1 1 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n An
August: Lunc h in the sun at Mojo’s Bar
September: International Students’ Welcome in 3sixty October: Freshers’ Fayre busy as always
November: Marc hing against higher tuition fe es in London
ren from January: Child rsery at play Nu rs Little Learne
December: RUSU hosts first Vice Chancellor talk to students
Contents 04
President’s Message
05
Chief Executive’s Message
06
Vision Mission Values
08
Our Year In Numbers
10
Our Strategic Aims
12
Representing the views of our members
14
Engaging effectively with our members
16
Enhancing the experience for our members
18
Providing quality facilities & services for our members
20
Working on behalf of our members
22
Where does the money come from?
25
Where does the money go?
26
Summarised Accounts
28
Balance Sheet
30
Trustee Board 2011/2012
President’s Message It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Reading University Students’ Union Annual Report and to our Annual General Meeting. As an organisation we have faced many challenges over the last year. Students’ Unions across the United Kingdom, as well as the National Union of Students, have come under unprecedented scrutiny from the government, press, public opinion and most importantly of all, our members. I am immensely proud to say we have faced these challenges head on while at all times staying true to our core values as a membership led, democratic union of students. In November almost 500 of our students marched on the streets of London against the cuts to higher education funding and the imposition of tripled tuition fees onto new undergraduates. As one of, if not, the biggest contributing unions outside of London in terms of student numbers, this shows activism is alive and well on Reading’s campuses. As well as the national demonstration a series of local demonstrations, debates and actions look place providing further opportunities for our members to make an impact on government policy. Internally we sought to develop our brilliant student societies that are so intrinsic to our aim of being ‘the centre of life on campus.’ We reformed the way groups are started, funded and supported to make things easier and quicker for our members. We also secured funding from the Development and Alumni office to facilitate our student groups in integrating international students more effectively by putting on events and excursions for their members. With the resignation of an Officer Trustee late into the year it was more important than ever that the student officer team pulled together and I’m proud to say students still benefited from high quality representation. 04 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
This year we intend to build on these successes and I implore you to join us in doing so. Come along to our new Student Officer Scrutiny (SOS) meeting and grill your officers. Help us win the world class library you deserve by getting involved with the ‘Love your Library’ campaign. Help tackle the stigma surrounding mental health issues with our ‘Post Secret’ campaign and above all, make Reading the place you want it to be. I have a vision for RUSU to be the UK’s leading campaigning union, an organisation that pushes boundaries, that wins for our members and, crucially, is ready for a higher education sector that is about to change forever. Five Student Officers can’t make it happen without you. After all, together we are stronger than the sum of our parts, so get involved and let’s create this change together.
Karl Hobley RUSU President & Chair of Trustee Board 2011-2012
Chief Executive’s Message This has been another busy year as RUSU registered with the Charity Commission as an Unincorporated Association to comply with the requirements following the implementation of the Charities Act 2006. Although the planning for registration started a number of years ago with the introduction of the Trustee Board it still involved making a number of significant changes to our Constitution and Bye Laws. RUSU has once again achieved a number of national accreditations for the services and facilities we provide for our members. We maintained Gold standard for our ethical and environmental performance in both the Students Union and the University ‘Green Impact’ schemes. We achieved the Gold ‘Best Bar None’ award for our continuing commitment to responsible licensing and also gained ‘Investors in People’ accreditation confirming the importance we place on developing our staff. The new RUSU website was launched over the summer to coincide with the publication of A-level examination results. This development will enable us to understand in greater detail the demographics of the students involved in RUSU and will help us to develop targets for the future to ensure that we represent our members more effectively.
facility for students, staff and visitors to the campus and also provides an increased revenue stream for the Students’ Union. Once again this has been a difficult trading year for the organisation with a reduction in the contribution provided by both our bars and catering operations. As a result of this continued decline a number of staffing changes were made at the end of the academic year. These changes include the introduction of more permanent staff in the catering department and the creation of the new role of Business Development Manager. The positive effects of these changes will hopefully ensure that 2011/12 will see a growth in our commercial income which will provide additional funds to further develop the support and services we offer to students. The year ahead includes a number of further opportunities and challenges for the organisation including gaining national accreditation for our advice, nursery and volunteering services, plus further developing the support we provide to our volunteers, Liberation & Representation groups, Course Representatives and working together with the University to limit the impact of the impending fees regime.
