who we are...
WE ARE A DEMOCRATIC, MEMBERSHIP CHARITY
Our Mission: Positively impacting students’ lives at Warwick and beyond. This means students enjoying their University experience, making the most of the academic and extra-curricular opportunities, transforming their own lives and the lives of the people around them, taking care of their wellbeing and making change to society
Our Vision: Every Warwick student unlocking their potential How amazing would it be if the SU was the vehicle for every Warwick student reaching their potential? This could be by influencing the quality of their academic experience through student representation, by being there for any student in trouble, by having loads of opportunities to participate in debates, in sports clubs, in societies Yes this is a huge aspiration, yes it will be hard to achieve, but then when was anything important, easy to do?
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Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Our Values: This is how we do things at Warwick….. We are Student Focussed - we put students at the heart of everything we do We are Democratic - we are representative, ethical, transparent and accountable We are Welcoming - we are supportive, helpful, inclusive and value diversity We are Enriching - we nurture students’ aspirations and help them develop We are Independent - we are the independent voice of Warwick students
We are a Union for all students WARWICK SU – Yes we’re a charity, Yes we’re an organisation, yes we’re the voice of students. But… we’re not just these things – THE SU IS STUDENTS. ❑❑ We represent students at all levels – institutionally, locally, nationally. ❑❑ We empower students to shape their learning and their environment. ❑❑ We help students have fun, socialise, make friends through clubs, societies, social spaces and events. ❑❑ We support students when times are tough through the advice centre and with student officers. ❑❑ We encourage participation, volunteering, campaigning. ❑❑ We transform students’ lives.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
We’re here to make sure that every student at Warwick has the best student experience possible. We’re led by students, for students. Our decisions, policies and what we do are decided by our 24,000 student members. You elect the Student Officers, Student Councillors and Student Reps you want representing you. As a democratic membership charity students lead us at every level.
This plan is all about what we are going to do over the next 5 years to help us deliver our vision. We are planning to change things, to improve things but we aren’t going to stop doing the things you told us still need and still want.
WE LISTEN TO STUDENTS ALL OF THE TIME AND NOT JUST WHEN WE’RE DOING OUR STRATEGIC REVIEW
How we do it Governance and Democracy
We will still be running elections and operating:
The Bread Oven, Curiositea, forums, running clubs & societies, Pop, supporting course reps (SSLC’s), Freshers week, academic advice, housing days, Feel Good campaign, events, RAG week, Pride week, Go Green week & Go Global. We won’t stop lobbying for a new Humanities building, improving access to Higher Education, battling to stop rogue landlords taking students for granted and the multitude of other things we do day in and day out for students, by students, with students. We listen to students all of the time and not just when we’re doing our strategic review but we have listened to all of your feedback throughout this process and it’s your feedback that has led to this plan.
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Who is your SU? Sabbatical Officers are at the heart of the SU. Being simultaneously students, staff and Trustees, the Sabbatical Officers have a unique perspective and position to act full-time on your behalf. Warwick SU’s staff ensure that the SU provides the best service it can to its students and aid Sabbatical Officers in their role.
The Trustees ensure that the SU acts sustainability and according to its guiding principles.
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Warwick SU is a charity whose main purpose is to “advance the education of students at Warwick University�. We have specific objectives that describe how we are able to do this and they focus on representation, support for students, social, cultural and sporting activities as well as opportunities for debate. As a charity the SU has a Board of Trustees who are responsible for making sure that the Students' Union is run effectively, complies with the law, has a strong strategic plan based on members' needs and is financially secure. Authority is delegated to the Chief Executive to manage the day to day operations and it is the role of the Chief Executive to enact the strategy determined by the Trustees. The SU is run on a day to day basis by its staff, officers and volunteers directed by its members' needs.
your
Sabbs your &Execs
SU Execs are action-orientated groups of elected students and officers working to represent you, run campaigns and organise events.
DEMOCRACY EXEC SPORTS EXEC
The Board CONSISTS OF
7 6 5
POSTGRAD EXEC
SPORTS OFFICER
POSTGRAD OFFICER
Up to 6 student trustees who are members of the SU
Up to 5 external trustees who are appointed for their specific expertise.
All Students Meetings
All Student Meetings once a term give you the chance to question policy proposals before they are voted on by all students online.
Student Council
Student Council is comprised of all Sabbs and the Chair of each SU Exec, who communicate with each other and ensure that policy is enacted.
