CANDIDATE
handbook
Welcome Welcome to the UPSU Elections 2013, and thank you for putting yourself forward for election. During the election period you will have the chance to develop a significant number of skills which, whether you win or lose, will undoubtedly be of value to you in whatever you choose to do for a career. Running an election campaign can involve project management, time management, presentation skills, negotiation skills, leadership, assertiveness, problem solving, creativity, personal discipline, and a whole host of other key skills. How much you take advantage of this opportunity is up to you. It is fact, however, that no candidate has ever won any election purely by just putting themselves forward, no matter how many friends they might think they have. Whether you think you are the hot favourite or have no chance, the reality is that at this stage pretty much everyone is even. It’s all to play for. Good luck, and may the best man or woman win. In this pack you will find as much information as we can muster on the elections. However, we still haven’t covered everything. If you are unsure on anything or need more information then please ask. It will be assumed by the elections team that you have read all of this before campaigning starts and therefore ignorance of any of the detail will be no excuse if anyone has a complaint against you: please take the time to read it.
There are a number of paradoxes which it is important to get your head around before you start:I. It is the job of those running the campaign to make the playing field as level as possible. II. Every candidate tries to find a way to get advantage over the other candidates. III. Playing fields are never level, no matter what you do. The Returning Officer will always try to ensure that any rules they make consider whether someone has deliberately tried to get unfair advantage in their actions. If this is the case then they will normally take action. This may include anything up to total disqualification from the elections. If it is the case that someone has a slight advantage due to something like their current position or their membership of a particular club then it is unlikely that this fact alone will be considered an unfair advantage. The golden rule throughout the elections is that if you are even slightly unsure of anything then please ask. Every year someone gets disqualified for stupid mistakes which could easily have been avoided. Don’t let that be you.
WELCOME
The Rules Context During the election campaign you are likely to be involved in a series of activities. It is important to remember that during the election campaign you are still bound by sets of rules that, whilst not strictly election rules, still have a bearing on your conduct. Union Rules: This includes abiding by the Union’s constitution, rules and procedures. If you breach these and the Returning Officer does not take action under the auspices of the election rules, you may still be subject to the Union’s disciplinary procedure, which in its ability to revoke membership rights, may put your candidacy in jeopardy. University Rules: The University operates a number of rules that relate to the student community and use of its facilities and propertye.g. bullying and harassment policy, computing use, damage to university property and buildings etc. If you breach these and the Returning Officer does not take action under the auspices of the election rules, you may still be subject to the University’s disciplinary procedure, which may also put your candidacy and student status in jeopardy.
The Law: The fact that you are standing in the election does not remove you from the auspices of the law of the land! Again, if you breach these and the Returning Officer does not take action under the auspices of the election rules, the Returning Officer reserves the right to refer the matter to the appropriate authorities, which may also put your candidacy in jeopardy.
Who’s who in the elections As you all know by now, there are a few different people involved in the elections. Below are the details just to reiterate the facts. All these people can be contacted via elections@upsu.com if you have any formal communication to submit, please do so via email rather than by phone as we will then have a record of it, as will you.
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Returning Officer
Deputy Returning Officer
This is the person on site who acts for the Returning Officer in the management of the elections process. Greg White the UPSU Chief Executive is the Deputy Returning Officer,he is responsible for ensuring that the wishes of the Returning Officer are carried out. Administrators
The Returning Officer has overall responsibility for the elections. Their decision is final and only challengeable through the official university complaints procedure. The Returning Officer is independent from UPSU so as to protect any internal officials from any suspicion of bias. Lead Officer
Tracy Priestman, Democracy and Campaigns Co-ordinator, is the prime contact for all things administrative. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the elections or your campaign Tracy or Matt Richards, Representation Support Manager will be able to help you; they can be found on the first floor of the SU or emailed at elections@upsu.com
The Lead Officer is the elected officer with responsibility for ensuring that the elections happen. This year’s Lead Officers are Jazz Singh-Khaira, President of UPSU and Rich Garratt, Deputy President. Neither Jazz nor Rich make rulings or interpret the rules, that is the job of the Returning Officer.
