Candidate information Pack: By-Elections and NUS Delegations

2017

THE LEADERSHIP RACE BY-ELECTIONS & NUS DELEGATIONS CANDIDATE PACK

WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS PACK 03 03 04 05 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 27 28 29

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Welcome to The Leadership Race The Students’ Union at UWE Why Run? What Does the Executive Do? The role of the Democractic Procedures Committee The role of NUS conference delegates Extra rules for NUS conference delegations The Leadership Race: Who’s Who? The Timetable Manifestos and Campaigning Candidate Welfare Voting – How It Works The Budget Code of Conduct Breaches of Conduct and Complaints Candidates Checklist Pledge of Fair Play

THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

WELCOME TO THE LEADERSHIP RACE This pack provides details about The Students’ Union’s October By-Election to choose the remaining Officers who will help lead The Students’ Union for the next year. This election is known as “The Leadership Race”. During this time, we will also be electing our NUS conference delegations and members of the democratic procedures committee.

This pack is designed to provide you with key pieces of information to help you have the best experience possible - please read the whole of this pack carefully.

If at any point you have questions about standing or running in The Leadership Race, please come in and speak to us at The Students’ Union on any campus.

THE STUDENTS’ UNION AT UWE The Students’ Union is a membership driven organisation that exists to make a positive impact on the life of every student at UWE Bristol.

We are separate from the University and provide representation, advice and opportunities for each and every student here.

We are a democratic organisation led by elected students for students. Our elected Presidents and Officers set the direction for The Students’ Union; help shape and deliver our many services; and lead on local and national campaigns affecting the student experience.

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CONGRATULATIONS ON DECIDING TO RUN Running in an election develops an incredible range of skills whether you are successfully elected or not; time management, budgeting, presenting, engaging with a variety of different people, campaigning, debating, team work, leadership, self-confidence… the list goes on.

If you are elected as a Student Leader, you will further develop all of these skills and many others.

As well as making positive changes for the students of UWE Bristol, your time will be an invaluable experience for your future career progression.

Our past Presidents have gone on to do some fantastic things.

JIM DICKINSON Vice President Education 1997/98 and Students’ Union President 1998/99 “I’m currently the CEO at UEA Students’ Union in Norwich having run NUS’ campaigns and policy function. All of the skills I need now were first practised as The Students’ Union at UWE President - it gives you the chance to change an organisation at the same time as changing the world, which is a great way to spend a sabbatical year.

Originally I got involved because I was pretty ugly and figured that winning a garish popularity contest might cheer me up. That and the Freshers’ week entertainments were RUBBISH! When I became what was then the “Education Officer” sabbatical it was to not just give students a voice in their education – but to dramatically improve their rights. Voice isn’t important as much as what it can achieve. When I stood for President the year after it was all about power. Not mine (although that was nice) but giving students some power.”

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

NICK BAIN Vice President Sports and Health 2003/04 “My time as VP Sports at The Students’ Union at UWE was certainly contentious. The new constitution was not something I supported and I fought hard for the rights and voices of minority students as a crucial part of my role as what was then Student Support Officer. I’m proud of what I achieved at that time, including my work with NUS for LGBT students in sport. I certainly learned a vast amount as a Sabb and would definitely recommend it to anyone; the life skills you learn are invaluable.

Since leaving UWE Bristol I’ve studied and worked in a variety of fields, but now am Head of Social at the creative agency Bacchus.

We look after a wide variety of clients from Diageo to top London restaurants and cocktail bars, to large commercial estates like Broadgate London. We work with clients to produce quality engaging content on one hand and activations to ensure people talk about them on the other. It’s never a dull day! Social Media literally didn’t exist when I was at UWE, which is probably a good think judging by some of the photos I’ve seen. Social Media is at the forefront of a change in the way people interact and experience life, but it’s crucial to get a balance between your digital and real world lives.”

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WHAT DOES THE EXECUTIVE DO? All Presidents and Officers Firstly, and most importantly, the work of all of The Students’ Union Executive is driven by the needs of students. To ensure this, they each represent and engage with all students across all campuses.

