Election FAQs

So you want to run in UWESU election?

• Do you work well with others?
• Are you frustrated with the way the Union is run?
• Do you what to represent your fellow students to the University?
• Concerned about where the Union’s funds are being spent?
• Interested in being involved in the day to day campus activities?
• Do you have enthusiasm and drive to find solutions for student issues?
• Can you campaign on behalf of others?
• Are you a team player?
• Do you wish to work within a dynamic and forward thinking organisation?

Elections are held every year, to decide the elected officers for the following academic year. The voting will take place from March 3rd until March 7th 2008.

If you are interested in running for election here is a brief FAQ to help you out.

Q. Am I eligible to run?

A. You must be a registered UWE student. For the full time posts you can be graduating this academic year or can take time out of your studies to take up a full time sabbatical post.

Q. Who can vote?

A. All registered UWE students (this includes post grad and part time)

Q. How complicated is to apply to run?

A. Not very, complete a nomination form. Nomination forms can be found on the web uwesu.org/vote or email nerys.neath@uwe.ac.uk . You then have to get the form signed by 11 fellow students.

Q. When is the deadline for completed nominations?

A. 1pm 21st February 2008, this is a strict deadline and no nominations will be accepted after this date and time.

Q. What can I run for?

A. UWESU will be electing 4 full time positions and 23 part time and conference delegate positions.

Full time posts

Student Representative Council President –

The SRC President works with the other officers to represent the views of students to the University at is highest level, liases with the National Union of Students, Chairs the Student Rep Council meetings and becomes a Student Governor of the University. Work closely with the other Officers to lead and direct the Students’ Union

Student Representative Vice President –

The SRC Vice President organises the AGM, sit on the Student Rep Council meetings, represents students at many academic meeting of the University and is passionate about academic provision for UWE students.

Sports President –

The Sports President leads the running and development of the Sports Clubs at UWESU, acts as Chair of the Sports Council, sits on the University Joint Committee for Sports, encourages sporting events such as Varsity and Sports Awards Dinner

Activities President –

The Activities President is interested in the social and cultural activities of the Union, works to support the Campus Chairs in their roles with the Union, act as Chair of the Activities Council and is also interested in the Media and Entertainment provision of students at UWE

Union Trustee –

All full time officers also become Trustees of the Students Union. This role has legal responsibilities. . As an exempt charity, the Charities Commission does not regulate the UNION, but we still are legally bound to the it’s requirements. Charity Trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as Trustees, Directors, Board Members, Governors or Committee Members. Charity Trustees are responsible for controlling the management and administration of a charity.

Can anyone be a trustee?

Generally speaking anyone who is 18 years or over can be a trustee. However, certain people are legally disqualified from continuing to be, or from becoming a trustee. Obviously this will only effect a small minority of people. People who are disqualified are those who

• have been convicted at any time of any offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent; or

• are undischarged bankrupts; or

• have made compositions or arrangements with their creditors from which they have not been discharged; or

• have at any time been removed by the Commissioners or by the court in England, Wales (or by the Court of Sessions in Scotland) from being a trustee because of misconduct; or

• are disqualified from being company directors; or

• are subject to an order made under s. 429(2) (b) of the Insolvency Act 1986.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CANDIDATES FOR TRUSTEE OFFICER ROLES ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN A TRUSTEE DECLARATION FORM BEFORE NOMINATIONS ARE ACCEPTED

Chair of Meetings -

The Role of the Chair of Meetings is to Act as Chair to any of the Union’s General Meeting – full training will be given. The Chair is there to keep the meeting moving along by adhering to the agenda, to keep any discussion centred on the issues, understanding the meeting procedures and bring discussions to a conclusion.

Campus Chairs x 5

Bower Ashton, Frenchay, St Matthias, Hartpury and Glenside

Each Campus has an elected Campus Chair their role is to represent the views of the students studying at the campus, to attend the Activities Council, help support the student community in social activities such as events and awareness campaigns and chair the campus committee. Each Campus Chair has the support of a permanent member of Union staff based at their campus.

UWESU Delegate to National Union of Students Conference –

UWESU is a constituent member of the NUS as such we elected 15 students to attend and represent the views of student to the Annual Conference. This year Annual Conference will take place 1st – 3rd of April in Blackpool. The delegate will has accommodation and travel provided for them by the Union. Further information regarding the Conference can be found at www.officeronline.co.uk

Q. How much are the full time officers paid?

A. Each full time officer receives £16,716 per annum.

Q. How long do the elected officers hold office?

A. Exactly one year from the end of June 2008 – to the end of June 2009

Q. I have no experience with the Students Union; does that mean I can’t be elected?

A. No, every students can run for an officer positions, successful candidates are those who can demonstrate to the electorate a passion and drive to succeed. As long as you can make a good case for why student should vote for you, you may be successful. Full training is offered through out the summer internally and from national organisations.

Q. What does the Returning Officer do?

A. Returning Officer is responsible for the good conduct of the elections. The Returning Officer has sole authority to interpret the election law within the constitution and has ultimate authority which can include disqualification from an election. You may contact the Returning Officer though the Deputy Returning Officer via email nerys.neath@uwe.ac.uk

Q. Okay, I’m a candidate, what now?

A. Verification of the nomination form take place on the 21st and 22nd of Feb 08. The Returning Officer will then announce the candidates once verification has been completed. All Candidates must attend the Candidates Briefing which is held on the 26th Feb at 5.30pm in 2D07 Frenchay Campus. There are rules of what you can and can not do regarding campaigning these will be explained at the meeting, from then the candidates are able to start their campaigns.

If you have any further question please email nerys.neath@uwe.ac.uk