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Online voting and Marketing
Rob Gofton, Director of Marketing and Social Enterprise, liaises with the external provider of the website, BAM. Oliver Horne, Design and Marketing Manager ensures that all the elections publicity material is produced and works closely with his team to promote the elections effectively.
who’s who
The positions open In this election there are the following groups being elected:-
Union Parliament – Part Time Positions
Union Executive Officer - Full Time Positions There are 5 fulltime positions, known as Sabbatical Officers. The primary role of a Sabbatical Officer is to represent the students of Plymouth University, this may be within the Union, the University, local community or even on a national level. Each Sabbatical Officer is a Trustee of University of Plymouth Students’ Union. This means that they are a member of the Board of Trustees that governs the Union and is responsible for the financial and legal running of the Students ‘Union. Each Officer also has specific responsibilities relating to the predominant area in which they work. Sabbatical positions are paid as they are full-time, and require you to take a year out of study or take office as soon as you graduate. Your period of work runs from 17th June 2013 until 27th June 2014.
These positions are part-time, unpaid roles that students can do whilst they are studying; they offer a great opportunity, not only to represent students and improve their time at University but to enhance your skills and knowledge for your future career, many people also use it as a stepping stone to becoming a Sabbatical Officer. Positions vacant in this election are; • Parliament Chair The Parliament Chair is expected to Chair the Student Parliament in a non-biased and fair manner, they may be asked to chair other meetings such as AGM. The Parliament Chair has a seat on the University Board of Governors, the only student to do so along with the President of UPSU. They are also expected to attend Union and University meetings and assist with Union events as required. They are expected to get involved with UPSU campaigns and to run their own campaigns with assistance from UPSU as needed.
The positions have recently changed for a detailed job description see www.upsu.com/ elections
We will be electing the rest of the Student Parliament at the start of the new academic year.
President VP Engagement VP Societies and Sport VP Welfare and Community VP Education
All candidates are expected to promote the Elections in addition to their own campaign. It is important that, as candidates, you are aware of all the elections that are going on and understand why and how they relate to each other. When you are campaigning you will undoubtedly be asked about other elections and about the Union in general. It will not look good if you are not aware of all the elections that are going on.
The Voting System • Online voting We are using a tried and tested company for our online voting. The company is BAM who have experience of online students’ unions elections. It is important for you to know as candidates that none of the officials in the election have any access at any time to the voting records. The only information we have passed to us is the total number of votes cast at any one time. • Alternative Vote (AV) and Single Transferable Vote (STV) At UPSU we use voting systems called Alternative Vote (AV) and Single Transferable Vote system (STV). You will probably be more used to the “first past the post system” - where everyone puts a tick or a cross against their one preferred candidate and the person with the most votes on this first count wins. In both AV and STV voters are allowed to number their preferences, so if there are 6 candidates, they may fill in the ballot paper from 1 to 6. When the first votes are counted, if no one has received enough to be the clear winner (50% for elections with only one vacancy) then the person with the least votes is eliminated and the second preferences of all their ballot papers are transferred to the other candidates. This continues until either there is only one candidate left, or someone exceeds the number of votes needed to be deemed elected. All this means that as a candidate you have the opportunity to get people to vote for you by putting you second, third or even fourth or fifth preference. These votes could be the difference between winning or losing, this
will be covered in more detail at the training session. If you don’t understand any of this, please ask and we can go though it with you individually. It’s very important for positions where more than two people are standing. The difference between AV and STV is the number of positions available; AV is used when there is only one position e.g. President and STV is used when there are several vacancies to fill for the same position e.g. Independent Rep • Random order of names The system we are using randomly selects the order each time a paper is generated and even tracks the order such that no candidate appears at the top more than others. • Re-open Nominations (RON) In all UPSU elections we give the voter the choice to vote for Re-Open Nominations (RON). This means that even positions that only have one real person going for them could still lose to RON, this has happened before!
upsu.com All voting for these elections will be online. It is important that you regularly check the website, familiarise yourself with the election pages, and constantly check your emails for updates from us. In terms of what you will need to send to us for the website, you must send all or some
of the promotional documents to elections@ upsu.com by 12 noon on Wednesday 6th March Candidates standing for Sabbatical Officer roles or for Parliament Chair can submit the following documents for publication of the UPSU website, there will be a link from the ballot form to these documents.
