NORTHUMBRIA
STUDENTS’ UNION
REPORT 2014
our mission “TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF ALL OUR STUDENTS”
Our Values DEMOCRATIC * INCLUSIVE * ETHICAL INNOVATION * QUALITY * PARTNERSHIP
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR PROFESSOR ANDREW WATHEY MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON MAKING A BETTER UNION HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT VOICE - WINNING FOR STUDENTS REPRESENTING YOU EMPLOYABILITY GETTING INVOLVED COMMUNITY BUILDING SOCIAL COMMUNITIES WELCOMING YOU CONNECTING WITH YOU INTERNATIONALISATION WELLBEING STUDENT CITY LIVING SUSTAINABILITY
our positive impact...
contents
Our Positive Impact for 2014
3
message
FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
Students’ Unions are at the heart of the University community. They provide a welcoming and safe environment with opportunities for cultural enrichment and personal development for all. Most important, the very best Unions excel in representing the interests of their members and work constructively with their University to enhance the quality of the student experience. Northumbria Students’ Union is all these things and more. Northumbria is an excellent University for teaching, research and knowledge transfer. I know that a student’s first priority is to fulfil their academic potential. But in a competitive job market extra-curricular activities help students stand out from the crowd and the Union is a primary channel through which Northumbria students can enhance their employment prospects, through the numerous opportunities for personal development that the Union provides. I commend the outstanding work of all Union volunteers and the positive impact they have on the University but also the wider community in Newcastle and beyond. The Union has run highly effective campaigns in the past year engaging many thousands of students. As a University we listen carefully to what our students are saying and we will continue to work in partnership with the Union on issues raised in the future. I congratulate the Union on a year of tremendous achievement. I look forward to working closely with you over the coming year. Professor Andrew Wathey FRHistS FRSA FSA Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive Northumbria University
4
Our Positive Impact for 2014
NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON PRESIDENT 2014 - 2015
33% INCREASE IN STUDENT VOTERS
86% of students said we had a positive impact on their lives
1 IN 5 STUDENTS
NOW ACTIVELY INVOLVED NU:LETS SAVED STUDENTS
£60,300
Hello Northumbria! 2014 was a great year to be part of Northumbria Students’ Union. Together we have really made a difference to student life and made some really positive changes across campus. Our Mission is ‘to make a positive impact on the lives of all our students’ and through talking to students through a variety of channels it appears that we have come a long way in achieving this. Every year we aim to ensure that all students at Northumbria have a great experience at Uni, whether that be through; joining a society, volunteering, making friends, fun and entertainment, advice and representation, or even just saving money through ensuring we offer great value in all of our commercial outlets. Student representation is clearly at the forefront of what we do and this year we have successfully lobbied to achieve extended bus hours at Coach Lane, cheaper food in our retail outlets and free water fountains on campus. We have campaigned for your rights and our onsite lettings agency NU:LETS has gone from strength to strength, saving students a total of £60,300 in admin fees over the last year alone. We’ve seen a huge growth in student involvement with the amount of students joining societies or taking part in volunteering increasing by 27% with 1 in 5 students on campus, now actively involved in the Students’ Union. Our volunteers were even recognised on a national level with several NUS nominations and a collection of awards – most recently the Positive Social Behaviour Order, recognising the incredible work they do to help the elderly. On top of this, our elections also saw a 33% increase in the number of voters with the number of candidates applying to represent their fellow students at an all-time high. Ultimately we have worked hard to make a real difference for YOU! I am extremely proud to be part of Northumbria Students’ Union and I hope you enjoy reading about the impact we have had on your student experience. Natalie-Dawn Hodgson President 2014 - 2015
Our Positive Impact for 2014
5
MAKING a
BETTER
AS DETAILED IN OUR MEMBER APPROVED PLAN ‘THE BIG IDEAS 2012’, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD TO ENHANCE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE. DELIVERING A POSITIVE IMPACT FOR YOU, FOCUSING ON OUR KEY THEMES AND, STRIVING TO DELIVER THESE CORE GOALS:
