SU Leadership Elections 2015
All you need to know about the elections 1. Standing
Contents
Page
1. About Worcester Students’ Union......................................................................................................1 2. Contact details .....................................................................................................................................2 3. Positions...............................................................................................................................................3 4. Full-time Officers .................................................................................................................................4 5. Part-time Officers ................................................................................................................................ 8 6. Chair of Student Council......................................................................................................................10 7. NUS Annual Conference delegate.......................................................................................................10 8. Campaigning ........................................................................................................................................11 9. Voting System ......................................................................................................................................12 10. Election Timetable ............................................................................................................................... 12
1. About Worcester Students’ Union Worcester Students’ Union is an independent charity, registration number 1145192, which is devoted to the educational interests and welfare of its members. Its members are all students (full-time and parttime) registered for a course of study with the University of Worcester, unless they specifically choose to opt out of membership. Its activities and services are funded through a block grant from the University of Worcester and through trading surpluses from commercial services. Like other students’ unions, its objects are the advancement of education of students at the University for the public benefit by:
Promoting the interests and welfare of students and representing, supporting and advising students Being the recognised representative channel between students, the University and any other external bodies Providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of students
Worcester Students’ Union is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS) and is supported by the NUS. As a democratic organisation, it is a fundamental principle that the Students’ Union is led by students who are elected by students. This means that the leadership and the way the organisation is run are determined by the preferences and votes of the student body. The University of Worcester has over 10,000 students, with around a fifth based in partner colleges across the country. Elected officers have responsibility for representing the interests of all of these students. The student body is diverse, so the Executive Committee of the Students’ Union should reflect that diversity. Nominations are welcome from all kinds of students, so whether you’re a part-time student, mature, a parent, international, studying in a partner college or on a postgraduate course, you’re eligible to stand as a candidate for election.
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2. Contact details If you have any questions about the election process please feel free to speak with any member of SU staff. You may want some information and advice about the roles and responsibilities before you make the decision to stand, so please come and have a chat with Ruth or Paul or call in to the SU Welcome Desk to make an appointment. Contact
Responsibilities
Ruth Christie Membership Services Manager Email: r.christie@worc.ac.uk Telephone: 01905 543210
The Membership Services Manager is responsible for increasing the level of participation of Worcester Students’ Union members in decision-making processes. Talk to Ruth if you want to know more about standing as a candidate for election.
Paul Johnston Chief Executive Email: p.johnston@worc.ac.uk Telephone: 01905 543210
The Chief Executive reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the SU. Paul will be happy to talk to you if you’re thinking about standing for election and want to know more about how the organisation works.
Alison Chappell Deputy Chief Executive National Union of Students Returning Officer Email: alison.chappell@nus.org.uk Telephone: 0845 5210 262
The Returning Officer is someone independent of the election process who rules on any disputes that arise. She will be available to provide advice and support and will deal with any complaints relating to the election.
Kevin Pickess University of Worcester Academic Registrar Deputy Returning Officer Email: k.pickess@worc.ac.uk Telephone: 01905 857536
The Deputy Returning Officer is an independent representative of the University of Worcester. He checks that the Students’ Union is adhering to election rules and regulations throughout the elections.
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3. Positions Executive Officers Full-time Officers (paid)
Part-time Officers (unpaid) LGBT Officer Mature Students’ Officer Minority Ethnic Officer Non-UK Students’ Officer RAG Officer Student Disability Officer Sustainability Officer Welfare Officer Women’s Officer
President Vice President Education Vice President Student Activities
Other Positions Chair of Student Council NUS Annual Conference 21st – 23rd April 2015, Liverpool
NUS Conference Delegate The Executive Committee
Worcester Students’ Union is a democratic organisation run by students, elected by students for students. The Executive Committee is made up of all the annually elected student officers. The term “Executive Officers” includes both full-time officers and part-time officers. All Executive Officers are chosen by students through the cross-campus ballot. Who can stand as a candidate?
