candidate information pack

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INTRODUCTION This pack is designed to give you, a potential candidate, all the information you need about the Students’ Union elections. You will find information about what roles are available and what they involve. You will find statistics and background information on the University and the Students’ Union, hints and tips on how to write a good manifesto and deliver a good speech as well as all the official documents relating to nominations and the elections regulations. Below is a contents list relating to this pack and on the following page is a full list of all the elections documents available. If you would like to look at any of the elections documents not included in your Candidate Pack please ask at the SU Offices.

CONTENTS Page Number 1 Introduction 2 Official Materials List (E0) 3 Why Run In The Elections? (E23) 4 – 7 Sabbatical Job Descriptions (E24) 8 – 14 Part-Time Job Descriptions (E24) 15 NUS National Conference Delegate Job Descriptions (E24) 16 - 19 What You Need To Know About The Union (E25) 20 About NUS 21 - 23 What You Need To Know About The University (E26) 24 Timetable of Elections (E4) 25 Election Regulations (E5) 26 - 29 Candidates Guidelines (E6) 30 Official Candidates Meetings (E10) 31 - 32 What Makes A Good Manifesto? (E27) 33 - 34 What Makes A Good Campaign? (E28) 35 - 36 What Makes A Good Speech? (E29) At the back of this pack are a number of forms which you will need to pull out to complete. Nomination Forms (E7) Manifesto Header (E9) Withdrawal of Nominations Forms (E8) Charity Trustee Declaration (E21) Elections Complaints Form (E18) Candidate Expenses (E22) Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

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OFFICIAL MATERIALS LIST (E0) This is a full list of all the elections documents available. If you would like to look at any of the elections documents not included in your Candidate Pack please ask at the SU Offices. E0 Materials List E1 Advance Notice of Election for Education & Nursing Students E2 Postal Nominations Pack E3 Postal Vote Registration Form E4 Timetable of Election E5 Election Regulations E6 Candidates Guidelines E7 Nomination Form E7 (A) Union’s Copy E7 (B) Candidates Copy E8 Withdrawal of Nomination Form E8 (A) Union’s Copy E8 (B) Candidates Copy E9 Manifesto Header E9 (A) Union’s Copy E9 (B) Candidates Copy E10 Official Candidates Meeting and Hustings Date E11 Official Candidates List E12 Ballot Paper – Sabbatical Officer Positions E13 Ballot Paper – National Conference Delegate E14 Ballot Paper – Part-time Officer Position E15 Voting Instructions E16 Guidelines for Polling Stations E17 Voter Registration Form E18 Elections Complaints Form E19 Ballot Box Log E20 Voter SID No. Recording Form E21 Charity Trustee Declaration E22 Candidates Expense Form E23 Why Run In The elections? E24 Job Descriptions E25 What You Need To Know About The Union E26 What You Need To Know About The University E27 What Makes A Good Manifesto? E28 What Makes A Good Campaign? E29 What Makes A Good Speech? E30 Campaign Protocol (For University Staff Reference)

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WHY RUN IN THE ELECTIONS? (E23) Could You Put 25,000 Students First? Whether you have picked up this pack because you are thinking of running for a Part-time Officer position or for a Full-time Sabbatical Officer position you have already made a great decision! Becoming an Officer for the Students’ Union is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things you can do during or after your studies. Not only do you get a great CV-enhancing experience and learn really useful transferable skills but even better than that you get to rise to the challenge of representing 25,000 Anglia Ruskin students at the highest levels. You will get to work with lively, creative people in a fun atmosphere, you will make decisions to shape the Students’ Union and you will influence the decisions made by the University. Part-time Officer positions allow you to become involved in particular student issues or a specific area of the Union which you are really interested in. As a Part-time Officer you will volunteer your time whilst you are still studying. This can really complement your studies and give you the organisational, time management, people and communication skills you need in addition to your degree. Part-time Officers get a really great insight into the role of the Union, the structures and the democracy and this is a great basis for those who are considering going on to run for Sabbatical positions. As a Sabbatical Officer you are responsible for the day to day running of the Union and its long-term strategic planning. You manage your own time a lot and you get a real taste of organisational management and how to work as part of a team. You also have plenty of chance to develop your negotiation and people skills and you gain a real insight into politics and social issues. You get to campaign on real student issues and make a difference! The job is great when you finish University as it acts as a link between study and a career by providing you with fantastic training and CV-enhancing responsibility. However… The skills and rewards that you can potentially gain from these roles are directly related to the effort and commitment you put in. To be a truly successful Officer you need to want a lot more than just something to put on your CV. You need a passion for the Union and the University and most importantly you need to feel strongly about standing up for and representing students. As an Officer you should be able to put aside any personal agendas, really listen to students and always act in their best interests. If you can do this then you will be a fantastic candidate so fill in your nominations form ASAP! Pamela Clarke Student Experience Officer Cambridge 08/09

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS (E24) What Are Sabbatical Officers? Sabbatical Officers work for the Union full time; they are paid and are taking a year out whilst studying or have just finished their degree. They are responsible for the long-term strategic direction of the Union. There are 5 posts in all and they are:

• President (Cross campus) • Academic Affairs Officer (Cross campus) • Communications Officer (Cross campus) • Student Experience Officer (Cambridge) • Student Experience Officer (Chelmsford)

Who Is Eligible To Stand? Any full or part time student registered with Anglia Ruskin University. Successful candidates will take up their positions on the 1st July for one year. What Time Commitment Will I Have To Make? Full-time paid Sabbatical officers are "required to work at least 35 hours a week"; however it is likely that you will want to do more! What Responsibilities Will I Have? All Sabbatical officers shall:

i) Work to further the Union’s objects and purposes as defined in the Union Constitution

ii) Act as a trustee and major Union office holder of the Students’ Union iii) Carry out all duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Sabbatical Officers' Terms

and Conditions of Service iv) Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Union's Health and

Safety Policy v) Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Union's Equal

Opportunities Policy vi) Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Union's Staff/Student

Protocol vii) Attend the University meetings as outlined in Standing Order 6 of the Constitution viii) Refer students to other relevant staff member or elected officer as appropriate. ix) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to them from time to time by any

relevant Union committee if reasonably consistent with that Officer's position x) Consider the development of the Union's facilities and services as an integral part of

their role xi Spend an appropriate amount of time on each of the University’s core campuses

suitable to their role

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President (Cross Campus) Shall: a) Have overall responsibility for the day to day running of the Union. b) Oversee the Union’s commercial activity, in close liaison with relevant staff. c) Act as the responsible Union officer for all contact with NUS Services Ltd. and attend such

conferences, meetings and training events as necessary d) Be ultimately responsible for the Union’s staffing in close consultation with the General

Manager. e) Be the Student Governor. f) Be the Union’s named press spokesperson g) Coordinate and lead the Sabbatical team and be responsible for the proper delegation of

business to Elected Officers, committees and staff. h) Be responsible for coordinating the implementation of Student’s Union policy and updating

the Student’s Union policy documents. i) Appoint or act as the chairperson on any Union committee in the absence of the appointed

Chair. j) Be responsible for coordinating the monitoring and constant review of the Constitution. k) Oversee the provision of services to the University’s regional partners. l) Be ultimately responsible for the induction and training of incoming full and part-time

Officers. m) Be responsible for ensuring that review and appraisal of the General Manager takes place

at least annually. n) Consult with the Chaplain, Secretary of the University and Officers in the event of any

student fatality and ascertain appropriate student contacts and action to be taken on behalf of the Union.

o) Be responsible for the Union’s finances, in line with Union financial regulations and the code of conduct agreed with the University.

p) Be responsible to the Board of Trustees for the production of the Union’s annual budget and the presentation of audited accounts.

q) Present financial reports to the Board of Trustees and other committees as appropriate r) Ensure that the allocation of funds to the Union’s clubs and societies is fair, set down in

writing and accessible to all students. s) Have responsibility for environmental and recycling within the Union and support the part

time Environmental Officer on each campus Communications Officer (Cross Campus) Shall: a) Coordinate relations with the press b) Be responsible for all Union publications such as, but not limited to, the annual student

diary and the Students’ Union handbook c) Be responsible for ensuring publicity is produced and displayed on each campus regarding

all Union activities. d) Ensure that the Students’ Union message is consistent across all four core campuses.

(Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Fulbourn) and any Anglia Ruskin joint ventures.

e) Ensure that the website is up to date with accurate and timely information. f) Be responsible for the Students’ Union e-newsletter letter which is to be at least fortnightly

and campus relevant. g) Oversee the student newspaper. h) Develop a team of newspaper contributors on each campus and support volunteers i) Support the part time Publications and Communications Officers on each campus j) Develop existing and investigate new communications media. k) Develop and implement the Union’s communications strategy, in close collaboration with

relevant staff.

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Academic Affairs Officer (Cross Campus) Shall: a) Promote education issues throughout the University, in conjunction with the Student

Experience Officers. b) Campaign on academic related matters with support from other Elected Officers. c) Monitor the implementation of the University’s rules and regulations, policies and

procedures, making recommendations and representing students’ interests as appropriate. d) Support the development of course representation across the University, in close liaison

with relevant staff. e) Chair the Fulbourn and Peterborough Student Assembly Student Experience Officer (Cambridge) Shall: a) Be based in Cambridge for the majority of their working hours. b) Represent the Union on all local external bodies relevant to student needs and issues. c) Monitor the expenditure of the Union’s clubs and societies. d) Be responsible for welfare, equal opportunities and student activities matters on the

campus. e) Be responsible for campaigning on any welfare, equal opportunity or student experience

related issues relevant to the campus, as deemed necessary by Union Council, and to work alongside other Officers on campaign issues.

f) Liaise and support Student Assembly officers on any campus specific matters, campaigns matters and other Union business as appropriate.

g) Be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Union’s Equal Opportunities policy. h) Be responsible for the student induction activities and University open days on the

Cambridge Campus. i) Support the training and development of Part-time Officers and other volunteers on the

Cambridge campus. j) Be responsible for the co-ordination of Union Sports Clubs and Societies on the Cambridge

campus. k) In conjunction with the President and the Part-time Sports, Clubs and Societies Officer,

ensure the allocation of funds to the Cambridge-based clubs and societies is fair, set down in writing and accessible to all students.

l) Be responsible for monitoring the expenditure of the Cambridge-based clubs and societies. m) Be the University representative for external sports bodies such as BUSA and SESSA. n) Attend and support student forums, in conjunction with relevant Part time Officers on the

Cambridge campus. Student Experience Officer (Chelmsford) Shall:

a) Be based in Chelmsford for the majority of their working hours b) Represent the Union on all local external bodies relevant to student needs and issues. c) Monitor the expenditure of the Union’s clubs and societies d) Be responsible for welfare, equal opportunities and student activities matters on the

campus. e) Be responsible for campaigning on any welfare, equal opportunity or student experience

related issues relevant to the campus, as deemed necessary by Union Council, and to work alongside other Officers on campaign issues.

f) Liaise and support Student Assembly officers on any campus specific matters, campaigns matters and other Union business as appropriate.

g) Be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Union’s Equal Opportunities policy.

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h) Be responsible for the student induction activities and University open days on the Chelmsford Campus.

i) Support the training and development of Part Time Officers and other volunteers on the Chelmsford campus.

j) Be responsible for the co-ordination of Union Sports clubs and societies on the Chelmsford campus.

k) In conjunction with the President and the Part-time Sports, Clubs and Societies Officer, ensure the allocation of funds to the Chelmsford-based clubs and societies is fair, set down in writing and accessible to all students.

l) Be responsible for monitoring the expenditure of the Chelmsford-based clubs and societies. m) Be the University representative for external sports bodies such as BUSA and SESSA. n) Attend and support student forums, in conjunction with relevant Part time Officers on the

Chelmsford campus. o) Chair the Chelmsford Student Assembly

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS (E24) What Are Part-time Officers? A Part-time Officer is a current student studying at Anglia Ruskin University who is a volunteer and takes on the role alongside their studies. What Are The Part-time Positions? (Cross-campus) Chair of Union Council What Are The Part-time Positions? (Cambridge) Social and Events Officer Accommodation Officer Clubs and Societies Officer Publications and Communications Officer Welfare Officer LGBT Officer Disabled Students’ Officer Mature Students’ Officer International Students Officer (representing non-UK students) Women’s Officer Part-time Students’ Officer Environmental and Recycling What Are The Part-time Positions? (Chelmsford) Social and Events Officer Accommodation Officer Clubs and Societies Officer Publications and Communications Officer Welfare Officer LGBT Officer Disabled Students’ Officer Mature Students’ Officer Nursing and Midwifery Officer Education Faculty Officer International Students’ Officer (representing non-UK students) Women’s Officer Part-time Students’ Officer Environmental and Recycling Officer

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What Are The Part-time Positions? (Peterborough) Social and Events Officer Accommodation Officer Clubs and Societies Officer Publications and Communications Officer Welfare Officer LGBT Officer Disabled Students’ Officer Mature Students’ Officer Nursing Officer Midwifery Officer What Are The Part-time Positions? (Fulbourn) Social and Events Officer Accommodation Officer Clubs and Societies Officer Publications and Communications Officer Welfare Officer LGBT Officer Disabled Students’ Officer Mature Students’ Officer Nursing Officer Midwifery Officer Who Is Eligible To Stand? All students are automatically members of the Students’ Union and can stand for election or be co-opted onto the Student Assembly Committee. Successful candidates take up office two weeks after election. What Time Commitment Will I Have To Make? Monthly Student Assembly Meeting 3 hours/month in Cambridge/Chelmsford 1.5 hours/month in Peterborough/Fulbourn Other meetings and Activities 3-4 hours/week (e.g., Representation/Campaigns/Conferences/Campus-related issues/Training) However the above is an estimate and you can put in as much time as you feel necessary to fulfil your role. The more you put in the more you will get out!

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What Responsibilities Will I Have? All Part-time, elected Officers shall: a) Work to further the Union’s objects and purposes as defined in the Union constitution b) Help with the successful running of relevant campaigns and events including induction

activities, and as directed by the relevant Student Assembly c) Be an active member of the relevant Student Assembly d) Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Union's Health and Safety

Policy e) Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Union's Equal Opportunities

Policy f) Carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Union's Staff/Student

Protocol g) Consider the development of the Union's facilities and services as an integral part of their

role h) Undertake other duties relevant to their positions as directed by the relevant Student

Assembly i) In addition to the general duties outlined above, these part-time officers will have

additional responsibilities as outlined below.

Accommodation Officer Shall: a) Represent the views of students living in University halls and managed accommodation. b) Represent the views of students living in the private rented sector. c) Work with NUS and the Student Experience Officer on Campaigns related to

accommodation issues Chair of Union Council Shall: a) Convene and chair Union Council. b) Co-ordinate the agenda for meetings, with support of relevant staff. c) Facilitate debate and encourage participation in Union Council. Clubs and Societies Officer Shall: a) Represent the views and issues of members of all registered clubs and societies. b) Help, advice and train members of all registered clubs and societies in their effective

organisation. c) Convene and chair the Clubs and Societies Committee as appropriate. d) Work with Union Officers, staff and external organisations to promote sport, clubs and

societies to all Anglia Ruskin students.