The opening of the new Campus Central store has been an exciting development made possible through working in partnership with the University. The new outlet offers an enhanced
Richard Silcock Chief Executive RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 05
o i ss i M n Visio
s e u l a V n o OUR VISION (What We Aspire To) We aspire to be the leading Union in actively representing, engaging and empowering every student
OUR MISSION (What We Exist For) RUSU is a democratic student led organisation. We provide high quality representation, opportunities for personal development and excellent services and facilities to all our members
OUR VALUES (Underpinning Everything We Do) Democracy
Diversity
Learning
We are a
We are committed
We are committed
student led and
to promoting
to realising the full
student focused
equality of
potential of our
organisation with
opportunity and
trustees, staff and
strong democratic
celebrating the
volunteers.
structures.
diversity of our membership.
Responsible
Innovative
Responsive
Openness
We recognise
We are a flexible
We are constantly
We will ensure
our wider role in
and dynamic
reviewing our
that the way we
society and actively
organisation
services to ensure
operate is open and
promote ethical
focused on
that they reflect
transparent to our
and environmental
providing the best
the expectations of
members.
best practice.
possible student
our members.
experience.
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 07
n I ar e Y r Ou Representation
71,263 people through the door on Wednesday and Saturday Union nights
147 56 RUSU represented 22,000 students
international students attended immigration workshops
%
increase in the number of students and staff taking advantage of our Little Learners Nursery
ÂŁ 253,002
in financial gains to students through help from our Student Advice provision from benefits, compensation, managed debts and funding 08 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
rs e b m u N n
2,620
A total of 212 people attended our Annual General Meeting
one-to-one sessions with our Student Advisors
NUS National Demo
212
16,546
Alumni Sports Day
559 students signed up to the ‘Fund our Future: Stop Education Cuts’ march in London
students engaged in sports and societies
150 ex-Reading students took part in the inaugural Alumni Sports Day
The average number of visits to our website each month
4,311
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 09
e t ra t S r Ou The Strategic Operating Plan (SOP) sets out RUSU’s targets for the next three years. The SOP is updated and agreed by the Trustee Board and our progress toward the targets is monitored throughout the year. All targets within the plan form a link between our vision, mission, values and the work of our student officers and staff.
This year we will be asking students for their feedback on the plan which will give our members an opportunity to shape the plans of the organisation over the next three years.
Representing The Views Of Our Members Representation, Campaigning, Governance, University, National Representation, Community
Engaging Effectively With Our Members Market Research, Communications, Online voting, Web & IT, Feedback, Satellite Campus
Enhancing The Experience For Our Members Participation, Volunteering, Sports & Societies, Involvement, Employability
Providing Quality Facilities And Services For Our Members Venues, Retail, The Hub, Nursery, Advice & Welfare, Student Focused Services
Working On Behalf Of Our Members Partnerships, Staff Development, Initiatives, Benchmarking, Financial Stability
10 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
egic Aims
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 11
u o f o ws ie v e h t g in t n e s Repre RUSU made a number of changes to Student Voice and Services & Entertainments Forum which included selecting students from defined demographic groups to feedback on our commercial services. As a result of these changes attendance at the meetings increased by 100 students compared with the previous year. A review of how RUSU supports its Liberation & Representation Groups (Women, Mature students, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT), Postgraduate students, International students, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) and Disabled students)
arly RUSU sent ne 500 students al to the nation n demonstratio n Fees against Tuitio in London
was presented to the Trustee Board. These changes will take effect in the coming year. RUSU continued to support the role of Course and Faculty representatives. All 10 Faculty Rep positions were successfully filled and the number of Course Reps increased to 283. The priority campaign for the year was the NUS ‘Fund Our Future’ campaign. Reading sent nearly 500 students to London to join the march and although the outcome was not as planned, the show of strength allowed the NUS to gain some important amendments to forthcoming legislation.