• We will require a photo for the ballot paper and
A brief introduction, who you are, the position you are running for and your manifesto points, video clips must supplied as a URL link. Whilst there is no official time limit we suggest that it be no longer than 1 minute, any longer may out voters off watching
It is really important that you attend this session to have your photo taken; it will be used in most of the election promotional material that UPSU produce and you may be at a disadvantage if it is not included,
• 3 URL link to an external website
• Summary of your top three Manifesto points,
• If you are known by something other than your
A key way for voters to compare you with other candidates at a glance. Whilst UPSU will be giving some pointers from recent surveys, it is worth taking the time to get students views to inform your manifesto points. Please rank your key points from one to three; we will be using your number one point on the screens in the SU along with your picture .
All of these are optional, but they will affect your image on the website if you do not submit any of them.
overall promotion of the elections, as this needs to be at high resolution we will take photos after the training on the Friday 22nd February or Monday 25th February.
each point should be a maximum of 140 characters.
• A more in-depth manifesto, text only, 500 words max. Expanding on your key manifesto points this is your chance to let voters know who you are and what you stand for, what will you do if elected, what are the problems as you see them, what will you change? It is worth spending time finding out more about your key issues, can changes be made and how would you go about making those changes. • You can supply us with one promotional video
clip, we recommend that it is no more than 1 minute long, this will appear on the UPSU website. You will need to film this yourself and upload it to a video hosting site such as you tube.
This can be to Facebook, twitter or similar social networking site or an external website of your creation. given name i.e. if you have a nickname everyone knows you by or you shorten your name this can be used on the ballot paper. Please send this information with your manifesto.
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Campaigning Tips • How are you unique? There may be several other candidates running for the same position as you, what makes you different? Think about how you can stand out from the crowd, how are you going to ‘brand’ your campaign and ideas. • Target Market While you need to promote yourself and the elections to as many students as possible it may be beneficial to ensure that you contact specific groups. Are there certain groups that could have a specific interest in the position you are running for?, how can you contact them? Have you addressed their needs/concerns in your manifesto? That said it is also important to realise that some students may not agree with some of your ideas. • Be concise Concentrate on a few key ideas, be aware that voters may not be able to take the time to read masses of text. Outline the issue and what you will do about it if elected. • Use your time wisely You will not be able to campaign 100% of the time; plan where and when is the most effective use of your time. How does this fit with the groups of students who you aim to speak to? • Get a campaigns Team Get your friends to help you; you can cover more ground this way. Make sure everyone knows the plan, they are speaking on your behalf and need know what your manifesto points are. They are subject to the rules of the election and it is down to you to make sure they know and abide by the rules. UPSU need to know the name and contact details of your campaign leader, this needs to be someone you trust as we will contact them if we are unable to get hold of you.
• Make a positive personal impression Posters and flyers do not win elections, speaking face to face with people does. Look at ways that you can address several people at one time. Remember they need to have a positive impression of you, badmouthing other candidates is NOT the way to do this. Negative or offensive comments or actions against any other candidate or campaign team will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action as determined by the Returning Officer. Try to take the time to relate your campaign to their needs or concerns, even if they say they are already voting for someone suggest they vote you as number 2 preference – this can win elections. • Be innovative Stand out from the crowd, however, you need to stay within the rules of the elections, if in doubt ASK. Any of the elections team will be happy to help with any questions you may have.
