01.11.2011 Agenda by Queen Mary Students' Union

Student Council Tuesday 1 November 2011 at 18.30 in the David Sizer Lecture Theatre Agenda

1.0

Apologies If you are unable to attend the meeting please send your apologies to tom.sutton@qmsu.org

2.0

Chair’s Welcome and Announcements

3.0

Minutes from the meeting of Student Council held on 19 September 2011 (pages 3-7) Union Council is asked to note the record of the last meeting.

4.0

Minutes from the meeting of the Board of Trustees held on 3 October 2011 (pages 8-12, with appendixes on page 13 and pages 14-17) Union Council is asked to note the record of the last meeting of the Board of Trustees.

5.0

Minutes from the General Meeting held on 10 October 2011 (pages 18-25) Union Council is asked to note the record of the last General Meeting.

6.0

Officer Reports (pages 26-29) Union Council is asked to note the activities of the Union‟s Part-time Officers since the last meeting.

7.0

Executive Action Plan (pages 30-35) Union Council is asked to note the activities of the Union‟s Full-time Officers since the last meeting.

8.0

London Student Manifesto A report and discussion on the development of a London-wide Student Manifesto from the Vice-President Student Activities.

9.0

Student Council and Part-time Officer Role Consultation A report and discussion on a consultation conducted by the Vice-President Student Activities and Mile End Part-time Officers.

10.0

Articles of Association (pages 10-11 with Appendix pages 36-37) A motion to replace the Union‟s Constitution with an Articles of Association to allow the Union to register as an incorporated charity as approved by the General Meeting.

11.0

Creating a Full-time Officer Team that drives the Student Experience (pages 38-49) A motion to reform the Union‟s Full-time (or Sabbatical) Officer positions as approved by the General Meeting.

12.0

Student-Focused Student Council (pages 40-41) A motion to reform the membership of Student Council and Part-time Officer positions as approved by the General Meeting.

13.0

Approval of Media Regulations (page 42 with appendixes on pages 43, 44-46 and 47) A motion to adopt of new media guidelines as approved by the General Meeting.

14.0

Support November 9 Demonstration (page 48) A motion seeking Union support for the Education Activist Network Demonstration to be held on 9 November.

15.0

Support 30 November (page 49) A motion seeking Union support for Trades Union Strike Action to be held on 30 November.

16.0

Justice for Palestine (page 50) A motion seeking Union opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestine mark the “International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People”.

17.0

Boycott Israeli Goods (pages 51-53) A motion to adopt a boycott of Israeli products.

18.0

Condemnation of Library Staff Redundancies (page 54) A motion seeking Union condemnation of College staff redundancies.

19.0

Amendments to Election Regulations (pages 55-56) A motion to amend the Union‟s Election Regulations on the recommendation of the Board of Trustees.

20.0

Improving our Decision-making through Consultation (page 57) A motion to create a Consultation Working Group to develop guidelines for conducting consultation with students.

21.0

A motion for QMSU to defend the separate identities of QM and BL sports teams in the BUCS leagues (page 58) A motion seeking Union opposition to British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) proposals to allow schools/departments within Students‟ Unions to enter separate teams.

22.0

Time, date and place of next meeting Wednesday 23 November at 18.30, Venue TBC

Student Council Minutes Monday 19 September 2011 at 18.30 in the David Sizer Lecture Theatre

Chair: Eleanor Hallam Mile End Officers present (15): Andrew Kanyemba (Black Students Officer) Ben Richardson (Student Representative) Caz Parra (Secretary) Chris Smith (Student Representative) Ciara Squires (Student Representative) Darcie Tyler-Henley (Volunteering Officer) Dominic Todd (Sports Officer) Donald McKinnon (LGBT Officer)

Ellen Kiely (RAG Officer) Michael Gilbert (Postgraduate Officer) Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer) Shaun Ramanah (Students with Disabilities Officer) Tom Voice (Ethical and Environmental Officer) Wanda Canton (Women‟s Officer) Wilson Wong (Societies‟ Officer)

Mile End Officer apologies (3) Edoardo Palmombo (Welfare Officer) Nabil Najjar (Student Representative)

Velyana Borisova (International Officer)

Whitechapel Officers present (13): Adnan Aslam (Dental Representative) - part Andrew Smith (Student Representative) Ben Hughes (Technical Officer) Eva Pathmananthan (Dental President) Hannah Downer (Treasurer) Jeeves Wijesuriya (Vice-President London) - part Jon Cramphorn (Vice-President Barts)

Micheal Samy (Communications Officer) Nicolas Blondel (Campaigns Officer) Richard Donovan (SSLC Rep) Rob Zabihi (Dental Representative) - part Sam Chequer (Welfare Officer) - part Timothy Foster (Clubs and Societies‟ Officer)

Whitechapel Officers apologies (4): Amy Coulden (Entertainments Officer) Aran Ali (RAG Captain)

Mandi Pal (Secretary) Salem Al-Sawaf (Entertainments Officer)

Sabbatical Officers in attendance: Sophie Richardson (President) George Ryan (Vice-President Association) Sam Creighton (Vice-President Communications)

Dominic Bell (Vice-President Activities) Oscar Williamson (Vice-President Education and Welfare)

Union Staff in attendance: Philip Gilks (Student Voice and Development Manager) Tom Sutton (Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator)

1.0

Apologies Apologies were noted and accepted.

2.0

Chair’s Welcome Announcements Chair welcomed members to the first quorate meeting of the new academic year. Chair introduced a new form for Student Council members‟ to log their votes in accordance to policy passed in the last academic year. Chair clarified the reasons to abstain. Student Council members should only abstain if they are genuinely on the fence whether to vote for or against on an issue not because they are unclear of the arguments. Student Council members should seek clarification or the continuation of debate to avoid abstentions.

3.0

Minutes from the inquorate meeting of Student Council held on 11 September Approved as an accurate record.

4.0

Amendments to Clubs, Societies and Student Groups Regulations Dominic Bell spoke in favour of a review of the Union‟s Clubs, Societies and Student Groups Regulations. The proposal created new „student groups‟ for volunteering, campaigning and support activities. Among other changes the review included a change to the definition of an active group. Student Council voted in favour of the motion: - 24 votes in favour - 0 votes against - 4 abstentions

5.0

Amendments to Election Regulations Sophie Richardson spoke in favour of changes to the Union‟s Election Regulations. The proposal was the outcome of a review conducted after this year‟s main elections. The review clarified definitions of terms, adapted the role of student media and clearly defined the appeals and complaints procedure. Student Council voted in favour of the motion: - 26 votes in favour - 0 votes against - 1 abstention

6.0

Any other Business Sophie Richardson informed Student Council that proposals changing the roles of the full-time officers, the Part-time Officer structure and membership of Student Council will be discussed at a General Meeting held in early October. - Ozzy Amir requested that the venue for the meeting take place in a popular location with ordinarily high footfall. - Sophie Richardson replied that the best arrangements will be made to publicise the meeting and find a venue that is open and accessible. Sophie Richardson also informed Student Council of arrangements to send a delegation to Conservative Party Conference. There were up to fifteen part-subsidised places available for £10 from the tickets from the Union stalls at the Fresher‟s Fair or from the Blomeley Centre. Sophie Richardson requested that Student Council members arrange meetings with Tom Sutton to develop personal action plans for the year. Action Members of Student Council are to email (tom.sutton@qmsu.org) or text Tom Sutton to arrange meetings to develop personal action plans.

Wanda Canton informed Student Council of the difficulties she had had booking rooms for events with external speakers. - Dominic Bell replied this was a long-running issue with room booking and was something he hoped to tackle in the year ahead. Members of Student Council asked multiple questions about the management of budgets. - Details of how members of student Council can manage these budgets will be explained in their personal action plan meetings with Tom Sutton. 7.0

Time, date and place of next meeting Tuesday 18 October at 17.30, Venue TBC

4.0

5.0

officer:

position:

Andrew Kanyemba

Black Students Officer

Ben Richardson

Student Representative

Caz Parra

Secretary

Christopher Smith

Student Representative

Ciara Squires

Student Representative

Darcie Tyler-Henley

Volunteering Officer

Dominic Todd

Sports Officer

Donald Mackinnon

LGBT Officer

Ellen Kiely

RAG Officer

Michael Gilbert

Postgraduate Officer

Ozzy Amir

Campaigns Officer

Shaun Ramanah

Students with Disabilities Officer

Thomas Voice

Ethical and Environmental Officer

Wanda Canton

Womens Officer

Wilson Wong

Societies Officer

for

against abstain

for

against abstain

4.0

5.0

officer:

position:

Adnam Aslam

Dental Representative

Andrew Smith

Student Representative

Benjamin Hughes

Technical Rep

Eva Pathmananthan

Dental President

Hannah Downer

Treasurer

Jeeves Wijesuriya

Vice-President London

Jon Cramphorn

Vice-President Barts

Micheal Samy

Communications Officer

Nicolas Blondel

Student Representative

Richard Donovan

SSLC Representative

Robert Zabihi

Dental Representative

Sam Chequer

Welfare Officer

Timothy Foster

Clubs and Societies Officer

for

against abstain

for

against abstain

X X X

Unconfirmed Minutes of the Meeting of the QMSU Board of Trustees held on 3 October 2011 Present:

Sophie Richardson (in the Chair) Dominic Bell, Edward Boakye, Zamila Bunglawala, Jordan Carroll, Sam Creighton, Elizabeth Hall, Christopher Millward, Dominic Moore, Farhad Rahman, George Ryan, Joshua Snape and Oscar Williamson

In Attendance:

Mike Wojcik (Chief Executive), Shelly Donaghy, Philip Gilks and Mike Miller (Secretary)

Apologies:

Amit Puri and Kael Long

Prior to the formal business meeting, Sophie Richardson gave a presentation to the Board on the National Student Survey, outlining the main features of the 2011 results for QMUL and how they compared with the previous year. Board members noted that improving assessment feedback was a priority for the sabbatical team in 2011-12. Sophie also reported that from 2012 there would be an additional question in the survey about students’ unions, and her objective was for QMSU to be in the top quartile for responses to that question. A summary of the results is attached to these minutes. 11/42 Membership of the Board A list of the Trustees for 2011-12 (BT 11 01) was received, and the Chair welcomed all the new members. The Board also noted that Kael Long had indicated that he would stand down from the Board at the end of 2011, so there would then be a vacancy for an Independent Trustee. 11/43 Minutes The minutes of the last meeting held on 15 June 2011, which had been circulated, were approved as a correct record. 11/44 Matters Arising from the Minutes Arising from M11/35 – Trustee Insurance – the Board noted that confirmation had been received from the insurers that the ‘Directors and Officers’ cover applies to all the Trustees. Arising from M11/37 – Policy for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – it was noted that the Board’s questions and comments were being considered as the policy was developed. Arising from M11/32 – Registration with the Charity Commission - it was noted that the signed Trustee Declarations had been sent to the Commission on 6 July 2011.

11/45 Chair’s Report The Chair reported on the ongoing discussions about changes to the roles of the sabbatical officers. The proposal to move to 4 sabbatical officers, the President, BLSA President, and VPs for Education and Welfare, would be submitted to the next general meeting for approval. The officer roles on the Student Council were also being reviewed, with a view to securing better representation. These proposals would also be considered at the general meeting, then submitted to the Board. The Chair indicated that she hoped to meet Trustees individually during the course of the year, in order to seek their views and develop involvement. The minutes of the meeting of the Student Council held on 19 September 2011 (BT 11 03) were received and it was noted in particular that the Council had approved the revised Election Regulations and Clubs, Societies and Student Groups Regulations. It was suggested that the composition of Union committees should be monitored in line with good practice in public bodies. The Board noted that no minutes were available from the AGM on 2 June 2011. 11/46 Budget for 2011-12 The Board noted that the budget for 2011-12 (BT 11 05) had been approved by circulation on 2 July 2011, following a final review of the proposals by the Finance and Planning Committee. 11/47 Chief Executive’s Report The Chief Executive presented his report (BT 11 06) and, from a broad review of matters, focused on the current capital projects. The Board noted the progress on the new Student Centre, which was expected to include space for the Union, in exchange for the Blomeley Centre. It was also reported that 2 tenders which were under budget had been received for the BLSA project. Board members asked about the arrangements for the oversight of capital projects and the management of risks, and it was noted (i) that the project steering groups comprised technical experts as well as senior officers of the College; (ii) that the project steering groups were supported by professionals and (iii) that the Chief Executive had substantial project management experience. In relation to the Student Centre project, it was noted that the Union would not vacate its present space until new premises had been completed. A management plan for the Student Centre, which would include bookable rooms and a multi-faith centre, would be presented to a future meeting of the Board. Trustees asked about progress with the writing and agreement of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the College; a first draft was almost complete, and would be presented to the next meeting of the Board. It was noted that the MOU would be supplemented by service level agreements (SLAs) to set out responsibilities in relation to various professional areas. The nature of the Union’s relationship with the College meant that it would not be realistic to expect remediation to be included; any shortcomings which were not dealt with would have to be reported to the College’s senior team. A question was asked about ownership of the Union’s premises. This was complex and would be covered in the MOU. It was also noted that a working group was taking forward the Consultant’s report on the Chislehurst Sports Grounds; it was not expected that the Union would seek to take over the running of this facility, though this option had not been completely ruled out. The remainder of the report was noted.