UNION
6
Our Positive Impact for 2014
voice
internationalisation
HAVE YOUR SAY AND WE WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR IMPROVEMENT
AN INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR A GLOBAL STUDENT BODY
employability
wellbeing
THE UNION WILL DO MORE TO HELP YOUR FUTURE JOB PROSPECTS
WE WILL SUPPORT YOU THROUGH ALL ASPECTS OF STUDENT LIFE
community
sustainability
BUILDING STUDENT COMMUNITIES
SUSTAINING THE ORGANISATION FOR STUDENTS FOR ALL TIME
HAVING a
POSITIVE IMPACT
IN 2014 WE MEASURED STUDENT SATISFACTION, ENGAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT AGAINST OUR BIG IDEAS AND KEY OBJECTIVES. THIS YEAR WE SPOKE TO OVER 76% OF OUR MEMBERS THOUGH FOCUS GROUPS, AND A NUMBER OF SURVEYS INCLUDING ‘YOUR UNION, YOUR SAY’, THE ‘NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY’ AND OUR FRESHER’S WEEK SURVEY. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
86%
OF STUDENTS SAID WE HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEIRS LIVES
68%
POORNIMA DEVI SHANDRA BUS COURSE REP/RAG/VN
of students agreed the Students’ Union improved the quality of their academic experience
2,997 STUDENTS VOTED IN OUR SABBATICAL ELECTIONS
AN INCREASE OF 33%
72% OF STUDENTS said the Students’ Union has helped them feel part of a community
82% OF STUDENTS
agree they are kept well informed by the Students’ Union
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’
SATISFACTION INCREASED TO 5TH PLACE in the International student barometer
74% OF STUDENTS
were satisfied with the overall services, activities and opportunities we provide
The Students’ Union has helped me feel part of a community
68% OF VOLUNTEERS feel more confident about their future employability as a result of volunteering
INCREASED NET SURPLUS OF
1.5 % TO 4.5% PROFIT FROM TURNOVER IN OUR STAFF SURVEY,
79% OF STAFF ARE MOTIVATED TO WORK TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
53% OF STUDENTS
said we have improved their personal wellbeing
Our Positive Impact for 2014
7
voice
JOE HOLT, VICE-PRESIDENT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
WINNING FOR
STUDENTS
OUR ELECTED OFFICERS WORKED HARD TO CAMPAIGN FOR A BETTER UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE. OUR CAMPAIGN YOU SAID SU DID DELIVERED, AMONGST MANY THINGS:
We lobbied the university to get extended library hours at City Campus East
DEFEATED PROPOSALS TO BAN STUDENT PARKING IN JESMOND
BETTER FOOD AND RECREATION SPACE
IN CLAUDE GIBB
BETTER RESEARCH SPACE FOR POSTGRADUATES
A
BIGGER LIBRARY EMERGENCY
IN BUSINESS AND LAW
TAXI SCHEME
LONGER
OPENING HOURS AT
CITY CAMPUS EAST
WE GOT YOU
NU : LET S AN
EXTRA
COACH LANE
REMOVAL of
BUS
HIDDEN
ANO NYMOUS
FEES
MARKING
INCREASED FUNDING
BY 9.5%
FOR A BETTER SU EXPERIENCE
GOT FREE WATER
fountains on campus
LETTINGS BOARD TO BE BANNED
IN STUDENT AREAS
FAIRER ALLOCATION OF TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHERS DRINKAWARE.CO.UK
8
@NORTHUMBRIASU
Our Positive Impact for 2014
MYNSU
www.mynsu.co.uk
WWW.MYNSU.CO.UK
REPRESENTING 28IN SABBATICAL CANDIDATES
ALL-TIME RECORD OF
YOU
OUR MAIN PURPOSE AS A UNION IS TO REPRESENT, LISTEN AND CAMPAIGN TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE ON BEHALF OF NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS. REPRESENTATION IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE UNION AND THE SABBATICAL OFFICERS AND ADVICE & REPRESENTATION STAFF WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE AND SUPPORT STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE STUDENT JOURNEY.
ELECTIONS
1,974 HOURS
SPENT ON ACADEMIC CASES
415 COURSE REPS TRAINED
7% INCREASE
1,216 ACADEMIC
REPS IN PLACE
£13,150 2,997 VOTES AWARDED IN + 33% CAST IN ELECTIONS
FAIRER ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES FOR GROUP WORK
CAMPAIGN REP GRANTS
765 STUDENTS consulted with on timetabling issues
68%
OF COURSE REPS HAVE MADE A POSITIVE CHANGE
Launched Open Knowledge Project Accessibility improved across campus for disabled students
SPOKE TO OVER
4,000
STUDENTS
THROUGH GO OUT AND LISTEN DAYS AND HALLS VISITS
411 ACADEMIC ADVICE CASES
CAMPAIGNED NATIONALLY TO PROTECT FUNDING FOR
POORER STUDENTS
Our Positive Impact for 2014
9
employability 2014 HAS SEEN STUDENT INVOLVEMENT REACH AN ALL-TIME HIGH WITH RECORD NUMBERS OF STUDENTS SIGNING UP TO VOLUNTEER OR BECOME A MEMBER OF A SOCIETY. NOT ONLY DOES THIS ENHANCE THEIR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT BUT IT ALSO IMPROVES THEIR EMPLOYABILITY AFTER GRADUATING. WE AIM TO DEVELOP OUR STUDENT STAFF IN LINE WITH OUR INVESTORS PEOPLE ACCREDITATION TO IMPROVE THEIR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS.