Rules for current offIcers and student staff • Current officers
• Student staff
Whilst campaigning it is not permitted to wear t-shirts, badges or any other UPSU identification that might appear to show endorsement by UPSU of you as a candidate. The main reason for this is that, as current officers, you will all need to continue your normal duties whilst your campaign is running and it will be impossible to tell when you are doing your officer duties and when you are campaigning if you don’t remove your identification. Current sabbaticals will need to take time off in blocks of no less than half a day at a time, they must inform the Elections Administrator prior to the time being taken.
You should have already been told by your department manager, but it is very important that you do not campaign for any candidate whilst on duty. This includes wearing any campaign t-shirts, badges or any other promotional material. You may be required to wear upsu:elections promotional wear as part of your job. This is different as it will just be promoting the overall elections and not any particular candidate.
In addition to this, it is not permitted to use any resources of UPSU for the purposes of your campaign. That means you cannot store campaign material in the Union, or use rooms for your personal campaign use, or use any devices provided to you by the Union including, but not limited to, laptop, printer or phone. Sabbatical Officers are also prohibited from using their work email to send any campaign related material or send any campaign related email to any email address gained for work purposes. In essence, it is not permitted to use any privilege you might have by virtue of your office to benefit your campaign.
This is an extract from the UPSU Staff/Student protocol regarding student staff and elections:1.1 Whilst on duty for the Union, student staff should comply with all clauses above in relation to elections, policy and public comment in relation to the Union, i.e. publicity for specific candidates in elections should not be displayed. Statements contrary to Union policy should not be publicly aired. 1.2 When off duty as a student staff member, students will be able to take a full part in all elections and other procedures of the Union.
Rules for the campaign The following sections are for additional clarification and answer many of the FAQs from the candidates training. As always the golden rule is, if you’re not sure, ask.
anyone that controls any areas that you wish to campaign in. Please remember that you are representing UPSU in this campaign. Please do not disrespect our reputation
• What is campaigning?
The Union invests a lot of time, effort and resources into promoting these elections. The onus is now on you to promote yourself and encourage people to vote. The publicity you can use is entirely up to you as long as it stays within all rules and regulations. You are responsible for any publicity associated with your campaign. This includes cleaning up at the end of the election period. It is not acceptable for you to leave all your publicity up after the ballot closes. Please be responsible and just spend some time after 12 noon on Friday 15th March clearing up your publicity, failure to tidy up after yourself may result in UPSU withholding expenses.
Physical campaigning is not allowed before the start of voting on Friday 8th March, this means no flyers, posters ,banners or items of clothing associated with a candidate’s campaign can be displayed before this time. However you are able to research your manifesto, set up your campaigns team, and plan your campaign and generally communicate to others that you are standing either online or face to face • Where can I campaign? The legitimate areas for campaigning are those areas within the students’ union which will be identified in the candidates training sessions. If you wish to campaign in any other Plymouth University building, halls of residence or Partner College you must seek prior permission from the relevant parties. You must seek the express permission of
• Publicity
Rules for the campaign cont. • Emails, texting, phone calls, website forums and general use of personal data
In previous years we have had a lot of trouble with the University over the misuse of emails which ultimately led to the disqualification of candidates Legally, you are not permitted to use any personal data you might have access to for any use other than that for which it was originally intended. Examples of this include databases of emails and phone numbers of sports and societies members or course rep email lists. Any content of a Slanderous or libellous nature regarding other candidates is not permitted by anyone in any format, complaints of this nature will be taken extremely seriously and you may be disqualified from the election as well as facing potential legal action If you have the login for a club or society Facebook group we would recommend that you check with the committee of the club or society before posting from that account as it will appear that they endorse you as a candidate. Candidates are not premitted to use any admin rights they have for any official UPSU social media applications, you can however post. If in doubt ask. • Expenses The election rules quite clearly state how much each candidate has for their election. Even if you are using your own money in the election you must provide receipts in a sealed envelope with the name and position you are running for to the Elections Administrator by 12 noon on Friday 15th March. For this election you will be reimbursed up to £30 for your campaign materials, don’t forget we
can only give refunds for those items you have receipts for. You may spend up to £40 of your own money. You must account for all materials you use. You may not accept donations or sponsorship which might be termed a gift. Anything you use must be a true cost value to your expenses so if you are using materials you already have you must allocate them a realistic value. UPSU encourage candidates to be as creative as possible within the rules, whilst you need to account for materials used for your campaign publicity such as posters and t-shirts, other non-consumable items that are easily available to everyone need not be accounted for. For example, if you decide to bake cakes you will not need to account for buying an oven but will need to declare the cost of ingredients. Please check with the Representation Department for clarification if you are unsure One exception to this is where you choose to use transport to get around. You may do this at your leisure.
