a guide to student union elections autumn 2012

ELECT YOUR NEW REPRESENTATIVES

ELECTIONS AUTUMN 2012

A GUIDE TO STUDENT UNIONELECTIONS

A Guide to Student Union Elections: Autumn 2012

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Contents Welcome to Elections .................................................................................. 2

What positions are open for nomination? ...................................................... 3

Student Trustees .................................................................................... 3

Campaign Convenors ............................................................................... 4

Student Council Members......................................................................... 5

What are the benefits of running? ................................................................ 7

How to run for election ............................................................................... 8

Elections Timetable and Key Dates ............................................................. 10

How to Write your Manifesto ..................................................................... 11

How to Run the Best Campaign .................................................................. 14

The Importance of Voting .......................................................................... 17


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Welcome to Elections What, Why, When……

As a student it’s often difficult to understand what the Students Union does, and why we’re here. The big reason we exist is to represent and support you during

your time as a student, for example working with the University to improve life at LSBU, supporting you through any academic issues you have and putting your ideas and views to national bodies such as the National Union of Students.

The other side of what the Union does is the stuff that you really see day to day,

but might not know we’re behind it. We support and fund societies, volunteering and campaigning groups, sports clubs and student media. We put on events

across the year like the Fresher’s Fair, and End of Year Ball. And above all, we really care that when you come to LSBU you have the best

possible time and leave here totally prepared for everything you want to take on in the future. The Students’ Union is a student led organisation and that’s

basically why we have elections, it’s to elect the people who decide on what we should be doing and when for the 25,000 students of LSBU. It’s vital that all students get to both stand for election and choose who will lead us, because the

reason we exist is to support and represent you.

This guide will tell you all about the Elections and how you can stand to be a Campaign Convenor, member of Student Council or Student Trustee and how you can get involved with the voting process.

If you don’t get past this page then two key things to remember are:

1. Nominations close on the 12pm (noon), 3rd October 2012 2. Voting is between 15th – 19th October 2012

If you have any questions, issues or concerns then get in touch with us anytime

by e-mailing [email protected] or visiting the Students’ Union reception.


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What positions are open for nomination? Any fully registered student of London South Bank University may run for

election within the Students’ Union unless they have independently opted out of being a member of the Union

You don’t need to be in your final year or an Undergraduate or a home student to run in the Election and in the past many Officers have taken a year out to

lead the Union before returning to complete their studies. All students from any area of University life are strongly encouraged to run and the best kind of

Student Trustee or Campaign Convenor are the ones who care and are passionate about the student experience regardless of their background.

Student Trustees (4 positions available) The Student Trustees play a vital role in our organisational development, provide strategic

oversight and ensure the Students’ Union remains relevant to an ever diversifying membership. Attending usually for Trustee board meetings throughout the

year, their responsibilities include ensuring that the Students’ Union has a clear vision, mission and values

and that the organisation complies with all legal, financial and regulatory requirements. Outside of

meetings, trustees are expected to play an ambassador role, enhancing the reputation of the Students’ Union and our members.

Be responsible for the performance of the Union

and for its behaviour

Make comprehensive and robust decisions on

the future of the Union

Act as guardians of the organisations assets

Candidates for Student Trustee should display

the following characteristics:

Commitment to and a passion for the

organisation

Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

Strategic vision

Good, independent judgement

Term of Office

4 x Student Trustee ( 2 x 2 year

term (1st November 2012 – 31st

October 2014) and

2 x 8 months (1st November

2012 – 30th June 2013))

However if your course ends

before this time you will need to

resign from the trustee board.

Remuneration The role is voluntary but

reasonable expenses may be

claimed.


