SU Governance
The structure of a Students' Union differs to a 'typical' organisation but fundamentally we are here for our students:
Led by Students
Students lead the Students' Union by their voice and their vote. They vote for their Student Officers to represent them on their behalf in the Annual Elections in March of every year. The Student Officers run on a manifesto and lead the services and direction of the Students' Union for their one year term, making a positive change that students want to see.
Accountability
We want students to have the final say on any decision, including being able to hold their officers to account. That's why we have Student Council, a body of Course Reps and elected students to hold their officers to account and pass SU policy on the behalf of their course.
Trustee Board
The SU is headed by 4 Student Trustees and 4 External Trustees. The Four Student Trustee is comprised of the two full-time sabbatical officers and two student trustees who are approved by Student Council. The external trustees are recruited to bring their own expertise and experience to the Board. They are also appointed in the same way as our Student Trustees, through Student Union Council. We currently have a vacancy for an External Trustee.
Our Strategy
Our Strategy was researched, designed and now implemented with student consultation. We identified the following themes by working with our students to shape our service provisions for them.
University of Suffolk Students' Union Strategic Plan 2018-2020
University of Suffolk Students' Union 'The Plan' 2018-2020
Our Rule Books
Bye-Laws
Operational Policy / Operating Plans / Regulations
Operation Policy are Policies passed by the Management Committee of the Students' Union on the behalf of the Trustee Board. It sets out the way in which the SU operates in its services and its responsibilities to students. These documents are reviewed annually and can be amended through the correct process by the Full-Time Officers.
Code of Practice
The Code of Practice sets out the University of Suffolk and Students' Union approach to Part II of the Education Act 1994. This Document places a range of responsibilities on the governing bodies of University institutions in regard to the organisation of Students' Unions. in particular, the governing body shall prepare and issue, and when necessary revise, a code of practice as to the manner in which certain requirements of the Act are carried into effect.
Code of Practice
Freedom of Speech
This Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech sets out the University of Suffolk and Students' Union approach to freedom of speech for the benefit of the Institution's students, staff and external visitors.