11/48 Audit and Risk Committee The unconfirmed minutes of the last meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee held on 18 July 2011 (BT 11 07) were noted. It was clarified that the loss of £5k from the Ground Cafe was not accurately described as having been ‘stolen’, but that disciplinary action had been taken in line with College procedures. The amount lost was too small to warrant an insurance claim. 11/49 Appointment of Auditors The Board noted progress with regard to the tendering process from the Chief Executive’s Report. PWC had not submitted a tender, so 2 firms – RMS Tenon and Knox Cropper – had been invited to present to the selection panel on 29 September 2011. Both had been impressive and were regarded as appointable, but further analysis was needed to identify the most suitable. This would be done in time for a recommendation to be put to the next meeting. 11/50 QMSU Services Ltd The Board received the unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors of QMSU Services Ltd held on 21 June 2011 (BT 11 09). It was noted in particular that the Board had agreed the budget for 2011-12. The Directors had also agreed that the work of the company could be enhanced by the appointment of one or two additional non-executive (unremunerated) Directors with current or recent commercial or retail experience. The Board supported this approach. 11/51 Management Accounts The Chief Executive introduced the provisional end of year accounts for 2010-11 (BT 11 10), which showed an estimated surplus for the year of about £45k, against a budget of £22k. The end of year audit would begin later in October. Although no figures were yet available, the initial signs were that sales had been healthy in the early weeks of 2011-12. In response to a question, the Chief Executive indicated that he would be investigating the Union’s investments, which showed almost £20k on the balance sheet. 11/52 Registration with the Charity Commission The Board was pleased to note that the Union’s application to register with the Charity Commission had been successful, with the Union being added to the register of charities on 12 July 2011, charity number 1142843. 11/53 Incorporation as a Company limited by Guarantee Arising from the decision taken at its March meeting (M11/11) that the Union should change its status to that of a company limited by guarantee, the Board considered a proposed Memorandum and Articles of Association of the new company ((BT 11 12). These were based on a model provided by the NUS, and had been adapted to meet the needs of QMSU. The Board addressed Article 32.3 which proposed that in future Student Trustees should hold office for 2 years rather than one, as at present. Such a change would be beneficial in providing continuity and enabling Student Trustees to make more of a contribution. There were, however, practical problems given that so many degrees were three years in length, and the constitution did not allow former students to stand for election to these posts. The Board AGREED that the Article should be amended to allow two Student Trustees to serve a one year term and two a two year term. Some Trustees were concerned at the potential destabilising effect of the provisions for the removal of Trustees (Articles 35 – 38). Although these provisions were much as in the present constitution, it 10

was AGREED that legal advice should be sought to ensure that these Articles could not lead to a situation in which the stability of the Union as a charity would be threatened. The Board noted that the Student Council had some reservations about Article 40.3.3, which gave the Board a broad power to override policy decisions. There were also some concerns about proxy voting. The Chair reported that she had consulted the Principal and the Chairman of the College Council, who were both content with the decision for the Union to incorporate as a company. Following the discussion the Board AGREED: (i)

To approve the proposed Memorandum and Articles of Association (Attachment to BT 11 12) for the new company, subject to minor typographical and presentational changes; the changes needed to enable Student Trustees to hold office for either one or two years and legal advice both generally on the draft and specifically on the removal of Trustees; and (ii) That it would have no objection to the final version being circulated to the College Council in advance of the 9 November meeting. 11/54 Terms of Reference of the Board of Trustees The Board considered revised terms of reference (Attachment 2 to BT 11 13), and AGREED that they should be introduced to replace the existing terms of reference when incorporation as a company had been completed. 11/55 Appointment of Members of Committees The Board noted from BT 11 14 that there were a number of vacancies on the Audit and Risk, and Finance and Planning Committees for 2011-12. It was AGREED that the memberships of the committees for 2011-12, including existing members should be: Audit and Risk Committee Elizabeth Hall (Chair), Dominic Moore, Kael Long, Sophie Richardson, George Ryan, Christopher Millward and Joshua Snape Finance and Planning Committee Amit Puri (Chair), Zamila Bunglawala, Dominic Bell, Sam Creighton, Oscar Williamson, Jordan Carroll and Edward Boakye 11/56 QMessenger Web Site In his report to the Board, the Chief Executive had expressed a number of concerns about some aspects of the development of the QMessenger web site, summarised in Appendix 2 to BT 11 06. The Board also considered a paper by Sam Creighton, setting out the history of the site and its operation. Members discussed various issues raised by these papers in particular the ownership of the site and its domain name (which should be registered to the Union); management and control and how the proposed QMedia constitution related to the Union constitution; terms of reference; how the running of the site and other communication media related to the rest of the role of the VP (Communications) and potential conflicts of interests. Members appreciated the commitment of Sam Creighton and his colleagues and accepted that much of the site content replicated the paper QMessenger publication, but felt that, until the issues raised had been resolved with the Chief Executive, the site should be taken down. Sam Creighton agreed to do this. 11

The Board asked for a further report, including a proposed plan of action, to be presented to the next meeting. 11/57 Election Regulations The Board considered proposed new election regulations (BT 11 16), which had been developed partly in response to some of the election difficulties in 2010. The Board accepted that it was not possible to cover all potential problems, but felt that the regulations were much more comprehensive than previously and AGREED to approve them, subject to any typographical and presentational corrections that might be required. 11/58 Clubs, Societies and Student Groups Regulations The Board considered proposed new regulations for clubs, societies and student groups (BT 11 17). It was noted that there would be increased training and support for clubs and societies to try to resolve some earlier difficulties. The Board AGREED to approve the regulations. 11/59 Schedule of Work for 2011-12 The Board noted its schedule of work for 2011-12 (BT 11 18). The routine work needed every year was shown in normal type, with the business specifically relating to the coming year in italics. 11/60 Dates of Meetings in 2011-12 The Board noted its calendar of meetings for 2011-12 (BT 11 19), and that the next meeting would take place on 9 November 2011.

M A Miller â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 October 2011

QMSU Board of Trustees – Meeting on 3 October 2011 Action Note

M11/

Action

Filling of vacancy for Independent Trustee

MW/MM

Finalise MoU for next meeting

Present Student Centre plan to a future meeting

Agree recommendation for next meeting

MW/DM/AP

Investigate Union investments

Follow up questions/issues and take legal advice

Deal with issues raised and make report to next meeting

SC/MW

MAM – 10 October 2011

Queen Mary Students’ Union (QMSU) Trustee Code of Conduct 1.

Introduction

This Code applies to members of the Board of Trustees of Queen Mary Students’ Union, and provides a framework of expected behavior and standards for all categories of Trustee in the stewardship of the Students’ Union’s affairs. The principles underlying the Code (in particular relating to confidentiality and reputational matters) also apply to former members of the Board of Trustees. The Code is not a list of Trustees’ legal duties, although many of the elements of the code are based on legal principles and Trustee responsibilities. These duties are summarised in the Charity Commission’s leaflet, Responsibilities of Charity Trustees1. Underpinning the Code is the need to ensure that QMSU maintains the highest standards of integrity and stewardship; is effective, transparent and accountable; and fosters and sustains good working relationship with the Chief Executive and his/her senior team.

The Code

General Trustees will be expected to abide by the Principles set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life - selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership in the oversight of QMSU. These principles will underpin the conduct of all Trustees.

Legal and constitutional responsibilities

3.1

QMSU Trustees must act in accordance with the law, which includes for these purposes, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations that impact on any aspect of the Trustee role.

3.2

QMSU Trustees must be familiar with, and will act within, the Constitution of QMSU and abide by the policies and procedures which flow from, or inform the document. The governing documents include for these purposes, QMSU’s Constitution, Bye-Laws, Codes of Conduct, and relevant documented policies and procedures.

3.3

QMSU Trustee will support QMSU’s mission and act as its guardian.

3.4 QMSU Trustees will ensure that QMSU pursues its objects as defined in its Constitution and uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of those objects.

4. Relations with others and safeguarding QMSU’s and the College’s repututation 4.1. QMSU Trustees must strive to establish respectful, collegial and courteous relationships with all individuals and groups with which they come into contact in this role.

CC3 The Essential Trustee: What you need to know. February 2008 14

4.2 QMSU Trustees must strive to safegguard the reputation of QMSU and ensure that it, or its stakeholders do not act in such a way as to damage that reputation, or the reputation of Queen Mary, University of London. 4.3. QMSU Trustees must not speak as a trustee of QMSU to the media or in a public forum without the prior knowledge and approval of the Chair or Chief Executive. 4.4. When speaking as a trustee of QMSU, Trustees’ comments must be informed and reflect current QMSU policy even when such policy may be contrary to the personal opinions of the Trustee. 4.5. QMSU Trustees must respect organisational, Trustee Board and individual confidentiality. 4.6. QMSU Trustees should take an active interest in QMSU’s public image and the national Students’ Union sector.

5. Personal Gain 5.1. Unless specifically and lawfully authorised to do so (for example, under the Education Act 1994 or Trustee Act 2000), QMSU Trustees will not gain materially or financially from their role as trustee, or permit others to do so as a result of their actions or negligence. 5.2. QMSU Trustees must use the resources of QMSU responsibly, when authorized. 5.3. QMSU Trustees will not accept substantial gifts or hospitality without prior consent of the Board of Trustees. 5.4. QMSU Trustees will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to procedure.

6. Conflicts of interest 6.1. QMSU Trustees must always strive to act in the best interests of QMSU and its present and future members. 6.2. QMSU Trustees must not put themselves in a position where their personal interests are in conflict with their duties and obligations as a Trustee. 6.3. QMSU Trustees will declare any conflict of interest, or any circumstance that might be viewed by others as a conflict of interest, as soon as it arises, whether or not it is lawfully intended 6.4. QMSU Trustees acknowledge that a failure to declare a conflict of interest may be considered to be a breach of this code. 6.5 QMSU Trustees must complete and sign a general Register of Interests on an annual basis which may be made publicly available.

7. In the Boardroom 7.1. QMSU Trustees will strive to embody the principles of leadership in all my actions as entrusted to them by the Students’ Union

7.2. QMSU Trustees must abide by any Board governance procedures and practices that may be established. 7.3. QMSU must strive to attend all Trustee Board meetings, giving apologies ahead of time to the Chair if unable to attend, noting that there are procedures in place for the removal of Trustees who miss a specified number of meetings on a consecutive basis, without good reason. 7.4. QMSU Trustees must honour the authority of the Chair and respect his or her role as meeting leader. 7.5. QMSU Trustees will engage in debate and voting in meetings according to procedure, maintaining a respectful attitude toward the opinions of others while making my voice heard. 7.6. QMSU Trustees will accept a majority Trustee Board vote on an issue as decisive and final. 7.8. QMSU Trustees must maintain confidentiality in relation to Boardroom business, as set out in the Annexe.