FUNDING EXEC
DDO OFFICER
7 Full time elected Sabbatical Officers
PRESIDENT SOCIETIES OFFICER
EDUCATION OFFICER
WELFARE & CAMPAIGNS OFFICER
SOCIETIES EXEC LIBERATION & DIVERSITY EXEC
EDUCATION EXEC WELFARE EXEC
Student Assembly
Student Assembly is a representative group of students selected at random once a term to discuss the issues which are most important to students.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
Working with Others key collaborators/ partners The SU can not do everything on its own however and whilst the most important contributors to our plans are the SU’s members, students at Warwick, we also work with other organisations in order to improve students’ lives. Most prominently of course is the University itself; But we also work closely
The Plan Our Strategic Themes
1 2
Theme One
Students Shaping Their Education and the World around Them
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Theme Two
Students Navigating the Challenges of Student Life
with local agencies such as the NHS Trust, local emergency services, local government, local councillors and community forums as well as national bodies such as the National Union of Students and British Universities and Colleges Sport.
3 4 5
Theme Three
Students Shaping the Future They Want For Themselves Theme
Four
Students Meeting New People, Sharing Experiences and Building Communities Theme Five
Delivering an Effective and Sustainable Membership Organisation
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Academic Support
Charity Fundraising
Collective Action
Go Global
Networking
Work/Jobs
Campaigning
Training
Democracy
Advice/ Advice Centre
Health
Volunteering
Wellbeing
Info
Fun
Community
ACTIVITIES
VALUE OPPORTUNITIES REPRESENTATION
A GUIDE to OUR ICONS and what they represent
Sustainability
Offers
Sport
Housing
SUPPORT
Value
Food & Drink
Societies
Socialising
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
The projects we are working on are:
STUDENTS SHAPING THEIR EDUCATION and the WORLD around them
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Academic MANIFESTO
Agree the Top 10 academic targets for the year and campaign to deliver change for students on these priorities
Curriculum DEVELOPMENT
Work with Faculty reps and SSLC reps to support the inclusion of diversity, sustainability, employability and mental wellbeing into the curriculum
Satellite
CAMPUS & COURSE
Representation
Ensure all students whatever course they are on and wherever that course/module is based has access to effective academic representation
University/Student CONSULTATION
Give students more direct and regular contact with University senior staff over key issues that require consultation
HIGHER EDUCATION BILL
Respond to the Government’s proposals for HE policy and champion the views of students and Students’ Unions
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Impact Objectives Cut the Costs CAMPAIGN
Make students aware of national policy and cuts. Focus on impact on students and on access to education
Strong
Make sure the impact of 700 SSLC’s (course reps) is maximised by the SU.
Changes to
Implement agreed changes to structures - new Student Council, Execs and Student Assemblies
Postgraduate ENGAGEMENT
Make sure the SU is as relevant to PG students as they need it to be.
SSLCs
DEMOCRACY
Standalone
FRESHERS WEEK
PG TERMS &CONDITIONS
Deliver a lecture free welcome week
❑❑ Making sure Warwick students get the best quality academic experience and that they have the best chances to succeed. Give them a voice in their academic experience. ❑❑ Making sure the Union’s representation structures are effective, visible and inclusive. ❑❑ Acting as a link to facilitate effective University consultation with students. ❑❑ Shaping positive change in wider society through the contributions of students now and once they have left University. ❑❑ Ensuring student representatives are well - informed, trained and supported so they can contribute effectively to key University strategic decisions. ❑❑ Working towards a sustainable society that values the planet we live on. ❑❑ Being a platform for a tolerant, diverse society which champions the rights of disadvantaged groups.
Achieve improved, fair and consistent terms and conditions for PG’s who teach.
❑❑ Ensuring students’ voices are heard in the local community.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
The projects we are working on are: Supporting Better
Mental H ealth Open a new
SU Outlet
STUDENTS NAVIGATING the challenges of student life
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Develop materials and resources that help students find appropriate coping strategies. Develop a wellbeing strategy. Launch the Its OK campaign
Open a new social enterprise outlet that provides a healthy food offer
IMPROVING Transport Services
Campaign using all means to improve bus services and for provision of an integrated transport scheme (like the Oyster card!). Continue to lobby for taxi service improvements
SU Loyalty Card
Introduce a technology enabled loyalty scheme for use in the SU
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Impact Objectives Housing Quality,
Cost and
Capacity
Make sure the University has adequate value for money housing capacity to accommodate student numbers. Work to improve standards of private sector housing
❑❑ Making sure students have access to support they need when they need it. ❑❑ Making sure that their safety, health and wellbeing are adequately provided for.
Raise awareness of hate crime violence and how to report this. Provide information and advice to students. Ensure that partners have adequately trained staff.
❑❑ Making sure that life as a student is as affordable as possible
Value for Money Information
The website will have clear and up to date information about deal, offers, price comparisons and how to save money
❑❑ Talking about mental wellbeing, resilience and how to cope.