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Ability to think creatively

Willingness to speak their mind

Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties , responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Student Trustees are required to:

Attend Trustee Board meetings (between 4 and 6 a year)

Ensure that Students’ Union has a clear vision, mission and strategic

direction and is focussed on achieving these

Be responsible for the performance of the Students’ Union and its

behaviour

Ensure that the Students’ Union complies with all legal and regulatory

requirements

Act as guardians of the Students’ Union’s assets

Ensure that the Students’ Union’s governance is of the highest possible

standard

Abide by the Trustee Code of Conduct at all times

Campaign Convenors (6 positions available)

Campaign Convenors play a vital role in our

representative structures, providing a voice for underrepresented groups and ensuring the Students’

Union remains relevant to an ever diversifying membership. Each Convenor has a specific area responsibility and it is the responsibility of each officer to

promote that area in the activities of the Students’ Union. Outside of meetings, trustees are expected to

play an ambassador role, enhancing the reputation of the Students’ Union and our members. There are 9 Campaign Convenors in the Union, 6 of which you can

nominate yourself for in this election:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Campaign Convenor

Part Time Students Campaign Convenor

Women’s Campaign Convenor Ethical and Environmental Campaign Convenor

Postgraduate Students’ Campaign Convenor Nursing Students’ Campaign Convenor

Candidates for any Campaign Convenor role should

display the following characteristics:

Term of Office

2 Years (1 August 2013 to 31

July 2015)



resign from your post.

Remuneration

The role is voluntary but


claimed.


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Commitment to and a passion for the organisation


Strategic vision





Campaign Convenors are required to:

Attend Student Union Council

Implement the political direction of the Union Develop and implement a plan of activities for your portfolio of work Ensure that the Students’ Unions work is at the highest standard

Student Council Members (10 positions available)

Student Councillors is where most major decisions and

policy are made about the way that the union is run. It is

made up of the Sabbatical Officers, Campaign Conveners,

more than 20 representatives from sports, societies and

academic faculties and 10 ordinary student members

from the student body at large. Student Council also

appoints members to sub committees which address a

variety of issues from creating policy to holding the

sabbatical officers to account. Council meets roughly

every 4 weeks. All students are welcome to attend, speak

and submit motions (to make the union do something),

but only elected representatives have voting rights. The

meetings are chaired by the Chair of Council who is

elected at the first meeting of Student Council each year.

Candidates for the role of Student Councillor should

display the following characteristics:

Commitment to and a passion for the organisation


Strategic vision




Term of Office

2 Years (1 August 2013 to 31

July 2015)



resign from your post.

Remuneration

The role is voluntary but


claimed.


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Student Councillors are required to:

Attend Student Union Council Be responsible for the political direction of the Union

Ensure that the Students’ Unions work is at the highest standard Holds the elected officers to account; and

Ensure that students have their voices heard by the University


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What are the benefits of running?

“Running in the Student Union Elections has many benefits – whether you‟re successful or not.”

The experience of running your own election is one which will stay with you for a long time, regardless of the outcome. You’ll meet new faces, make new friends

and, by throwing yourself in at the deep end, leave the process feeling proud. Elections are an experience shared by few, and when they’re over, you’ll have plenty to bring to the table at future job interviews: communication skills,

running a marketing campaign and building relationships with potential voters are just some of the transferrable skills you’ll pick up.

Should you be the eventual victor, you’ll be in a privileged position with some very exclusive opportunities. Your role will have so much responsibility and

variation as well as challenges that you’ll jump onto a steep learning curve and be taking on work that people wouldn’t normally get to experience until well into

their career. On a day-to-day basis, you could be meeting MPs, working with the Chief

Executive to ensure that the organisation is running smoothly or representing your fellow students on a local, national and perhaps even an international basis.

You lead the Students’ Union in the directions you know are best for the student population. This truly is a job which is designed by you and your passion for

student life. What we can guarantee you is that whatever position you decide to run for, you’ll spend a year undertaking one of the most exciting roles in Higher Education today.

The difference between a Campaign Convenor and Student Trustee is that as a

Student Trustee you will not be a representative but you will sit on the decision making board of a charity with a million pound turnover. Working with the Student Officers and Lay Trustees your skills and knowledge will help to shape

the future of the organisation, and how students will experience LSBU in the future. You’ll have opportunities to debate and negotiate decisions with experts

in a variety of business areas, building your own transferable skills in the process.