Annexe Confidentiality of Board and Committee Papers: Supplement to the Trustee Code of Conduct 1. As the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union is a charity which receives substantial amounts of public funding, it is important that it conducts its business openly and transparently. Trustees should, therefore, ensure that, as a general principle, students and staff of Queen Mary, University of London and QMSU have free access to information about meetings of the Board of Trustees and its committees. The minutes of Trustee Board meetings will be available for public inspection when they have been confirmed. 2. There will, however, be occasions when papers and records of discussions and decisions will not be made available publicly or indeed to other students and staff. These occasions will normally be when commercially sensitive matters are under discussion (for example a tender for some new business), or when named individuals are identified in papers (such as in a disciplinary case). Papers relating to such matters will be labelled Confidential. Trustees should not discuss the content of such papers with anyone outside the committee or board which considered them. In the event of any uncertainty about this guidance should be sought from the Clerk to the Trustees or the secretary of the appropriate committee. 3. It is important that the Trustee Board and its committees are able to engage in open and detailed discussion in order to make the best possible collective decisions. There must, therefore, be trust among members who have a shared corporate responsibility for the oversight of the Union. Trustees should, therefore, keep confidential any matter which the Chair of the Board or of a committee considers should be dealt with on a confidential basis 4. Trustees should not make statements to the press, media or in public meetings relating to the business of the Board or any of its committees without the approval of the Chair or the 16

Chief Executive. Trustees are not permitted to make statements which purport to represent the views of the Board without the Chairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authority. Trustees should not disclose outside Board or committee meetings the views of individual members. Approved by the Board of Trustees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 December 2010

Minutes Monday 10 October 2011 at 19.00 in the Arts Two Lecture Theatre, Mile End

Chair: Eleanor Hallam Attendees: A full list of attendees can be obtained from the Union‟s office in the Blomeley Centre Members present voted for instating the Chair of Student Council as the Meeting‟s Chair. 1.0

Chair’s Welcome and Announcements The Chair welcomed members to the first General Meeting of the academic year. The Chair outlined the processes for voting, making speeches, submitting amendments and asking questions and points of clarification. The Chair also requested that members respect each other and avoid making arguments personal. The Chair explained that motions passed by the General Meeting would be referred to Student Council and ultimately the Union‟s Board of Trustees for approval.

2.0

Minutes from the General Meeting held on 6 December 2010 Members approved the record of the last meeting.

3.0

Articles of Association Oscar Williamson spoke for a motion seeking to replace the Union‟s Constitution, the governing document, with Articles of Association that will allow the Union to become an incorporated charity. 3.1

Amendment Delete: 40.3.3 of the Articles of Association. Insert: “contravenes the charitable aims and objects of the Union; or” Ozzy Amir spoke for the amendment. He argued the phrase “interests of the Union” was vague and too open to interpretation. The amendment established a refined remit. Oscar Williamson spoke against the amendment. He argued the amendment was unnecessary because students and elected representatives had the power to remove Trustees that did not share their interpretation of the phrase “interests of the Union” and appoint Trustees that did.

Ozzy Amir spoke for the amendment. He argued that reappointing the Board of Trustees takes time in a matter that might require an urgent decision. Oscar Williamson spoke against the amendment. He argued the phrase which was taken from the National Union of Students‟ Model Constitution was required by the Charity Commission. Members of the Board of Trustees were elected by either Members themselves or their elected representatives so would rarely, if ever, interpret this phrase differently to Members themselves. Members present voted for the amendment. - Ozzy Amir became the new proposer of the motion. Oscar Williamson spoke against the motion. He argued that the Articles with the amendment no longer met the requirements of the Charity Commission so would not allow the Union to become an incorporated charity. Caz Parra spoke for the motion. She argued that if the Articles did not meet the requirements of Charity Commission they could return back to a General Meeting for further debate. Mihir Sanghvi spoke against the motion. He argued there was no point voting for a motion that would not allow the Union to become an incorporated charity. 3.2

Amendment Delete: 35.1 of the Articles of Association. Abdul Williams spoke for the amendment. He argued if the views of Board of Trustees would rarely, if ever, differ from Members themselves there was no need for this part of the Articles. Ozzy Amir accepted the amendment.

3.3

Clarification The Membership Services Manager gave advice she had been given by the Union‟s lawyer and the Charity Commission that the inclusion of 40.3.3 was not a requirement and should still allow the Union to register as an incorporated charity.

Ozzy Amir gave the summation for the motion. He argued the Articles now reflected what Members wanted them to say and the point of clarification confirmed the Articles met the requirements of the Charity Commission. Over three-quarters of Members present voted for the motion and adoption of the Articles of Association. 4.0

Creating a Full-time Officer Team that drives the Student Experience Dominic Bell spoke for a motion seeking to reform the Union‟s Full-time Officer structure. He summarised the proposed changes and argued they focused all Full-time Officers on representation. 4.1

Procedural Motion For QMSU resolves 1. to be taken in parts. Caz Parra spoke for the procedural motion. She argued this will allow Members decide on the Full-Time Officer positions separately. Dominic Bell spoke against the procedural motion. He argued he had effectively summarised the arguments for the changes in his speech for the motion. Members voted against the procedural motion.

4.2

Amendment 19

Delete: All parts of the motion relating to the removal of a Vice-President Student Activities. Abdul Williams spoke for the amendment. He argued it was better that the role of Vice-President Student Activities was taken on by an elected Full-time Officer than an appointed staff member which this motion proposed. Dominic Bell spoke against the Amendment. He argued appointed staff members were better at taking on administrative tasks than elected officers. He clarified that the role of Vice-President Student Activities would only partly be taken on by a staff member. The representative parts of the role would be transferred to students – the Union‟s Part-time Officers and Club and Society Presidents. Abdul Williams spoke for the amendment. He argued students nominating themselves for Vice-President Student Activities should ensure they‟re capable of taking on the role before submitting their nomination. The Union needed more elected officers not appointed staff. Dominic Bell spoke against the amendment. He argued that by transferring the representative part of the role of Vice-President Student Activities to students, student activities could become more student-led. Dozens of students could more effectively take on the role than one Full-time Officer. Members present voted against the amendment. 4.3

Amendment Delete: All parts of the motion relating to the removal of a Vice-President Communications. Caz Parra spoke for the amendment. She argued part of the reason behind removing Vice-President Communications, that there was a conflict of interest between responsibilities as a Full-time Officer and responsibilities leading student media, was not apparent. Sophie Richardson spoke against the amendment. She argued there was a conflict of interest between leading an independent student media and being a Trustee and Fulltime Officer. The proposal would make student media more student-focused and student-led. 4.3.1

Clarification Sophie Richardson clarified that there was no plans to withdraw funding of student media and that the role of Vice-President Communications would be taken on by student editors of each media outlet and supported by staff.

Ozzy Amir spoke for the amendment. He argued Vice-President Communications was essential to allowing student editorial teams to produce what they wanted to produce. Sam Creighton argued against the amendment. He argued that as long as there was sufficient staff to support student editors, student media would operate effectively without a Vice-President Communications. The role of Vice-President Communications was largely administrative and would be better taken on by a staff member. Members present voted against the amendment Ozzy Amir spoke against the motion. He argued that removing two elected representatives from the Union‟s structure was bad for student representation within the Union. Student Media and Student Activities would no longer be effectively represented.

Dominic Bell gave the summation for the motion. He argued the Union‟s structure did not lose two representatives as Vice-President Student Activities and Vice-President Communications were not fully representative roles. The proposal would add more representatives to the Union‟s structure that represented students on students‟ issues and improving the student experience. Members present voted for the motion. 5.0

Student-Focused Student Council Wilson Wong spoke for a motion seeking to reform the membership of Student Council and Part-time Officer positions. He summarised the proposed changes and argued they made Student Council more representative. 3.1

Amendment Delete: QMSU believes 11. Insert: “Issues faced by Postgraduate Taught Students, Postgraduate Research Students, International Students, First Year Students, LGBT Students, Students with Disabilities, Women Students and Black (Multi-Cultural) Students at each campus share common ground, however, due to the different geographical location, course timetabling and separate community medical and dental students have, there is a requirement to separate Whitechapel representative positions.” Delete: QMSU resolves 2.i. Insert: “Three Barts and The London Representatives; one Pre-Clinical Representative, one Clinical Representative and one Dental Representative.” Delete: QMSU resolves 2.iv. Insert: “One First Year Representative Mile End and one First Year Representative Whitechapel” Delete: QMSU resolves 3.i Insert: “Mile End International Officer with an International Representative (Education) and International Representative (Welfare) and Whitechapel International Representative (Education).” Delete: QMSU resolves 3.ii. Insert: “Mile End Postgraduate Officer with a Postgraduate Taught Representative (Mile End) and Postgraduate Taught Representative (Whitechapel) and Postgraduate Research Representative (Mile End) and Postgraduate Research Representative (Whitechapel)” Delete: QMSU resolves 3.iii. Insert: “Mile End Black Students Officer with the Multi-Cultural Representative (Mile End) and Multi-Cultural Representative (Whitechapel)” Delete: QMSU resolves 3.v. Insert: “Mile End LGBT Officer with the LGBT Representative (Mile End) and LGBT Representative (Whitechapel)” Delete: QMSU resolves 6.i. Delete: QMSU resolves 6.iii. Delete: QMSU resolves 6.xii. Delete: QMSU resolves 6.xiii. George Ryan spoke for the amendment. He argued although this motion was a step in the right direction, students were not consulted about the changes. He claimed the amendment was drawn up after consultation with Barts and The London students and proposed to split cross-campus positions. Sophie Richardson spoke against the amendment. She argued that the amendment did not split all cross-campus positions: a Womens Representative, International Representative (Welfare), Students with Disabilities Representative for Barts and London were all absent from the amendment. George Ryan spoke for the amendment. He explained Women, International (Welfare), and Disabilities issues will be represented by the Barts and The London 21

Campaign Officer. Students he consulted did not see a need for separate representatives. Dominic Bell spoke against the amendment. He argued that this amendment prevented Mile End and Barts and the London students working together and made students‟ voice weaker. Barts and The London Students‟ Association he argued had improved as a consequence of working with the Union. George Ryan spoke for the amendment. He argued Barts and The London Students‟ Association had a separate history and required autonomy. Dominic Bell spoke against the amendment. He argued that as Vice-President Student Activities he represented all students the College regardless of course and campus and part-time positions could similarly be cross-campus. Andy Smith spoke for the amendment. He argued because students studying at Mile End were in a majority, there needed to be disproportionate representation for Barts and The London students on Student Council. Dominic Bell spoke against the amendment. He argued that Barts and The London students were disproportionately represented in the original motion and could stand for all cross-campus positions. Cross campus positions could empower Barts and The London students with union-wide decisions opposed to Barts and The London Students‟ Association exclusive decisions as the amendment proposed. Members present voted for the amendment. - George Ryan became the new proposer of the motion. 5.2

Amendment Delete: QMSU believes 11., 14. and 15. Insert: 1. “That our students are best represented via their Faculty and via the campus they primarily study on.” 2. “That any argument made stating that a student studying in the faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences or Science and Engineering is incapable of representing a student studying in the faculty of Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry is equally applicable; a. to a student studying in the faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences or Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry being incapable of representing a student studying in the faculty of Science and Engineering b. to a student studying in the faculties of Science and Engineering or Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry being incapable of representing a student studying in the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.” Delete: QMSU resolves‟ 1-3 and 5-7 Insert: 1. To remove all existing Part-time Officer/Student Councillor positions for the 2012-2013 academic year onwards. 2. To create a Council made up of the following positions; a. Council Chair (cross-campus elected) b. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences representatives (elected from and by students in this faculty) i. First Year Representative ii. Postgraduate Taught Representative iii. Postgraduate Research Representative iv. Welfare Representative v. LGBT Representative vi. Multicultural Representative vii. Women‟s Representative 22

viii. ix. x. xi. xii.

Students with Disabilities Representative International Representative (welfare) International Representative (education) School of History Representative School of Languages Linguistics and Film Representative xiii. School of Business Management Representative xiv. School of Economics and Finance Representative xv. School of English and Drama Representative xvi. School of Geography Representative xvii. School of Law Representative xviii. School of Politics and International Relations Representative c. Faculty of Science and Engineering Representatives (elected from and by students in this faculty) i. First Year Representative ii. Postgraduate Taught Representative iii. Postgraduate Research Representative iv. Welfare Representative v. LGBT Representative vi. Multicultural Representative vii. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Representative viii. Students with Disabilities Representative ix. International Representative (welfare) x. International Representative (education) xi. School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Representative xii. School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science Representative xiii. School of Engineering and Materials Science Representative xiv. School of Mathematical Sciences Representative xv. School of Physics and Astronomy Representative d. Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Faculty Representatives (elected from and by students in this faculty) i. First Year Representative ii. Postgraduate Taught Representative iii. Postgraduate Research Representative iv. Welfare Representative v. LGBT Representative vi. Multicultural Representative vii. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Representative viii. Students with Disabilities Representative ix. International Representative (welfare) x. International Representative (education) xi. MBBS Representative xii. BDS Representative e. Mile End Part-time Officers (elected from and by students studying primarily on the Mile End campus) i. Mile End Societies Officer ii. Mile End RAG Officer iii. Mile End Sports Officer iv. Mile End Volunteering Officer f. Whitechapel Part-time Officers (elected from and by students studying primarily on the Whitechapel campus) i. Whitechapel Societies Officer ii. Whitechapel RAG Officer/Captain iii. Whitechapel Sports Officer iv. Whitechapel Volunteering Officer

Sophie Richardson spoke for the amendment. She argued that if Members supported the arguments for separate Barts and The London Representatives, the arguments were also applicable to the other two College Faculties whose courses were also distinctively different. Jeeves Wijesuriya spoke against the amendment. He argued the arguments for separate Barts and The London Representatives were not applicable because Mile End students study at the same campus theyâ&#x20AC;&#x;re all on non-vocational courses. Sophie Richardson spoke for the amendment. She argued the amendment made representation on Student Council more proportionate of the faculties. Mihir Sanghvi spoke against the amendment. He argued that the amendment made Student Council meetings unmanageable. Dominic Bell spoke for the amendment. He argued that there was no evidence to suggest a larger student council was more or less manageable. Ozzy Amir spoke against the Amendment. He argued the amendment was damaging for campus unity and collectivism. Members present voted against the amendment. 5.3

Amendment Delete: QMSU believes 16. and QMSU resolves 9. Partha Ray spoke for the amendment. He argued the membership of Student Council should be restricted to student Members. There was a conflict of interest for Full-time Officers to sit on Student Council that was responsible for keeping Full-time Officers accountable. George Ryan accepted the amendment.