A SAFE AND Respectful Culture
Participate in the NUS Lad Culture pilot project to tackle inappropriate behaviour and encourage respect. Continue to embed the I Heart Consent training programme
Support for Victims of Hate Crime Violence
❑❑ Helping students to have the best possible chance of dealing effectively with some of the biggest transitions in their lives.
❑❑ Extending the rights of students through independent and confidential advocacy and support. ❑❑ Encouraging students to be active and to see the benefits of physical wellbeing on mental wellbeing.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
The projects we are working on are:
Skills
Hub Contribute to
STUDENTS SHAPING THE FUTURE they want for themselves
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Develop the one stop virtual service to support employability. Improve quality and quantity of content, particularly relating to skills developed from extra-curricular activity.
University Employability Strategy
Represent student views in the review of these services.
post grad EMPLOYABILITY
Work with PG Hub and Careers and Skills to put on PG focused careers events
STUDENT Leadership Programmes
Set up pilot leadership programmes for underrepresented groups to ensure diversity in student leadership
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Impact Objectives EMPLOYABILITY Portfolios
Peer
LEARNING Warwick
Enterprise
Partnership
Make sure every student has an easy to access portfolio for their academic and extracurricular experience
❑❑ Providing diversity in activities to enable students to develop skills.
Encourage student leaders to share and reflect their learning through social learning methods such as forums, webinars
❑❑ Providing opportunities to develop cultural awareness and encourage students to see themselves as global students.
Encourage student leaders to share and reflect their learning through social learning methods such as forums, webinars
❑❑ Ensuring student representatives, student leaders and student volunteers are equipped with the skills to be effective.
❑❑ Supporting students’ ideas to work with local community and increase community cohesion. ❑❑ Promoting volunteering and community partnership. ❑❑ Ensuring that the University provides quality employability programmes and careers services. ❑❑ Making sure students know about the opportunities available to them. ❑❑ Making sure students can reflect on the skills they have and articulate them.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
The projects we are working on are: Club and Society Exec
H andbook & Handover
Sportsmark
Development
STUDENTS MEETING NEW PEOPLE SHARING NEW EXPERIENCES and building communities
Build on the Sportsmark programme for Sports Clubs - increase participation and accessibility through inclusive club activities
Equality & Diversity
Carry out an audit of all of our activity. Set out an action plan that delivers excellence in this area
Go Global!
Provide opportunities for students to develop intercultural competence and to make the most of being in an international environment
Arts Centre
Work with the University as it develops the Arts Centre and promote cultural and artistic participation
The Virtual SU
Develop a “Virtual SU� so that off campus students and distance learners feel part of the community
Sports Centre
Make sure that buying sports memberships is easy
Capital Project
IT Transition 14
Provide a comprehensive, up to date and useful online club and society executive handbook. Make Exec handover even better!
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
A Broad Social Programme-
Something FOR Everyone!
Sports Centre
Facilities Development POST GRAD EVENT Programme
Make sure a cohesive social offer is developed considering all student groups and using all available facilities
Work with the University on the development of an outstanding sports facility
Deliver a programme of activities that enable PG’s to develop their own communities
Charity Fundraising
Provide expertise and guidance that encourages responsible charity fundraising. Help RAG achieve increased fundraising targets
The Future of Varsity
Make sure Varsity is a core part of the campus event calendar and provides great opportunities for sports clubs to compete
Student Activities -
Carry out a review or systems and processes. Discuss options for limiting growth in numbers to ensure the team can provide quality support
MANAGING CAPACITY to DELIVER QUALITY
Impact Objectives ❑❑ Providing outstanding quality opportunities to participate in club and society activity. ❑❑ Providing solution focussed support, guidance and training for student group and activity leaders. ❑❑ Empowering students to develop a portfolio of skills and experiences through student leadership. ❑❑ Encouraging and facilitating a culture that embraces diversity and engenders tolerance. ❑❑ Working to embed international integration. ❑❑ Encouraging and celebrating student led achievement and innovation. ❑❑ Ensuring campus developments support and encourage student led activity and a sense of community. ❑❑ Provide enjoyable community building activities that make campus life fun. ❑❑ Supporting students’ ideas to work with local community and increase community cohesion.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
The projects we are working on are: Re-Model SU HQ
Lobby the University (landlord) to improve the quality of facilities in SU HQ. Review utilisation, develop options, produce a feasibility study and agree actions
MAXIMISE THE USAGE OF THE COPPER ROOMS
Ensure that this building asset is fully exploited
Improve the DĂŠcor in both
Provide a welcoming environment. Make information more accessible, improve signage. Use the building as a better communications tool
SU Buildings
DEVELOP & IMPLEMENT THE
DELIVERING AN EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE membership organisation
Finance Strategy
grow the
Live Music programme
Increase the number of live music acts in the Copper Rooms and attendances at these events
MSL Growth
Deliver the MSL Growth strategy in order to finance WSU activity
Performance Management Processes
Design and implement an improved staff performance management system linked to the strategic plan
QUALITY SU’S STANDARD
Achieve at least Very Good in Quality SU audit
Staff Rooms Refresh
Redecorate and refurbish the staff rooms
Data
Action all recommendations from data security audit. Recruit an Information Security Manager. Implement all revised IT policies
Security
Review
University/SU Framework
Agreement Review
16
Support the Trustees in developing a Finance Strategy that will generate funds to achieve the goals set out in the strategic plan
Ensure that the prevailing Framework Agreement is up to date, relevant and complies with the relevant laws
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
Impact Objectives
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Leadership
Become a leader in equality and diversity. Review the current position and implement an action plan to improve
Remuneration Policy
Review and communicate a transparent remuneration policy
Staff Wellbeing
Support the wellbeing of SU staff through initiatives targeting mental and physical wellbeing
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Review opening hours of membership services to provide improved accessibility for members
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Simplify communications determine core areas of work, develop design style and apply this to all communications. Apply good communications principles
WSU App Pilot
Launch the pilot WSU app to enable students to access relevant information quickly
Website DEVELOPMENT
Complete the re-engineering of the website. Improve the accessibility of information. Ensure all relevant pages are up to date
Data Security Review
Develop and deliver the finance systems that work for members and for staff.
