YOUR Students' Union is governed by the Board of Trustees which is made up of the elected Exec Team (Officer Trustees) plus a group of professionals from the wider world selected for their specific skills and expertise (External Trustees) and a group of current students from different areas of the University. Collectively, as the Board of Trustees, this group has ultimate responsibility for everything that the Students' Union does. It is responsible for the governance and financial and strategic management of the Students' Union.

In particular the Board of Trustees has the following three roles:

To make sure that everything we do benefits the students at the University of Sunderland.

As the Students' Union is a registered charity with set aims and objectives, we are required to ensure that everything we do benefits the students at the University of Sunderland. As well as monitoring what the Students' Union is doing now, the Trustee Board approves our strategic plan, ensuring that we will continue to benefit future generations of Sunderland students.

To ensure that the Students' Union remains financially solvent.

If the Students' Union is to carry on benefiting students, it must have the money both in the short and long term to do this. For example, the Trustees have to approve all significant items of expenditure and the annual budget.

To ensure that the Students' Union doesn't break any laws or regulations relating to the work that we carry out.

As the Students' Union offers so many services to our members, there are many laws and regulations that we have to follow. If the Students' Union were found to have broken any of these, it is the Trustees who would be ultimately responsible and could potentially face legal action.

Diogo Quintas

President: Wellbeing & Chair of Trustees

(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?
I became a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union because as one of the elected Presidents, it is my role to govern the organisation (Students’ Union).

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?
My first week in Sunderland. I remember as it was yesterday and is something I will never forget. The friendships forged and the different students from all over the courses made that week unforgettable.

But also every single Thursday going out at lunch time with my class colleagues (friends) and eating/drinking for 3 hours, when arriving to class later on we would already be happier than usual - It was our tradition… As an Officer I have several memories that make me very happy, I would say that every time a student comes to me with a problem and I am able to help them out that makes my day/week.

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it
I am finishing my MSc in International Business Management. Working internationally is something I always wanted, for some reason I connected my love for travelling with this MSc - even though they have nothing to do with each other. That was also the reason why I already studied in Portugal, Lithuania, Estonia and now the UK.

What inspires and/or motivates you?
I can’t stop helping others, I will move planets to help people that I do not know. I think that this is the main reason that makes me motivated to work where I am - To make a difference in students’ lives and make their academic life something of great impact (by the positive side) in their life.

If you could join any of the Unions societies, which would it be and why?
The Video Game Society or Esports gaming club. I simply love video-games, it is an escape for me from all the real-life stress and always has been… It’s where I met some of my best friends (common interests) and it’s also where I keep meeting new people… This always helped me travel to other countries and have free accommodation - In the least 2 years I met a friend from Alaska, Nebraska and more recently Florida - One of these days I’ll make them a visit for sure.

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
Changes that I think may affect the Sunderland Students’ Union for the better. I really think that having fresh eyes and new minds will help the Sunderland SU to do more for students - Which in the end is what students want and need.

 

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Chris Davison

President: Activities

(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I became a Trustee of Sunderland Students' Union so that I could decide on the strategic direction of the Union in order to positively affect real change and improve the experience of the students at Sunderland. 

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?

My fondest memory of being a student was definitely the memories I have of my time away skiing with the Snowsports Society.

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it
I studied business and financial management at University as I had already had a year in Financial Services before I decided to come back to University. 

What inspires and/or motivates you?
My biggest inspiration as a trustee of the SU is trying to provide other students the fantastic opportunities and experiences that were afforded to me.

If you could join any of the Unions societies, which would it be and why?

I would love to join the historical re-enactment society as I think this is a really unique and interesting hobby. 

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

I hope to bring a real passion and perspective of a recent student experience to the board as well as my enthusiasm for positive change.

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Georgios Chnarakis

President: Education

(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I am Georgios Chnarakis and I am the elected President: Education at the University of Sunderland Students’ Union for 2020/2021.

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?

My fondest memory of being a student at this University is that I was given the opportunity to study at two other Universities, one in Melbourne, Australia and one in Michigan, USA. This is something that I would never forget, and I will always regard as the best thing I had in my University life.

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...

I graduated with a BSc 1^st Class (Hons) in International Tourism and Hospitality Management and I will be doing my full-time postgraduate course in Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Human Resource this year. I was born and raised in Heraklion, Greece, a beautiful holiday destination and for the past 10 years I have worked in the tourism and hospitality sector in Greece, Australia and the UK and that is why I chose to study this course.