• Campaign team leaders and campaign teams Most of you will have your friends helping you in this election. Anyone helping you in your campaign will be deemed to be a part of your team and will be bound by the same rules as you. They act for you and you will be accountable for their actions. It is essential therefore that you fully brief your campaign team on what they can and cannot do. If they are caught campaigning against the rules then you will be penalised. If any of your friends send mass email or block texts then you will be liable. Take your time to brief everyone. In order to help us contact you, we need the name and contact details of someone who you are prepared to call your Campaign Team Leader. This needs to be someone you trust as we will take their word in your place as being your word. We need their details emailed to elections@upsu.com by 12 noon on Wednesday 6th February.
• Use of UPSU: logos and strap lines It is not permitted for you to use any of the UPSU corporate imagery in your campaign as this could lead to the perception that UPSU was endorsing your candidature. This means you can’t use the UPSU or logo or any of our strap lines including - your voice, your choice, your union, more than just a bar and transforming lives through experience, You can however use the ‘run UPSU’ election logo or a club or society logo, we suggest that you ask the committee if this is OK first UPSU will provide you with some standard text about us and the elections which you may use un-altered in your publicity if you wish You may use www.upsu.com in your publicity and we would encourage you to advertise this website as widely as possible.
Anyone who campaigns on your behalf must be a current student of Plymouth University. Please do not try to use lecturers, other University staff, students from other institutions or external associates in your campaign.
rules cont.
Signing off eligibility to be a Charity Trustee plus compliance with SU Constitution and election rules Every candidate for a full-time position should have signed an “eligibility to be a Charity Trustee” form. If you have not, then please contact the Representation Office
Constitution, Equal Opportunities Policy and Elections Rules. Not being aware of this fact will be no defence if you break any of the rules,
if in doubt ask.
All candidates, by submitting their application, have agreed to abide by the UPSU
What happens if you have an issue? If you have an issue or a question at any time then please let the Representation Office know ASAP. If you wish to make a formal complaint to the Returning Officer Do not contact them directly, do so via the Lead Officer or Election Team, as quickly as possible. The Elections Administrator will then contact the Returning Officer on your behalf. In all matters relating to the election the Returning Officer’s decision is final. When voting closes, the Returning Officer will need to ensure that every candidate has had every dispute resolved prior to the announcement of the result. It is your responsibility to ensure that all issues regarding the election process and conduct of candidates are raised with the elections team prior to the close of voting, no results will be declared until
all issues are resolved. Once the result has been announced no new issues will be heard unless they are in relation to the counting of the vote. Any issue raised with the Returning Officer will need to be filed with the Elections Administrator on the Elections Complaints form; this will be forwarded to the Returning Officer for their response. All complete complaint forms will be available to view on the notice board in the Students’ Union foyer. Formal complaints cannot be submitted anonymously although candidates may informally discuss any issues with the Representation Office who may seek the advice of the Returning Officer or their deputy.
Additional needs If you feel that any of the campaigning rules may cause you to be unfairly disadvantaged please discuss this with the Representation Office by emailing elections@upsu.com. UPSU will need to be made aware of your potential additional needs prior to the start of campaigning on 8th March.
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