68%
OF VOLUNTEERS
were more confident about their future employability
Launched Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
479 LEADERSHIP POSITIONS MADE AVAILABLE
457
STUDENTS
JOSH RIVERS RAG/WELCOME TEAM/IT CLASSES
RECOGNISED FOR VOLUNTEERING
86 STUDENTS NOMINATED FOR ANNUAL AWARDS
Working for the Union has improved my FRQß GHQFH DQG JLYHQ PH loads of transferable skills to enhance my employability
Degree accreditation for Nightline volunteers
OVER 110
student staff employed by the Union
50%
of our staff recruited in 2014 were Northumbria graduates
66 BAR STAFF
COMPLETED AND GAINED AN NVQ CERTIFICATION
Launched online NVQ accredited training
STUDENT NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
t
t
t t t
10
Our Positive Impact for 2014
IT CLASSES WON 1. ‘I Made A Difference’ Innovative Partnership Award 2014 2. ‘Truth About Youth’s’ Positive Social Behaviour Order Award Dec 2014 219 STUDENTS had achievements recognised on their Higher Education Achievement Report WON National Nightline Association Volunteer of the Year NOMINATED FOR NUS Student of the Year 2014 961 nominations in Student Led Teaching Awards +85%
getting £63,000 INVESTED
INVOLVED 116 SOCIETIES + 56%
2,402 STUDENTS 32,851 HOURS SIGNED UP TO VOLUNTEER
101 STUDENTS GAVE 935 HOURS IN STUDENT VOLUNTEERING WEEK
IN STUDENT ACTIVITIES + 50%
£15,121 RAISED FOR CHARITY
KARLA PRIME NSU MEDIA/VN
Volunteering in the y community is not onl ing ard rew ibly incred but a great way of meeting new people and learning new skills
THROUGH RAG
157 RAG
TEAM MEMBERS
2,500 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFITTED FROM VOLUNTEERING
375 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN FAST FRIENDS TRIPS
Our Positive Impact for 2014
11
community
BUILDING SOCIAL
COMMUNITIES
OUR KEY AIM IS TO BUILD STUDENT COMMUNITIES ON CAMPUS BY PROVIDING EXCELLENT VENUES AND FACILITIES OFFERING ALL DAY GOOD VALUE AND A GREAT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME. WE HOPE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET FRIENDS BUILD SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND CREATE LIFE LONG MEMORIES. HABITA CONTINUES TO BE THE MAIN SOCIAL HUB ON CAMPUS.
SERVED OVER 200,000
FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN HABITA HOSTED THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PADDY’S DAY WITH
1,700 PEOPLE
IN ATTENDANCE
INCREASED FACILITY STUDENT SOCIAL USAGE
BY 44%
12
Our Positive Impact for 2014
SOLD OUT
LONDON GRAMMAR GIG AND
HOSTED 50 LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
AWARDED
VENUE OF THE WEEK
for National Coffee House Sessions
GAVE 10K
AWAY IN FRESHER’S PRIZES
HOSTED
OVER 30
STUDENT LED EVENTS
HOSTED 6,329 HOURS’ WORTH OF STUDENT LED EVENTS
SERVED 71,455
Starbucks coffees
POURED 170,111
PINTS
HOSTED HOSPITALITY FOR OVER
22,000 STUDENTS AND THEIR GUESTS AFTER GRADUATION CEREMONIES
COACH LANE
DEAN WILSON LAY STUDENT COUNCILLOR
CAMPUS
t 01&/&% THE NEW SHOP t "110*/5&% FULL TIME STUDENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER t 3"/ " /6.#&3 0' FAMILY FUN DAYS AND PARTIES t 4&37&% COSTA COFFEES AT COACH LANE
The Students Union is a safe place to socialise and meet friends
Our Positive Impact for 2014
13
WELCOMING YOU
KEELEY EDMONDSON WELCOME TEAM/NSU/MEDIA
NORTHUMBRIA IS RENOWNED FOR THE INCREDIBLE WELCOME WE PROVIDE. FROM THE EXCITING DAYTIME ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME TO THE LIVE ACTS AND CLUB NIGHTS, NORTHUMBRIA FRESHERS’ WEEK HAS IT ALL.