All Faculty R ep positions we re filled and the num ber of Course Reps increased to a total of 283
Student atte ndance at Student Voic e and Services & En tertainments Forum rose b y 100 compa red with the pre vious year 12 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
ur members
Challenges Ahead
Implement the election of Liberation & Representation officer roles Host a General Meeting to update members on progress towards our targets Hold a referendum on our affiliation to the National Union of Students (NUS) Work with University to enhance the support and facilities for international students Further develop the support and guidance provided for Junior Common Rooms (JCRs)
In response to the implementation of the Charities Act 2006, RUSU became a registered charity on 11th February 2011. This process involved a number of changes to our constitution and bye laws. RUSU is governed by a Trustee Board including five elected Officer Trustees, three elected Student Trustees and up to four appointed External Trustees. We completed the NUS Good Governance exercise which highlighted the systems in place are in line with best practice and recommended a few improvements. With the support of additional University funding RUSU developed the Community Wardens scheme to strengthen links with the local community and to promote the positive impact that the Union and the University have on the local community.
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 13
o h it w y l e iv t c e ff e g in Engag Research into the support provided for international students highlighted a number of areas including the lack of an appropriate non-licensed space on campus, the need for more entertainment focused events and also the importance student activities play in providing opportunities for home and international students to integrate. As a result of this research we developed plans to improve The Lounge (our non-licensed social space), provided additional nonlicensed events and we now measure the demographics of students involved in our activities.
U The new RUS website was launched to help improve ns communicatio bers with our mem
As part of our work on improving communications with our members we launched a new website in the middle of August. The new content management system is based on the database provided by the University which allows us to tailor our communications to specific groups of students rather than sending out generic information to all members. The development of the website is an on-going project which will continue to change in response to student feedback. The work on launching the website delayed the implementation of online ticket sales
RUSU conduc ted market resea rch to learn more a bout support prov ided for Internatio nal Students
Plans were d eveloped to improve The Lounge (our non-lice nced social space) and addition al non-licenced events were provide d 14 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
our members
Challenges Ahead
To raise the profile and awareness of the work of the Student Officers Significantly increase turnout and candidate numbers for Trustee elections Enable students to further influence RUSU direction through consultation Produce a termly publication highlighting the work of RUSU and the Student Officers Create an impact report highlighting the positive difference RUSU makes to students
until the summer term and the ability to provide online booking of RUSU facilities is still in development. The introduction of the database driven website also had an impact on our plan to achieve a turnout of 3,000 votes in the Spring Trustee elections. Unlike previous years students wishing to cast a vote in the elections had to register on the website first which meant that a lot of time and resource was focused on encouraging students to register rather than just promoting the elections. Although we failed to reach our overall target the number of votes for each candidate increased and with the support of the RUSU student media the elections results night was a great success.
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 15
o f e c n ie r e p x e e h t g in c Enhan This year RUSU re-launched its volunteering programme running 7 local community projects providing opportunities for over 100 students. RUSU also worked in partnership with the University in the Reading Experience and Development (RED) award scheme which provides key employability skills for over 500 students. Students involved in volunteering, holding positions in student activity groups or attending our employability workshops were eligible to take part in the scheme. We also investigated the feasibility of gaining accreditation as part of the ‘Investing in Volunteering’ (IIV) scheme which ensures
tivities A Student Ac created strategy was te on to concentra ent the developm lved in students invo activities
that the support we provide for all students involved in volunteering or activities reaches a set of national good practice standards. This is something we hope to achieve in the coming year. A review of the ‘Give it a Go’ scheme highlighted that the funding provided was often spent on equipment and events rather than as a means of encouraging new students to get involved in our activities. As a result the scheme was put on hold for the year and the recommendations will be included in the re-launched scheme next academic year.
The RUSU volunteering programme was re-launc hed following ma rket research fro m the previous yea r
The new role s of Student Activities Re presentative s were develo ped to focus on activity deve lopment rath er than finance and administ ratio
n
16 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
or our members
Challenges Ahead
Re-launch the ‘Give it a Go’ scheme Achieve ‘Investors in Volunteering’ accreditation Promote and support the role of the Student Activity Reps Lobby the University on changes to the funding model for sport Increase the number of students involved in student activities by 10%
We have developed a Student Activities strategy which focuses on the development of students involved in sports, societies and student media. As part of this strategy we reviewed the role and effectiveness of both the Sports Federation and the Societies Convention. Following this review the roles of Student Activity Reps were developed with a focus on the development of activities rather than the finance and administration of them. RUSU continued to work with the University SportsPark in the provision of facilities and services to our student groups. This involved ensuring that the University conformed to the requirements of our Service Level Agreement and also feeding back any issues raised by our activity groups. The area of funding for sport was highlighted as an area that requires further investigation in the coming year.