The Executive hold the University to account on its decisions which affect the lives of students and strive to make positive changes for them.

They work together as a team, supporting each other, to deliver the strategic plan of The Students’ Union.

Engaging collaboratively with other students’ unions on sector wide debates and activities, they run and support local and national campaigns on a range of issues affecting students.

Presidents As Trustees of The Students’ Union, the Presidents are also responsible for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and that The Students’ Union has the highest standards of governance.

Finally, all of the Presidents act as guardians of the assets of The Students’ Union to ensure their proper security and use for the benefit of all students.

The Students’ Union President The Students’ Union President’s role is all encompassing. They bring together all elements of The Students’ Union and direct the Executive to deliver the overall objectives of The Students’ Union.

As a member of the University’s Board of Governors, the President is involved in the most important decisions the University makes. The significance of being the figurehead of an organisation representing 27,000+ students also opens doors to work with many other important figures.

With this level of influence comes the responsibility to engage the student population and find out the issues that matter to them most.

Lobbying, campaigning, surveying, researching, relationship building, negotiating and networking are just some of the tactics Presidents use to achieve their goals. There are many

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

methods you can use to create the changes students think are important, and knowing when and where to utilise them is an invaluable skill.

The flexibility the President enjoys ultimately gives them a huge say in the direction of The Students’ Union, but with the high profile come high expectations.

The Vice President Education The VP Education role really says it all in the name. It is everything teaching, exam, coursework, studying and learning based.

There are certain meetings that the VP Education attends to better understand these issues; many of these are with different departments and boards within the University.

The most important role the VP Education plays is working closely with various student groups to find out what issues students face in their academic life. This is because a big part of the role is putting pressure on the University to make improvements that are important to students.

Lobbying, negotiating and campaigning are all tactics that have been used to do this. Within that remit it is really up to you what you want to achieve and how you want to go about it.

The Vice President Societies and Communication The VP Societies and Communication is a role that embraces variety.

The most important characteristic a VP Societies and Communication can have is enthusiasm: the enthusiasm to get behind the 100+ societies that exist so that they thrive; the enthusiasm to inspire other students to get involved and follow their passions; and the ability to communicate that enthusiasm to students so they know what is happening in The Students’ Union.

Other times the role means sitting in meetings and championing societies to ensure they have the resources they need. Sometimes the role means running events and activities that give students opportunities to get involved. It can also mean working with different individuals and teams within The Students’ Union to put out messages students need to know about.

Above all, this role is about working with students to ensure that their time at University is as fun and enjoyable as possible. How you would go about achieving this is entirely up to you.

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The Vice President Sports and Health The VP Sports and Health role is perfect for students that are passionate about sports; as well as striving to develop participation, fitness, competition and inclusion in the student population.

Working closely with the University’s Centre for Sport to improve and better utilise the facilities in its £5.5 million sports complex as well as working closely with students is key to achieving these objectives.

The role is integral to the carrying out of Varsity; working with Bristol SU and the different strategic partners to ensure it is a success.

They encourage and enable students to lead healthy lifestyles through raising awareness and leading by example.

Most importantly, they make sure sports are for all students regardless of background or circumstance. Finding out what it is that students want from their sport provision and how they want to participate is necessary to deliver all other objectives.

Running campaigns, organising events, research projects and developing new opportunities are all methods that have been used to succeed. How you tackle this role is up to you.

The Vice President Community and Welfare The VP Community and Welfare is there to champion the diversity, rights and welfare of students. Being able to inspire, understand and reach out to others is at the core of the role.

Having conversations with various individuals and departments within the University and challenging them to constantly improve the environment they provide for the student population is an important part of the role.

By far the most rewarding parts of the role are working closely with minority groups, strengthening the student community, getting involved with local projects in Bristol and championing social justice causes.

Working with local and national charities, leading and supporting student campaigns and building networks are all ways in which predecessors have ensured their success.

You can decide what you want to change and the legacy you want to leave.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK Black Minority Ethnic (BME) Officer The BME Officer role is one of the three liberation positions at The Students’ Union at UWE. Liberation is the movement for the removal of discrimination and oppression of groups within society.