All full-time and part-time students of the University of Worcester are eligible for nomination and to stand in elections. Candidates for part-time officer positions must be intending to continue as a full-time or part-time student of the University of Worcester for the whole of the next academic year (2015/16) and will be required to log their volunteering hours through the SU website. Elected part-time officers should expect to devote a minimum of 50 hours to their role over the course of the year. Full-time officers must be available to take up their posts from the beginning of June 2015 when the handover period will begin. The full length of their term of office will be 54 weeks. All candidates for full-time officer posts must be eligible to be charity trustees. A term of office lasts for one year and under the Education Act 1994 students may hold full-time officer positions for a maximum of two years if successfully re-elected.
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4. Full-time officers What is a full-time officer? Full-time officers (sometimes known as sabbatical officers) are students who are elected in a cross-campus ballot by their fellow students to lead the Students’ Union for a year. They are paid approximately £17,000 for their 54 weeks in the role and work full-time (although they’re entitled to annual leave too!). It’s not just a 9 -5 job – full-time officers need to be flexible as there’s quite a bit of evening and weekend work involved. Who can be a full-time officer? Any student (part-time or full-time) registered for a course of study with the University of Worcester can stand as a candidate to be a full-time officer at Worcester Students’ Union. Usually, candidates are in their final year of study, but you can take a year out of your studies to be a full-time officer and return after your year in office. You don’t have to have held a previous role within the SU to stand as a candidate. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have been a Vice President to stand for the role of President! What positions are available? Worcester Students’ Union has three full-time officers. The President, Vice President Education and Vice President Student Activities all work together and are all paid the same. Together, they’re known as the Sabbatical Team and they’re also members of the Executive Committee and Student Council. Why should you stand? There are many reasons why you might want to stand for election as a full-time officer, as it’s a fantastic opportunity to spend a year gaining invaluable skills and loads of experience which will enhance your employability and set you up for your future career, for instance: Communication and public speaking skills – addressing prospective and current students, talking to the media, using social media and the website, writing emails and reports Teamwork, decision-making, problem solving – as a charity trustee, you’d have a huge amount of responsibility and would need to get your head around the law, finances, HR and governance Negotiation and diplomacy – regular meetings with senior members of University and SU staff Training design and delivery – running workshops for Student Academic Reps and student groups Campaigning – working with the NUS to respond to government policy and with the local community to highlight students’ issues and impact Leadership – the Sabbatical Team leads the Executive Committee and you’d be expected to lead by example, as well as chairing meetings and being at the forefront of change and challenge Networking – you’d meet other Sabbatical Officers from students’ unions all over the country at NUS training, conferences, regional and national meetings Organisational skills and time management – Sabbatical Officers don’t find filling their days a problem! It’s a full-time job for a year, which could really kick-start your future career
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All Full-Time Officers’ Responsibilities
Be a trustee of Worcester Students’ Union Be an active member of the Sabbatical Officer team and the Executive Committee and support the Part-Time Executive Officers in their work, enabling them to achieve their goals Be a Student Councillor and attend 8 Student Council meetings a year Represent the Students’ Union and its members on key University boards and committees and attend regular meetings with the Vice Chancellor and other members of the University’s senior management teacm Work collaboratively with Students’ Union staff and the Chief Executive to ensure that the Union works to meets its objects as a charity Chair relevant Students’ Union committees and meetings Always act and behave in accordance with the Students’ Union’s rules, policies and procedures Promote active involvement with Worcester Students’ Union to all of its members Play an active role in the Appointments Committee, Finance Committee, HR Committee and Development Committee, in addition to other Students’ Union Committees which may be established Develop the #TeamWorc identity and brand, so that students feel a sense of belonging
President
Lead the Sabbatical team and initiate and promote campaigns to improve student life Be the figurehead and spokesperson of Worcester Students’ Union Be a governor of the University of Worcester Ensure that all activities and services provided by the Students’ Union are for the long-term benefit of its members and help to advance their educational experience Be the chair of the board of trustees
Chair the Executive Committee and other Students’ Union committees/meetings as required Represent the Students’ Union and its members on University boards and committees, recruitment panels, working groups etc as required Be the key link with the NUS, keeping in regular contact with NUS staff and officers and ensuring that Worcester Students’ Union is represented at regional and national events Be a delegate to the NUS National Conference, together with the elected delegates, ensuring that members are consulted prior to Conference so as to represent their views and ensuring that members are briefed following Conference Work closely with the Chief Executive and the Membership Services Manager to ensure that the Students’ Union continues to develop and improve the quality of its governance, democratic processes, involvement and participation Take the lead on providing introductory talks to all new students to raise awareness of the Students’ Union, its function and the services it provides