305 WELCOME TEAM 1,152 STUDENTS moved ATTENDED
5,000 STUDENTS INTO HALLS
DAYTIME ACTIVITIES
OVER 1,300 6,275 STUDENTS WELCOME
WORLDWIDE RECEIVED THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WELCOME PACK
PACKS
MAILED TO STUDENTS AHEAD OF FRESHERS’ WEEK
8,359 ATTENDED COMPANY FAIRS
REDUCED THE PRICE OF FRESHERS’ ENTERTAINMENT
SAVING STUDENTS 36K
14
Our Positive Impact for 2014
Being part of the Welcome Team was such a laugh and really rewarding
7,398 ATTENDED ATTENDED SOCIETIES AND PROJECTS FAIRS
LAUNCHED A BRAND NEW FRESHERS’ WEEK PROGRAMME AND
SOLD 1,781 TICKETS
CONNECTING
CALLUM WATT FACULTY REP
WITH YOU DISTRIBUTED
COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT HAS BEEN A HUGE FOCUS AND PRIORITY FOR THE STUDENTS’ UNION IN 2014. THIS YEAR WE HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO GET OUR MESSAGE OUT TO STUDENTS IN THE RIGHT PLACE IN THE RIGHT WAY AND THE RIGHT TIME. WE HAVE DEVELOPED OUR DIGITAL PLATFORMS, AND INCREASED LINKS WITH STUDENTS IN HALLS.
82% OF STUDENTS FEEL WELL INFORMED
+ 8% ON LAST YEAR
OVER 76%
OF STUDENTS
surveyed in market research and focus groups
397%
INCREASE
IN INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
LAUNCHED 13 HALLS
FACEBOOK GROUPS
20% INCREASE ON TWITTER FOLLOWERS TO 6.2K
35,000 COPIES OF NSU/LIFE MAGAZINE
I was able to make friends before I even arrived through joining the Halls Facebook group
714K
VISITS
WWW.MYNSU. CO.UK
28,307
NSU/TV YOUTUBE HITS
NEW STUDENT
RADIO STATION
LAUNCHED
DIRECT SUMMER MAIL SHOT TO
25,270
STUDENTS 554,264 E-COMMUNICATIONS SENT Our Positive Impact for 2014
15
internationalisation WITH AN INCREASINGLY DIVERSE STUDENT POPULATION, NORTHUMBRIA HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT WELCOME TO STUDENTS COMING FROM OVERSEAS AND WE HAVE PROVED TO BE INTEGRAL IN PROVIDING A PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO MAKE FRIENDS AND MEET LIKEMINDED PEOPLE.
SANDEAN FERNANDEZ RAG/ VOLUNTEER NORTHUMBRIA
RANKED 5TH
in the UK for international student satisfaction
OVER 1,300
STUDENTS
WORLDWIDE RECEIVED THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WELCOME PACK
Through forming a society I was able to meet likeminded people
LAUNCHED INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
311 STUDENTS
ATTENDED GLOBAL FOOD FAIRS
WITH 18 DEDICATED INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL AND DIGITAL SOCIETIES
OVER 656
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERS
MEDIA ACCESSED FROM
70 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
7500 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ATTENDED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
16
Our Positive Impact for 2014
wellbeing AS A STUDENTS’ UNION WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR STUDENTS NOT ONLY TO SUPPORT THEM ACADEMICALLY BUT ALSO TO ENSURE THEY REMAIN SAFE, HAPPY AND HEALTHY. WE WORK ALONGSIDE STUDENT SUPPORT & WELLBEING, LOCAL COUNCILS, POLICE AND NHS SERVICES TO MAKE SURE WE PROVIDE AN ALL-ROUND SUPPORT NETWORK FOR ALL STUDENTS AT NORTHUMBRIA.