The BME Officer is as a key figure in the movement for Black Minority Ethnic students studying at UWE Bristol.

They ensure that the BME perspective is taken into consideration by the rest of The Students’ Union by being part of the Executive and are in a position to meet with University officials to raise the issues that are important to BME students.

Bringing together the different BME groups that exist within The Students’ Union is key to succeeding in this role and making positive changes in the University and local area.

Running campaigns such as Black History Month, lobbying the University, raising awareness and working in partnership with local organisations are all ways in which an Officer can get the most out of their time in the role.

The issues that you decide to work on and how you go about doing it is entirely your choice.

LGBT+ Officer Liberation is the movement for the removal of discrimination and oppression of groups within society. The LGBT Officer is the face of the movement for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students studying at UWE Bristol.

Officers give the LGBT community at UWE Bristol a strong voice in The Students’ Union and work with their fellow elected officials to make sure that voice is recognised by the University as well.

Running events, lobbying the University, raising awareness, and working in partnership with local organisations such as Bristol Pride are all ways in which an Officer can make their time a success.

The issues that you decide to work on and how you go about doing it is entirely your choice.

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International Students’ Officer The International Students’ Officer belongs to the international students. They listen to, speak up for, and aim to solve the issues that face students studying away from their home nation. Finding out what specifically effects international students and drawing on their own experiences is key.

A big part of the role is making UWE Bristol a place where students from across the world feel included and welcome no matter their language, culture or beliefs. The Officer will also work with the University so that it constantly improves its provision for international students. Meeting with different departments and individuals in the University to make them aware of issues facing international students can have big impacts.

Putting on events, running campaigns, carrying out surveys and working with different student groups, fellow officers and The Students’ Union staff are all methods Officers use to make sure international students enjoy their time at UWE Bristol.

It’s up to you what you want to achieve and how you want to go about it.

Disabled Students’ Officer Liberation is the movement for the removal of discrimination and oppression of groups within society. The Disabled Students’ Officer is there to lead this movement for disabled students studying at UWE Bristol.

Officers represent the views of disabled students to The Students’ Union Executive and work with fellow officers to improve The Students’ Union and University’s provisions for those with disabilities.

Raising awareness through events and campaigns as well as working with local and national charities are just a few ways in which Officers can further the cause of disabled rights at UWE Bristol.

The issues that you decide to work on and how you go about doing it is entirely your choice.

Postgraduate Officer The Postgraduate Officer makes sure that Postgrad students are heard. They listen to, speak up about and aim to solve the issues of UWE’s postgraduates.

Having their finger on the pulse of what’s affecting Postgraduate students and drawing on their own experiences is key to being successful. They make sure UWE and The Students’ Union fit around the needs of postgraduate students by raising the issues and convincing then that solving them is a priority.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK Putting on events, running campaigns, carrying out surveys and working with different student groups, fellow officers and The Students’ Union staff are all methods Officers can use to make sure postgrads enjoy their time at UWE. It’s up to the individual what they want to achieve and how they want to go about it.

Sustainability Officer The Sustainability Officer role is perfect for students that are passionate about the environment. Every organisation needs to play a part in ensuring the planet is fit to live on for future generations.

By sitting on the University Sustainability Board the Sustainability Officer is able to hold the University to account on their environmental footprint. Within the Students’ Union they work with various individuals and teams to make it greener and more sustainable in its operations.

Supporting the Green Team (one of the most passionate student groups in The Students’ Union) in their various projects and promoting their work to the rest of the student population is a large part of the role.

Running awareness raising campaigns, encouraging environmentally friendly behaviour in students, organising green events and working with local organisations are all ways in which Sustainability Officers can make big impacts.

You makes the changes that you want to see, how you go about doing that is up to you.

City Campus Officer City Campus Officers represent the creatives and freethinkers of UWE Bristol. Making sure their views are heard by The Students’ Union and the University is a big part of the role.

The role often means meeting with different departments in the University and individuals in The Student’s Union to put forward cases as to why they should provide facilities specific for City Campus students.