It is also an opportunity to build your networks and develop some interesting and useful professional contacts. The biggest reward comes from contributing

your expertise to an organisation that you are passionate about and paving the way for future leaders.


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How to run for election

The road to becoming a candidate...

1. First decide which position you’d like to run for. Each post has a different

focus and different responsibilities so think about where your passions lie and choose the role where you’ll be able to put the most of your ideas into

practice.

2. Every candidate needs 2 LSBU students to support their nomination. So

find a friend who thinks you’re worthy of the role. You’ll need their name, University email address and student number as you will be required to fill

these in on your nomination form. You and your nominators must be fully registered students of LSBU.

3. Next you need to write your ‘manifesto’. A manifesto can be defined as „a

public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an

election by a political party or candidate‟. Aim for about 300-400 words explaining to your fellow students why you are the best candidate for the

role and what you ‘pledge’ to do if elected (a sample can be found on the next page). It’s a good idea to get someone else to read over your manifesto before submitting it so they can spot any errors. Remember,

this is what students will be reading when deciding whether or not to vote for you – so sell yourself well!

4. From the 17th September 2012 at 10 am or once you’ve got everything

together, you need to fill in the online nomination form. This will be live

on www.londonsouthbanksu.com/elections 24 hours a day for the full nomination period or you can pick up a paper form at the Students’ Union

reception. We recommend you try and fill in the form with plenty of time to spare before the deadline, that way if there are any mistakes or you’ve forgotten to fill part of it out there will be time for us to contact you and

amend your entry. Your candidate pledge and photo needs to be submitted with the form (but don’t worry changes can be made to your

photo or candidate pledge up until the 5pm on 5th October 2012).

5. Wait for your confirmation e-mail. If you haven’t received this within 24

hours of submitting your nomination drop us an e-mail at [email protected] and we’ll confirm if it has been received.

6. If you need some more information on the elections or just want to talk to

someone before you put in your nomination then come to one of our ‘I’d

Like to Know More Information Drop In Sessions’ that we will be running during the four week nomination period.

7. Nominations close at 12pm (noon) on the 3rd October 2012 so be sure to

get your nomination in before then. No late ones will be accepted.


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8. Attend one of the compulsory candidate’s briefings (failure to attend without good reason may mean you won’t be able to run in election).

More details of when the briefings will take place will be available later.

9. At the candidates’ briefing we’ll announce who is running and you can officially start campaigning once the briefing is finished. Get out around all of the LSBU campuses and make sure you have some people to help you.

It can be a long week and you’ll need to plan your time effectively.


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Elections Timetable and Key Dates

Event Where Date and Time

Nominations Open Online at

www.londonsouthbanksu.com/elections

12pm (noon), 17th

September 2012

Nominations Close Online at


12pm (noon), 3rd

October 2012

Candidates Briefing

Sessions

3pm, 4th October

2012

3pm, 5th October

2012

Candidates Question

Time

TBC TBC

Ballots Open Online at

www.londonsouthbanksu.com/vote

12pm (noon), 15th

October 2012

Ballots Close Online at

www.londonsouthbanksu.com/vote

12pm (noon), 19th

October 2012

Elections Results

Announced

(subject to election

procedures)

The Rigg Bar, Students’ Union 6pm, 19th October

2012


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How to Write your Manifesto As a candidate in an election, to be successful you need to convince as many people to vote for you as possible. Talking to potential voters face to face is the

best way to secure their vote but your manifesto is also an important reflection of who you are and what you intend to do should you be elected. Many students,

particularly those who don’t know you will use this to decide whether or not they want to vote for you

Do the research

Ask your housemates, friends on your course and students around campus to find out what students would like to see improved (or what really gets on their nerves) and build this into your manifesto.

Know the role

Make sure you fully understand what’s involved in the role you’re running for as different roles have different remits and therefore varying levels of influence on

areas of policy (e.g. Higher Education Funding or a No Platform Policy). It’s important to understand the different roles, for example it’s no good standing to

be one of the Vice Presidents Student Experience if you really want to work on activities and sports issues. Your manifesto needs to be relevant to the role you are running for.