What inspires and/or motivates you?

I am trying to set objectives for myself, like to travel to different places and experience different cultures, and that is what motivates me.

If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?

The Sunderland University Travel Society would be the best for me; travelling is my passion!

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

As a member of the Board of Trustees I will seek to ensure the best interest of stakeholders in all types of management decisions and guard its vision and values.

Adam Carter-Jones

(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I was recommended for the role whilst still in my first year and up to that point I had never considered it. Following some reading, I quickly realised it was a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of such a responsible position that will ultimately help me both personally and professionally moving forward.

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?

I am both an alumni and current student, having graduated from the University in 2012 where I finished top student on my course. This time around, I am proud to be part of the first ever cohort of my programme as well as its first ever Course Representative (2019-20).

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...

I study Physiotherapy BSc (Hons). I have always wanted to be a physiotherapist as I am a sociable and caring person who enjoys the holistic aspect of rehabilitation. After being forced to leave a physiotherapy programme in 2007 due to external circumstances out of my control, and being unable to return to complete the course due to now-defunct NHS rules, I could not turn down the opportunity to join the programme here at Sunderland in 2019 following the NHS rule change in May 2019. I quit my offshore role and the rest is history as they say – not many people get a second chance at something they truly love.

What inspires and/or motivates you?

Doing what is right, for the right reasons.

If you could join any of the Unions societies, which would it be and why?

If injury was no barrier, any one of the martial arts clubs because they teach discipline and integrity amongst other things, most notably self-defence. I am the person I am today as a result of huge influences from traditional karate since the age of four (I’m now 35). As injury is a hindrance, however, I would opt for the Photography Society as I have an interest in the subject. I also find it relaxing during a period of my life where I have never been as busy (intensive degree, complete house renovation and a newborn!).

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

A reassuring, factual influence with a voice of reason at times of debate.

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Jenny Goodfellow

Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I’ve taken on a lot of different roles during my time at university so far, so I figured I’d give this a go! Seriously though… I was a School Co-ordinator for the School of Art and Design for two years, which gave me the chance to be Student Representative on the University Board of Governors for one year. I really enjoyed having an insight into how the University was run and the decision-making processes that took place. It was good to see that the University is constantly evolving and adapting to changing needs of students and education, and being part of that gave me a lot of satisfaction. I decided to apply for a Student Trustee role with the Students’ Union so that I could use what I had learned as a School Coordinator and a member of the Board of Governors to apply it to hearing, learning from, and responding to the Student Voice. I have a background in small charities and later on a funding organisation working with charities and community groups, so I appreciate how important it is to have input from people relying on services in order to make decisions that are relevant, effective, and what the community (in this case, the student community) want to see. I am looking forwards to bringing together my experience as both a charity worker, public sector funder, and mature student to help the SU be the best that it can be!

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?

So far I haven’t had any bad memories or experiences! If I had to choose my best moments so far it would be getting to meet photographers and artists that I have admired for years and never thought I would ever see in “real life” outside of books, let alone chat with and share tips about balancing studies, life, work, and finding time to relax. It has given me so much confidence in approaching people outside of university to say hello and thank them for their work, and I have met so many of my idols over the years which would probably not have happened without those initial experiences and introduction into the world of creative practitioners.

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...

I am studying for the BA in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging, and I have just started my final year as a full time student after three years of studying part time. I have always had an interest in photography and using it to understand the world, express myself, and to tell stories (especially editorial-style to show what is happening around me or in local politics), and I decided to pursue a degree after a family friend completed their MA in Photography at UoS and seemed to have a lot of fun. I went along to an open day in 2016 and fell in love with the university, its facilities, and the friendly atmosphere straight away. I have learned so much about the history of photography, how it has been used for a huge range of purposes, how the image is relevant to understanding our past, present, and future, the impact photography has had on society, politics and humanity, and what sort of photographer I would like to be after I graduate with plenty of opportunities to try out a whole range of styles and interests. I have been able to use equipment that I never thought I would get to see, let alone be allowed to handle and use for my own projects, and I have enjoyed every single module and project. Fingers crossed that will continue this year!

What inspires and/or motivates you?

I am very much inspired by acts of humanity and goodness; and using what we have or are able to access to improve the lives and wellbeing of people who may have very little agency, resources, or voice. In this way photography is a perfect fit – it can be used to give people a voice by showing us their world or their struggles, it can raise awareness of local and global issues that may be unseen by people in power or with influence, and it is fun! I have delivered sessions with our University Chaplain Chris Howson about using photography as a mindfulness activity, and I have a strong interest in documenting local political demonstrations, issues, and activism to show people working to help others and have their say in issues that may not directly affect them, but that do have an impact on people that deserve equality and to be heard.