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Vice President Education Be an active member of the Sabbatical team, deputising for the President as necessary Be a governor of the University of Worcester Represent members’ interests in relation to academic issues, working closely with the Membership Services Manager Initiate and co-ordinate campaigns which support students’ academic interests Co-ordinate and Chair the StARs Forum and other Students’ Union committees/meetings as required Actively promote the StAR system and support around 500 Student Academic Reps Co-ordinate and deliver training for StARs, in collaboration with the University of Worcester’s Quality and Educational Development department and representatives of individual Institutes Represent the Students’ Union and its members on University boards and committees, recruitment panels, working groups etc as required Provide information, advice and support to individual students or groups of students with problems concerning academic issues, in conjunction with the Student Advisor Liaise regularly with University departments such as ILS and Student Services Take the lead on educational quality issues for the Students’ Union and ensure that members’ interests are represented in relation to the Quality Assurance Agency and the National Student Survey
Vice President Student Activities Be an active member of the Sabbatical team, deputising for the President as necessary Actively promote and support the establishment of new sports clubs and societies Specifically work to encourage under-represented groups of students, such as part-time, mature and female students, to get involved in sport, societies or some form of physical/cultural activity within the University Work closely with the Sports and Societies Co-ordinator to provide information, advice, support
and training for clubs and societies
Plan and co-ordinate new events and activities which develop further social and recreational opportunities for students to improve social welfare Represent the Students’ Union and its members on University boards including the new Board of Sport and committees, recruitment panels, working groups etc as required Liaise regularly with University departments such as Student Services and ISES as well as external stakeholders to ensure opportunities and services are well promoted and appeal to students Be the public face of student sport and represent Worcester Students’ Union in sports-related
activities and events, including Varsity and the Colours Ball Organise and chair meetings with student groups and other Students’ Union committees as
required eg SU sports committee, SU societies committee Initiate and co-ordinate campaigns which support students’ welfare, in conjunction with the part-time Welfare Officer and Student Services
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5. Part-time officers These roles offer a brilliant opportunity to get more out of your time at university. If you’re elected, you’ll be a full member of the Executive Committee, which meets fortnightly, as well as being a Student Councillor. You’ll gain all kinds of transferable skills and experiences which you’ll be able to build on after you’ve finished your studies – communication skills, teamwork, committee skills, organisation and planning, working for a charity, understanding the Higher Education sector and so on. In the current economic climate, you’re going to be looking for opportunities to enhance your employability and to demonstrate to future employers how you’ve used your spare time constructively and positively to develop your prospects. We’re looking for enthusiastic, committed individuals who can make a real difference to the student experience at the University of Worcester and to the way Worcester Students’ Union works. Part-time officers are encouraged to set up their own committees, made up of students who share their interest or focus and to develop ways of addressing issues which are of concern. If you’re not convinced that you should stand, drop in to the SU for a chat with one of the current officers or a member of staff and we’ll do our best to persuade you, particularly if you’re in your first year now! These are the roles which are up for grabs: LGBT students may suffer from harassment and bullying from other students, some may even feel picked on by staff and others may feel that the “whole system” is designed to marginalise them. This might include LGBT participation in sports and societies, LGBT Officer involvement in SU entertainment and the passing of policies by either the SU or the University which they feel unfairly disadvantage students who have defined themselves as LGBT. The National Union of Students campaigns for LGBT liberation and this role is ideal for a student willing to take the lead locally on behalf of LGBT students. If you’re aware that the majority of students here are mature, but feel that their Mature interests and concerns are sometimes overlooked, this could be a great role for you. Students’ What changes would you like to see which would make a positive difference for mature Officer students? The Mature Students’ Officer will ensure that issues which affect mature students in particular are raised and addressed by both the SU and the University. Do students from minority ethnic backgrounds suffer unfairly academically, socially or in the local community? Is it harder to get a good degree if you are from a minority ethnic background? Are you more likely to be stopped and searched by the police or be refused Minority admission to certain pubs and clubs? Do you have a view on the wider picture of Ethnic Officer employment and training for those from minority ethnic backgrounds? If you come from a minority ethnic background and think this is something that interests you then this position could be for you. Students come to study at Worcester from all over the world. They have to adjust to a Non-UK different culture of learning as well as living and may find it particularly hard to settle. Students’ Could you represent over 1,000 international students and help them feel part of the Officer student community here? The SU wants all students to feel that they are supported and represented during their time at Worcester. RAG stands for Raise And Give. This role is an ideal opportunity for someone who’s committed to the idea of students making a real difference in their community by supporting local organisations through fundraising activities. Could you help organise RAG Officer events, attract volunteers and make RAG popular with students and successful in terms of the funds raised? If you’re active, creative and want to make things happen, this is the role for you!