Get thinking

You can stand out from other candidates by putting all your great ideas in your manifesto. Have you got a unique way to get students involved in a campaign or

to make LSBU greener for example? You are more likely to get people’s votes if you can suggest new ways to solve issues as opposed to just pointing the

problems out.

Something for everyone Think about the different kinds of people who will be deciding who to vote for

and try to include something which appeals to everyone. Think about the kinds of needs different students may have based on your research.

Personality

An election is not a formal job interview but is potentially thousands of mini interviews to get votes. Use your manifesto to convey your passion for LSBU and

being a student representative. Let your personality come across in your writing so that students can see what they can expect if you are elected.


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Don’t make promises you can’t keep

If you are successfully elected you should try to act on the points within your manifesto as the people who voted for you have given you a mandate to act on

their behalf. It’s therefore important that you don’t promise things only to find that they cannot be done e.g. for financial or legal reasons as this will reflect badly on you and the Students’ Union. Make sure your ideas are viable so that if

you are elected you can get to work on them straight away.

Ask! If you’re unsure about what role to stand for, what to include in your manifesto

or want to know what the hot topics over the next year are likely to be, just come and speak to one of your Sabbatical Officers or a member of Student

Union staff.


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How to Run the Best Campaign You can only begin campaigning after you have attended a candidate’s briefing meeting. The no campaigning rule means no flyers, posters, items of clothing

carrying a campaign message or name or any other means of written publicity can be displayed or promoted before attending the candidate’s briefing meeting.

This rule extends to social networking sites and websites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, My Space, www.voteformike.com etc) and no groups.

Once the campaigning period is open, it’s time for the real work to begin. You need to work to get your name out into the student population as much as

possible, so that when the voting period opens, it’s your name that people are putting the tick next to. Campaigning can be intensive and often leaves candidates exhausted. Our advice is to utilise your network of friends or

colleagues to create a campaigning team. This will help with campus coverage and means your message can get out to many more students. Ensure your team

is clear on your platform and the issues that matter to you. Don’t forget that you are responsible for the actions of your team.

Tell your fellow students how you will represent them, what your passions

are and what you feel the most important issues are.

Repeat your name as much as possible; you want it to stick in people’s

heads.

Give examples of what experience/skills/knowledge you have that means

you’ll be a great representative or trustee.

Use a photo! People relate better to someone if they can put a face to a

name. Images attract the eye more than words.

Be clear on what you want to work on / change or develop.

Create a strap line for your campaign – use this on y our materials.

Ask questions of voters – what are the issues they f eel passionate about?

Take a name and contact number and tell them you’ll look into it and then

get back to them.

Make sure you understand the voting system – this will help with securing

voters’ 2nd and 3rd preferences.

Plan your time well so that all campuses are covered and a range of

students are spoken to.

Make sure you attend the Candidates Q&A Session – this is a great opportunity to speak to an audience and hear what other candidates have

to say.

Look after yourself and those helping you – don’t neglect healthy eating

and plenty of sleep!

Ensure your personal tutor is aware of your election campaign and that all

University work is prioritised

Using the web and social networking


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For low cost, high impact publicity get online. Create a website about yourself and what great things you’ll do if you’re elected successfully. Use your Facebook

profile, create a group about your campaign and invite all your friends to join it. Get them to spread the word. Remember, word of mouth is the most effective

marketing tool you have and social networking sites provide a great platform to reach loads of people all at once.

Be second choice

Elections are run on the Single Transferrable Vote (STV) system. This means that each vote counts for more by allowing the voter to select his/her preferred choice whilst allowing him/her to indicate second and a third rate preference

until the candidate list is exhausted. If a voter wants to select another candidate as his/her first preference then encourage the voter to select you as their second

preference. Lecture Shout-outs

A great place to get your message across, but you MUST get permission from

the lecturer giving the lecture and you NEED to be very brief. Be succinct, genuine and encourage voting. Practice making a few important points in under

a minute. Posters, flyers and other printed materials

Printed materials do involve spending a bit of money, but the Union will

reimburse £5 of your printing or photocopying costs. By designing materials yourself, or getting friend with a bit of creative flair to do it for you, you can produce low cost posters and/or flyers and get your face, name and slogan all

over campus.