LAUNCHED MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
40% INCREASE
HANDED OUT
LAUNCHED GETTING SETTLED PROJECT AND SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS INITIATIVE
3,000 FREE CONDOMS
HANDED OUT
2,000 FREE DRINK UNIT CALCULATORS
IN CALLS TO NIGHTLINE
STUDENTS VOLUNTEERED
CAMERON GILES LAY STUDENT COUNCILLOR
There is always someone there to listen
5,502 HOURS FOR NIGHTLINE
LAUNCHED FREE MASSAGE SERVICE FOR STRESSED STUDENTS
FREE STI SCREENING FOR 18-24 YR OLDS
Our Positive Impact for 2014
17
STUDENT
TALLY KERR NSU/MEDIA/MUSIC SOCIETY
CITY LIVING AFTER LISTENING TO OUR STUDENTS WHO INFORMED US OF THE ISSUES THEY ENCOUNTERED FROM LETTING AGENCIES AND LANDLORDS. NU:LETS WAS LAUNCHED IN 2012 AND HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, SEEING A HUGE GROWTH IN 2013/14. WE ARE WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE LIVING STANDARDS IN THE CITY AND PROVIDE BETTER ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS.
ly bad After a real ith my w ce en ri expe lord nd la previous I have ad gl so I’m ind peace of m ETS :L U N ng si u
COMPLETED 564
131 TENANCIES INCREASED OUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO BY
133% TO 156 PROPERTIES
£60,300 SAVED IN ADMIN FEES
HOUSED
402
STUDENTS
18
Our Positive Impact for 2014
HOSTED FIRST EVER HOUSING WEEK LAUNCHED STUDENT CITY LIVING @ NORTHUMBRIA MAGAZINE AND
DISTRIBUTED
7,000 COPIES GENERATED
£40,200 INCOME
STUDENTS
consulted with on housing issues in the city
DEALT WITH
600 STUDENT
PROPERTY ENQUIRIES FREE
TO A GOOD HOME
STUDENT CITY LIVING At Northumbria
Student Housing
Survival Guide
Find Your
Perfect Pad
Your Guide to the
Best Student Areas
www.nu-lets.co.uk The ONLY official and approved student letting agency of Northumbria
sustainability FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2013-2014
INCOME
The Students’ Union continues to successfully manage its costs efficiently and increase income. Commercially we seek to diversify our income base and our in-house letting company NU:Lets continues to grow with turnover increasing by 661% to £30,399. The Union made an overall surplus of £14,405 in 2014 an improvement of £49,452. With net current assets of £246,419 the Union is in a stable position to build for the future. The University’s continuing confidence in the Students’ Union’s ability to manage its affairs in a prudent manner was rewarded with an increase grant funding of 8.5% to £2,025,000 for the financial year 2014-2015. This increase in funding allowed us to grow the quality of the Union’s representation services and the increase the breadth of student activity and personal development opportunities for our members.
University Grants £1,851,500 Self-Generated Income £1,422,284
EXPENDITURE Governance £7,684 Affiliations Including NUS £43,331 NU:LETS £14,345 Depreciation £88,644
Due to good financial management and additional support and increased funding from the University we have reinvested even more into the Students’ Union. This has led to better facilities, enhancing our activities and enabling us to represent students more effectively with better staff support.
TOM BROMWICH VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS & DEMOCRACY (VPCD)
A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Costs Of Sales £533,670 Support Costs £488,464 Rent £800,000 Salaries & Wages £1,303,241
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS SURPLUS OF
£14,405
UNIVERSITY GRANT FUNDING INCREASED BY
All the money we make is recycled into making better facilities for you
9.5%
FOR 2014 - 2015 SELF-GENERATED INCOME INCREASED BY
3% TO £1.442K INCREASED GRANTS FOR STUDENT GROUPS BY
50% TO £48,200
STRENGTHENED NET CURRENT ASSETS BY
£85,330 INCREASED NET SURPLUS OF PROFIT TO
4.5%
SECURED FUNDING TO ESTABLISH STAFF POSTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS ON THE COACH LANE AND LONDON CAMPUSES AND TO IMPROVE ENGAGEMENT WITH STUDENTS LIVING IN HALLS OF RESIDENCES.
CONFERENCING t HOSTED OVER 1,000 UK and international conference delegates t GAINED RECOGNITION through the attendance of high profile guest speakers including Haile Gebrselassie, Sir Jonathon Ive and Sir Chris Hoy
Our Positive Impact for 2014
19
TRUSTEESof& LEADERS NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS’ UNION 2014
NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON ` NICOLE PEGG ` MIKE POTTER JAMIE THOMPSON ` SARAH PRICE ` AMY WEALLEANS ` WILLIAM DOWNEY KATE KENNEDY ` DAVID INMAN ` TIM MALLENDER ` KAREN INGRAM TIM HILL ` QUINCY RAYMOND ` DIANE REDDELL ` CHRISTINE SIMONS LAURA NELSON ` JOE HOLT ` TOM BROMWICH ` NICHOLA MCKENZIE
@NORTHUMBRIASTUDENTSUNION
@NORTHUMBRIASU
WWW.MYNSU.CO.UK
MYNSU