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 17
& s ie it il c fa y it l a u q g in Provid This year, in line with our market research we have hosted an increased number of nonlicensed social events. The majority of these events have been produced in partnership with RUSU student groups and have included the Culture Show, Fight Night, a Vintage & Retro show and the return of Levi Roots.
to take advantage of a national deal to work in partnership with the Co-op to provide an enhanced range of competitively priced and ethically sourced products. The Campus Central store opened toward the end of the Summer term and feedback from customers and staff has been very positive.
When Lloyds Bank closed their premises in Black Horse House we were offered the opportunity to develop a business plan to provide a new shop in the old bank premises. The project included gaining feedback from students on the range of products and services we should provide. We were able
The ‘Little Learners’ nursery continues to provide a high quality service to the children of staff and students and due to an increase in demand the number of places offered has risen from 94 to 106 and opening hours have been extended throughout the year. The nursery is on track to receive national
e Increased th number of non-licenced social events
A brand new store, Campus Cent ral, was opened in a larger premis es providing a b roader selection of products and services to o ur members
The number of places offered to th e children of students and staff at Little Learne rs Nursery ha s risen from 96 to 106 18 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
rs e b m e m r u o r o f s e & servic
Challenges Ahead
Develop interactive student advice web pages Increase the number of student groups that use our facilities Gain Community Legal Services Accreditation for our advice services Achieve a standard of ‘good’ or above in our Nursery Ofsted inspection Develop the old retail area to provide new commercial services for students
accreditation from the ‘Pre-School Learning Alliance’. Our Advice Service offers specialist help to students in the areas of academic support, financial management, accommodation issues and visa assistance for international students. Demand in all these areas is growing and this trend looks likely to increase further with the planned introduction of higher tuition fees. The service is currently working towards national accreditation with the ‘Community Legal Services’ scheme. The Lounge provides the only non-licensed social space on campus for students who are unable or not comfortable socialising in bars and nightclubs. RUSU student media (Spark newspaper, Junction 11 Radio and RU:ON television) have now moved in to the space.
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 19
e m r u o f o f l ha e b n o g in Work RUSU gained accreditation as an ‘Investor in People’ (IIP) following an onsite audit at the end of the Spring term. The IIP award focuses on how an organisation works towards its goals and supports and develops its staff as part of the process. This is a great achievement for RUSU and we have been encouraged to aim for the Gold standard in the coming year. We achieved Gold standard as part of the NUS backed ‘Best Bar None’ scheme in the Spring term. This accreditation scheme focuses on responsible licensing which includes providing a safe environment for customers and
ed RUSU achiev as an accreditation eople’ ‘Investor in P (IiP)
ensuring that drinks are sold at reasonable prices rather than relying on heavy discounts and promotions. RUSU have consistently achieved the standard since 2005, which demonstrates our commitment to responsible licensing. RUSU also achieved Gold standard accreditation in the NUS backed ‘Green Impact Student Unions’ and ‘Green Impact University’ award schemes. This accreditation measures the environmental and ethical performance of the organisation and includes everything from selling fairtrade products to encouraging staff and students to choose
Gold standar d was achieved as part of the NUS backed ‘Best Bar No ne’ scheme whic h recognises responsible li cencing of bars and ven ues
Received a G old standard accreditation in the NUS ‘Green Impa ct Student U nions’ and ‘Green Im pact’ Univer sity award schem es 20 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
embers
Challenges Ahead
Implement our new environmental strategy Apply for project funding from external agencies Maintain our Gold standard Best Bar None accreditation Work towards Gold standard Investors in People accreditation Maintain our Gold standard Green Impact Students’ Unions accreditation
environmentally friendly modes of transport. RUSU has achieved the Green Impact Student Union accreditation for the last three years which demonstrates our on-going commitment to environmental and ethical best practice. We actively encouraged the University to get involved in the University scheme when it launched two years ago and work in partnership to provide volunteers and incentives to support the scheme. We are continuing to work towards the next stage of the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI). Last year we proudly announced that we had achieved Silver accreditation under the scheme and we are now committed to completing SUEI 2 which aims to further stretch our commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of our members during their time at University.
