Introduction to Student Council 24/25
What is a Students’ Union? • An independent organisation that works closely with, and is mainly funded by the University • A charity and company in its own right • Universities are required by the Education Act to have a Students’ Union • Services offered: Representation, Democracy, Shop, Events, Advice, Sports & Societies
Governance • Governed by our constitution • We also have by-laws • As a Student Council member, it is expected that you will read
and understand the by-laws
By-Laws The by-laws cover: • The membership of the Students’ Union • Conduct of Referenda • Student Member Meetings • How the Elections should run • The roles of Student Council members and Full-Time Officers
• Trustees’ responsibilities • Executive Committee - SU Management Team, CEO and Full-Time Officers (FTOs)
Board of Trustees The role of the Board of Trustees: • Responsible for the strategic and financial wellbeing of the SU Specifically, the Board has a duty to ensure:
• That everything it does benefits the students • That the SU remains financially solvent • That the SU doesn’t break any laws or regulations
Board of Trustees Chair Maisie Head (FTO Trustee)
Student Trustee -
Lewys Thomas (External Trustee)
Freya Groom (FTO Trustee)
Deputy Chair Scott Farmer (External Trustee)
Jon Russ (External Trustee)
Jazz Simpson (External Trustee)
Student Trustee -
Current overview of the Students’ Union
Trustees and Student Council
President
CEO
Vice President
Maisie Head
Marc Caldecott
Freya Groom
Head of
Interim Head of
Commercial
Membership
Services
Carrie Bennett
Student Voice Coordinator Katie Taffinder
Student Opportunities Coordinator Ariana Bradshaw
Student Opportunities Assistant Annie Meaney
Kieran Irwin
Student Advisor
Cath Clark
Democracy & Campaigns Coordinator Ben Sanders
Digital Communications Manager Elissa Griffiths
Communications and Engagement Coordinator Lauren Hole
Student Staff Bar and Reception/Shop
What is Student Council? • One of the most senior committees of the SU • Link between the SU, the University and the Board of Trustees • Main purpose - represent the student body • Creates/approves Union policy through a democratic vote
• Steers the work of the FTOs, campaigns and other areas of the SU • Advises and supports the FTOs on certain matters • Promotes the services and events of the SU • Delivers/supports campaigns where necessary (University, community or NUS Campaigns)
How do I gather feedback? • Via officer emails - always check this account! • Create surveys • Monitor Unitu • Speak to students when you pass them in the corridor • Host a stall in Glyn’s Bar & Lounge or Main Reception if you have a specific topic you want to highlight
What do I do with this feedback?
• Update other Student Council members through your reports at meetings
• Report the feedback to any University committee/group that you are a part of • Ask the FTOs to take the feedback to senior committees/groups that they are a part of • Work with members of the SU staff team to find solutions
Ideas/Motions • As elected Council members, we rely on you to promote and encourage students to submit their ideas or any proposals using the SU website’s ‘Ideas/Motions’ tab • You can submit motions directly to the Student Council Chair within the deadline • The Chair has the right to refuse a motion if it is not realistic or not within the authority of Council to approve • Students can see the progress of their motions through the tab on the website
Ideas/Motions • You will need to complete a motion form • Please complete with as much information as you can • If you decide to collaborate with another member on a motion, please state this on the form • It would be great if you could get quotes from students on how it would affect their experience while studying here
How do I make myself known? • Create a social media account - before you do this, seek advice and support from lauren.hole@wrexham.ac.uk • Ensure your picture, contact details and any further information is up to date on the SU website - you can contact lauren.hole@wrexham.ac.uk for this, too • Attend SU events when you’re able to • Organise your own events
Other things you may be asked to do... • Validations/re-validations • Called upon by FTOs between meetings for your feedback/opinions/advice • Conferences and training • Promote elections, surveys, campaigns, events and other SU services
• Be part of focus groups