Eduardo Palombo spoke against the motion. He argued the motion resulted in a net loss of representatives which was bad for representation and democracy. Students were not consulted about the changes. 5.4

Clarification George Ryan clarified that the motion with the amendment proposed thirty-six members of Student Council which was equal to the current membership.

George Ryan gave the summation for the motion. He argued Student Council would become more representative as a consequence of these changes and created a stronger structure for the Union and the Barts and The London Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; Association. Members present voted for the motion. 6.0

Approval of Media Regulations Sam Creighton spoke for a motion proposing a new set of rules for student media. He argued the Union should have a set of rules outlining the aims, purpose, definitions and structure of student media. Sam Creighton waved the summation. Members voted for the motion and adoption of the documents.

Members voted for Agenda Item 9.0, which contained an affiliation, to be brought forward in the agenda. 9.0

Defend the Right to Protest Affiliation 24

Wanda Canton spoke for a motion in support of freedom of speech and freedom of expression and to affiliate to the campaigning group Defend the Right to Protest. 9.1

Clarification Wanda Canton clarified the meaning of QMSU resolves 1. “To defend all those protesters”. It resolved to speak in support of protester‟s right to protest and did not include protester‟s legal defence.

Less than two-thirds of Members present voted for the motion.

Chris Smith (Student Representative) - Met with the Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator to create an Officer Action Plan to focus my work to impact on studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; lives. - Collecting opinions from my course and hockey on issues affecting their time at Queen Mary. Most prominent result is Drapers and Contact time. - Making preparations for the Student Union Council Meeting by conducting GOAT following the UGM. - Attended a Youth Labour Meeting hoping to gain an insight into London Youth Labour's plan for London

Donald MacKinnon (LGBT Officer) - Set up a working group for LGBTQ students to discuss issues and arrange campaigns. - Worked tirelessly to make the LGBT Society a big success. This is important because the LGBTQ community must have a sense of community on campus. By doing this I have given 1st year students a change to see confident and secure on campus that there is support in place, and other LGBT students. They can now walk around campus and know other LGBT student. furthermore from this I have been able to make the ground work for LGBT working group. The LGBT society has seen a 500% increase in average turnout. - Helped in film screening of Transamerica, which raises Transgender issues. - Consulted many LGBT students and voted accordingly to put forward legislation as a seconded at the UGM, and spoke out during the LGBT with regards to the new LGBT officer Whitechapple role.

Darcie Tyler-Henley (Volunteering Officer) - Recruited a team of 30 students from all departments, in different stages of study across the university including barts and postgraduate students. - Actively worked with my team and student union staff to promote and organize the volunteer fair, to encourage all students to improve their graduate skills. - Held regular weekly meetings with my team to discuss and create ideas to expand our range of volunteering opportunities to suit the diversity of our students.

Michael Gilbert (Postgraduate Officer) - I have spoken at the Charterhouse Square PhD student induction event, outlining SU campaigns and events to new research students and opening consultation with students regarding a forthcoming 'Postgraduate Day' in semester 2. - I have contacted Virginia Davis, Dean of Research, to express student concerns about the closure of the Arts Research Centre, arguing for the reinstatement of free printing for graduate students and the provision of at least equal quality facilities in the Lock Keeper's Cottage. - I have spoken at a Stop The Cuts meeting designed to protest the forced redundancy of library staff. I have listened to the librarians express their concerns that redundancies will negatively impact student experience, liaising with the staff to draft a council motion.

Nabil Najjar (Student Representative) - Met with the Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator to create an Officer Action Plan to focus my work to impact on students‟ lives - Met with the team who run the Graduate Attributes Program to discuss ways the program can be better advertised and better tailored to students. - Discussed the redesign of the Draper's certificate and ways it can be delivered with the team who have designed and are implementing it. - Attended and voted at the AGM - Am currently writing a motion to introduce a guillotine procedure on a motion, where, after two amendments, a member of the union can propose to 'move to a vote' - a vote that, if passed, will bring to an end the needlessly long amendment debates and attempted filibusters (NB - both 2 and 3 have been undertaken as part of an attempt to try and work out how the student council can work more effectively towards ensuring a stronger focus on equality).

Tom Voice (Ethical and Environmental Officer) - Met with the Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator to create an Officer Action Plan to focus my work to impact on students‟ lives - Making preparations for a student meeting to gather the views and opinions of students regarding environmental and ethical discussions. - Preparing to meet the member of staff regarding environmental matters at the university discussing points to include use of air blade dryers, more waste recycling points and find out more about the waste industry at Queen Mary

Adnan Aslam (Dental Representative) - In my time as a Dental Representative on the SPC, I have attended meetings for the SPC, Student Council, Dental SSLC, DentSoc and had meetings with my fellow dental representative and current dental president. - I have helped promote the image of the Union to the dental school and vice versa. I have done this by promoting events (e.g. using the DentSoc Year reps and Social secretaries) to both and translating key information from one committee to the other (such as questions regarding the Union in the NSS (something that the Dental School staff have been adamant on improving upon)). - Also, we have been physically going out and talking amongst students, arguably the most notable example of which being the promotion for the general meeting. Working with my colleague, the other Dental Rep, we have managed to go through all the years in the dental school and give a quick overview as to how the union is run, what the student council is, and what the SPC and Dentsoc are in relation to that (as most students prior to this had no idea of any of the goings on). Officer exceeded word limit – to view the full report email tom.sutton@qmsu.org

Andrew Smith (Student Representative) - I have met with Tom Sutton to devise my action plan to focus work throughout the year. - I (will, by the 1st November) have attended a 1st year lecture and used the „TurningPoint System‟ (wireless feedback clickers) to gather opinion through an NSS-esque (National Student Survey) survey. This is part of a larger project on the NSS but was based around their expectations coming into the school. - I promoted support for the QMSU UGM so that it was well attended so student voice could be heard. 27

- I have written a number of articles for student media including QMessenger and the „London Student‟ paper. I have also been approached and released opinions on matters that have appeared in „The Medical Student‟ paper. These articles aimed to inform the student body so that they are knowledgeable and empowered to act. - I (will, by the 1st November) have submitted a motion to council regarding the BUCS sports team entry issue. - I have had regular meetings with BLSA President, George Ryan, to act as a general buffer of ideas and opinions to assist in his role as Sabbatical representative of BLSA. - I am developing, along with George Ryan, a survey for all the years ahead of the BL StudentStaff Conference.

Eva Pathmanthan (Dental President) - As Dental President I have represented the voice of Dental Students internally (Dental School, SMD, Queen Mary Central Committees) and externally to the profession (BDA, BDSA, IADS). I chair Dental Society meetings which is made of 20 elected dental students and co chair Dental SSLC every month. We have ensured the student voice is heard in all matters (clinical, curriculum, social and welfare) and resolved problems. - We have held formal DentSoc and SSLC meetings. - We have Raised funds through sponsorship and events for the Dental Society Events Held talks for Dental Students with external speakers Improved the mentoring scheme to aid first and second year students. - We have Supported our affiliated charities (BLUZ, HINA, TBH, Kids First).

Mandi Pal (Secretary) - As the bl secretary my main job is to communicate between the members of the spc, reminding them about meetings and current issues arising. I take minutes in meetings and send round important messages and documents that George needs distributing. I also make myself available around whitechapel and especially the union for any students that wish to ask questions or have any problems. I also made the SPC noticeboard in the Griffin to improve publicity of the SPC and outline what we do and contact information.

Richard Donovan (SSLC Representative) - Elections: - Worked closely with George to explain what the SSLC is to students, to promote involvement in the SSLC, to encourage nominations and to promote voting: - We compiled a Powerpoint and gave the students a ten-minute presentation. - This was followed up with shoutouts for remind the students to get nominations in before the deadline. - I then held hustings to give each nominee the opportunity to publicly offer reasons to their year as to why they should be elected (which many of them will likely be doing many times again in the near future). - This was then followed by further shoutouts: this time to remind the students to vote in the election online. - All elections have now taken place. - Meetings: - Attended the first Senior SSLC meeting recently to represent views of 3rd year, 4th year, 5th year and intercalating students. I act as the crucial link between the SPC and the SSLC to ensure that all the academic issues (ultimately, the most important issues that can be discussed at a university) are heard by the staff and action plans are developed accordingly. It could be argued that this is one of the most crucial roles on the Council. Officer exceeded word limit – to view the full report email tom.sutton@qmsu.org

Rob Zabihi (Dental Representative) - In my first few months as SPC dental representative , I have attended meetings with both the Dental School's SSLC (Student Staff Liason committee) board , as well as those with the Dental Society committee. - I have encouraged involvement in the student union activities throughout the dental school , by not only reporting and presenting the goings on at each of these meetings. (For example encouraging the Dental Social Secretaries and Year reps to promote union events) - Also by physically going out and talking amongst students , arguably the most notable example of which being the promotion for the general meeting. Working with my colleagues the other Dental Rep. And the Dental president , we have managed to go through all the years in the dental school and give a quick overview as to how the union is run , what the student council is, and what the SPC and Dentsoc are in relation to that (as most students prior to this had no idea of any of the goings on) The general meeting was also promoted, along with any other matters effecting the dental students. Officer exceeded word limit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to view the full report email tom.sutton@qmsu.org

Sam Chequer (Welfare Officer) - Spoke to Freshers and GEP Freshers about my job role, how to contact me, what to expect from Welfare over the coming year and to help them recognise me at the union over Freshers fortnight. - Met people who wanted to talk about failing exams, resits, appeals and explained their options. This was done by people emailing me (or occasionally phoning me) then arranging appointments to be held in my welfare office. - Constructed and tried to ensure at least 1 or 2 were at each fresher event. We made ourselves available at the freshers events giving out water and biscuits to anyone who drank a little too much. We also made sure everyone had some friends to go home with. - Revamped the Welfare board in the union with relevant new posters and at the request of Annie Mitchell created an educational poster explain the exams appeal and extenuating circumstances system (as apparently it was being misinterpreted by a lot of students) - Welfare bags for freshers fayre: items such as condoms, rape alarms, pamphlets for local welfare organizations, pens and key rings for welfare related companies (such as sexpression) literature about being a fresher and how to eat well, stay safe, make friends etc as well as the welfare teams contact details.

Tim Foster (Clubs and Societies Officer) - Organized and ran the BLSA Freshers Fair in the BLSA Building. I ensured that all of our Clubs and Societies (C&S) attend and that relevant clubs at QMSU were invited. The success was obvious as we had the largest number of different clubs/societies ever. Help put the Freshers Guide together. This involved contacting all BLSA Clubs and Socs to get a piece to put in the guide. Served as a great way to introduce myself to all C&Ss at BL and to meet the Chair-people. - Met with Students to discuss the proposed changes to the BUCS structure which threatens BLSA clubs paying under the name "St Bartholomew and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry" and to formulate an action plan. - Sat on the Panel for the GCM at BLSA to discuss proposals submitted to the UGM. Promoted the QMSU UGM so that it was well attended. This ensured that the student voice was heard. - Currently organising the first Final Whistle of the academic year. This is a monthly evening in which all sports teams attend the Griffinn and the months sporting achievments shared with the rest of the sport community. - I'm currently designing a survey to get feedback on what C&Ss think of Union Services.