New Charity Accounting Implementation
Implement the requirements of the charity SORP 2015. Make sure the trustees understand the changes
❑❑ Make it as easy as we can for our members to access our services and understand how we can help them.
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT
Carry out the regular environmental audit and act on recommendations
❑❑ Be an organisation that visibly values diversity in its staff team.
Complaints Policy
Implement the approved complaints policy
❑❑ Manage resources effectively for the benefit of our members.
Board Effectiveness
Implement the actions agreed from the Trustee Board Effectiveness review
Strategy Opening Hours
Action Plan
❑❑ Be student focused and be relevant to our members.
❑❑ Recruit, retain, develop and reward an outstanding staff team. ❑❑ Demonstrate we are an effective, transparent, ethical and well-governed charity. ❑❑ Secure a stable funding position through innovation in services for students and external business. ❑❑ Develop a portfolio of funding to minimise dependence on any single funding source as far as possible. ❑❑ Offer good quality services, meeting student needs. ❑❑ Be a leader in environmental sustainability.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
What challenges we face together What you told us...
Academic achievement
Money Budgeting
effectively and not being able to save money in the future
The top four worries you have are..
Relationships & wellbeing
Making friends, maintaining relationships
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Employability Career prospects and finding relevant work experience
Students Shaping their Education and the World Around Them
❑❑ You indicated that you don’t always feel that the SU focuses on the things that really matter to you. You find the democratic structures confusing.
❑❑ Students’ living environment is the area most perceived to be lacking in support, with the most common worry relating to the cost of transport.
❑❑ Poor mental health is something that is affecting more and more students and you want help with this.
❑❑ Although academic achievement is a big concern, most students said they were happy with the existing structures provided.
❑❑ Over a third of you feel neutral towards the SU ❑❑ You want to see more choice in food provision and more flexible social spaces so you can eat, study and talk to your friends without having to move. ❑❑ You would like to see more accessible communications; making it easier to find information and simplifying how we tell you what the SU does for you and how we impact on your lives. ❑❑ You felt that the University as a whole performs well in terms of its provision of academic and careers support, but that areas of support relating to relationships, finance and persecution, harassment and discrimination could be better signposted.
❑❑ Money worries are mostly about budgeting effectively now and paying off debts. Saving in the future. However 22% of students are worried about not having enough money now for the basics. ❑❑ Whilst most of you were very satisfied with the Warwick experience, 92% felt improvements to the learning experience would make it even better, 81% felt improvements to the commercial services on campus would improve things and 76% said improvements to the social experience. ❑❑ Students who were concerned about commercial services said they wanted better value food and drink, followed by healthier options and more variety.
You told us you wanted us to:
help you save money and take care of yourselves
represent your interests in key University discussions
provide a range of services and outlets.
Warwick SU Strategic Plan 2015-16
WARWICK STUDENTS’ UNION LTD is registered as a company in England and Wales Company number: 7297865 Registered UK Charity: Charity number: 1136894 | Registered Office: Warwick University Students’ Union, Coventry, CV4 7AL STUDENTS’ UNION SERVICES WARWICK LIMITED is registered as a company in England and Wales Company number: 2197761 | Registered Office: Warwick University Students’ Union, Coventry, CV4 7AL MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS LIMITED is registered as a company in England and Wales Company number: 5525449 | Registered Office: Warwick University Students’ Union, Coventry, CV4 7AL 20