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Disabled Students’ Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must define themselves as disabled. Shall: a) Represent the needs of disabled students to the Union and the University. b) Raise any issues of concern for disabled students to the Union. c) Work with the NUS Disabled Students Campaign and other regional and national bodies

representing disabled students. d) Promote the Union and its services among disabled students. Education Faculty Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a student of the Faculty of Education Shall: a) Represent the needs of Education students to the Union and the University b) Raise any issues of concern for Education students to the Union c) Make links with local, regional and national bodies representing Education students d) Promote the Union and its services among Education Environmental & Recycling Officer Shall: a) Represent an environmental voice at the Student Assembly and be the voice of

environmentally aware students. b) Scrutinise both the union and universities environmental and recycling policies c) Assist the president and other relevant officers in creation or materials to promote environmental awareness and recycling d) To assist in the organisation of environmental awareness and recycling campaigns and events e) Campaign for better recycling facilitities for students on campus and surrounding areas International Students Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a Non-UK student. Shall: a) Monitor the Union’s provision for International Students b) Take part in International Student Inductions organised by the University c) To ensure that the Union effectively addresses issues affecting International Students, and

is sensitive to their beliefs and cultures d) Promote the Union and its services among International students

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LGBT Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must self-define as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. Shall: a) Represent the needs and opinions of LGBT students to the Site Student Assembly b) Work with the Student Experience Officer and other relevant officers to produce materials

and resources to inform and educate all students about LGBT students’ issues c) Campaign on a local level against discrimination d) Work with the NUS LGBT Campaign and other organisations such as Trade Unions and

relevant LGBT organisations Mature Students’ Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must have commenced their time of study after their 21st birthday. Shall: a) Represent the needs and opinions of mature students to the Site Student Assembly, and

ensure that this is recognised in all areas of the Union's work. b) Campaign on issues relating to mature students' education, welfare and social needs. c) Work with full time sabbatical officers and NUS on issues of importance to mature students. Midwifery Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a Midwifery student. Shall: a) Represent the needs of Midwifery students to the Union and the University b) Raise any issues of concern for Midwifery students to the Union c) Make links with local, regional and national bodies representing Nursing and Midwifery

students d) Promote the Union and its services among Midwifery students Nursing Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a Nursing student. Shall: a) Represent the needs of Nursing students to the Union and the University b) Raise any issues of concern for Nursing students to the Union c) Make links with local, regional and national bodies representing Nursing and Midwifery

students d) Promote the Union and its services among Nursing students

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Nursing and Midwifery Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a Nursing or Midwifery student. Shall: a) Represent the needs of Nursing and Midwifery students to the Union and the University b) Raise any issues of concern for Nursing and Midwifery students to the Union c) Make links with local, regional and national bodies representing Nursing and Midwifery

students d) Promote the Union and its services among Nursing and Midwifery students Part-Time Students’ Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a Part-Time student as defined by the University rules and regulations. Shall: a) Represent the needs of part-time students to the Union and the University b) Raise any issues of concern for part-time students to the Union c) Make links with local, regional and national bodies representing part-time students d) Promote the Union and its services among part-time students Publications and Communications Officer Shall: a) Work with the relevant Union staff and Officers in the organisation, production and

distribution of Students’ Union publications. b) Assist in communications in all media, between the Union and students on the

campus. c) Ensure that Students’ Union publications do not contravene the Union’s Equal

Opportunities Policy. Social and Events Officer Shall: a) Research and represent the needs of students in relation to social activities, events and

entertainments provision. b) Help coordinate welcome activities for new students. c) Promote the Union and its services to students. Welfare Officer Shall: a) Support the development and implementation of welfare campaigns. b) Support the site Student Experience Officer on welfare matters relating to the campus. c) Recruit and support the welfare volunteers’ team. d) Work with the NUS Welfare Campaign

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Women’s Officer Eligibility The candidate, in addition to the requirements of the Elections Schedule of the Constitution, must be a female student. Shall: a) Represent the needs and opinions of women students to the Site Student Assembly b) Work with the Student Experience officer and produce materials and resources to inform

and educate all students about the nature of discrimination against women c) Work with the NUS Women’s Campaign and other organisations such as Trade Unions and

relevant women’s organisations d) Run appropriate campaigns specific to women students. e) Promote the Union and its services among women students.

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS (E24)

What Is An NUS National Conference Delegate?

Every year the Students' Union sends delegates to the Annual Conference held by the National Union of Students (NUS). At this conference representatives from every Students' Union affiliated to NUS debate national policy and can have a say on issues that affect every single student in the country including top-up fees, student discounts and healthcare for students.

If you think you could represent students at Anglia Ruskin on a national stage making decisions that affect every single one of the 5.2 million students in the UK then this is for you.

Who Is Eligible To Stand? Any full or part-time student registered with Anglia Ruskin University. You may also stand for NUS National Conference Delegate in addition to standing for a Sabbatical or Part-time position.

What Time Commitment Will I Have To Make? 31st March – 2nd April 2009, Blackpool (Transport and accommodation provided) What Responsibilities Will I Have? If elected you will be part of a team of ten delegates attending the NUS Annual Conference from the 31st March to the 2nd of April. The Conference is held in Blackpool and requires your attendance for the three days. When you're not on Conference floor it's a great chance to socialise and network with students from all around the country.

http://www.nusonline.co.uk/

http://www.nusonline.co.uk/

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNION (E25)

Students’ Union Vision and Values

The Students’ Union vision and values underpin all work that the Students’ Union does and ensure that all staff and officers working within the organisation remain focused on representing students.

Vision • To put Anglia Ruskin students at the forefront of everything that we do. • To represent, serve and support all Anglia Ruskin students to enhance their University

experience. • To become nationally recognised as a first-class provider of student representation. • To be central to the University’s decision-making processes and to be recognised as a

critical factor in all plans for change and development. • To be responsive to the University’s broadening ambitions and to monitor how these reflect

the requirements of Anglia Ruskin students. Values • We put students first • We are impartial and independent • We are professional, accessible and friendly • We are inclusive and respect diversity • We are proud of our democratic structure • We invest in our staff, elected officers and volunteers to allow them to achieve their full

potential • We are proactive, actively listen and are responsive to our members • We make ethical decisions and aim to minimise our impact on the environment • We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation and utilise our resources effectively • We celebrate success • We actively promote our role to our members The Role Of The Students’ Union

The Students’ Union primarily exists to represent, serve and support each and every Anglia Ruskin Student with the aim of enhancing their University experience. 'Putting you first' is the tagline at the forefront of the Union's objectives and we provide many different services to ensure students at Anglia Ruskin University (the members) are well represented and their voice is heard.

Democracy and democratic structures are really important to the Students’ Union which is why so much emphasis is placed on the elections. However we are aware that sometimes these subjects can seem a little dry or dull. Nevertheless this democracy is the very essence of the Union and is essential to its success. Over the next couple of pages is information about the Union’s structure, decision making processes and procedures so read on to find out exactly how it works and where you would fit in if elected!

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Structure

The Union is run by a team of 5 annually elected full-time Sabbatical Officers and a number of Part-time officers. These elected officers exist to represent and put forward the views of all students at Anglia Ruskin University. They meet every month to discuss both academic and social issues concerning the Union and its membership (students). They debate all sorts of student issues, campaigns, clubs and societies’ issues, welfare issues and finances. The officers work with the support and expertise of full and part-time permanent staff. These officers and staff work closely together to constantly evaluate and update the services the Union provides.

These services include a free, fully independent and impartial Advice Service that can be the first port of call for any student at Anglia Ruskin with any problem. It is also the job of the Students' Union to coordinate the Student Course Reps; work with and support them at Faculty meetings and assist with any problems they may voice.

The sports teams, societies and Cambridge gym are also run by the Students’ Union. Anglia Ruskin Students' Union also runs its own Bars, Kitchens, Shops and Entertainment Facilities.

The Constitution

The Constitution is a document that sets out the fundamentals of how the Union operates. Everything that the Union does is governed by this document. The Constitution is a working document and as new situations and problems arise the Constitution is updated.

Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Students’ Union and consists of the five Sabbatical Officers, four Student Trustees and four External Trustees. The Union’s General Manager also attends Board meetings and acts as the Chief Executive of the Union, reporting on the activities of the Union and implementing strategy agreed by the Board. The Board meets four times a year, on alternate campuses, and is the ultimate decision-making body of the Union. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the control and management of the Students’ Union and each Trustee has collective responsibility for all policy decisions of the Union which affect the students of Anglia Ruskin University.