City Campus students also have different tastes and interests to students on other campuses so running social events that students want is part of the role. Carrying out campaigns and lobbying the University are methods previous Officers use to make sure the City Campus students are catered for during their studies.

How you want to do this is up to you.

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Glenside Campus Officer The students at Glenside are largely made up of health care professionals; working long hours on placements and caring for members of the public is a huge part of their studies.

Glenside Campus Officers represent hard working students that have little spare time: making sure their views are heard is an extremely important role. With the changes to the NHS, having the perspective of health care students in The Students’ Union is invaluable.

As a lot of Glenside students also live on site, part of the Officer role will be making sure that the campus is a place students can call home: Running social events and activities, working to improve the Glenside Union building are all methods that Officers use.

How you want to approach this role is up to you.

Gloucester Campus Officer Gloucester is the smallest campus and also the furthest in distance from the operational centres of the University and The Students’ Union. Because of this, Gloucester sometimes gets overlooked. This is what makes the Officer’s position so important.

They ensure that the interests of Gloucester students are recognised by being a visible link between the campus, The Students’ Union and the University. Students should know they can approach their Campus Officer with their issues.

Meeting with different University departments and having conversation with individuals in The Students’ Union are ways in which Officers make sure Gloucester students are looked after.

The way you approach this role is up to you.

Frenchay Campus Officer Frenchay is the largest of the four campuses, it has a huge variety of facilities, many subjects are studied there and thousands of students live on site.

Officers work to find out what is important to students living and studying on campus; making sure they are visible and approachable so that students know that their views will be listened to.

Important parts of the role are working with The Students’ Union commercial team to provide the big events students want and meeting with departments in The University so that they are aware of the issues in accommodation and university facilities.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK With so many students on the campus at any one time Officers can have huge impacts on The Students’ Union by working to engage them with activities and carrying out and assisting on campaigns.

With so many different aspects to the role Officers can be flexible and it’s up to you how to approach the role.

Education Officer The Education Officer role is about loving learning. Officers fight for their fellow students to get as much out of their academic lives as possible. Teaching, exams, coursework, study space, learning facilities are just some of the areas that Officers aim to improve for students.

Meeting with University officials is one way of achieving this. Another is building up support in the student population to pressure the University into making changes.

Education Officers have a lot of flexibility with their role. Really they can work on anything that relates to education and enjoy the support of The Students’ Union as a whole.

How you choose to interpret this role is up to you.

Societies and Communication Officer The Societies and Communication Officer is about following passions. Societies enable students do what they love and meet other people that love it to.

A large part of the role is working with the different societies so that they have everything they need for their members and representing their views to the rest of the Students’ Union; so is helping students that want to start their own societies and supporting them in their infancy.

Some students may not have found their passions yet so promoting The Students’ Union activities, having an input in activities and even leading on the creation of activities make for really successful Officers.

Societies and Communication Officers have a lot of flexibility on where they decide to focus their energy so it’s up to you what you want to achieve.

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Sports and Health Officer The role of Sports and Health Officer is great for students that love sports. They work to support the clubs and make sure their views are represented in meetings with the rest of the executive.

Promoting the clubs, supporting them in competitions, celebrating their successes and encouraging other students to get involved is essential to the role.

Finding out what students involved in sport want and making sure there are opportunities for students to get involved in regardless of their background and circumstance is just as important.

Officers can organise events and campaigns to help them in achieving these objectives and have access to The Student’s Union resources to enable them.

Really it’s up to you how you want attack the role.

Community and Welfare Officer The Community and Welfare Officer cares for students. Excellent listening, observation and communication skills are key to the role.

Finding out the issues that affect students’ welfare generally, in Bristol and specifically at UWE are one of the first things an Officer needs to do. With that knowledge they are then able to work on improving the situation.

Some issues require greater awareness in the student population. Running highly visible campaigns and working with their fellow officers to get messages out are important tools for an Officer to utilise.

Having conversations with different members of The Students’ Union and meeting with University officials are methods that can lead to long standing changes.

Working with local and national charities, researching, leading and supporting student campaigns and building networks are all ways in which Officer ensure they are successful.

You can decide what you want to change and the legacy you want to leave.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

THE ROLE OF DEMOCRATIC PROCEDURES COMMITTEE The Democratic Procedures Committee exists to ensure the student voice is represented in and, as far as practical, responsible for the good conduct of the democratic procedures at The Students’ Union at UWE, to ensure that these procedures are legitimate, to maintain and improve the integrity of student democracy.

DPC members work together to ensure the legitimacy of votes for Student Ideas, investigate complaints relating to Student Ideas, rule on queries about Student Ideas, advise the Executive and Students’ Union staff on the interpretation of Bye Law 6 and the openness and inclusivity of the democratic procedures.

DPC members also provide oversight of the Executive and hold its members to account about how they engage with and champion student democracy. All members are required to remain impartial for their term of office in all matters relating to student democracy.

Members of the committee are elected for two academic years, subject to continued student status.

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THE ROLE OF NUS CONFERENCE DELEGATES NUS Conferences are the supreme decision making bodies of the organisation where delegates representing students from each students’ union review the work of NUS over the last year, decide on priorities and policy for the following year and elect the leadership.

Each delegate at any NUS Conference does this in different ways. Creating policy and setting priorities by submitting policy proposals and voting on proposals from other students’ unions. Choosing the leadership of the organisation by voting in elections to choose the NUS Officer Team and committee members. Reviewing the work of the organisation and different campaigns by questioning Officers and committee members and holding them to account.

National Conference is the lead decision-making body of NUS. Delegates are elected from each students’ union that is an affiliated member of NUS to represent their students’ views on a national level.

The Liberation Conferences (LGBT+, Women and Black Students) are the sovereign decisionmaking bodies for those campaigns. Delegates are elected by those students from each students’ union that is an affiliated member of NUS who self-define as members of that campaign to represent their students’ views on a national level.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

EXTRA RULES FOR NUS CONFERENCE DELEGATIONS NUS National Conference Delegation Election Due to a National Union of Students (NUS) Policy, the delegation that UWE sends to annual conference must be at least 50% women. There are 4 places available for self-defining women students (including Trans women and those who have suffered oppression as women) and 3 open places.

The elections team will run the count twice, once with all those that self-define as women to fill the 4 places and then again with any self-defining women that are not successfully elected and everyone else running for the 3 open places.

NUS LGBT+ Conference Delegation Election Due to a NUS policy, the delegation that UWE sends to LGBT+ Students’ Conference must be 1 open place delegate (open to any LGBT+ student), 1 Trans place delegate, 1 Black place delegate (open to any LGBT+ student of African, Arab, Asian, Caribbean heritage and those who self-define as Black) 2 Women’s place delegates (open to any LGBT+ student who defines as a woman including Trans women and those who have suffered oppression as women), 1 Disabled place delegate (open to any LGBT+ disabled student).

The elections team may be required to run multiple counts to factor in these self-definition requirements to meet NUS policy.

NUS Womens’ Conference Delegation Election Due to a NUS policy, the delegation that UWE sends to Women’s Conference must be 2 open place delegates (open to any self-defining women including Trans women and those who have suffered oppression as women), 1 Black place delegate (open to any women student of African, Arab, Asian, Caribbean heritage and those who self-define as Black) and 1 reserved place delegate who define into another liberation group (Black, Disabled or LGBT+; or has caring responsibilities).

The elections team may be required to run multiple counts to factor in these self-definition requirements to meet NUS policy.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: WHO’S WHO? Returning Officer Elections in The Students’ Union at UWE are supervised by an external Returning Officer (RO).

Their duty is to make sure the elections are fair, successful, transparent and legal. Our RO contact here at The Students’ Union is Aidan Mersh (NUS Membership Engagement Manager).

The RO has the final say in election matters and their decisions are final.

Deputy Returning Officer Elections are organised, run and overseen on a day to day and hands on basis by the Deputy Returning Officer (DRO). The DRO acts on behalf of the RO (who delegates their authority to the DRO) and deals with matters as they arise on the ground. The DRO will inform the RO of any decisions and rulings affecting the election.

Assistant Returning Officer The DRO appoints several Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) who offer advice, guidance and support to the DRO and to candidates. The AROs oversee general election activity and raise any concerns with both the DRO and candidates.

KEY CONTACTS All Enquiries suelections@uwe.ac.uk Deputy Returning Officer Andy Eagleton, Representation Coordinator Assistant Returning Officers Edward Burrell, Academic Representation Manager Toby Ray, Representation Coordinator Georgia Williams, Student TBC, Student City and Glenside Campus Contacts Amy Tanner, City Campus Community Coordinator To Be Confirmed, Glenside Campus Community Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

THE TIMETABLE Date

Time

Event

Friday 1 September

09:00

Nominations Open

Wednesday 18 October

12:00

Nominations Close

Thursday 19 October

17:00

Mandatory Candidate Briefing

Friday 20 October

12:00

Manifesto Upload Deadline Annoucement of Candidates and Release of Manifestos

Sunday 22 October

12:00

Candidate Posters and Banners Allowed Up Online Campaigning Begins Physical Campaigning Begins

Monday 23 October

09:00 Voting Opens

Wednesday 25 October

12:00

Budget Activity Form Deadline

Thursday 26 October

22:00

Voting Closes

Friday 27 October

19:00

Results Announced

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CAMPAIGNING Fun, active, creative and positive campaigning is how candidates get people to vote for them.

Successful candidates will have spoken and listened to a wide range of students (both before and during the campaigning period) to learn about issues relevant to the role they are standing for.

Students vote for the candidates they know, so visibility is key. But students also vote for the candidates with the best ideas and policies, so do your research.

Campaigning is essential but intense, candidates are advised to create campaign teams to help them. Remember that candidates are responsible for the actions of their campaign teams.

Always be courteous and considerate to students, staff and other candidates when campaigning. Don’t bother or harass people, ask permission before lecture shout outs and allow other candidates space to campaign.

Candidates should not use The Students’ Union logo on any of their campaign materials. If you have questions about logos or branding, please ask either the DRO or one of the AROs.

MANIFESTOS Each candidate should provide a written statement (a manifesto) of no more than 400 words.

A manifesto tells people why you want to represent them and why they should vote for you. It also sets out your main objectives for the year, what you would like to achieve and what your ideas are.

A manifesto should include who you are, why you are standing and what you intend to do if you are elected.

Current Presidents and Officers, as well as Students’ Union staff, are available and happy to advise on campaigning and manifesto writing but can’t do any of these things for candidates; campaigning and manifestos are solely your responsibility.

The Students’ Union website has loads of resources to help you with all of this.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

CANDIDATE WELFARE Running in an election is an exhilarating experience that has huge benefits for your skills and personal development. It can also be tiring and difficult. The Students’ Union is always available to help you if you are overwhelmed.

We want you to enjoy this experience so you can gain lots from it and inspire students to vote for you.

During The Leadership Race, The Students’ Union will be running the follow events to support you: Candidate Briefing – In addition to this pack, the briefing provides candidates with all the information they need, lets you meet the Elections Team and gives you a chance to ask any questions.

Our open door policy – The Student’s Union Elections Team will be available every day throughout elections to talk to each candidate and ensure you are looking after yourself.

A friendly face – The elections team always have time to talk to you and answer any questions you might have.

Emotional support – The Students’ Union Advice Centre and the UWE Wellbeing Service will be on hand to offer advice and support on any personal issues.

Regular contact from the Elections Team – daily update emails and regular catch up phone calls from The Students’ Union staff.

A safe space – On results night, The Students’ Union Engagement Space will be open and available for candidates to watch the live results on their own, supported by a member of staff.

Our Top Tips for Looking After Yourself During Election Time: 01. Pace yourself – you can’t campaign 24/7 02. Plan ahead – know where you’re going and when 03. Think about your personal wellbeing – eat, sleep and shower every day 04. Support each other – if you see another candidate struggling, offer them some help 05. Don’t do this on your own – accept help from your friends and The Students’ Union 06. Help is there if you need it during and after the election – just ask us

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VOTING – HOW IT WORKS Like all other Students’ Unions, The Students’ Union at UWE uses the transferrable voting system to elect its Presidents and Officers. This system is also known as alternative voting, preferential voting, or instant run off.

In elections held under the transferrable vote system, each voter may rank candidates on the ballot paper in order of preference (1, 2, 3 etc.).

After marking their first preference, voters may then choose to express further preferences for as many, or as few, candidates as they wish.

The count begins by allocating votes in line with first preferences. If a candidate has an absolute majority (more than 50%) of the votes cast, then they are duly elected.

If no candidate has an absolute majority, then the candidate in last place is eliminated. Their votes are then reallocated according to the next highest preference expressed on each ballot paper. If a voter has not marked a preference for any candidate that remains in the contest, then the ballot paper is set aside from the count.

This process continues until a candidate has an absolute majority of the votes left in the count.

This candidate is then duly elected.

Elections run under this system are often won on second, third or even fourth and fifth preferences. Although each candidate wants as many first preferences as possible, they should not neglect the other ranks as well.

You can view a video that explains how the system works online http://uwe.su/stvote

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THE BUDGET A spending limit is in place for The Leadership Race. Candidates are required to keep a record of their expenses, report these to the DRO on a regular basis and submit the budget activity form by midday on Wednesday 25 October. There are no exceptions to this.

Items should be expensed if they are considered campaign items; that is, they are specifically purchased to increase the chance of success in the Leadership Race. Non-campaign items are those that are still used in the election but could reasonably be considered to be owned by candidates prior to The Leadership Race and have not been purchased with that purpose in mind; such items do not need to be expensed.

Breach of expenses will be considered as cause for removal from The Leadership Race.

Budget Rules 01. The maximum allowance a candidate may spend is £50 02. Of which The Students’ Union will reimburse up to a maximum of £50 03. Under no circumstances may a candidate breach this limit 04. Candidates are solely responsible for the spending of their campaign budget 05. All items incurring a cost must be expensed and listed on the budget activity form 06. The budget activity form must be returned by the deadline 07. Receipts must be attached for all purchases 08. Standard printing is always costed at the University rate regardless of where it was done 09. No food may be scavenged: it must always be receipted The following items do not need to be expensed: Scissors Cellotape String Drawing pins Ordinary Pens/Pencils Plastic wallets Glue Blu Tac Cable ties

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Budget Activity Payments Voucher To:

Cash / BACS (No cash payments over £50) Bank Account :

Finance Office Email remittance to:

Sort Code :

………………………………………..

Date: .............................

Elections Team Signature: ..........................................

Please Pay to (BLOCK CAPS) : ..........................................................…...

Item Amount (£)

TOTAL Candidate Signature: ................................................

Authorised By Paid By BACS Payment No.:

Date:

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

CODE OF CONDUCT There are not many rules that govern elections in The Students’ Union at UWE but the few we do have are important.

Rules are in place to ensure the fairness and integrity of the election process to candidates and voters.

Make sure you have read and understood the code of conduct before you engage in any campaigning and if you have any questions make sure to ask first.

Candidates should always endeavour to act within the spirit of the rules not just within the letter: you should not try to get away with breaking rules but follow them in good faith.

Firstly, there are the everyday rules of The Students’ Union, the University and the Law which candidates must familiarise themselves with.

The Students’ Union Rules: Candidates must abide by The Students’ Union’s overall rules, behavioural code, marketing policy and equal opportunities procedures. You can view The Students’ Unions Constitution http://uwe.su/suconstitution University Rules: The University has a number of rules that relate to the student community and use of facilities and property and candidates must abide by these. For example: the bullying and harassment code, damage to University property and buildings, the use of IT equipment and communications with students etc. You can view UWE Bristol policies http://uwe.su/uwepolicies The Law: As at all other times, candidates should abide by the law.