A. elections we will: A1

Turnout Increase votes cast in the main Union elections by 20% from 2,800 to 3,500. Candidates Increase the numbers of candidates standing for each position and improve the course diversity of election candidates.

Elections Strategy Develop a union-wide strategy for the promotion of elections and nominations by December 2011.

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

- Two events for Postgraduate Students are held with over 20 attendees.

- welcome event. 2 November

- Eventual votes cast in the main Union elections exceed 3,500. - At least five candidates stand for each crosscampus Full-time Officer position. - At least three students from Barts and The London stand for Vice-President Barts and the London. - At least five students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering stand for crosscampus Full-time Officer positions. - At least one candidate stands for each Parttime Officer position, and 75% are contested. - A strategy exists by December 2011 and majority of actions are undertaken.

B. widening participation students we will: B1

Postgraduate Events Hold at least two events for Postgraduate Students to gather their views and opinions on education and welfare matters by May 2012. International Events Hold at least two events for International

event planned for

- Two events for International Students are held 30

Students to gather their views and opinions on education and welfare matters by May 2012. B3

Liberation Campaigns Support each liberation group to organise at least one campaign action or activity before May 2012.

with over 20 attendees.

- Two events for International Students are held with over 20 attendees.

C. national student survey we will: C1

we will have achieved this when:

Question 23 We will be in the upper quartile of participating Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; Unions in the new National Student Survey question on Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; Union impact.

- We appear it the upper quartile of participating Students Unions when the National Student Survey results are published in August 2012.

Mock Question 23 We will ask at least 500 students Question 23 in November 2011 and create a list of actions reacting to student feedback.

- We ask at least 500 students and complete a majority of actions reacting to student feedback.

Increasing Participation Rate Working with the College increase the participation rate in the National Student Survey by 5%.

- We appear to have increased the participation rate by 5% when the last National Student Survey update is received in May 2012.

what we have done so far:

- Dates in diaries for asking Question 23.

achievement level:

0 25 50 75

100

D. union structure reform we will: D1

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

Articles of Association Propose and pass new governing documents (Articles of Association) to allow the Union to register as an incorporated charity.

- A General Meeting, Student Council and the Board of Trustees pass the new governing documents.

Officer Structure Review Reform Full-time Officer and Part-time Officer roles and titles to focus all positions on a representative role before October 2011.

- A General Meeting and Student Council pass proposals to reform Full-time Officer and Parttime Officer roles and titles.

- Passed at General Meeting. Action â&#x20AC;&#x201C; write JDs.

Bye-Law Review Review the Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x;s existing bye-laws and rewrite or write any new bye-laws considered as a required.

- A review of existing Bye-Laws is conducted any rewritten or new Bye-Laws are approved by student Council and the Board of Trustees.

Passed at General Meeting.

E. officer visibility we will: E1

Go-out-and-talk Speak to over 2,500 students through go-outand-talk in 2011-12. New Media Increase communication through new media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogging.

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

- 2,500 students are recorded as spoken to before May 2012.

- The 1 round of GOAT nearly complete. Data to be analysed. Further rounds of questions to set.

- Full-time Officers set up their own Twitter accounts and tweet at least once a day. - Full-time Officers set up and make use of a QMSU Exec Facebook profile. - Full-time Officers will blog weekly and write a

- @PresidentQMSU now set up and active. - QMSU Exec profile now set up and active. - Weekly columns in QMessenger from all of the Exec.

weekly column in QMessenger. E3

Full-time Officer Question Time Organise one question time event in each semester to allow to students to question Fulltime Officers on their work.

- Question time events take place and have more than 75 student attending.

- Question Time event planned for November.

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

F. student council we will: F1

Communications Strategy Develop a communications strategy for Student Council including dates and time of meetings and how to submit motions by November 2011.

- A Communications Strategy exists and more student members attend and submit motions than 2010-11.

Officer Action Plans Support Part-time Officers to create an action plan for their full term of office before November 2011.

- All officers have created an action plan before November 2011.

- Tom has been working with Officers to create action plans. - All of the Exec have been in contact with their assigned Part-time Officers.

Mentoring Meet with our Part-time Officer mentees a least once a month and identify how we can support them in their role.

- Meetings with Part-time Officers take place each month.

- Sophie, George, Dom have had meetings with PTOs. Needs rolling out and structure.

achievement level:

0 25 50 75

100

G. mayoral elections lead: vice-president student activities we will: G1

Voter-registration and Postal Votes Develop a strategy for student voter registration and registering for a postal vote by November 2011.

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

- A polling station is agreed by the local authority and is established for the Mayoral Election.

London Students’ Manifesto Work with other London Unions to produce, launch and publicise a London Students‟ Manifesto and the key demands of London Students by January 2012.

- A London Students‟ Manifesto is developed, launched and publicised with Queen Mary Students‟ involvement.

Local Activity Work with the College to establish a Polling station on the Mile End Campus and organise a Question Time Event for our local Greater London Authority candidates by January 2012.

- A polling station is agreed by the local authority and a Question Time Event takes place.

- Dom has been attending the London meetings and representing QMSU in feeding into the London Students‟ Manifesto. Action – publicise final document.

H. assessment and feedback lead: vice-president education and welfare & vice-president association we will: H1

Student-Staff Liaison Committees Utilise the Course Rep network to ensure assessment and feedback is discussed at every student-staff liaison committee meeting. Joint Strategy With the College develop a joint strategy for addressing identified issues with assessment and feedback for implementation in September

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

- Discussions on assessment and feedback takes place in 75% of student-Staff Liaison Committee meetings.

- Course Rep training

- A joint strategy is drawn up with the College and implemented in September 2012.

2012. H3

Engaging Campaign Activity Organise a campaign activity that engages at least 1,000 students in campaigning for improved assessment and feedback.

- A campaign activity is organised and at least 1,000 students are engaged.

I. fees and cuts lead: vice-president communications we will: I1

we will have achieved this when:

what we have done so far:

National Demonstration Rally at least 200 students to attend the National Student Demonstration against fees and cuts on 9 November.

- At least 200 students attend the National Demonstration.

- Sophie and Ozzy have had 1 meeting.

Value for Money Organise a campaign activity that engages at least 1,000 students in determining which College services are value for money.

- A campaign activity is organised and at least 1,000 students are engaged.

Postgraduate and International Fees Ensure the College engages the Union when it sets International and Postgraduate fees for 2012-13 and students are guaranteed value for money.

- The College engages the Union when it sets International and Postgraduate fees for 201213.

achievement level:

0 25 50 75

100

10.0

Articles of Association

Proposer: Seconder:

Ozzy Amir (Vice-President Education and Welfare) TBC

QMSU Notes: 1. That QMSU is currently constituted as an unincorporated association. 2. That QMSU has a power under Clause 5(1)(x) of its Constitution to incorporate and transfer all of its assets and activities to a limited liability entity (subject to the approval of College Council). 3. That there are benefits to QMSU‟s members and trustees if QMSU incorporates, in particular the protection of limited liability in certain circumstances. 4. QMSU has a Board of Trustees comprising of up to 15 Trustees. To which up to 10 of which are elected by the members and up to 5 of which, upon appointment, are ratified by Student Council. 5. As an example the following students‟ unions have incorporated: King College London Students‟ Union, University of Birmingham Guild of Students, University of Bristol Students‟ Union, University of Leeds Students‟ Union, University of Portsmouth Students‟ Union, University of Warwick Students‟ Union, 6. Incorporation would limit the potential liability of QMSU‟s trustees and members. At present, QMSU is an unincorporated association which means that QMSU is not a separate legal entity. Each trustee of QMSU therefore bears personal liability for the actions of QMSU. QMSU Believes: 1. To ensure the duty of care to our elected trustees and to our members QMSU should incorporate as a charitable company limited by guarantee. 2. It would be in the Union‟s best interest to incorporate before the end of the academic year to avoid additional costs, both financial and in staff time, that could be better spent on our core activities. QMSU Resolves: 1. "That QMSU may set up a charitable company limited by guarantee called Queen Mary Students' Union and also to be known as QMSU ("the QMSU Company") for the purpose of acquiring the business (including all the assets and liabilities) of QMSU." 2. That the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the QMSU Company be in the same or similar form as placed before the meeting, subject to any amendments requested by the Charity Commission or Queen Mary and Westfield College (“the College”) or agreed by the trustees of QMSU. 3. Pursuant to Clause 5(1)(x) of QMSU‟s Constitution, provided that the Trustees are satisfied that all legal formalities have been complied with and subject to the approval of the College, st QMSU may transfer, by the 1 August 2012, all of its assets and undertaking (subject to its liabilities) on such terms as the Trustees reasonably see fit to the QMSU Company (“the Transfer”). 4. That the Trustees may delegate to two nominated Trustees the execution of any transfer agreements, documents and arrangements as are necessary to give effect to the Transfer. 5. That the trustees of the QMSU Company may take all decisions and action necessary to give effect to the Transfer and to take such action subsequent to the Transfer as may be strictly necessary or consequential. 6. That QMSU can dissolve after the Transfer and cease to exist. 7. That the Bye-Laws of the QMSU Company shall be brought in on a phased basis. 8. The elections for the Officer Trustees and the Student Trustees for the academic year 2012/13 shall take place in February 2012. The Appointments Committee shall be set up to appoint the External Trustees, whose appointments shall be ratified by the Student Council.

9. If the Transfer takes place on 1 August 2012, the trustees shall take office as the trustees of the QMSU Company and their appointment shall take effect on the date of the Transfer (or on such date on which the appointments are actually made if the appointments are made after the date of the Transfer). If the Transfer has not taken place by 1 August 2012, the trustees shall take office on that date as trustees of QMSU and shall not become trustees of the QMSU Company until such time as the Transfer takes place. 10. Subject to Point 11 below, depending on when the Transfer takes place, where new bodies or positions exist which have not been elected or selected identified old bodies or persons should assume relevant responsibilities and powers until such time that an election or selection as appropriate can be held in the normal course of business. 11. All matters not covered by Point 1 to 10 above and/or pending the adoption of the Bye-Laws shall be resolved by the President of QMSU for the time being as advised by Democracy Working Group 12. That by approving the attached Memorandum and Articles of Association i. The liability of each member would be £1. ii. The powers of the trustee board would not change but would be clearly and explicitly worded. iii. The method of minute taking and reporting of Trustee Board decisions to Union Council would be explicitly laid out. iv. All QMSU students would be given the right to vote at by proxy at all general meetings. v. All student „members meetings‟ could be called more regularly as outlined in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. vi. The charitable Objects and Powers would be more comprehensive than are currently provided by our Constitution particularly related to RAG fundraising activity.

A full version of the Articles of Association, including the amendments made at the General Meeting, will be made available at the meeting. If you require a copy email tom.sutton@qmsu.org.

11.0

Creating a Full-time Officer Team that drives the Student Experience

Proposer: Seconder:

Dominic Bell (Vice-President Student Activities) Sam Creighton (Vice-President Communications)

QMSU notes: 1. Queen Mary Students‟ Union has undergone dramatic changes over the past two years, including an increased staff portfolio and a gradual shift to a stronger more representative Union. 2. QMSU Student Media is growing in size and positive steps have been made to ensure the media is increasingly student led, including Student Editors for media outlets. 3. The number of staff members involved in student activities has increased from two permanent staff members, to over six permanent staff members, removing the administrative functions from the position of VP Student Activities. 4. The core representative functions of a Students‟ Union are to improve the academic and welfare experience of students, which is currently the responsibility of one of the five Sabbatical Trustees. 5. The current Executive Officer Team comprises of five Sabbatical Trustees, which are :  President  Vice President Association/BLSA President  Vice President Education and Welfare  Vice President Communications  Vice President Student Activities QMSU believes: 1. As a result of these changes in structure, culture and linked to QMSU reviewing our governing documents the Sabbatical Trustee positions should reflect our new direction. 2. All Sabbatical Trustees should be focused on representing students and not on administrative duties. 3. That the portfolio of Vice-President Education and Welfare is too large for one Sabbatical Trustee. 4. That student media should be student led to promote increased independence, and not the responsibility of a Sabbatical Trustee. 5. That Barts and the London Student Association (BLSA) needs a full time leader to ensure its success as an association and a representative body of Medical and Dental students. 6. The roles of Vice President Student Activities and Vice President Communications are not representative roles in their day to day functions, and the majority of their workload can be done by either staff or students. 7. That the representative duties of the Vice President Student Activities can be shared between the new proposed part time officer roles and students. 8. That the new staff structure provides adequate support to represent the part time officers who would be taking on the representative duties of the Vice President Student Activities. QMSU resolves: 1. The number of Sabbatical Trustees shall be reduced to four focused representative positions, which are:  President  Vice President Barts and The London  Vice President Education  Vice President Welfare 2. That there will no longer be a Vice President Student Activities and the representative duties should be appropriately shared amongst the relevant Part Time Officers overseen by the President, with the administrative duties being the responsibility of the appropriate Union staff members. 3. That there will no longer be a Vice President Communications and the QMessenger Media Group shall be responsible for overseeing the media of the Students‟ Union with appropriate 38

support from the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; Union. The President will have Sabbatical Trustee responsibility for the media but will not be responsible for libel checking. 4. To mandate the Executive Committee to prepare job descriptions for the four Sabbatical Trustee positions to be presented to the next Student Council. Taking into consideration the following. i. The President is responsible for overseeing the work of the Union (including student activities and media), Chair of the Board of Trustees, member of College Council, and to be the Unions key spokesperson to external organisation, including NUS. ii. The Vice President Barts and the London is responsible for representing the educational and other non-educational needs of the students studying in the School of the Medicine and Dentistry. iii. The Vice President Education is responsible for representing all students on academic issues to the College and external organisations. iv. The Vice President Welfare is responsible for representing studentâ&#x20AC;&#x;s community, equal opportunities and non-educational issues. 5. To lobby the Board of Trustees to ensure there is adequate support for students involved in the media. 6. To elect students to the four new Sabbatical Trustee positions in the 2011/12 election, for st them to take effect from the 1 August 2012.