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 21
e m o c y e n o m e h t s e o d Where The areas listed below all contribute to the overall income RUSU receives. The main source of RUSU’s income is from the University. However, this pie chart highlights how money spent in our shops, bars and catering outlets all make significant contributions towards the overall income.
Restricted Funds This is the money received from bids to the University Annual Fund for specific projects. The funds may only be spent on these projects and any unused amounts must be returned.
Franchised Space This is rental income from the outlets in the RUSU building such as Blackwells bookshop, Proper Pasty Company and Advanced Services Solutions.
Student Activities
Marketing & Sponsorship
Income from the sale of Sports Federation Insurance and the money raised from club photographs.
Includes money raised from Freshers’ Fayre and the sale of NUS Extra Cards.
22 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
Venues & Events Income from Mojo’s Bar and kitchen, Cafe Mondial, 3sixty nightclub and events including the Summer Ball.
Subsidary Company Income from fees paid to Little Learners’ Nursery.
Shops Income from R U Being Served?/ Campus Central and Bully’s Shop on Bulmershe Campus.
Grant Income The money provided by the University.
from?
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 23
24 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
Where does the money go?
RUSU provides high quality services and facilities in line with our Charitable Objects. The main expenditure areas are highlighted below. RUSU’s Charitable Objects include representing, supporting and advising students. We also aim to provide social, cultural and recreational activities for our members.
Governance The money spent on Officer Trustees, trustee training and producing the Audited Accounts
Reserves This is the money that RUSU will use to deal with unforseen problems.
Democracy & Representation This is the money spent on campaigns, elections and academic representation
Student Activities
Support Costs
Marketing
This is money given to the Sports Clubs, Societies and Student Media
This money is spent providing the services and facilities to students.
The money spent on promoting the facilities and events available to students
Advice Services This is money spent on providing free professional advice to students in areas including finance, accomodation, academic issues and immigration
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 25
The summarised financial information below is extracted from the full trustees’ annual report and statutory financial statements which were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf on the 31st October 2011. The statutory financial statements on which the auditors Knox Cropper gave an unqualified audit report will be submitted to the Charity Commission within the appropriate timescale.
Summarised Accounts The accounts below indicate the money raised (Incoming Resources) and from where.
For the year ending 31st July 2011 RUSU Trustee Board President VP Student Activities VP Democracy & Campaigns VP Welfare & Representation VP Academic Affairs (resigned March 2011)
Jess Lazarczyk Eve Nicol Nes Cazimoglu Steph Johnson Tommy Gilchrist
Student Trustees
Chris Campbell Ben Haines James Lloyd
External Trustees
John Cryne Julia Guest
General Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Total 2011
£
£
£
£
Total 2010 £
INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Grant Income
896,611
896,611
886,611
20,094
34,121
79,855
79,855
118,306
135,463
135,463
92,946
600
600
804
1,540,564
1,540,564
1,627,686
981,208
981,208
981,160
362,236
278,424
658,061
454,085
4,674,692
4,474,143
Annual Fund
20,094
Activities for Generating Funds Franchised Space Marketing & Sponsorship Interest Receivable
Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities Student Social Venues & Events Student Shops Student Activities (Clubs & Societies) Subsidiary Company Income
Total Incoming Resources 26 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
23,115
334,493
4,628
658,061
4,315,477
334,493
24,722
This page shows money spent (Resources Expended).
