The Union's supreme governing document is the SU’s Articles of Association, which lay out the charitable purpose of the SU and how it is to be administered. The Bye-laws sit under the Articles, with the Supporting Documents further expanding on the Bye-laws.
Governing Documents:
| Document |
Type |
Purpose |
| Articles of Association |
Articles |
The highest level governing document, setting out how the SU governs itself as an organisation. |
| Bye-laws |
Bye-laws |
Rules on day-to-day SU activity, including Elections, Clubs and Societies, Democratic Structures, and Policy. |
| Impact Assessment |
Supporting Document |
How Impact Assessment functions, the process by which policy submissions are screened for legal, financial and reputational risk. |
| Student Council |
Supporting Document |
How the SU’s Student Council functions. |
| Funding Bids |
Supporting Document |
The rules and guidance surrounding student bids for funding from the SU |
| All Student Vote Rules |
Supporting Document |
The rules governing referenda (All Student Votes) at the SU. |
| Society and Club Election Rules |
Supporting Document |
Rules that must be followed when running elections, as well as resignations and co-options, for exec positions. |
| VONC Process |
Supporting Document |
Sets out the fair process for Votes of No Confidence in Exec Members. |
| Template Constitution |
Supporting Document |
Exemplar constitution for Societies to use, only requiring small modifications. |
If you have any questions or need help interpreting the documents, please get in touch with the VP Democracy and Development, or the appropriate officer for the document in question.
The Bye-laws can only be changed with approval of the Board of Trustees, following a recommendation from Student Council, while the Supporting Documents are owned by the relevant Forums. To propose a change to the Bye-laws, create a motion on Make a Change Policy and Motions. To suggest a change to the supporting documents, add it on the Ideas platform. The Articles are reviewed on a 5 yearly cycle, where all Student Members have the opportunity to suggest amendments.
Disciplinary Policy and Codes of Conduct: