You might have seen an email on Friday where I mentioned the upcoming election, or might have read today's email advertising that the nominations are now open, but why should you join the Students' Union Executive Committee?
I'll talk a little about my experience: I was a member of the Students' Union Executive Committee for two years before being elected Student Union President this year. In my time in the Marketing and Enterprise Lead role, I learnt a lot about myself and grew both personally and professionally. I gained a lot of confidence by putting myself out of my comfort zones in meetings with local brands and presenting to many of you on numerous occasions. This growth aside, I also managed to create a lot of positive change within the college itself and, best of all, had a lot of fun doing it.
So, is there a position that would suit you? Below is a list of the roles and their respective responsibilities.
Vice-President for Higher Education (HE) (and Student Governor)
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of the President:
- Deputise for the President where necessary.
- Liaise closely with the President at all times.
- Act as joint-second in command along with the Vice President for FE as appropriate.
- Assist the President in carrying out their duties.
- Attend all official meetings and participate in the day to day running of union business.
- Be a member of The Council, and present relevant reports.
- Be responsible for any other duties as decided by The Executive and The Council.
Wellbeing Representative (HE)
Who shall be a member of the Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- Liaise closely with the President to ensure that all students feel the College are providing the best possible support for their mental and physical health. (Specific to the HE campuses).
- Be responsible for organising and publicising any sports activities in The College.
- To be a fully trained MHFA Champion and support other members of the Executive and Course Representatives in Mental Health First Aid Training.
Events and Entertainment Lead
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of The Executive.
- Be responsible for liaising with the Manager of the Union in arranging a series of events and entertainment activities over the year according to student needs and demands, obtaining feedback and advice where necessary to ensure all activities are relevant, well attended and effective.
Volunteers and Charities Lead
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- Be responsible for engaging students in the Student Union to act as volunteers to support activities and events where necessary.
- Be responsible for engaging with charities and to promote the SU with students as a way of raising money for charitable organisations.
Equality and Diversity Representative (HE)
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- To ensure the inclusion of underrepresented groups in all SU meetings and activities throughout the year.
- To attend the Equality and Diversity Committee under the Institution.
LGBTQ+ Representative (HE)
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- To ensure the inclusion and representation of those students from the LGBTQ+ community.
- To attend the Equality and Diversity Committee under the Institution.
- To act as the lead and main point of contact of the PCA:SU LGBTQ+ Society.
Marketing and Enterprise Lead
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- To work with others both internal and external to the College to develop marketing and enterprise materials appropriate to all Student Union Activities.
- To ensure that the planned activities of the Student Union are promoted and advertised effectively inside and outside the College at least 2 weeks prior.
Sustainability Representative (HE)
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- To liaise with the President and Sustainability and Facilities Officer to ensure best sustainable practice of the College (Specific to HE Campuses).
- To propose changes to the President and relevant committees that the student body would like to see regarding best sustainable practices.
BAME Representative (HE)
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- To ensure the inclusion and representation of those students from the BAME community.
- To attend the Equality and Diversity Committee under the Institution.
Disability Representative (HE)
Who is a member of The Executive, shall, under the direction of The Executive:
- Attend meetings of the Executive.
- To ensure the inclusion and representation of those students from the disabled community.
- To attend the Equality and Diversity Committee under the Institution.
These are voluntary opportunities and are available to all courses and year groups. Once nominated, I'll set up a meeting to go over campaigning rules and regulations. If you're interested and have any questions in the meantime, you're welcome to get into contact. Below are the important dates for the election - add them to your calendar if you're planning on nominating yourself!
Nominations Open: Monday 19th October
Nominations Close: Friday 6th November
Campaigning Begins: Monday 23rd November
Meet The Candidates (Online): Wednesday 2nd December
Voting Begins: Monday 13th December
Campaigning Ends: Friday 18th December
Voting Ends: Friday 18th December
I'd love to have you on my team and look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Harriet
Student Union President
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