At SUBU we use a preferential voting system called Single Transferable Vote (STV) system which provides voters with much more choice and influence. When voting students select their candidates in order of preference and are able to vote for as many or as few as they like. During the count candidates are excluded if it is impossible for them to reach the quota, their votes are then transferred in order of preference. STV means that candidates must reach a quota/proportion of the vote. The quota is determined by the number of votes cast and the number of positions to be filled. For roles where there is only one position available the quota is half the total number of votes cast. If in the final round there are two candidates remaining the candidate with the highest number of votes is elected.
The Roles
In this election, you’ll be electing your Full-Time Officers and NUS Delegates.
The Full-Time Officers are four elected students who represent all students at BU. Each role has a specific area they are responsible for. This is a Full-Time paid position, where if elected you'll be in post for one year from July 2023 . The roles available are SU President, Vice-President Education, Vice-President Student Opportunities and Vice-President Welfare and Community
The NUS Delegates represent Bournemouth students at the annual NUS Conference. At this conference, you'll get to decide the policy and campaigns for the National Union of Students for the next academic year. You''ll also be able to attend workshops, events and networking opportunities that relate to the student movement. The conference is set to take place in Harrogate from March 15th-16th 2023. You'll also need to be available to attend briefing sessions beforehand (most likely March 9th/10th).
The President
- Being the principal representative for the Union and Bournemouth University students, within the Union, University and wider community, except in areas covered by other Officer roles
- Being the main liaison with the University and an ex-officio member of the Bournemouth University Board of Governors
- Responsibility for the leadership and direction of the Union
- Chairing of the Board of Trustees
- Coordinating and ensuring the effective operation of the Officer team
- Working with Union staff members, particularly the Senior Leadership Team, to ensure the delivery of appropriate services and activities
- Leading on national representation and campaigns to improve the student experience, unless specifically covered by other Officer roles
- Liaison with any subsidiary companies of the Union.
The Vice President Education
- Being the principal representative of Bournemouth University students in relation to their education, across all levels and modes of study, within the Union, University and wider community
- Coordinating the Union’s activity relating to improving student’s education
- Critically holding the University to account on all matters of education
- Championing widening participation and the academic rights and interests of marginalised student communities.
The Vice President Student Opportunities
- Being the principal representative of Bournemouth University students in relation to clubs and societies, volunteering, fundraising, student development and employability, within the Union, University and wider community
- Coordinating the Union’s activity relating to enhancing student opportunities
- Critically holding the University to account on all matters of student opportunities
- Championing widening participation and increasing inclusivity and accessibility within the remit of student opportunities.
The Vice President Welfare and Community
- Being the principal representative of Bournemouth University students in relation to welfare, community engagement and liberation, within the Union, University and wider community
- Coordinating the Union’s activity relating to improving student welfare and community
- Critically holding the University to account on all matters of welfare and community
- Championing equality and diversity, and student wellbeing; including but not limited to mental health, physical health, safety and housing.
NUS Delegate x5
- Represent Bournemouth students at the annual NUS Conference on the 15-16th of March 2023
- Decide the policy and campaigns for the National Union of Students.
- Attend workshops, events and networking opportunities that relate to the student movement.
- Attend briefing sessions beforehand.
Please note, NUS require that 50% (rounded down) of the delegates we send to the National Conference must self-define as women or non-binary.
Regulations and Complaints
All SUBU elections should be free and fair, which is why we have rules which govern our elections. You can find out more about election regulations as well as viewing the complaints process here.
These Elections are overseen by:
NUS - Returning Officer who is an external, independent advisor, appointed to ensure that the election is run with third party scrutiny and expertise.
Kayleigh Heckford (SUBU) - Deputy Returning Officer who is the first point of contact, responsible for candidate engagement, day to day supervision and management of the election. The RO will be consulted by the DRO whenever they see necessary throughout the process.
Laura Greenwood-Pearsons (Brighton SU) - Independent Elections Adjudicator who is an external appeals body that is responsible for ruling on appeals.
Regulations
The guiding principles of all SUBU elections are:
1. The law, University Policies and Union Regulations are all in full force and shall apply to SUBU elections
2. Students must be free to cast their vote without undue pressure or influence
3. Candidates must treat other candidates, students, staff and members of the public with respect
4. Candidates must not undermine the fair and democratic running of elections
5. Candidates must not do anything to gain an unfair advantage
6. Candidates must respect the campus environment and the community
Complaints Process
1. Complaints should be made in a timely manner and as close to the alleged rule break as possible
2. Complaints will be accepted up until one hour prior to the commencement of the count
3. Complaints must be submitted in writing, with additional evidence attached
4. Complaints made informally and without evidence shall not be heard
5. Once a complaint has been received the Returning Officers shall aim to investigate and resolve the complaint by 12pm the following working day
6. A complainant may appeal the decision of the Returning Officers. More information about complaints and appeals may be found in the Union’s bye-laws.
You must submit an elections complaint via this form.