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Worcester Students’ Union continues to strive to become a more sustainable organisation – financially and environmentally. Could you take the lead on helping us become leaner and greener and get students involved in improving our efficiency? This is an ideal role for someone with a keen interest in environmental sustainability. Worcester Students’ Union and the University of Worcester strive to attract students with disabilities but many of those students know that their time at Worcester is more difficult for them than it is for “able-bodied” students. Whether in participation in social Student and sporting aspects or just physically getting about the university it makes sense for Disability students with disabilities to have someone speaking on their behalf and to whom they Officer can turn for advice and assistance. Of course these issues do not go away at graduation and it is important that national policies and laws afford protection of all members of our communities. Many students have welfare needs during their university years – issues around mental health, sexual health, physical well-being and financial welfare can all adversely affect a student’s experience. If you would like to see more done by the SU to raise awareness of Welfare Officer these problems and campaign on students’ behalf to improve support, this role’s for you. The Welfare Officer will also need to promote and support the new Nightline service and encourage students to volunteer to be a listening ear for students who are seeking support. This role represents all self-defining women students. The Women’s Officer has responsibility for campaigning on issues relating to women’s liberation. She is expected Women’s to open up debate and organise initiatives which seek to create an environment free Officer from sexism and discrimination, where stereotypes are challenged and equality is promoted. Sustainability Officer
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Part-time Executive Officers’ Responsibilities Be an active member of the Executive Committee, attending meetings fortnightly (except during the summer vacation) Act as a spokesperson for and on behalf of Worcester Students’ Union Undertake particular tasks and duties at the request of Student Council and other democratically- led forums or committee meetings Prepare and present reports for all Student Council meetings Raise issues affecting students’ experience of the University of Worcester and/or Worcester Students’ Union to the Executive Committee and Student Council, taking responsibility for communicating outcomes back to members Support the Sabbatical team by helping to organise and run campaigns, talks to students, Open Days etc Represent the Students’ Union and its members at University and Students’ Union committees and meetings as required Develop the #TeamWorc identity and brand, so that students feel a sense of belonging
6. Chair of Student Council Chair of Student Council
This role is not part of the Executive Committee, but it provides a great opportunity for someone who wants experience of organising and running meetings, developing good communication skills and being an effective chairperson. Student Council is made up of all the Executive Officers, plus representatives from sports clubs and societies, other SU committees and Student Academic Reps, so it takes a cool head and a firm style to keep them in order! If you think you might be interested in this role, come and speak to the Membership Services Manager who’ll be able to tell you more about it.