For the year ending 31st July 2011
General Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Total 2010
£
£
£
£
Total 2011 £
Resources Expended Cost of Generating Fund Franchised & Sponsorship
1,500
1,500
1,400
169,109
169,109
128,450
1,518,460
1,518,460
1,622,139
Student Shops
972,625
972,625
986,904
Student Democracy & Representation
190,323
5,114
195,437
187,081
Student Activities (Clubs & Societies)
415,222
15,300
773,571
722,266
Advice Services
158,121
158,121
152,649
Subsidiary Company (Nursery)
549,604
549,604
472,026
160,178
160,178
168,969
Marketing & Sponsorship
Chartiable Activities Student Social Venues & Events
Governance Total Resources Expenditure
343,049
4,135,142
343,049
20,414
4,498,605
4,441,884
180,335
(8,556)
4,308
176,087
32,259
As Previously Reported
358,833
-
-
358,833
299,894
Prior Year Adjustment
(98,880)
58,158
-
(40,722)
(14,043)
Now Reported
259,953
58,158
-
318,111
285,851
440,288
49,602
4,308
494,198
318,110
Net Movement in Funds Funds Brought Forward
Funds Carried Forward
RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 27
Balance Sheet For the year ended 31st July 2011 Consolidated 2011 £
Parent 2010
£
£
2011 £
£
2010 £
£
£
Fixed Assets
910,318
782,745
910,318
782,745
Investments
1,862
1,862
1,862
1,862
912,180
784,607
912,180
784,607
Current Assets Stocks
114,101
93,186
113,160
91,956
Debtors
222,385
175,750
172,577
243,426
Cash at Bank and In Hand
381,689
82,086
286,583
67,403
718,175
351,022
572,320
402,785
(467,157)
(417,143)
(330,880)
(370,026)
Creditors Accounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets
251,018
(66,121)
241,440
32,759
1,163,198
718,486
1,153,620
817,366
(669,000)
(400,375)
(669,000)
(400,375)
£494,198
£318,111
£484,620
£416,991
440,288
259,953
430,710
358,833
49,602
58,158
49,602
58,158
489,890
318,111
480,312
416,991
4,308
-
4,308
-
£494,198
£318,111
£484,620
£416,991
Creditors Accounts falling due more than one year
RESERVES Unrestricted General Designated
Restricted Total Reserves
Auditors’ Report We have examined the summarised financial information below and have carried out the procedures necessary to ascertain whether they are consistent with the full financial statements from which they have been prepared. In our opinion, the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 31st July 2011. Knox Cropper, Chartered Accountants, 8/9 Well Court, EC4M 9DN 28 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
If you want to know more
ss e r g o r p ’s U S U R t u o b a
come to the next General Meeting on Tuesday 14th February 2012 12noon in 3sixty RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 29
Trustee Board 2011/2012 The Trustee Board is made up of the five Officer Trustees, three Student Trustees and two to four External Trustees. All Trustees are responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the Students’ Union.
Aims
Officer Trustees
Ben Haines
Jack Legon
Steph Johnson
Alex Slater
Karl Hobley
VP Democracy & Campaigns
VP Student Activities
VP Welfare & Representation
VP Academic Affairs
President
• Motivate students to attend Student Fora
• Work to increase membership of Student Activity Groups
• Run a student safety campaign to tackle the high level of burglaries
• Increase communication between the University, Union and students
• Ensure more is spent on library resources
• Improve communication between SportsPark and RUSU
• Raise the profile of peer support to tackle stigma related to mental health issues
• Ensure that students are fully informed before they vote in the NUS Referendum • Create a focus group to discuss what needs changing at the University of Reading
30 - RUSU Annual Report 2011
• Utilise Student Media for coverage of all club and society events
• Organise a Welfare Party every term in the Students’ Union
• Campaign for longer library opening hours and a 24 hour study space • Promote the National Student Survey
• Introduce Reading’s first Student Charter • Ensure Student Officers are truly accountable and subject to effective scrutiny
Student Trustees
External Trustees
The Trustee Board includes three Student Trustees who are elected by cross campus ballot during the Student Officer Elections in the Spring Term.
The constitution has the provision for between two and four External Trustees to sit on the Trustee Board. These positions are filled through an application and interview process involving the Trustee Broad.
Freddie Clifford
John Cryne
Freddie is a third year student studying Real Estate and Planning. He has held different positions within JCR’ committees and is currently President of Stenton JCR.
John is an alumnus of Reading, graduating in 1976. He was a sabbatical officer at RUSU so is well placed to provide support and advice. He spent 30 years in the financial services sector and was a National Chairman the Campaign for Real Ale.
