to see the jump,
overall satisfaction question, which remained the
although we anticipate large amount was due to
same, diff icult. It is important to note that England
the removal of the neutral option.
now has slightly different set of questions, and the question of overall satisfaction is only asked in
Analysis of the f ree-text comments shows a
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
variety of themes. The positive themes focus on teaching, academic staff and experiences and
The university has scored relatively well compared to
knowledge learnt throughout the degree. The
the sector in 5 out of the 9 themes, but unfortunately
negative themes focus largely around Covid,
the overall satisfaction remained lower than average
experiences
– 73.1% compared to Welsh average of 76.7%. Given
disruption due to the strike action.
during
Covid,
and
subsequent
the new set of questions, it is challenging to draw direct comparisons to previous years. Although the
These did make up very large majority of all
overall scores for majority themes were high, Cardiff
the comments, but taking these away there
Met did score above the Welsh average in only 5
have been comments surrounding issues of
questions out of 27.
placements (cost and travel), organisational management,
timely
communications,
With more detailed analysis, we can see differences
overlapping deadlines and group work. Majority
across the different programmes, but thematically
of these comments were programme (or school)
we can see Student Voice, the Overall Satisfaction
specif ic, and there was not huge amount of
and Organisation & Management achieving score
overlap in the negative experiences of different
under 75% in half of the programmes. This aligns
students on an institutional level. The only theme
with the institutional data which shows these
that has been seen more across the institution is
3 themes are overall under 75%, as well as the
the organisational management of courses, and
Mental Wellbeing which has not been reported
timely and relevant communication f rom staff.
30
Conclusions It is really positive to see the improvement
The overall satisfaction and student voice
in the data, showing implementation of the
being low despite all the other categories
previous plan has been successful, with much
considering
lower number of students having negative
being high suggests dissatisfaction might
comments about communication, timeliness
be arising due to non-academic, or wider
of feedback and marking not being consistent.
student experiences they encounter along
the
academic
experience
their academic journeys, that is currently out The university still needs to tackle the issues in
organisational
management
of
of scope of questions asked in the NSS.
what
experiences look like across the board, and
It is recommended the SU and university
work on setting expectations with incoming
review and agree how we collectively cover
students on what their time on campus will
the feedback mechanisms and structures with
look like, and how much time they should
a focus on non-academic feedback, and to
expect in dedication to it.
review methods of closing the feedback loop.
31
SU President Conclusion Reflecting on the Union’s activity for this
In the past year students have been going
past year, I am grateful for the faith students
f rom one crisis to the next, whether it has been
put in me as your Vice-President, and now
covid, cost-of-living, housing shortages or the
President. What a year it has been.
strikes, there are too many things affecting your experience, having to work more and
Clearly, there is no shortage of incredible
more alongside their studies. Despite this, I
achievements in the last year to be proud
feel optimistic about working with students,
of, many examples of which are included in
organising and collectively achieving the change
this report, and many others in the making
you want to see.
that are not included. We have engaged with so many students, in so many other ways
To succeed when addressing these challenges,
not mentioned, such as through are venues
we have to ensure that we show an ability to
– Centro and the Shop, and having students
partner and collaborate with each other. We
visiting us in our off ices.
should use our history and previous experience as a foundation for ambitious change. Most of
I am happy to show you the impact we
all, we must show solidarity and compassion to
have achieved with Venky Gonavaram, your
our people and our community in the broadest
previous president , but I am mindful there
sense. This is my vision for this Union, and I hope
are still many changes that need to be made
that our members, our staff, our funders, and our
by the SU.
wider community and f riends share this as well.
Natalia-Mia Roach SU President 2023/24
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2022/23 SU Actions Action The
SU
Update to
develop
a
bespoke
SU
Rep
The SU has met with the schools to discuss
recruitment and training process for FE and
the recruitment through at all levels, and
TNE partner reps
will support schools in the recruitment. It will need to be further investigated how this approach works for the FE and TNE partners.
The SU to review election processes to boost
The election process has been reviewed and
turnout, support the candidates and raise the
immediate changes have been implemented,
understanding of elections.
boosting the turnout by over 1,500 unique voters.
The
SU
to
formalise
the
inclusion
of
a
The SU has worked with the PGR rep to start
Postgraduate Student Rep to better represent
embedding them in the structures, but in
the voice of PGR students.
light
of
the
Governance
and
Democracy
review will need to rethink where the PGR representation will sit.
The SU to further promote the SU School Reps
The promotion has gone really well, with
within their respective schools and the school-
the ability to have the reps on screens
based SU Rep system to raise awareness of
throughout the year, and in better awareness
student voice.
of the school reps.
The SU to continue the growth of SU Societies
The SU was able to nearly double the society
across both campuses to improve the sense of
memberships, making positive steps towards
student community.
achieving a bigger sense of belonging.
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2022/23 University Actions Action The
Update
University
#NotAnExcuse
to
continue
campaign
into
to
embed
student
life,
The University has embedded the campaign in wide range of resources, and continued in
sharing the campaign across the academic year.
supporting the campaign.
The University to develop spaces within both
The University has created some temporary
campuses for social activity where SU Society,
arrangements to allow for some space to be
volunteering and other student led activity
dedicated to societies. However, this space will
can take place.
not be available in the next year, and the issue of space remains and we still need resolutions for students who are currently with us.
The University to work with the Students’
Unfortunately, due to resource available to
Union
summer
the SU there has been only limited capacity in
transition activities targeted at supporting
which it supported the University’s transition
the transition of groups with high suspension
activities.
on
a
series
of
in-person
and withdrawal rates.
The SU has included the previous set of actions. However, the report will focus on the impact of the SU going forward, and as such the SU will not be producing actions directly f rom the report, but rather use the information provided in the report in planning and improving the SU throughout the year.
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