2021/22 Impact Report

HELLO

Our 2022/23 team who are reporting on the year before they become officers

Here's to 2022/23 and another year of improving the student experience!

JEM Inclusion & Communities Officer

POPPY Welfare Officer

SHELDON President OSCAR Education Officer

HARRY Activities & Opportunities Officer

A NOTE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

We are proud to be an organisation which exists to improve the lives of all students, every day.

Looking back we achieved so much in the last year. All of the information in this report demonstrates how much we have collectively delivered as a students' union. From supporting 1,071 students with free, confidential advice to providing employment opportunities for 73 students every month, there's no doubt we had an impact on the student experience in Reading in 2021/22.

The students' union is a place for everyone. We provide the services, opportunities, support and a sense of belonging, so students can be whoever they want to be and to make a positive difference in the world, knowing we've got their back.

As a students' union, we represent the many voices that often struggle to be heard, acting as a collective body to support students’ needs and campaigning on issues that matter at university, in our immediate community and in the wider world Want to be part of that mission? Our Leadership Elections are coming up soon*... will you be nominating yourself?

We have come so far, and we have impacted so many, and we still have further to go. Looking forward, we continue to be relentlessly focused on delivering impactful changes for our members. We've got big plans over the coming years, so please join us on our journey!

Ryan Bird, Chief Executive

ADVICE

my options was incredibly clear and completely relevant to my issue. I never once felt that [they] had not understood my situation –Undergraduate Student

Very kind, supportive and informative. Very good people – Undergraduate Student

I had an issue with council tax, which was very challenging... Nevertheless, [the Adviser] greatly defended my case with her understanding of the legislation. The case took so much time. We finally succeeded and I will be soon refunded all the money!

– International PG Student

SUSTAINABILITY

OUR BIG WINS

FULL-TIME OFFICERS

RUSU IN HALLS

Grace, Welfare Officer, lobbied the University for a better halls experience for students. We recruited a member of staff to improve provision and increase halls activities and welfare support

SELF-CERTIFICATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

RSU Education Officer, Beth, worked with the University to introduce Self-certification Exceptional Circumstances forms Now, if students have a minor illness or situation that gathering evidence for will be tricky, they can complete a form and be granted a two-day extension for coursework

LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS OVERHAUL

As Chair of Elections Committee, Education Officer Beth, developed changes for the elections, including the introduction of public endorsements and further clarity around announcements and rules

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES HUB

Amy, Activities Officer, repurposed the Study to become a Student Opportunities Hub There will be a common room, bookable space for clubs and societies as well as support from the Student Activities staff team.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY SOCIETY REPS

Activities Officer, Amy, introduced EDI Rep positions onto sports and society committees this year, shifting inclusivity to be much more prominent She also increased the availability of welfare and inclusivity training for all committee members.

360 BUS

One of Ben’s manifesto aims as RUSU President was to implement a free 360 bus that allowed students to get safely to and from Union nights. The service, which travels directly through key student areas, has been, and continues to be, hugely popular.

HELP YOURSELF SHELF

GIRLS NIGHT IN

Welfare Officer, Grace, worked with a student-led campaign team and RUSU's venue team as part of the Girls' Night In campaign. Together they responded to student concerns and raised awareness

Welfare Officer Grace, installed a Help Yourself Shelf at RUSU Reception full of self-care items that students can pick up for free. It includes sanitary products, pronoun badges, information packs, condoms and lots more

PART-TIME OFFICERS

STUDENT NETWORKS

A series of Student Networks during welcome week hosted by Part-time Officers, provided students with a place to meet like-minded students and create a sense of community in those vital first few weeks of term

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS' DAY

Our Women's Officer worked alongside the Full-time Officers and other Part-time Officers/Student Reps to develop our International Women's Day initiatives.

STUDENT PRIDE

Our Trans and LGBQ+ Officers hosted our inaugural Reading Student Pride, creating a much-needed safe space for LGBTQ+ students on campus.

RACE EQUALITY REVIEW

Our Part-time Officers worked collaboratively with our full-time officers to deliver an action plan in response to the Race Equality Review

CULTURAL SHOW

The officer team all worked together to deliver our sell-out Annual Cultural Show, which was superbly co-hosted by Tarek, the Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer.

ACADEMIC REPS

ASARESULTOFBEINGAREP...

Recommended introduction of pre-study modules

Welcomed new students and eased the transition from sixth form or college to university

Achieved confirmation of exam formats for the coming year

Ensured their cohort felt they were listened to and properly represented Liaised between staff and students

Established relationships with the students on their course

Successfully made the case for extensions on assignments where there were a number due in the same week

Coursemates started offering feedback without needing to be asked for it

EMPLOYMENT

RUSU employed approximately 73 members of student staff monthly in a variety of roles including nursery assistants, student voice champions, welcome team, safety bus drivers and commercial assistants, offering great experience and personal development. 49% of staff on our payroll were students and we paid out £257,878 in student staff salaries.

RUSU understands students better than other employers in terms of study/work balance Great atmosphere, a fun place to work!

It’s a real community atmosphere which makes you feel comfortable.

Everyone I work with is really nice and lovely to get along with, it’s super convenient being on campus and a great place to socialise

RUSU is a fun and lively place to work. I think staff are treated really well and management does its best to be flexible and accommodating. RUSU is forever changing which makes it an interesting place to work.

of the RUSU calendar”

"Summerballisthe bestendofyear festivaltogotowith yourbestmates! Greateventtoseeoff theyearwithamazing actsuntil6am!"

“The best chance to party from sun down to sun up! Highlight

Ryan

Grace