Democracy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a motion, a policy and a resolution?
Business submitted to a Union Democratic meeting is usually in the form of new policy or a resolution and either can be referred to as a motion.
A policy is broken down into three sections: This Union Notes states the context of the issue supported by factually correct information; This Union Believes are the Unions views on the facts set out in This Union Notes and This Union Resolves is what is going to be done about the issue, usually mandating a group or individual to do something specific.
A resolution is a change to something already in existence, i.e. policy, Bye-Laws or Regulations.
A Resolution is submitted as This Union Resolves and may be accompanied by support information.
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How long is policy held on file for?
Policy is retained on the Union Policy file for two years, after that date the policy is placed onto the Union Council agenda for review. Any Union member can then propose to Union Council to either, renew the policy for a further two years or renew with amendment, this usually means updating the policy or lapse the policy. Should the decision to lapse be taken the policy is permanently deleted from the Policy File.
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What does Ultra Vires mean?
Ultra Vires means beyond the legal power or authority of a person, official or body. This basically means that the Union can only spend money on things that affect students as students. For example the Union cannot donate money to a strike fund or use funds to provide transport to an anti-war demonstration, but the Union could donate funds to lobby the local Council to improve street lighting near campus for reasons of student safety or provide transport to a National March for Education, both these issues affect students as students.
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How can I get involved in campaigning?
Campaigns Forum includes membership of the following Campaigns Officers: Anti-Racism, Environment, Ethics and Social Justice, Ethnic Minorities, LGBTUA+, Students with Disabilities and Womens. The Campaigns Forum has two member places which assist with Union Priority Campaigns, i.e. Education Funding. So if you wish to be involved in a student led campaign, in the first instance, contact the Campaigns Forum Coordinator or the Democratic Services Office.
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How can I book a themed week for my campaign?
There are a variety of themed weeks during the academic year from raising awareness on specific issues i.e. Go Green Week, Black History Month to entertainments, i.e. One World Week, WSAF. Should you wish for a dedicated week then you are required to complete a Themed Week application form, to be submitted to the Democracy Officer. Your request is assessed against other applications to ensure that there are not multiple themes being promoted at one time, enabling your cause to have the highest profile as possible. Advice can be sought from the Democracy Officer.
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What is a Sabbatical?
A Sabbatical Officer is a full time officer elected annually by cross campus ballot for a one-year term. Some Sabbaticals choose to stand for a maximum of two terms of office, not necessarily consecutive years. You do not have to be in your final year to stand, some students have taken a year out of their course to do so. Sabbatical Officers are paid a basic wage to cover their living expenses.
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Who sits on Union Council?
Union Council is made up of the 7 Sabbatical Officer, 29 Part Time Officers and currently 37 Union Councillors. Union Councillors being representative of their year group. Only members of Union Council command a vote but the meeting is open for all to attend and submit business to.
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When are the Elections for Officers and Union Councillors?
Union Councillors are elected in Week 4 of Term 1, at the commencement of the academic year. Union Officers, both Part-time and Sabbatical Officers, are elected in Term 2. Keep an eye on the website for further information and timeline.
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What is quorum?
Quorum is the minimum number of members required to make a binding decision. In the case of a meeting it is the number of members required to be in attendance in order for the meeting to conduct business. Meeting quorums are usually based on 50% + 1 of the membership of that body, the required quorum for democratic bodies.
The majority of elections hold a quorum, Union Part-time Officers requiring 5% of the membership to vote and Sabbatical Officers 10% of the membership. Union Councillor elections do not hold a quorum, nor do Caucus elections. Caucus elections being students who self-define as a member of a specific group, i.e. Black Students, Women, LGBTUA+, in the case of a caucus election nominations and votes are only taken from individuals who self-define as a member of that specific group.
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How do I make a Project Fund Bid?
The Executive Committee are the custodians of a pot of money that can be used for projects that have arisen since the last budgeting round. Applications are taken following completion of the Project Fund Bid application form. One of the main criteria for a successful bid is that as many other avenues have been pursued to raise funds as possible and the project will benefit as many students as possible.
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I would like to attend the next NUS National Conference, how can I do this?
The delegate election for NUS National Conference takes place during the Councillor Elections period, at the commencement of the academic year in Term 1. Delegate elections for Campaign Conferences: LGBTUA+, Womens, Black Students and Students with Disabilities also take place at this time. Further information is available from the Democracy Officer.
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Are there any rules around collecting for charity?
If you wish to collect money for a cause you must consult the Charities Collections Officer. All Charity Collections require approval from the Charities Collections Officer who will only endorse the collection if the charity is UK registered and that the appeal will not be in breach of any current Union Policy. There are various legal requirements when collecting money so it is important that you understand the regulations.
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