12.0

Student-Focused Student Council

Proposer: Seconder:

George Ryan (Vice-President Association/BLSA President) TBC

QMSU notes: 1. Student Council is the lead representative body of the Union that sets policy of the Union, determines the strategy and direction of the Union, and promotes and co-ordinates the Union‟s activities. 2. All elected Part-time Officers are members of Student Council, including officers that have an administrative and not a representative role. 3. Part-time Officers manage their responsibilities on a voluntary basis alongside doing their course. 4. Sabbatical Officers are elected from the same constituency of students as Part-time Officers. 5. The first object of the Union is “promoting the interests and welfare of students at the College during their course of study and representing, supporting and advising members (all students)” QMSU believes: 1. That all members of Student Council should have a representative role. 2. Campaigns should be the responsibility of all Sabbatical Officers and Representatives. 3. Ethical and Environmental Issues should be the campaigning responsibility of all Sabbatical Officers and Representatives. 4. The role of Mile End Secretary is outdated and the Union now has a full-time member of staff responsible for the administration and promotion of Student Council. 5. All faculties should be guaranteed Representative positions on Student Council. 6. First Year Students face a distinct set of issues and should have a Representative. 7. That where possible the names and roles of equivalent positions at Barts and The London and Mile End should be the same. 8. Issues faced by International Students are diverse and widely-felt and should be responsibility of two Representatives. 9. There are two distinct groups of Postgraduate Students: Postgraduate Research and Postgraduate Taught. 10. Many groups of students represented by the Black Students Officer do not self-identify as Black. 11. Issues faced by Postgraduate Taught Students, Postgraduate Research Students, International Students, First Year Students, LGBT Students, Students with Disabilities, Women Students and Black (Multi-Cultural) Students at each campus share common ground, however, due to the different geographical location, course timetabling and separate community medical and dental students have, there is a requirement to separate Whitechapel representative positions. 12. That additional bodies are needed to guide and support Sabbatical Officers and the Union‟s education and welfare representation work (the first object of the Union). Members of these bodies should include relevant Representatives. 13. Position names should help to clarify the Union‟s structure. 14. Students from Barts & The London should determine their own structure for the Barts & The London Board (or the Student Presidents‟ Committee). 15. So they can effectively represent students at all campuses, Representatives representing students from all campuses should be informed and supported by a working group consisting of students from each campus. 16. Part-time Officers should be effectively supported and mentored by an appropriate Sabbatical Officer and members of the Union staff to manage their responsibilities. QMSU resolves: 1. To remove the Union positions of: i. Mile End Campaigns Officer 40

8. 9.

ii. Mile End Ethical and Environmental Officer iii. Mile End Secretary Mile End Student Representatives To create the new positions of: i. Three Barts and The London Faculty Representatives one preclinical representative, one clinical representative and one dental representative. ii. Two Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representatives iii. Two Science and Engineering Faculty Representatives iv. One First Year Representative Mile End and one First Year Representative Whitechapel. v. Barts & The London Volunteering Officer To replace the: i. Mile End International Officer with an International Representative (Education) and International Representative (Welfare) and Whitechapel International Representative. ii. Mile End Postgraduate Officer with a Postgraduate Taught Representative (Mile End) and Postgraduate Taught Representative (Whitechapel) and Postgraduate Research Representative (Mile End) and Postgraduate Research Representative (Whitechapel) iii. Mile End Black Students Officer with the Multi-Cultural Representative (Mile End) and Multi-Cultural Representative (Whitechapel). iv. Mile End Students with Disabilities Officer with the Students with Disabilities Representative to represent students at all campuses. v. Mile End LGBT Officer with the LGBT Representative (Mile End) and LGBT Representative (Whitechapel). vi. Mile End Womens Officer the Womens Representative to represent students at all campuses vii. Barts & The London Clubs & Societies‟ Officer with a Barts & The London Sports Officer and Barts & The London Societies Officer To create two new bodies, the Education Zone Committee for all education representatives and the Welfare Zone Committee for all welfare representatives to guide and support the work of the relevant Sabbatical Officer. To rename the: i. Mile End Welfare Officer the Mile End Welfare Representative ii. Barts & The London Officer the Barts & The London Welfare Representative To remove from Student Council, but to remain on the Barts & The London Board (or the Student President‟s Committee): i. Barts & The London Communications Officer ii. Two Barts & The London Dental Representatives. iii. Two Barts & The London Entertainments Officers iv. Barts & The London External Affairs Officer v. Barts & The London Secretary vi. Barts & The London SSLC Representative vii. Barts & The London Student Representative viii. Barts & The London Technical Officer ix. Barts & The London Treasurer To mandate the Vice-President Association (BLSA President) to conduct a separate review and consultation of members of the Barts & The London Board (or the Student President‟s Committee). Working Groups should be established to inform and support the work of Representatives representing students from all campuses. st Any changes will take effect from 1 August 2012.

13.0

Approval of Media Regulations

Proposer: Seconder:

Sam Creighton (Vice-President Communications) Oscar Williamson (Vice-President Education and Welfare) Caz Parra (Mile End Secretary) Ozzy Amir (Mile End campaigns Officer)

QMSU notes 1. Queen Mary Students‟ Union does not currently have regulations defining the role of student media funded by Queen Mary Students‟ Union and its place within the organisation. 2. This absence has previously caused confusion and conflict over both what the media should be doing and how it should be doing it. QMSU believes 1. An independent student media greatly enriches the student experience and improves campus life. 2. Regulations will remove the confusion that has hampered the student media at Queen Mary in previous years. 3. The attached documents (Document 1: The aims and purpose of QMessenger Media Group and Document 2: Definitions and structure of QMessenger Media Group) clearly define the role and structure of student media funded by Queen Mary Students‟ Union. QMSU resolves 1. These documents should be adopted with immediate effect in how the student media is run at QMSU.

Document 1: The aims and purpose of QMessenger Media Group (QMG) 1 Preamble 1.1 QMSU recognises that it has a media group of high quality, which plays an important role in introducing students to the communications and journalism sector and in endowing them with transferable skills. QMSU can benefit from a positive association with successful enterprises which can enhance the level of debate and representation of the concerns and opinions of students. 1.2 QMSU recognises QMG as a constituent body of QMSU. QMSU recognises and shall uphold the intrinsic value of independent media on campus. 1.3 QMSU also recognises QMGâ&#x20AC;&#x;s right to editorial independence from the Student Council, AGM, UGM and/or Sabbatical Officers, within the parameters of this constitution and under the executive editorship of the Vice-President Communications. 1.4 The bodies of QMG shall be democratically accountable to The Collective and shall be governed according to these regulations and all other QMSU regulations. 2

Aims

2.1 The aim of QMG is to: i. Cover news and activities of QMSU, QMUL and the area local to these institutions. ii. Provide a forum for Queen Mary students to comment on issues. iii. Cover student issues in London and in the student community at large. iv. Cover other items of interest to the QMSU membership. v. Provide common ground and a forum for discussion for all the interest group at this diverse, and often fragmented, campus. vi. Be a training ground for members of QMSU with an interest in the journalism or communications sectors. vii. Advocate the views and opinions of the members of QMSU. 2.2 These aims and objectives are to be pursued in accordance with the rules laid out in this Constitution. 3

Dissemination

3.1 The VP Communications shall ensure that this document is circulated to all editors on appointment, and is made freely available for reference in the QMSU Reception and on the QMSU website. The editor shall be responsible for bringing the protocol to the attention of all contributors.

Document 2: Definitions and structure of QMessenger Media Group (QMG) 1

Definitions and Structure

1.1 1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7 1.8 1.9

1.10

1.11 1.12

1.13 1.14 1.15

1.16

QMG shall be comprised of at least the following: QMessenger (newspaper), CUB (magazine supplement), QMTV (television network), Quest (radio) and QMessenger.co.uk (website). In this document, „editor‟ is taken to mean one of the following:  Executive Editor, QMG  Managing Editor, QMessenger  Managing Editor, CUB  Managing Editor, QMessenger.co.uk  Station Manager, QMTV  Station Manager, Quest QMG shall be governed by The Collective. To become a member of the Collective, an individual must either hold an editorial position within QMG or have contributed a minimum of four times to QMG over the previous twelve months and be enrolled as a student at QMUL. The Collective shall be chaired by the Executive Editor The editors shall be responsible for ensuring that contributors are added as Collective members once they are eligible. The Collective chair is responsible for checking this is done correctly. Only full members of QMSU may sit on the Collective or contribute to QMG in any way. The Collective is an independent balance to the Managing Editors and Editorial Boards of QMG and shall be responsible for representing the interests of QMG as a whole. The chair shall be unbiased in addressing complaints against editors or contributors, and ensure, in tandem with the QMSU Executive that the editors and contributors act in accordance with QMSU‟s regulations. Meetings should be held at least monthly. Quoracy for a Collective meeting shall be 25%. If a member of the Collective misses three consecutive meetings without explanation they shall lose their place on the Collective and any editorial position they hold within QMedia. Each station manager/managing editor must present a report, written or verbal, to be presented at each Collective meeting on the status and progress of their media outlet. Each publication shall have a managing editor/station manager and editorial board. All managing editor/station manager positions shall be elected by the Collective. Elections shall be carried out in the latter half of the second semester. Elections shall be conducted by a secret ballot, the count shall be presided over by both the VP Communications and the Student Voice and Development Manager. Only members of The Collective may vote and each member shall have one vote only. People may vote by proxy, but only if they provide their vote in writing to the VP Communications a minimum of 24 hours before the election. Before a vote is taken all candidates have the opportunity to give a speech at a hustings and answer questions. The hustings are open to all QMSU members. All section editor positions shall be appointed by the relevant managing editor after the applicant has completed an application form, a relevant test and been interviewed by the relevant managing editor, the VP Communications and one other managing editor. Re-open nominations (RON) should always be a candidate in all elections. If RON wins the election then nominations for the position will be re-opened and the process restarted. All editors must sign a copy of the QMG Editorial Contract (found at the end of this document) to be able to take up their position. A vote of censure against an editor at the Collective may be taken without notice. A vote of no confidence in an editor shall be given one week's notice, and if successful shall constitute the editor's removal from office. Motions of Censure shall require a simple majority to pass and Motions of No Confidence shall require a two-thirds majority to pass. If a motion of censure is passed against any editor, a motion of No Confidence in that editor will then be proposed. Any student may propose a motion of censure or No Confidence, but they will only be voted upon by the Collective.