Emily Hatcher
Bob Deffee
Emily studies Fine Art. She served as a Course Rep in her first year and was awarded Faculty Rep of the Year 2010/11.
Bob has 40 years of experience of working with students unions. He started as a sabbatical officer and then went on to the NUS. He has worked in marketing for STA Travel as well as campaigning and public affairs for the British Refugee Council.
Hannah Hayes
Joe Martin
Hannah is a third year Human and Physical Geography student. She is Co-President of the recently formed Reading University Domestic Do It Yourself Society (RUDDIYS)
Joe was a sabbatical officer at both Leicester Students’ Union and University of London Union. He sat on the NUS Services Ltd Trustee Board and for the Learning & Skills Improvement Service and the Central Office of Information. RUSU Annual Report 2011 - 31
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Convict creations
said: “the main prob ningons mr slater listecti for Ele ce, and advi y everyone has cer your and t Offi he den lem is that obviousl Stu or not e ry: ther sinc rua whe l. on ssfu d Feb stre aske stuWhen t what in when things got different ideas abou Hobley said i’ve known and students expected to win, mr i’ve been at reading dents actually want, t the honest e teams of sabbatito Spark*: “if you wan s about what thre idea last the rent diffe have y, probably , and well y tivel rela so we need answer, earlier toda t, ers cal offic they think they wan various points orted me need to make not. But there were they’ve all really supp to confront this. We ght i was to on irati insp the ’re getting me in the week when i thou and given sure people know they ght i was so, to all of and i’m goahead, and then i thou want to do it myself. their value for money ly it was ” real you. but k n, than agai , nd on and not behi my predecessors ing to tackle this head close race bewas elected as VP r always going to be a slate alex back down.” idates.” cand e spok good and very irs, two tween for academic affa thanks to commitment e3 mr Hobley extended to Spark* about his Story continued on pag ident, Jess Lalibrary. current rUsU Pres towards the 24-hour nt urageme zarczyk for “her enco
t
bly Hall site
e agreed rsity of site curly Hall planning ommunity d on Friday
ey town eceived by who atvoice their sm of the protion sibley ses on the University e its accom-
ning applithere was also a plan t on the site cation for a phone mas decided also rs that the councillo cted. the to recommend be reje s be plan the nd vote to recomme s. rejected was unanimou
Concerns for local nt traffic and environme erns about residents voiced conc c that would the amount for traffi new houses y man so by ted be crea d roads, espeon already congeste area. the the in , Lane h cially Beec es was also pressure on school plac ental ronm envi as an issue as well risk of flooding concerns about the and wildlife. ersity’s this is despite the Univ d many maproposals to safeguar hatch red the ding inclu s ture tree
d by its rethat would be facilitate re oak ential family copse and a line of matu placement with resid area. trees near the site. sized houses and a play that this there were concerns ned the many houses contrave ingham Sibly Hall is now numbers of houses Wok agreed Borough council had looking tired over area should be built in the many also the next five years. ents also felt isperm ning However, many resid believed that if plan y accomplans for the that having Universit sion was granted the encouraged expand. modation in that area development would to more into the d rate hope had integ students to the University Ma rch : Alu mni genity. sition by erously local commun quell fears and oppo prean exhibition Vice chancellor had inviting the public to don ate lighthe wtin raised follo g kit then mon and to that RUeyDS mer viously said in the sum l loca er for land would ing up with a newslett through the sale of the ersity. in December. vested into the Univ residents published rein be ted out many council is the newsletter poin Wokingham Borough lopdeve ications positive aspects to the yet to consider the appl that sibly the plans ment including the fact public comments on and the in r built Wednesday Hall, a ten storey towe must be submitted by the and tired ing look 1960s, is now 16 march. landscape improvements to the
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Gaming
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ly Hall ib S r fo s n la p s ct je re l ci coun
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Colonel Gaddafi no longer ‘brother leader ’
April: RUSU JCR Trainin g
Dead Island Trailer
Travel Top travel tips
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May: Campus Central Grand Opening
June: RUSU’s Su mmer Ball
over Officer Hand July: Student
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