The Trustees…

• Take legal responsibility for decisions and the implications of such decisions. • Monitor the performance of the Union in meeting-agreed objectives to further the

aims of the organisation. • Ensure that the Union complies with its governing document, charity law, company

law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. • Ensure the Union uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives: the

charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the Union, setting overall strategy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguard the good name and values of the Union. • Ensure the financial stability of the Union. • Protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure proper investment of the

charity’s funds. • Appoint the General Manager and monitor his / her performance

http://www.angliastudent.com/pages/about_the_union/the_executive_committee/sabbaticals.html

http://www.angliastudent.com/pages/about_the_union/the_executive_committee/part_time_officers/

http://www.angliastudent.com/pages/contacts/staff_contacts/index.html

http://www.angliastudent.com/pages/welfare/advice/

http://www.angliastudent.com/pages/student_voice/representation/

http://www.angliastudent.com/pages/entertainments/

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Union Council Union Council is a cross-campus meeting which is made up of the following people with voting rights: Chair of Union Council All Sabbatical Officers Three Representatives from each Student Assembly Union Council may also be attended by the following people: Any full member of the Union A guest invited to attend to speak on an issue or motion The Union General Manager Union Council is a body which debates, discusses and agrees Union-wide policy, approves and ratifies changes to the Constitution, mandates Sabbatical Officers regarding policy issues and instructs and holds Sabbatical Officers to account. At Union Council those with voting rights can bring a vote of censure or a vote of no confidence against a Sabbatical Officer. Members of Union Council will receive and accept minutes / reports from the Student Assemblies, receive reports from Sabbatical Officers, receive reports from the Elections Committee and create and appoint membership to sub-committees where necessary. There are at least 4 Union Councils each academic year. Student Assemblies Student Assemblies are campus specific and are made up of the following people with voting rights: Student Experience Officer responsible for that campus The 3 cross-campus Officers All Part-time Officers for that campus Representatives from each Site Committee Student Assembly may also be attended by the following people: Any full member of the Union A guest invited to attend to speak on an issue or motion. The Union General Manager Student Assembly is a meeting to debate, discuss and agree Union policy specific to that campus, create and discuss Union wide policy to refer to Union Council, mandate Sabbatical Officers regarding policy issues, mandate Part time Officers regarding policy issues, instruct and hold to account Sabbatical Officers and instruct and hold to account Part time Officers. At Student Assembly those with voting rights can bring a vote of censure against a Sabbatical Officer, recommend a vote of no confidence on a Sabbatical Officer to Union Council and bring a vote of censure or vote of no confidence against a Part-time Officer of that Student Assembly. Members of Student Assembly will also receive and accept minutes / reports from the site forums, receive relevant financial reports, receive reports from Part-time officers of that Student Assembly, receive reports from Sabbatical Officers and receive and approve minutes of sports and societies sub committees. Student Assembly members can create forums where necessary, approve clubs and societies constitutions and the creation of new clubs and societies and approve reports of the clubs and societies grant allocation sub committee. The Student Assemblies will meet monthly.

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Site Committees

Site Committees are open meetings where students can discuss matters of interest and take appropriate action relevant to that committee.

Site Committees are held on each campus to discuss relevant issues and are run by the relevant Part-time and/or Sabbatical Officer. Discussions, activities and work are reported back to the Student Assembly. • Clubs and Societies Council • Campaigns Committee • Faculty Representation Committee • Student Activities Grants Committee Relevant staff members of the Union may attend and have speaking rights. Guests may attend to speak on an issue by agreement of the Chair before the start of the meeting. Forums may also be convened as appropriate and shall be sanctioned by the Student Assembly of that site.

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Around 600 Students’ Unions across the country are currently affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS) and Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union is one of them. NUS represent the interests of over seven million students in further and higher education across the UK.

Affiliation to NUS makes the Union part of a national movement and gives us benefits from the wide range of services they offer.

NUS run campaigns throughout the year from free education to free prescriptions, from fighting for the rights of disabled students to representing those who rent student accommodation. With more than eight decades of campaigning experience, NUS can support our local campaigns and maximise their effectiveness by lobbying on a national scale and to national bodies. You might want to check out the NUS website nus.org.uk to get an idea of national student issues and see what campaigns are currently running to help you with your manifesto.

NUS offer various training programs and conferences for Union staff and Officers throughout the year to help both their personal development and the development of the Union they work for. They also offer support via the research they carry out, the materials they produce and the documents they publish. Effectively it’s like getting an additional team of over 50 staff and 25 elected Officers to assist our students and our Students’ Union.

Also, NUS provide services directly to individual students via their website, in the form of information and resources on topics such as housing, student finance, welfare, diversity, and many others. The NUS Extra card is also available via the NUS website; this card gives students over 80 national discounts online or on the high street and is estimated to have saved the average student as much as £189 over the year.

http://www.nus.org.uk/

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY (E26) You may find the following information useful when you are planning your elections campaign. Knowing about the University; its vision and values and structure should give you a wider picture of the University and help you to produce a better manifesto.

University Vision and Values

Vision

• We are passionate about the advancement of knowledge and the education of students. • We take university education in imaginative new directions. • We are important to the region and want to be viewed in the UK and internationally as

exceptional. • Our key contribution is to the enhancement of social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

Specifically, we are working to ensure that:

• Nine out of ten students would recommend us to a friend. • Each Faculty's teaching receives public endorsement of its quality overall and is

recognised as a UK leader in one or more of its disciplines. • Each Faculty hosts one or more international standard research centres. • 25% of our activity is at postgraduate level and we award at least 50 PhDs across at

least 10 disciplines each year. • We educate an equal number of students off-site and on-site, through remote delivery

partnerships at home and abroad, and distance learning. • Anglia Ruskin at Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin at Chelmsford are known as magnets for

overseas students and 20% of our UK campus-based students are from outside the EU. • Every student may study entrepreneurship and 10% of our students choose self

employment when they leave us. • Every year, we help at least 2000 organisations with Knowledge Exchange in particular,

through a range of on-campus business incubator facilities. • We are recognised for successful innovation in the way in which services are provided

and for imaginative new learning environments. • We are champions of employer and community engagement. • We readily attract talented staff and prepare everyone to achieve our goals through

continuing staff development.

Values

• A sense of belonging. We are proud to be part of Anglia Ruskin University. We know that lifelong relationships are formed here.

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• Academic ambition. We want our teaching and research to be excellent. We are determined that our students and staff will realise their full potential.

• Innovation. We are purposeful, challenging and curious about our world. We are prepared to do things differently. We are creative, entrepreneurial and bring enthusiasm to everything we do.

• Supporting each other. We are friendly and inclusive, and celebrate individuality and diversity. We support and encourage everyone, and strive hard to anticipate and meet needs and aspirations.

• Honesty and openness. We operate with integrity, trust and respect for each other and we deliver on our promises. We share ideas, information and challenges and we seek out views and opinions.

• Concern for the environment. We want our concern for a sustainable environment to inform every aspect of what we do.

Structure University Management Structure (The Decision Makers) Board of Governors The Vice Chancellor The Vice Chancellors Group

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Scholarship and Development) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Advanced Systems) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Director of Finance Secretary and Clerk

The University has five faculties and each has its own Dean: Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science Faculty of Science and Technology Faculty of Education Faculty of Health and Social Care Ashcroft International Business School Facts And Figures • Campuses at Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Fulbourn • Awarded University status in 1992 • Total student population of approximately 25,000 • One of the largest Universities in the country • The largest provider of part-time higher education in the country, after the Open University • One of the highest University populations of mature students (65%) • One of the most significant suppliers of nurses and teachers • Several local and international Partner Institutions (Courses run by or validated by Anglia

Ruskin University)

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Demographics The student population at Anglia Ruskin University is extremely diverse and often the statistics can be a bit of a surprise to many. The summaries below should give you a broader understanding of the Anglia Ruskin University student population and therefore help you to create a manifesto and a campaign that is relevant to all of our students.