Editorial Independence

QMG shall remain editorially independent. However this is limited by the parameters set out below: 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

2.5

2.6 2.7

3 3.1 3.2

4 4.1 4.2 4.3

4.4

5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7

All media outlets must make it clear that they are a part of QMSU. Each publication must make clear that the views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of QMSU. No reporting shall mention a member of the QMSU staff without the prior written agreement of that member of staff. As QMSU are the publishers of all QMG products, the VP Communications shall retain the right to remove or stop publication or broadcast of any content that may be illegal, unlawful or libellous. Each editor shall recognise their responsibility to ensure transparency in decision-making and the importance of broad student opinion. As such, each editor shall make a report and answer questions at The Collective. Each publication must observe proper journalistic standards of ethics, as defined by the National Union of Journalists Code of Conduct. While editorially independent, all QMG outlets have an obligation to report on and advertise major QMSU events, including, but not limited to: Student Council Meetings, UGMs, AGMs, Sabb Question Times, major QMSU campaigns and QMSU Elections. Review of content All content should be subject to review by the VP Communications before it is disseminated to the student body. The only exception is live broadcasting. QMSU understands that all QMG outlets have the ability to produce live coverage and that it is integral for them to be able to do so in order to reach their full potential. If live-broadcasting is being carried out, the VP Communications shall review content and will be obliged to broadcast an apology and correction at the early possible opportunity and, if still broadcasting, end broadcasting, if they feel that content is contravening either this Constitution, other QMSU regulations or the law of the land. Any such content may not be retransmitted or podcasted. Complaints All members of the Union shall be entitled make a complaint about QMG. They shall additionally be entitled to a reply from The Collective. If a student wishes to make a complaint against any part of QMG, they can either contact the Editor of that publication, a Sabbatical Officers or submit a motion to The Collective The initial decision making body on how to respond to a complaint shall be the Collective. Responses could include, but not limited to; a retraction, apology, opportunity to offer an alternative view, or disciplinary action against an editor or individual member of the editorial board or committee of the publication. If the student is unsatisfied with the response they are able to take the complaint further through the QMSU Complaints Procedure. QMG coverage of QMSU elections At no time during the year shall any publication or broadcast express a preference (either positive or negative) for any candidate for election within the Union Media coverage of all candidates must be fair, balanced and impartial When interviewed, candidates running for each position must be asked the same questions and the same questions must be published for all candidates within that position. All opportunities for coverage must be fair and accessible for all candidates, no candidate should be penalised for not taking up the opportunity. Questions must be agreed in consultation with election officials before the start of the interview. Content to be made by or about any candidate must be discussed with election officials before it is published. No person directly involved with election coverage may run in the election or openly support any candidate after the close of nominations. 45

6.1

7 7.1

Breaches of the protocol

Responsibility for initial investigation of breaches of this Constitution and their amelioration will lie with the VP Communications. If the allegation of breach of the protocol is against the VP Communications, then this responsibility will instead lie with a nominee of the Sabbatical Officers. If the matter is still unresolved, it will be passed on as appropriate. Dissemination The VP Communications shall ensure that this document is circulated to all editors on appointment, and is made freely available for reference in the QMSU Reception and on the QMSU website. The editor shall be responsible for bringing the protocol to the attention of all contributors.

QMG Editorial Contract As part of the QMG editorial team, I understand that my job involves: 1) Attract and manage a team of contributors. 2) Decide, along with the managing editor, what goes into each edition of the publication/upload. 3) Ensure that the content for my section is completed and submitted to both a good quality and by the deadline. 4) Design and lay out my section, both in time and to a good enough quality to be published. 5) Give detailed feedback to all contributions. 6) To both raise awareness of QMG and help with distribution of content when needed. 7) Hold regular meetings with contributors to my section. 8) Sit on The Collective to help steer the group and ensure it remains student led. 9) Holding the College, Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; Union and all other organisations, their affiliates and subsidiaries, which have an influence on the life of students to account, in a fair, balanced and evidence led way. 10) Covering both Union and College news and events as they are of interest to the students I create the media for. As part of the QMG editorial team, I can expect: 1) The Union to cooperate with me in research for my stories, as long as doing so would not contravene any other QMSU regulations. 2) The Union to provide, where possible, the resources I need to carry out my duties. As part of the QMG editorial team, I agree to: 1) Ensure that neither my actions nor the content of my section of QMG unduly harasses any group or individual. 2) Ensure the content on my section is student focused and that the needs of the membership are at the heart of my work. 3) No staff member of QMSU shall be named in any content without the express written consent of that staff member and that consent will only be applicable for the article or instance in question and is not transferrable to any other instance. 4) I shall treat the equipment, facilities and staff of QMSU with respect. 5) I shall not use the influence I have as an editor to try and influence Union elections. I may have input as a student but shall not use the resources available to me due to my role as an editor to try and shape, direct or alter election proceedings. 6) To hold an editorial position within QMG is to take on a responsibility of representing the group, as such all clauses stated in this document are applicable in all areas of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x;s activity and not just those undertaken in direct work on student media. 7) If I fail to meet these criteria it shall trigger a vote of censure at the next QG Collective meeting. Name: Position within QMedia: Signed: Date:

14.0

Support November 9 Demonstration

Proposer: Seconder:

Ozzy Amir (Mile End Campaigns Officer) Donald MacKinnon (Mile End LGBT Officer) Edoardo Palombo (Mile End Welfare Officer) Michael Gilbert (Mile End Postgraduate Officer) Andrew Kanyemba (Mile End Black Students Officer) Wanda Canton (Mile End Womens Officer) Ciara Squires (Mile End Student Representative) Ross Speer (Mile End Socialist Worker Students Society)

QMSU Notes: 1. The cap on University tuition fees has been tripled and the Education Maintenance Allowance is closed to new applicants alongside funding cuts of 40% in universities and 25% in colleges. 2. In 2010, a series of student demonstrations and occupations took place that began with the th NUS supported November 10 demonstration to fight back against education attacks. th 3. The legislation to raise fees was passed on December 9 with a much reduced majority for the government. 4. The HE White Paper now seeks to fully privatise Higher Education at the cost to students and educationalists. 5. A demonstration has been called by the Education Activist Network and is supported by the NUS. QMSU Believes: 1. Education is a right, not a privilege. 2. That the fight against fees and cuts to higher education is not over and the HE White Paper is another attack on higher education which students should mobilise to defeat. 3. That action is needed to oppose the marketisation of higher education alongside fees and cuts and that this action should be co-ordinated at a national level between students and educationalists. QMSU Resolves: th

1. To support the demonstration on November 9 . 2. To build support for the demonstration at Queen Mary and to encourage as many students and staff as possible to attend. 3. To mandate all Sabbatical Officers and the Student Council to contribute to the build up to the demonstration on campus and, excepting any extenuating circumstances, attend the th demonstration on November 9 .

15.0

Support 30 November

Proposer: Seconders:

Eduardo Palombo (Mile End Welfare Officer) Donald MacKinnon (Mile End LGBT Officer) Wanda Canton (Mile End Womens Officer) Ozzy Amir (Mile End Campaigns Officer) Ciara Squires (Mile End Student Representative) Andrew Kanyemba (Mile End Black Students Officer) Michael Gilbert (Mile End Postgraduate Officer)

QMSU notes: 1. Co-ordinated strike action has been called on November 30th by the TUC 2. This may involve over 3 million working people from the unions Unison, GMB, Unite, NIPSA, FBU, PCS, Prospect, NUT, ATL, UCU, NASUWT, NAHT, UCAC, EIS 3. That this union has previously taken a stance of support for UCU strikes QMSU believes: 1. That strike action on June 30th was a success in that it has led to a wider fight-back against the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x;s austerity plans and directly led to November 30th, but the fight is not yet won 2. That we should stand with working people in their struggles to save their pensions just as they have stood with us in the fight against fees 3. The increase in pension contributions that the government is proposing amounts to a pay cut and is unfair and unnecessary 4. The fight for pensions being taken up through strike action is one and the same with the fight against fees and HE cuts and strike action is a proven effective method at leveraging such demands as the ones this union already supports (anti-fees, anti-cuts) 5. Strike action is taken on a democratic basis by trade unions and is being taken as a last resort. The government has refused to enter serious negotiations over pensions or, for that matter, higher education reforms QMSU resolves: 1. To support the Unite the Resistance conference on 19th November that has been organised by NEC members from the PCS, NUT, UCU and Unite and to send a delegation from Queen Mary 2. That if strike action takes place, or any other action as a result of ballots: i. To publicly declare support for the noted trade unions and the November 30th strike action in general ii. To work within the student body to explain the situation and make clear that strike action by staff and other workers is key to winning the battle against cuts and that student support will aid immeasurably in ensuring a strike is short and effective iii. To meet with QM UCU and Unison representatives and decide upon join action as necessary (statements, picket lines etc.)

16.0

Justice for Palestine

Proposer: Seconder:

William Seddin (Mile End Palestine Solidarity Society) Wanda Canton (Mile End Womens Officer)

QMSU notes: 1. The British Prime Minister David Cameron stated that the “people in Gaza are living under constant attacks and pressure in an open-air prison” in July 2010. 2. Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband said in September 2010: “The Gaza blockade must be lifted and we must strain every sinew to work to make that happen”. 3. The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office states that Israel‟s ongoing settlement expansions are “not only illegal under international law” but also “a major barrier to our pursuit of a lasting peace agreement in the Middle East”. 4. The Trade Union Congress and many individual Trade Unions have taken the decision to actively campaign for a end to Israel‟s illegal occupation and for an end to the siege of Gaza. QMSU believes: 1. International law, including UN resolutions should be fully applied and the human rights of all should be equally respected. 2. All forms of racism, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, are completely unacceptable and should be opposed. QMSU resolves: 1. To oppose the illegal occupation of Palestine in line with UN resolutions and to call for an end to the siege on Gaza. 2. To mark the „International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People‟ which is called by the United Nations by publishing a statement on the QMSU website calling for the full implementation of UN resolutions.

17.0

Boycott Israeli Goods

Proposer: Seconders:

Wanda Canton (Mile End Womens Officer) Ross Speer (Socialist Workers Student Society) Sam Playle (Palestinian Solidarity Society) Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer) Donald MacKinnon (LGBT Officer) Edoardo Palombo (Welfare Officer) Ciara Squires (Mile End Student Representative) Andrew Kanyemba (Mile End Black Students Officer)

QMSU notes: 1. In 1948, 750,000 of the Palestinian people were driven from their homes and the state of Israel was created on the land of 78% of British Mandate Palestine. Today there are 5.0 million Palestinian refugees registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for [1] Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) who are still blocked from returning to their homeland. th 2. On December 11 1948 the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed Resolution 194 stipulating, in particular, “that the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at [2] peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date.” 3. Since 1967, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (the occupied Palestinian territories - OPT) have been under an Israeli military occupation, whose brutality has been attested by numerous reputable international (International Committee of the Red Cross, Amnesty [3-5] [6] International, Human Rights Watch) , Palestinian (Palestinian Centre for Human Rights) [7,9,24] and Israeli (B'Tselem, Machsom Watch, Gisha) groups. nd 4. On November 22 1967 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously passed Resolution 242 calling for the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces from territories [8] occupied in the six day war. [9] 5. Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has been blockaded by Israel (with the complicity of Egypt) with [10] dire effect on the quality of the life of the 1.6 million Palestinians who live there, including [11] access to education . 6. That the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel have been holding negotiations since 1993. This has not led to a solution, and furthermore, in the time since talks began the [12] number of Israeli settlers living illegally in the OPT has increased from 125,000 to 478,000 [13] and Israel has built a wall in the West Bank which the International Court of Justice judged [14] was a violation of international law in 2004 . 7. That in 2005, 171 non-governmental Palestinian civil society organizations including trade unions, associations, campaigns and refugee rights organizations, issued a call for a campaign of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with [15] international law and Palestinian rights. 8. That Israeli peace groups such as BOYCOTT! “have come to the conclusion that these practices [the occupation] will end only when their cost for Israel- its elites in particular[22] outweighs the benefits” and therefore “endorse the Palestinian call as is”. whereas other [23] Israeli groups such as Peace Now call for a boycott of the settlements. 9. That the BDS call is not against individuals of any nationality, ethnicity or religion, rather against products and companies (Israeli and international) that profit from the violation of Palestinian rights. 10. That “Israel‟s largest and most important water reservoir.” is in the occupied West Bank and [16] Israel gets one third of its water supply from there, therefore much Israeli produce is made with stolen Palestinian water; meanwhile Palestinians live on less than a quarter as much [17] water as Israelis. 11. That the University of London Union (ULU) voted in May 2011 to support Boycott, Divestment [18] and Sanctions of Israel following University of Sussex Student Union which voted to [19] boycott Israeli goods in November 2009. 12. That the National Union of Students (NUS) voted to support Freedom for Palestine in May 2011, resolving in particular to “demand freedom for Palestine, calling for an end to the siege [20] of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank and the right to return for all refugees.”

13. That an international boycott campaign was instrumental in bringing about an end to [21] Apartheid in South Africa. QMSU believes: 1. 2. 3. 4.