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TEN THINGS TO REMEMBER 01. Treat all students and staff with respect 02. Don’t do anything another candidate can’t do 03. Act in the interests of a fair election 04. Candidates are responsible for their own behaviour and that of their campaign team 05. An ideal election is good-natured, engaging and exciting 06. A high turnout of informed voters is only achieved by fun, active and positive campaigning 07. Do not exceed the stated maximum allowance for campaigning and report all expenses 08. No candidate may receive financial or material assistance from any external body 09. Whatever the outcome, your aim should be to have fun and develop key skills 10. If in doubt, ask first Current Presidents and Officers of The Students’ Union, as well as Clubs and Societies, are not allowed to endorse candidates running in The Leadership Race nor campaign on their behalf.

Current Presidents and Officers of The Students’ Union seeking re-election must not use The Students’ Union resources for campaign purposes; this includes all materials, equipment, work time, spaces and social media accounts.

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

BREACH OF CONDUCT AND COMPLAINTS There is a “Pledge of Fair Play” included in this pack which all candidates should sign to indicate that they have read, understood and will abide by the code of conduct.

Elections are meant to be fun, engaging and positive. That being said, sometimes candidates do break rules (usually by accident) and there are various tools at The Students’ Union’s disposal to rectify any breaches of the code of conduct.

All rulings on the interpretation of the rules shall be made by the RO/DRO, in consultation with the AROs where necessary.

Complaints must be raised immediately and in writing (by email) to the DRO so that they can be dealt with promptly.

Complaints more than 24 hours old will not normally be considered.

Complaints about activities over the weekend should be made first thing on Monday.

Remember that you are not the Returning Officer; focus on your own campaign not someone else’s and if you are in any doubt ASK FIRST. You can find examples of how complaints could be dealt with on the candidate resources portal http://uwe.su/election-resources

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CANDIDATES’ CHECK LIST Have you…

Read this pack?

Asked about anything you didn’t understand?

Done your research on issues affecting students at UWE Bristol?

Asked current Presidents and Officers or The Students’ Union staff for advice?

Written a manifesto of no more than 400 words?

Uploaded a photo to The Students’ Union website?

Put in your holiday request for the duration of the election? (current Presidents only) Read the timetable and noted the key dates?

Familiarised yourself with the voting system?

Planned out what you’re going to spend your budget on?

Planned out when, where and how you are going to campaign?

Put together a campaign team to help you?

Ensured your campaign team is familiar with the code of conduct?

Signed and handed in the Pledge of Fair Play?

Thought about your welfare during the campaign period?

Asked about anything you didn’t understand one last time?

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THE LEADERSHIP RACE: CANDIDATE PACK

THE LEADERSHIP RACE 2017 PLEDGE OF FAIR PLAY This Pledge sets out the standard of behaviour we expect from candidates and campaign teams throughout elections.

Specifically, your signature below indicates that you: Pledge not to bully, harass or intimidate any candidate, campaign team member, student, staff member or any other person as part of your election activity.

Promise to campaign positively and cooperatively; allowing other candidates and campaign teams the space and opportunity to engage students and campaign on their own views and issues.

Will not ‘instruct’ any student to vote for any particular candidate.

Will only campaign and put up posters during the times permitted, in the places permitted and using the resources and methods permitted.

Will not spend over the budget cap and will provide all expenses reciepts to the elections team within the agreed timeframe.

Will attend any meetings, training sessions or briefings at which you are required to be present.

Will not attempt to canvas any member of The Students’ Union or University staff and will not accept any endorsement.

Accept that it is your responsibility to ensure that your campaign team is aware of the election rules, and that any breach by the campaign team will be considered a breach by the candidate.

Accept that your conduct throughout elections is subject to the University Code of Conduct and The Students’ Union at UWE’s bye-laws, and any breach of these may result in disciplinary action.

Accept the authority of the DRO and will abide by their decisions in relation to the interpretation of elections rules.

By signing this pledge, you agree to abide by The Students’ Union values and the behaviour code set out above. You are also subject to the rule of law and the rules of UWE Bristol and any other rules regarding the elections which are set out in the Candidate Pack or adopted

by The Students’ Union at any time before or during elections. Any breach will be subject to investigation, potential disciplinary action by The Students’ Union or the University, and, where appropriate, removal from the election.

Signed:

Print Name:

For the position of:

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