Cambridge Undergraduate

Student Age Group

Over 30Under 30

Cambridge Mode Of Study

Full time StudentsPart time Students

Chelmsford UndergraduateStudent Age Group

Over 30Under 30

C h e l ms f o r d N a t i o n a l i t y

B r i t i s h

I n t e r n a t i o n a ls t u d e n t s

E U

Arts, Law and Social Sciences

ChelmsfordCambridgeOther

Ashcroft International

Business School


Science and Technology


Health and Social Care

ChelmsfordCambridgeFulbournPeterbourgh

Education


Chelmsford Mode of Study

Full timeStudentsPart timeStudents

Cambridge Nationality

British

Internationalstudents

Cambridge Gender

MaleFemale

Chelmsford Gender

Male

Female

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TIMETABLE OF ELECTIONS 2009 (E4) DAY DATE

Mon 9 Feb Elections Road Show - Peterborough Tues 10 Feb Elections Road Show - Cambridge 0 Wed 11 Feb Election notices posted on notice board 1 Thurs 12 Feb Elections Road Show - Chelmsford 2 Fri 13 Feb Elections Road Show - Fulbourn 3 Mon 16 Feb Open House – Chelmsford – SU office – 10.00-13.00 4 Tues 17 Feb Open House – Cambridge – SU office – 10.00-14.00 5 Wed 18 Feb Open House – Chelmsford – SU office – 10.00-14.00 6 Thurs 19 Feb Open Nominations 10.00 am

Open House – Cambridge – SU office – 10.00-14.00 Candidates’ Training ‘About The Union’ and ‘What Makes A Good

Manifesto’ Cambs – 4.00 pm Hel 252 7 Fri 20 Feb 8 Mon 23 Feb Candidates’ training ‘About The Union’ and ‘What Makes A Good

Manifesto’ Chelms – 4.00 pm SAW 112 9 Tues 24 Feb

10 Wed 25 Feb Close nominations 12 noon Candidates Meetings 5 - 6 pm

By video conference QB3 – Hel 119 11 Thurs 26 Feb Campaigning begins

Candidates’ training ‘What Makes A Good Speech and Campaign’ Cambs – 4 – 6 pm Hel 252

12 Fri 27 Feb 13 Mon 2 Mar List of candidates posted on notice boards

Candidates’ training ‘What Makes A Good Speech and Campaign’ Chelms – 4 – 6 pm SAW 112

14 Tues 3 Mar ‘Meet the Candidates’ Cambs 12-2 pm – SU bar Recording candidates’ speeches – 2–4 pm

Radio ‘Hustings’ – 4–6 pm 15 Wed 4 Mar 16 Thurs 5 Mar ‘Meeting the Candidates’ Chelms 12-2 pm – SU bar 17 Fri 6 Mar Candidates Meeting– 4-5 pm By video conference QB3 – Hel 119 18 Mon 9 Mar Electronic balloting open 00.00 am 19 Tues 10 Mar Electronic balloting closes 11.59 pm

20 Wed 11 Mar Balloting opens 8.30 am – 2.30 pm Chelmsford Balloting opens 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Cambridge

21 Thurs 12 Mar Balloting opens 8.30 am Balloting closes at 4.00 pm

Count in Cambridge and informal results announced 22 Fri 13 Mar Full results posted on the notice boards 23 Mon 16 Mar 24 Tues 17 Mar 25 Wed 18 Mar 26 Thurs 19 Mar 27 Fri 20 Mar Close of acceptance of complaints at 5.00 pm

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ELECTION REGULATIONS (E5) The following documents are those which determine the rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections. Please read them carefully. Any breach of election regulations, no matter how trivial, will be referred to the Returning Officer and may result in disqualification of the candidate(s) concerned. The following documents govern the election: The Anglia Ruskin SU Constitution (esp. Schedule 1 Elections) • This document outlines the prescribed time period for the election process and the job

descriptions. The Staff/Student Protocol • This document describes the allowable involvement of staff, elected officers & students in

the election process. Candidates’ attention is drawn to the fact that all Union staff and members are bound by the Staff/Student Protocol. This prohibits the staff from commenting on, or becoming involved in, the election process other than purely administrative purposes. In case of doubt please seek the advice of the Elections Committee / Chair or Returning Officer for further guidance.

The Equal Opportunities Policy • This policy describes how each individual must be treated equally, with respect and in a

non-discriminatory manner. Candidates are reminded that they should abide by the terms of the Unions Equal Opportunities Policy at all times.

The Candidates Guidelines • These guidelines describe how candidates and their supporters should behave. The

document also contains information about nominations, manifesto content, campaign materials, expenses, meet the candidate’s sessions, balloting, and complaints. This document should enable all candidates to present their candidacy fairly & adequately to the electorate.

All the above documents are available from Anglia Ruskin SU Offices on request. Any disputes or complaints pertaining to the elections must be in writing and addressed to the Returning Officer, c/o The Students’ Union. However complaints can be raised in the first instance with any member of the Elections Committee, who can be contacted through any of the Anglia Ruskin SU Offices.

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CANDIDATES GUIDELINES (E6) Nominations

• Nominations should be proposed and seconded by separate individuals, who cannot nominate or second more than one candidate for each position (except National Conference Delegate).

• Nominations must be submitted by noon of the day that nominations close (Wednesday

25th February 2009) along with the manifesto and header sheets. This is a strict deadline!

• Candidates may only stand for one SU position, but may also stand for National

Conference Delegate. Content Of Manifesto And Campaigns Material Candidates may use any election material they wish as long as it conforms to the election guidelines.

• Candidates may not pay for any promotional material with their own money outside the agreed promotional budget.

• Candidates may not use promotional material that has been paid for, or been gained by

means that other candidates are not able to access (e.g. using samples from a business with which the candidate has personal contact). Candidates must have evidence that such benefits are open to all.

• Materials produced on behalf of the candidate must be of a non-defamatory nature and

may not mention any other candidates in any other Students’ Union Election.

• Materials produced must be non-racist, non-homophobic, and non-sexist and conform to the Unions’ Equal Opportunities Policy.

• The Students’ Union reserves the right not to publish a manifesto that contains

defamatory material or material that contravenes the Union’s Equal Opportunities Policy. The Chair of the Elections Committee will decide if manifesto material is defamatory or contravenes the Union’s Equal Opportunities Policy and their decision is final.

• All originals have to be authorised by and lodged with the Customer Service Manager

before reproduction. Materials not stamped and approved will be removed.

• Manifestos must be limited to one side of A4 paper, and will be printed unabridged, i.e. spelling and grammatical errors will not be corrected by Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union.

• Due to the way Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union reproduces its manifestos, please make

sure your manifesto is readable when in an A5 format.

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• Manifestos must also be submitted in an electronic version. Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union will offer any hard and software that is necessary for candidates to supply electronic versions.

• Non-manifesto materials do not have to be identical and candidates may use both sides

of the paper for materials other than their manifestos. Although the Union will produce one manifesto for each candidate, other election material is not limited to the content of the manifesto.

• In order to produce your manifesto, access to Students’ Union computer facilities will be

made available to any candidate who wishes to make use of these (at a time suitable to the SU). No help however can be given in the production of your manifesto, other than any needed to submit it electronically.

• Manifestos must be handed in to the SU Office by noon on the day of close nominations

(Wednesday 25th February)

(For further information please refer to the Form E9A/B – Manifesto Header form). Expenses

• Candidates may spend the following amounts in support of their campaign and will be

reimbursed on the production of receipts: Sabbatical Positions Photocopying £10.00

Other expenses £20.00 Non Sabbatical positions Photocopying £5.00 Other expenses £5.00 • Black and white photocopies made on SU copiers will be charged at 2.5p for A4 and 5p

for A3 single sided copies. If candidates wish to supply their own paper the charges will be reduced to 2p and 4p respectively. If candidates wish to use other elections material written proof of the net cost must be provided so the Union can ensure that the expenses limit is not breached.

• In the event of a candidate wishing to use materials that he/she has obtained at no cost

as part of his/her campaign, unless he/she is able to prove that these materials would be freely available to any candidates at no cost, the cost of those materials will be included in the candidate’s campaign budget.

Candidates Meetings

• Candidates meetings will be held via video conference on Wednesday 25th February at

5pm and Friday 6th March at 4pm. It is important that candidates attend these meetings as the Returning Officer will explain the rules and regulations and will conduct a draw for the order in which names appear on the ballot papers. The minutes from the candidates’ meeting will be taken by a member of the Elections Committee and will be made available to candidates.

Campaigning

• Candidates are allowed to campaign throughout the University and display campaign

materials on notice boards (provided that they have been stamped by the Students’ Union).

• Candidates are also permitted to place posters on boards provided in the Students’

Union areas.

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• Candidates are allowed to canvas in bars etc. but not to leave leaflets or posters for members to pick up.

• Candidates and/or their supporters are not allowed to canvas or to display election

materials in the immediate vicinity of the ballot boxes. They must leave the vicinity of the ballot boxes as soon as they have cast their own vote/s.

• Candidates are reminded that every student is entitled to a confidential vote and a free

choice and should not be coerced to vote for a particular candidate.

• As soon as balloting has finished candidates must remove all their publicity material before the count starts.

‘Meet the Candidates’ or ‘Hustings’ Sessions

• ‘Meet the Candidates’ sessions are the candidates’ chance to speak in support of their

campaign and a chance for voters to meet the candidates and ask them questions. The sessions will be chaired by an elections committee member or nominee and questions from voting members will be put to all candidates.

Balloting

• The Union will produce a manifesto booklet which will be available from Students’ Union

outlets and at all ballot boxes.

• Voting will be by alterative transferable vote (ATV).

• The dates of the ballot will be:

Monday 9th March 2009 (Online Voting) Tuesday 10th March 2009 (Online Voting)

Wednesday 11th March (Paper Voting)

Thursday 12th March 2009 (Paper voting) The Count

• The count will be held in Cambridge and will commence at 6.00 pm on the final date of balloting.

• Transport will be provided for each candidate and/or his/her nominee.

Declaration Of Results

• The declaration of results shall be made as specified in the Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union Constitution. Results will be announced on Thursday 12th March. Formal notices of election results will be posted on the Union notice boards on Friday 13th March.

Disputes

• Disputes will be dealt with as specified in the Anglia Ruskin SU Constitution. The closing date for disputes and complaints about the conduct of the elections will be Friday 20th March.

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Complaints

• See Schedule 1 Elections Section 15 of the Unions Constitution for details of the complaints procedure.

• The decision of the Elections Committee will be final.

• In the event of any queries on any aspect of the election or your campaign, please

contact, in the first instance, any member of the Elections Committee (through any of the SU offices).

Travel

• For candidates who are standing for cross-campus posts the SU will arrange travel for two visits to the other campuses; one for the candidates to deliver their ‘Hustings’ speech and another for canvassing. Additional visits can be arranged at the request of the candidates by negotiations with the Elections Committee.

Cambridge Chelmsford Room Hel 125 1st Floor Tindal Building 1st Floor, Helmore Building Rivermead Campus East Road Bishops Hall Lane Cambridge Chelmsford, Essex CB1 1PT CM1 1SQ Telephone: 01223 460 008 Telephone: 01245 258178 Fax: 01223 417718 Fax: 01245 267653 Peterborough Fulbourn Faculty of Health & Social Care (located off of the student common room) Education Centre Fulbourn Campus, Peterborough District Hospital Victoria House, Thorpe Road Capital Park, Peterborough Fulbourn, Cambridge PE3 6DA CB21 5XA Telephone: 01223 883260 Telephone: 01223 885965

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OFFICIAL CANDIDATES’ MEETINGS (E10) Official Candidates’ Meetings will take place via video conference on the 25th February at 5pm and the 6th March at 4pm. All candidates must attend these meetings and rooms will be confirmed in due course.

“MEET THE CANDIDATE” SESSIONS

“Meet the Candidates” sessions will take place as follows:

Cambridge: Tuesday 3rd March 12-2pm (SU bar) Chelmsford: Thursday 5th March 12-2pm (SU bar) At these sessions candidates running for full-time positions are invited to make a 3 minute speech and those running for part-time positions are invited to make a 2 minute speech. Candidates running for full-time positions will also be expected to record video speeches on Tuesday 3rd March between 2-4pm and make speeches on CUR1350 on Tuesday 3rd March between 4-6pm.

Any questions regarding the above should be directed to the Chair of

the Election Committee.

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD MANIFESTO? (E28) What Is A Manifesto? A manifesto is a compulsory, formal document that outlines who you are, why you are running for office and what you plan to do should you be elected. It gives voters that haven’t met you the information they need to make an informed decision about who to vote for. Your manifesto will be put on the Students’ Union website and will be available at ballot stations, but you can also use it throughout your campaign. What Should I Include In My Manifesto? Your Name This should be most prominent. You might like to think about how you can make a play on your name; you could make it into a pun, a slogan or use a tagline to make you more memorable to voters. Remember that only your name will appear on the ballot paper and when voters see that name you want them to remember who you are and that you’re worth voting for. The Position You Are Running For Make sure your manifesto clearly states the position you’re running for and ensure that all the information in your manifesto relates to this position. A Good Picture This can go anywhere on your manifesto although most candidates favour towards the top. People like to see who they’re voting for. Passport photos don’t really look great so try and find something that echoes your personality or maybe the role in question. About You Tell the voters a bit about yourself; maybe who you are, where people might know you from, why you’re running for the position and so on. Outline what you would bring to the job, your experience in the Union and any other relevant experience. Most importantly outline your policies and pledges; what do you hope to achieve in your role, and how? Hints And Tips • Ensure your manifesto is well researched and prepared; this will help you be realistic with

your pledges. • Try not to base your manifesto on your personal issues or experiences and don’t make

assumptions about what students’ issues are; ask them! • Remember that Anglia Ruskin University is a diverse institution; think about the needs of all

sorts of different students.

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• Don’t use vast amounts of text; the words on a manifesto are important but it is better when they are used sparingly and statements are clear and succinct.

• Don’t use jargon or assume that the person reading your manifesto has any prior

knowledge of elections or the Union • Ensure your manifesto is within the guidelines (E6) • Make sure your manifesto looks good in colour AND black and white as it will be

photocopied for the manifesto booklet. • You must keep your manifesto to one side of A4 • Try to co-ordinate all your campaign material so that your manifesto relates to any posters,

flyers or banners you produce. • Check your spelling and grammar thoroughly before you hand-in your manifesto and get

others to take a look too. Once you’ve handed it in, you can spell your own name wrong, but we won’t be able to change it!

• Don’t hand in your nominations and manifesto at the last minute. You will find it very

stressful, and so will the people in the SU! Please hand in your manifesto as a PDF. If you’re not sure how to do this visit the SU office in advance and we will help you.

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD CAMPAIGN? (E27) When Do I Campaign? You can start campaigning and putting up elections materials once nominations have closed and then during the balloting period your campaigning should peak. How Should I Campaign? Posters Make your posters bold and bright, ensuring they are easy to read and don’t have vast amounts of text. Tell voters the basics in a poster; who you are, what position you are running for, where to find your manifesto and when/how to vote. You might want to include a picture and maybe think about linking the design and style with your manifesto and other campaign materials. You must bring your election posters to the SU Offices to be stamped. This authorises them as being appropriate to the elections (i.e. non-defamatory and within Equal Opportunities Guidelines). Use the designated Students’ Union elections poster display boards in the SU bars, shops and gym. If you want to display posters elsewhere you must seek permission from the relevant University department and do not stick posters to walls, external brickwork, doors, or glass. Flyers Flyers are useful to give to people after you have spoken to them as a permanent reminder of who you are and when/how to vote. However it is best not to not just hand out flyers randomly; try to engage with people as well. It is strictly prohibited to leave leaflets lying around in bars or any other social areas. Banners/Boards Your campaigns budget is limited so creative and resourceful approaches to campaigning are needed and past years have seen both boards and banners. You might be able to ‘blag’ some off-cuts or used tins of paint from a DIY store or you can sometimes pick up bed-sheets really cheaply from supermarkets or charity shops. Remember though, materials must not obstruct throughways or fire exits or present risks (e.g. trip hazards). Any unconventional or large materials will require consent from Estates before display. Social Networking ‘Facebook’ and other social networking sites are becomingly increasingly used for campaigning. These sites are certainly a good way to reach lots of people and to hold forums for discussion about students’ issues. However don’t rely on these sites to convince people to vote and don’t take too much notice of the numbers of people who join yours’ or others’ groups as this gives no real indication of who they will vote for. Also, don’t forget that the same elections rules regarding campaign materials apply to these sites and consider your own privacy during this period.

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Go Out And Talk! Going out and talking to all sorts of different students is by far THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE way to campaign and is essential for winning votes. You can have the best looking posters, flyers and banners by far but this is no compensation for actually engaging people and enthusing them to vote. You might want to ask lecturers if you are able to speak at the end of a lecture and get your supporters to do the same or simply walk around the campus stopping to chat to people. It is difficult to approach people you don’t know and some students may not want to listen to you but persevere and not only will you win votes but also get to hear other students’ views not just those of your friends or peers. You and any supporting teams are held by a code of conduct which requires you to behave responsibly and within certain guidelines. For example during balloting, you (and your supporters) are not permitted within the immediate vicinity of official ballot stations, other than to cast your own vote. Every student is entitled to a confidential vote and a free choice and should a candidate be accused of infringing these rights, complaints against them will be taken most seriously. You are expected to respect the rules of study spaces such as the library and are asked not to disturb students or staff. Hints And Tips • Be as inventive as possible with campaign materials to get yourself noticed; people get

poster blind. • Use your budget effectively and keep track of what you’re spending; do NOT spend any of

your own money. • If you ‘blag’ something you need to produce evidence that any other candidate might also

have the same opportunity. • Try to coordinate all of your elections materials so they are consistent and contain a clear

message. • It is easy to just speak to people you know whilst campaigning but you already have their

vote so push yourself to speak to students you don’t know too! • If people really don’t want to talk to you, take the hint and move on! • Make sure all promotional materials, including posters, are taken down at the close of

balloting; all campuses should be clear of promotional material by the count. Campaign within the rules and guidelines, any candidate found to be in breach of elections regulations is at risk of jeopardising their campaign.

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD SPEECH? (E29) When Will I Need To Make A Speech? You will need to make a speech at ‘Hustings’ which is where all candidates have the opportunity to speak for 3 minutes about who they are, what position they are running for and why. You can also take the time to briefly outline your policies and pledges for the year should you be elected. What Should I Consider Before Making My Speech? Content Make sure you do your research; think about everything you want to include in your speech, make sure you really know what you’re talking about and put it into a logical order. Never make the assumption that listeners have any prior knowledge of elections or the Students’ Union. Ensure you are realistic in the pledges you are making, talk about real issues and the things you believe will positively change students’ University experience Presentation Think about your appearance; first impressions are everything! You don’t necessarily have to be in your smartest clothes, confidence comes from what you’re comfortable in or you may want to wear a campaign t-shirt. Delivery Try not to read from a script, using notes should ensure that you look up more. If you really have to use a script make sure you know it well and have read it aloud several times so that you can look up as much as possible. Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Make sure you take a deep breath before you begin and identify places throughout your speech where you can check your breathing again. Try to avoid becoming monotone and emphasise the key points of your speech by changing the tone in your voice. Avoid saying ‘uummm’ if you can, when someone hesitates listeners become less convinced that the speaker is clear in what they are talking about. This is easier said than done, especially if you are nervous, however try instead to take a breath and relax for a moment. Body Language Body language can make a big difference during a speech; not only to the way you come across but also to the way you feel. Always stand up straight, hold your head up high, keep your eyes on your audience and don’t hide behind the microphone. Not only will this hide your nerves from the audience but it can make you feel more confident. Use gestures to your advantage by emphasising key points, but don’t be over the top; you don’t want to look like a mime artist. Using strong and powerful hand motions down shows the point you are making is important. Using a horizontal slow movement of the hands shows unity and that the point you are making affects everyone. Take a look at yourself in the mirror whilst practising or even film yourself to see what habits you have.

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Stay away from crossing your arms (this puts a barrier between you and the viewer), touching your face (which shows worry) and with playing with your hair. If your hands do tend to fiddle or shake, try and place them on something like your notes or the podium/ microphone. Hints And Tips • Think about your potential audience and identify their needs. Appeal to their emotional side

to and raise issues that might really be affecting them. • Beware of making jokes or using humour; some people can pull this off, others really can’t! • Rehearse! Try out your speech in front of the mirror, in front of friends and make sure you

time yourself. • Try to enjoy yourself; you only have the platform for 3 minutes so embrace it! • Bring some supporters to the speech that way you will have at least one or two friendly

faces in the audience. • Keep your focus; try to make eye contact with the audience but don’t let this put you off

and ignore any noise or laughter; ‘Hustings’ is a formal occasion but you can use all of the above in any sort of public speaking during the elections period; for example when you are out talking to students, making a campaign video-blog or speaking on the radio.

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Union’s Copy

NOMINATION FORM (E7)

Position……………………………………………………………………………………..

Name of Candidate (Please print and underline surname) ………………………………………………………………………………………………… SID No………………………………………………………………………………………. Name of Proposer (Please print)…………………………………………………... SID No………………………………………………………………………………………. Signature…………………………………………………………………………………… Name of Seconder (Please print) …………………………………………………. SID No………………………………………………………………………………………. Signature…………………………………………………………………………………… Declaration by Candidate I Hereby accept the above nomination Candidates Signature …………………………………………………………………..

Candidates preferred name as it should appear on election material produced by Anglia Ruskin SU ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Candidates Address ……………………………………………………………………… Candidates Phone No……………………………………………………………………. Candidates E-mail Address …………………………………………………………… Date…………………………………………………………………………..................... Received by …………………………………………………………………................. Signature ……………………………………………………………………………………. Date …………………………………………………………………………………………..

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Candidate’s Copy

NOMINATION FORM (E7)

Position……………………………………………………………………………………..

Name of Candidate (Please print and underline surname) ………………………………………………………………………………………………… SID No………………………………………………………………………………………. Name of Proposer (Please print)…………………………………………………... SID No………………………………………………………………………………………. Signature…………………………………………………………………………………… Name of Seconder (Please print) …………………………………………………. SID No………………………………………………………………………………………. Signature…………………………………………………………………………………… Declaration by Candidate I Hereby accept the above nomination Candidates Signature …………………………………………………………………..

Candidates preferred name as it should appear on election material produced by Anglia Ruskin SU ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Candidates Address ……………………………………………………………………… Candidates Phone No……………………………………………………………………. Candidates E-mail Address …………………………………………………………… Date…………………………………………………………………………..................... Received by …………………………………………………………………................. Signature ……………………………………………………………………………………. Date …………………………………………………………………………………………..

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Union’s Copy

MANIFESTO HEADER (E9) Position ………………………………………………………………………………... Name of Candidate …………………………………………………………………… SID No. …………………………………………………………………………………. Declaration by Candidate The attached sheet is my manifesto and may be reproduced by Anglia Ruskin Students' Union Candidates Signature………………………………………………………………… Date………………………………………………………………………………………. Received by …………………………………………………………………………….. Signature ………………………………………………………………………………... Date ………………………………………………………………………………………. PLEASE NOTE

• Candidates for Sabbatical positions must produce a manifesto with their nomination form.

• The manifesto should be limited to one side of A4 paper

• The manifesto will be printed unabridged, i.e. any spelling, grammatical errors will not

be corrected by Anglia Ruskin Students' Union.

• Due to the way that Anglia Ruskin Students' Union reproduces manifestos, please ensure that your manifesto is readable when produced in an A5 format.

• Manifestos must also be submitted in electronic version.

• Manifestos must be submitted along with the completed nomination forms by noon on

the close of nominations (Wednesday 25th February). Nominations forms and manifestos will NOT be accepted after this time.

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Candidate’s Copy

MANIFESTO HEADER (E9) Position ………………………………………………………………………………... Name of Candidate ……………………………………………………………………

SID No. …………………………………………………………………………………. Declaration by Candidate The attached sheet is my manifesto and may be reproduced by Anglia Ruskin Students' Union Candidates Signature………………………………………………………………… Date………………………………………………………………………………………. Received by …………………………………………………………………………….. Signature ………………………………………………………………………………... Date ………………………………………………………………………………………. PLEASE NOTE

• Candidates for Sabbatical positions must produce a manifesto with their nomination form.

• The manifesto should be limited to one side of A4 paper

• The manifesto will be printed unabridged, i.e. any spelling, grammatical errors will not

be corrected by Anglia Ruskin Students' Union.

• Due to the way that Anglia Ruskin Students' Union reproduces manifestos, please ensure that your manifesto is readable when produced in an A5 format.

• Manifestos must also be submitted in electronic version.

• Manifestos must be submitted along with the completed nomination forms by noon on

the close of nominations (Wednesday 25th February). Nominations forms and manifestos will NOT be accepted after this time.

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Union’s Copy

WITHDRAWAL OF NOMINATIONS FORM (E8) Position ……………………………………………………………………………. Name of Candidate…………………………………………………………….. SID No. ……………………………………………………………………………….. Declaration by Candidate I hereby withdraw my nomination from the election. By doing so, I acknowledge that my nomination is null and void and that any nomination I may make must be completed in full, according to the instructions laid out in FORM E6 – Candidates Guidelines. Candidates Signature…………………………………………………………. Date………………………………………………………………………………...... Received By……………………………………………………………………….. Date …………………………………………………………………………………..

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Candidate’s Copy

WITHDRAWAL OF NOMINATIONS FORM (E8) Position ……………………………………………………………………………. Name of Candidate…………………………………………………………….. SID No. ……………………………………………………………………………….. Declaration by Candidate I hereby withdraw my nomination from the election. By doing so, I acknowledge that my nomination is null and void and that any nomination I may make must be completed in full, according to the instructions laid out in FORM E6 – Candidates Guidelines. Candidates Signature…………………………………………………………. Date………………………………………………………………………………...... Received By……………………………………………………………………….. Date …………………………………………………………………………………..

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CHARITY TRUSTEE DECLARTAION (E21) (For Sabbatical Positions Only) Anglia Ruskin Students Union is a charity with exempt status. There is a substantial body of government legislation and case law concerned with our activities and with the conduct of the Sabbatical Officers which are the trustees. Below is a list of circumstances which may prevent you from becoming a trustee. You are not allowed to be a trustee if you…

• Are under 18 years of age; or • Have been convicted at any time of any offence involving deception or dishonesty,

unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent (see over for details). • Are an undischarged bankrupt. • Have made compositions with your creditors and have not been discharged. • Have been removed by the commissioners or by the court in England, Wales or

Scotland form being a trustee because of misconduct. • Are disqualified from being a company director. • Have failed to make payments under the county court administrator’s orders. • You may not be employed by student staff during your term at office (Sabbaticals only).

Becomes spent after Imprisonment of between 6mths and 2½ yrs. 10 years Imprisonment of up to 6mths. 7 years Borstal training. 7 years A fine or other sentence otherwise not mentioned in this table.

5 years

Absolute discharge 6 months Probation order or conditional discharge or bind over.

1 year (or until order expires, whichever is the longer)

Detention Centre order 3 years Remained home, attendance centre or approved school order.

The period of the order +1yr after it expires.

Hospital order under the Mental Health Act. The period of the order +2yrs after it expires

Cashiering, discharge with ignominy or dismissal with disgrace from the Armed forces.

10 years

Dismissal from the Armed Forces 7 years Detention 5 years

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If you are in any doubt about your eligibility to act as a trustee you should speak to the Unions General Manager. All information will remain confidential. I have read and understood the criteria (above) for being a trustee and confirm that I am eligible to become a trustee in the event that I am elected. Name …………………………………… D.O.B ………………………………………………… Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Position standing for ………………………………………………………………………………. Signature ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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ELECTION COMPLAINTS FORM (E18)

NAME …………………………………………………………………………………. DATE ………………………………………………………………………………….. SIGNATURE …………………………………………………………………………... NUS CARD No. ……………………………………………………………………… SID No. ………………………………………………………………………………..

Please refer to the Constitution Schedule 1 Elections Section 15 – Disputes at Page 2 of this form. Please detail below the nature of the circumstances surrounding your complaint: Response: (Please attach extra sheets if necessary)

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ELECTIONS COMPLAINTS FORM (E18)

Constitution Schedule 1 Elections Section 15 – Disputes

1. No complaint shall be accepted after 5 University working days of the official declaration of the result.

2. If any member during any Union election considers s/he has reasons to question

either the conduct or the result of an election, s/he shall make his/her opinion known, in writing, to the Returning Officer and shall supply the Returning Officer with all the evidence in his/her possession and inform his/her of all the evidence s/he will know of and shall co-operate with the Returning Officer in his/her investigations to the utmost of his/her ability.

3. The Returning Officer shall acknowledge the receipt of the complaint within 5

working days of receiving it.

4. In the event of the Returning Officer receiving a complaint, s/he shall investigate the complaint and any evidence accompanying it and then shall report his/her findings and submit any evidence s/he may possess to the Elections Committee within 10 working days of the receipt of the complaint.

5. The Elections Committee shall discuss each complaint and make a complaint and

make a decision based on the Returning Officers report.

6. The Elections Committee shall write to the complainant within two working days of the meeting to explain its decision.

In the event of any member of the Elections Committee being accused of a deliberate action by which the chances of electoral success for any candidate in the Union Election were knowingly increased or decreased, the Returning Officer will judge whether a complaint about the alleged action is worthy of investigation and if so, s/he will investigate and decide what action to take.

CANDIDATE EXPENSES (E22) Sabbatical Positions Non Sabbatical Positions Photocopying £10.00 Photocopying £5.00 Other expenses £20.00 Other expenses £5.00

All expenses must be submitted to the returning officer by the close of balloting and should include all receipts. Failure to submit sufficient documentary evidence may result in disqualification.

Name

Date Number of

copies Value Total to date Details Value Total to date

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING In pursuit of Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union’s Equal Opportunities Policy, candidates are asked to complete this questionnaire. Your responses will remain strictly confidential and will be used for the purposes of equal opportunities monitoring only. Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. Please tick the boxes or fill in information as appropriate. 1. I am: Male Female 2. I am: Under 20 20-24 25-29

30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 over 64

3. Nationality 4. Ethnic Origin (Census 2001 Ethnicity Categories)

� White - British � White - Irish � Other White background � Black or Black British - Caribbean � Black or Black British - African � Other Black background � Asian or Asian British - Indian � Asian or Asian British - Pakistani � Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi � Chinese � Other Asian background � Mixed - White and Black Caribbean � Mixed - White and Black African � Mixed - White and Asian � Other Mixed background � Other ethnic background � Prefer not to say

5. What is your current level of study? Undergraduate Postgraduate 6. What is your current mode of study? Full-Time Part-Time Distance Learner

candidate information pack

Documents

elections regulations

students union elections

elections documents

good manifesto

e10 official candidates

official documents

candidate pack

e8 b candidates