That the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. That no-one should have to live under a military occupation. That no-one should be denied the right to live in their homeland based on their ethnicity. That peace in the Middle East is vital, and no resolution of the situation equitable to all parties will be forthcoming without international pressure to redress the huge power imbalance between Israel and the Palestinians. 5. That BDS is an effective non-violent tactic that educates people about the issues and can apply economic and political pressure to help effect change. 6. That unions have a moral responsibility to heed the call of oppressed peoples, as was done so proudly during the boycott campaign to end Apartheid in South Africa. 7. That all racism including Islamophobia, antisemitism and prejudice against persons with Israeli or Palestinian nationality is wrong. QMSU resolves: 1. To boycott Israeli goods until the human rights of Palestinians are restored, in particular not to sell Israeli products in any of its outlets and not to hire contractors who profit from the violation of Palestinians' human rights. 2. To convey this decision to the Principal of Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) and to strongly urge the Principal to ensure that QMUL divests from companies which profit from the violation of Palestinians' human rights. 3. To publicize this decision by displaying it on its website and including it in an email to all members. 4. To continue to work to foster an environment free of racism and other forms of discrimination on QMUL campuses. References: [1] UNRWA. In Figures As Of 1st January 2011 http://www.unrwa.org/userfiles/2011092751539.pdf [2] United Nations. Resolutions Adopted By The General Assembly During Its Third Session. http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/3/ares3.htm [3] International Committee of the Red Cross. Annual Report: Israel, the occupied territories and the autonomous Palestinian territories. http://www.icrc.org/eng/assets/files/annual-report/current/icrc-annual-report-2010-israel.pdf [4] Amnesty International. 2011 Annual Report on Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories. http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/israel-occupied-palestinian-territories/report-2011 [5] Human Rights Watch. Separate and Unequal - Israel’s Discriminatory Treatment of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/iopt1210webwcover_0.pdf [6] Palestinian Centre For Human Rights. Annual Report 2010. http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/2011/Annual%202010%20E.pdf [7] B'Tselem. Human Rights Review 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2010. http://www.btselem.org/download/2009_annual_report_eng.pdf [8] United Nations. Security Council Resolutions – 1967. http://www.un.org/documents/sc/res/1967/scres67.htm [9] Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement. A Guide to the Gaza Closure: In Israel’s Own Words. http://www.gisha.org/UserFiles/File/publications/gisha_brief_docs_eng_sep_2011.pdf [10] Palestinian Center for Human Rights. Illegal Closure of the Gaza Strip: Collective Punishment of the Civilian Population. http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/2010/Illegal%20Closur.pdf [11] Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement. Held Back: Students Trapped in Gaza. http://www.gisha.org/UserFiles/File/Students_report_Eng-Online_Version.pdf [12] BBC News Website. Settlers: Claiming the 'Promised Land'. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/middle_east/2001/israel_and_the_palestinians/issues/981554.stm [13] B'Tselem. Settlements & land - Land Expropriation and Statistics. http://www.btselem.org/settlements/statistics [14] International Court of Justice. Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/131/1677.pdf [15] BDS Movement. Palestinian Civil Society Call for BDS. http://www.bdsmovement.net/call [16] Haim Gvirtzman, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Bar-Ilan University. Maps of Israeli Interests in Judea and Samaria. Determining the Extent of the Additional Withdrawals: The Map of Water Resources. http://www.biu.ac.il/Besa/publications/maps/mapwater.htm [17] BBC News Website. Report: Palestinians denied water. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8327188.stm [18] BDS Movement. Largest student union in Europe joins boycott of Israel. http://www.bdsmovement.net/2011/largest-ulu7064 [19] The Jewish Chronicle Online. Sussex Students' Union agrees Israel boycott. http://www.thejc.com/campus/campusnews/21643/sussex-students-union-agrees-israel-boycott

[20] Palestine Solidarity Campaign. NUS votes to support freedom for Palestine. http://palestinecampaign.org/index7b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=4&l2_id=24&Content_ID=1953 [21] Action for South Africa: The Anti Apartheid Movement http://www.actsa.org/page-1438-AAM.html [22] BOYCOTT! Points of unity. http://boycottisrael.info/node/2/ [23] Peace Now. Peace Now Launches Boycott Settlement Campaign. http://peacenow.org.il/eng/content/peace-now-launchesboycott-settlement-campaign [24] Machsom Watch. Obstacle Course - Conduct of the Israel Police in the Occupied West Bank - December 2010. http://www.machsomwatch.org/sites/default/files/Obstacle%20Course1.pdf

18.0

Condemnation of Library Staff Redundancies

Proposer: Michael Gilbert (Mile End Postgraduate Officer) Seconder: Ciara Squires (Mile End Student Representative) QMSU notes: 1. As part of a major reorganisation of the Public Services department of QM library, management are proposing a reduction in staff numbers from 82 to 56. This would result in 26 job losses. th 2. On 6 July, management opened a 30 day consultation process with staff in accordance with their legal duty. However, as approximately two-thirds of affected staff are on term-time only contracts they were not in work for all or part of the consultation period. th 3. On July 7 a Unison backed petition was presented to library management, signed by 29 members of staff (virtually every member of staff at work over the summer). Management rejected this petition out of hand. nd 4. On 22 July the Library Workers Group entered a formal grievance procedure against library management under HR guidelines, this time with 35 staff signatures. Guidelines specify a 20 day time limit between a grievance being filed and an initial consultation with an investigating officer. The Library Workers Group, however, had to push hard for a meeting that eventually th transpired on the 12 September, 36 days after submission. The grievance procedure is still ongoing. QMSU believes: 1. It is outrageous that skilled and valued members of staff are being axed from the library. The library workers in question earn less than £10,000 a year while 95 staff at QMUL are paid over £100,000. It is not right that some of the lowest paid members of staff must face redundancy before those on high wages consider taking a pay cut. 2. The formal grievance has been dealt with negligently by college management. 3. Students should stand alongside staff to fight all redundancies and cuts and Queen Mary. 4. The consultation period with staff was poorly timed and insufficiently democratic. QMSU resolves: 1. To campaign actively against redundancies at the library and to oppose all staff cuts at Queen Mary, working directly with library staff and the Library Workers Group to organise demonstrations and raise awareness about the proposed job losses. 2. To condemn management‟s treatment of the Library Workers Group and support a swift a thorough resolution of the group‟s formal grievance procedure.

19.0

Amendments to Election Regulations

Proposer: Seconder:

Sophie Richardson (President) TBC

QMSU notes: 1. The points outlined below in red are the amendments that are proposed to Student Council regarding the Election Bye-Laws. 2. Amendments numbered 7.1.4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7.2.13 have been made at the suggestion of Wendy Appleby, Secretary to Council & Academic Secretary. Under the Education Act 1994 the College is responsible for ensuring that our elections are run in a fair and transparent manner. 3. The amendments suggested are all to clarify the rights of the candidates and students who are involved in the elections and to ensure they are treated fairly. 4. The amendment to 2.2 has changed to allow the Deputy Returning Officer to be a member of union staff rather than as stated previously the Membership Services Manager. This to account for the situation whereby this post title is no longer in use by the union. QMSU believes: 1. The amendments ensure that the elections are conducted in fairly and transparently. QMSU Resolves 1. To edit as follows: 2.2

The Deputy Returning Officer for Union elections will normally be a member of Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x; Union Staff.

7.1.4

Anonymous complaints will not normally be considered. If, however, there are compelling reasons for a complainant to remain anonymous (such as his/her safety), the Returning Officer shall have the discretion to consider the complaint while protecting the identity of the complainant.

7.2.1

The Returning Officer will investigate the complaint in a manner which s/he feels is appropriate, but will be impartial, thorough and prompt. S/he shall gather evidence and interview any person who can provide relevant information. Written records shall be kept of all such interviews. The complaint and supporting evidence will be made available to the person complained about. Anyone who has been accused of a breach of the Bye Laws must be given an opportunity to respond to such an allegation following the principles of natural justice. In any hearings or interviews such persons must have the opportunity to speak and to be accompanied by a friend, who must be a Member of the Union.

7.2.3

The Returning Officer will be expected to reach a decision based on the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond reasonable doubt.

7.2.4

The Returning Officer may disqualify a candidate from an election for serious breaches of the rules, policies or regulations. Such breaches could include the following (though this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): (i)

7.2.5

If s/he finds evidence that there has been coercion, bullying or other improper pressure put on students to vote for a particular candidate or candidates;

The Deputy Chair (or the other External Trustee) will investigate the complaint in a manner which s/he feels is appropriate, but will be impartial, thorough and prompt. S/he may seek assistance as necessary and shall gather evidence and interview any person who can provide relevant information. Written records shall be kept of 55

all such interviews. Anyone who has been accused of wrongdoing must be given an opportunity to respond to such an allegation following the principles of natural justice. In any hearings or interviews such persons must have the opportunity to speak and to be accompanied by a friend, who must be a Member of the Union. 7.2.6

If s/he deems that circumstances justify it, the Deputy Chair (or the other External Trustee) may suspend the Returning Officer and /or the Deputy Returning Officer from their returning officer responsibilities while the investigation is carried out.

7.2.13 The Deputy Chair (or the other External Trustee) will be expected to reach a decision based on the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond reasonable doubt. A full version of the Election Regulations will be made available at the meeting. If you require a copy email tom.sutton@qmsu.org.

20.0

Improving our Decision-making through Consultation

Proposer: Dominic Bell (Vice-President Student Activities) Seconder: TBC QMSU notes: 1. Not all groups of students are involved in parts of our democratic decision-making process. For example: i. Students from the Faculties of Humanities & Social Science and Science & Engineering were underrepresented at the General Meeting held on 10 October 2011. ii. International Students, Mature Students, Students with Caring Responsibilities are under-represented on Student Council. 2. Currently there is no process, methods or circumstances set for consulting with all or specific groups of students. QMSU believes: 1. Because not all groups of students are involved in our democratic decision-making process, certain decisions made by Student Council and Officers should only be made after consultation with all or specific groups of students. 2. Consultations with students should attempt to be representative of the student population or the specific groups of students that are being consulted. 3. That not one method of consultation is necessarily the best means of consulting with some students. 4. The Union should take a more evidence-based approach for decision making. QMSU resolves: 1. To establish a Consultation Working Group chaired by the Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Vice-President Communications. 2. To appoint to the Consultation Working Group: i. At least four Barts and the London Part-time Officers ii. At least four Mile End Part-time Officers iii. At least two Full-time Officers iv. Relevant Union Staff 3. By the end of January 2012 the Consultation Working group shall: i. Develop a process for how to consult effectively with all and specific groups of students. ii. Develop a range of appropriate methods for consulting with all and specific groups of students. iii. Determine the circumstances when consultation with students ought to be conducted.

21.0

A motion for QMSU to defend the separate identities of QM and BL sports teams in the BUCS leagues

Proposer: Andrew Smith (Barts and The London Student Representative) Seconder: Timmy Foster (Barts and The London Clubs and Societies Officer) QMSU notes: 1. That prior to the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) AGM in July 2011, a paragraph within an appendix of the agenda read as follows: i. "Some further anomalies remain – BUCS is aware that some HEI’s currently permit some schools or departments within HEI’s to compete as individual members despite actually being a formally recognised part of the University (This applies mostly to former medical schools). BUCS will work with those institutions affected by this to remove this anomaly in the coming year with a view to all such arrangements ceasing from 2012. " 2. That “removal of this anomaly” would in effect end the autonomous sports team that represent QM and BL on a weekly basis. 3. That at the time, QMSU sent an email that opposed these plans and also that Dominic Bell (VP Student Activities) has spoken against them in his position as BUCS‟ London Regional Student Chair (This is all very good news and appreciated). 4. That due to lobbying from various student and sporting bodies, BUCS decided to withdraw the appendix pending further review. 5. That Mark Brian (Head of Sports Programs at BUCS) plans to consult universities on such changes. QMSU believes: 1. That if these changes went through it would cause major disruption to the sports teams that represent QMSU and BLSA. 2. That, even if they could still play as separate squads, numerous teams would have to change st nd their names. For example, Queen Mary RFC 1 XV would have to become Queen Mary 2 st XV, because BLRFC 1 XV play in a higher league. Such name changes and re-rankings will be controversial and not ideal. 3. That if such plans went through, the loss of identity for BL clubs could lead to a slow loss of autonomy and potential demise of some of the oldest clubs in the world. 4. That if these plans went through they would counter BUCS‟ main objective to “enhance the student experience in three key areas: i. Performance ii. Competition iii. Participation” QMSU resolves: 1. That QMSU and its staff are mandated to officially oppose such plans and act to defend the separate entry of BL and QM sports teams.