7. NUS Annual Conference delegate National Conference is NUS’ sovereign decision-making body. It meets once a year for three days. This year’s Conference will take place at the Arena and Conference Centre in Liverpool from 21st to 23rd April 2015. The purpose of the conference is to: Democratically debate motions and pass policy from students unions across the UK Hold current leadership to account for their work over the past year Discuss, amend and approve policy reports from each of the five Zones Adopt decision made by each of the Nations, Student Sections and Liberation Campaigns Elect and appoint people to various committees, trustee board and student leadership positions Hold an AGM, receiving the annual report and accounts and approving the budget for the coming year
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Unions across the country are allocated spaces for the conference according to student numbers at their institutions. Worcester Students’ Union has three allocated spaces for 2014. One space is reserved for the current President and the other two taken by University of Worcester students elected by cross-campus ballot. Two candidates were elected in the by-election in autumn 2014, but the female candidate is now unable to attend, so we need an additional delegate to represent Worcester Students’ Union, who must self-identify as female in order to comply with a resolution passed at last year’s conference. Attending NUS Conference is quite an experience – a great mix of serious business, inspiring speakers, lively debates and brilliant night-time events too! This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the student movement at a time of significant change and political challenge. Delegates will have all of their expenses paid and will be expected to report back on their experiences. Please note you do not have to stand for any other elected positions in order to stand as a delegate to the conference.
NUS Annual Conference Delegates In order to conform to NUS’ rules and regulations, any student wishing to attend the NUS Annual Conference must be elected by their fellow students.
8. Campaigning Campaigning may begin immediately following the Candidates’ Briefing which takes place at 16:15 on Wednesday 25th February in EE1026 and finishes when voting ends at 16:00 on Friday 6th March. In order to make it a fair contest and to ensure that no candidate has an unfair advantage over others, all of your publicity material must be submitted to the Students’ Union for approval before it’s re-produced and distributed. Please note that candidates must not refer to or endorse any other candidates for any positions on their campaigning material. We’ll also give you general promotional material to help you explain the elections and why it’s important for all students to vote. Candidates will have a campaigning budget which they will be able to spend on a range of materials which may include posters, flyers, T-shirts etc. The rules around campaigning will be explained at the Candidates’ Briefing Session which must be attended by all nominees. Campaigns usually revolve around the candidates’ manifestos which are a public declaration of your intentions should you get elected. If you are standing for the NUS Conference delegate place, you will need to must submit a separate manifesto for that role if you are also standing for another position. You will be asked to submit your manifesto(s) online when you complete your application(s). The maximum word limit for each manifesto is 250. You will not be confirmed as a candidate if these have not been received. Photographs of all candidates will be taken at the Candidates’ Briefing and these will be used in promotional material which will be produced by the SU.
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Candidates’ Debates and Speeches Candidates’ Debates provide the chance for students to find out more about your views, your priorities and why you think they should vote for you. All candidates will be required to participate in both events. The first will be held in EE1107 on Monday 2nd March from 12:30 – 14:00 and the second, which will be livestreamed and recorded, will be held at the Studio at The Hive on Tuesday 3rd March from 12:15 – 13:45. The Students’ Union will publicise this event, but it’s really down to candidates themselves to encourage students to come along and get involved.
9. Voting system Alternative Vote (AV) AV is used across the country by many Students’ Unions in elections. This system provides voters with more choice. Instead of your vote being “spent” on a single candidate, voters can choose to express several different choices, by putting ‘1’ against their first choice candidate for a position, ‘2’ against their second choice and so on. Once a candidate has 50% or more of the votes, they are elected, but if a candidate is eliminated because they have the lowest number of votes, voters’ 2nd choices come in to play. Where students do not wish to support any of the candidates standing for a particular position, they may opt to choose ‘RON’ (re-open nominations).
10. Elections timetable 2015 Leadership Elections timetable Monday 26th January Tuesday 27th January 13:15 – 14:15 EEG021 Friday 30th January 13:15 – 14:15 WB139 Wednesday 4th February Tuesday 17th February 13:15 – 14:15 EEG131 Wednesday 25th February midday Wednesday 25th February 16:15 – 17:15 EE1026 Thursday 26th February Monday 2nd March 08:00 Monday 2nd March 12:30 – 14:00 EE1107 Tuesday 3rd March 12:15 – 13:45 The Studio at The Hive Friday 6th March 16:00 Friday 6th March 19:00
Nominations open Thinking about standing? Workshop for prospective candidates Thinking about standing? Workshop for prospective candidates Elections stall at Refreshers’ Fair Meet the SU session for prospective candidates Nominations close Briefing for all candidates Campaigning begins Voting begins Candidates’ debate and speeches Candidates’ debate and speeches (live-streamed and recorded) Voting ends Out For the Count event, Pear Tree, with results from 20:00
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