Canvassing While all the publicity is well worth doing, nothing beats actually sitting down

face to face with your voters and talking to them about why they should vote, and why that vote should be used to get you elected. Across all our previous

elections, the evidence shows that the most productive method of getting people to vote for you (by far) is asking them to in person.

Don’t cover Union publicity with your own posters. Your materials will be

removed and left at the nearest Student Centre for you to collect.

Don’t use stickers. The University and even local councils may prosecute

due to the damage they do to walls and furniture.

Don’t start campaigning before Friday 4 March, if you are found to be

doing so, you may no longer be allowed to run in the election.

Ask permission from the relevant member of staff before making any

announcements in lectures etc.

Don’t annoy staff or local residents. They are not eligible to vote, and will not appreciate you harassing them.

Don’t knock on doors in halls.

Don’t intimidate people, particularly when they are voting.


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You and anyone campaigning for you must not be within two metres of

the voting station.

Don’t use offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate materials.

Don’t try and send out e -mails over the University e-mail network as

complaints are often received from University staff and students and this can have a negative impact on your campaign.

Don’t use chalk t o write messages on walls and floors around either the Union buildings or University property as any cleaning bill will be invoiced

to the candidate.

Do not use negative campaigning to defame or attack another candidates

Ensure that all election publicity remains within the la w (i.e. no

infringement of copyright or equal opportunities.

Respond to criticism in a measured way – Some people will not like what

or how you are saying something. The best way to respond is to be diplomatic and polite – even if they are neither


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The Importance of Voting Voting opens 10am Monday 15th October 2012 and closes 1pm on 19th October 2012.

Every student at LSBU should be involved in the election, even those of you not

running for a position, because you all have the right to vote. The election itself takes place over 5 days through an online voting system. So you can log in from any computer at any time of day (or night!) and register your vote. As soon as

the successful candidates have been announced we’ll publish their manifestos so you can read up on what each person intends to bring to the role and there will

be a pr e-arranged candidates Q&A where you can question them on their ideas, experience and politics!

Visit www.londonsouthbanksu.com during the voting period to cast your vote. Log in with your LSBU username and you can log in and out as many times as

you wish but you cannot re-cast a vote for a position you have already voted for. Make sure you’ve read about the candidates and made your choice before voting.

Friday 9 March 2012. Where to vote?

Voting is done completely online through www.londonsouthbanksu.com and there will be voting stations around the Southwark and Havering campuses:

Students can vote on their laptops, tablets or smart phones but candidates are reminded of the ‘code of conduct’ and appropriate campaigning.

The votes will be counted as quickly as possible once the election period has closed. The results announcement will be made on Friday 19th October 2012 and

results will be available online the same evening.

How does the voting work?

In the transferable vote system each voter is asked to vote by numbering the candidates in order of their preference. Using this method a candidate either has just enough to be elected or has too few votes and has to be eliminated.

If this occurs their votes do not get wasted but are redistributed to their next

choice of candidate and so on. In this way a greater proportion of the total vote is used to elect the successful candidate(s) who should be more likely to represent the views of the majority of the electorate.

Top Tip for Candidates: If you meet someone who has already decided who they

are going to vote for make sure you campaign for their second or third vote as these could make all the difference! The transferable vote system can be used to elect a single position such as a Student Officer or several people such as

Student Council or the Union’s NUS delegation.


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There are two different types of transferable vote:

Alternative Transferable Vote (ATV) is used to elect single positions

Single Transferable Vote (STV) is used to elect multiple positions

For more information see the Electoral Societies guidelines on the Single

Transferable Vote here: http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/article.php?id=48

a guide to student union elections autumn 2012

Documents

student union elections

student media

student trustees

student unionelectionsa

national union of students

member of student council

student council members

students union reception