If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?

I have just joined STAR at Sunderland for the new term, which stands for Student Action for Refugees and works to raise awareness of the needs of refugees in the area, volunteer at projects to help refugees, and campaign to improve their lives after fleeing war, persecution, or any reason why they are no longer able to stay in their home countries safely and have been forced to make a long and often dangerous journey to find a place they can live without fearing for their lives.

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

Hopefully my experience as a student who has come back to education after working in the voluntary and public sectors, has lived in private and student accommodation, and has to balance working, studies, and a personal life will give some varied insights into the issues and struggles that students can often face. I am not the sort of person who will take a “no” without asking “why?” and I like to try to get to the root of an issue and perhaps think of a way to fix things or make things better. I can’t stand the phrase “this is how it’s always been done”; there is always another way! I am also a strong believer in equality of opportunity for all students, regardless of age, race, cultural background or experiences before university and I am ready to make sure that all voices can be heard, particularly from those who are vulnerable, struggling, or feel otherwise left out.

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Matthew Jackson 

Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I joined the board of trustees as I felt it was a great opportunity for me to try something new and really push my comfort zone. It also gave me the opportunity to work with new people with different ideas which excited me.

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?

Oooo that’s tough it’s a toss up between 9am lectures with my hungover friend or when I got graded a first for my coaching session I had to deliver.

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...

I currently am just starting my second year of sports coaching. With my dream to coach football professionally I saw this as an opportunity to really refine my knowledge on how to coach and to progress me up the coaching ladder.

What inspires and/or motivates you?

Inspiration sporting wise has always been Thierry Henry (legend) but from a personal perspective my dad is a very hard working person and so I always saw him as an inspiration. Motivation for me comes from within I’m very self driven to achieve goals and so I’m always aspiring to achieve better and to push myself.

If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?

More than likely the video game society, in my spare time I do enjoy a bit of Xbox to help relax so probably that.

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

I’m a very determined person with a big aspiration to achieve positive things. That mixed with my ability to put forward suggestions confidently will hopefully only help the Union blossom.  

Shina Zdracheva

Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

When I started my journey at the University, I promised myself that I will get involved with it as much as possible. In the beginning of my first year I become a Course Rep, then a School Coordinator, and in one of our meetings I was introduced to the opportunity to become a Student Trustee. The moment I heard about it, I was determined to apply, luckily for me I passed through the process and I have been selected to be the first Student Trustee from London campus. I can say that applying for the Trustee position is definitely one of my best decisions.

What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?

I am just about to start my second year in the university, so I do not actually have much experience in it , but I can say that my fondest memory is related to the beginning of the lockdown. I imagine when COVID-19 came every student including me was concerned how we are going to move forward with our studies. Uncertainty was everything we all had at that time.  But that fear did not have the chance to stay for long in my mind, I was impressed how for less than 2 weeks the University managed to adjust to the new way of living. The support I received from the Students’ Union was invaluable! Then came the quiz, which we have organised for ourselves 

(the Students’ Union staff and the School Coordinators). This was the funniest night I had for a long time, so much laughing I even forgot about the all virus situation. Probably this will be my only memory about the lockdown in the future, when COVID is long gone.

Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...

I am a second year student in Business and Management in London. It was not easy to start studying again at 32 years and in language different than your own. But the start was the only difficult thing about it, then come the ambition.

I enjoy my studies more and more every day, I do not even want to graduate, as I am sure I am going to miss the University and everything that comes with it.

I choose Business and Management as I consider myself as a good leader. I do have experience in leading people and I know this is what I have been born to do. With my course I have the opportunity to learn so much new things and develop new skills needed for my future career.

What inspires and/or motivates you?

I am very competitive and ambitious person, and as I have mentioned above the start is the only difficult thing for me. Once I start something there is no power that can stop me. I believe the competitiveness is what actually keeps me going. I always want to be the best in everything I do, I know this is practically not possible, but I am keep trying

I can find inspiration in pretty much everything, sometimes I am inspired by a simple act of kindness, sometimes by a book I read or movie I watch, so I cannot actually give straight answer here.

If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

I believe every person we meet in our lives can teach us something, I am sure as a Student Trustee I am going to learn a lot from the rest of the Board and I hope they will learn something from me too.  

I hope to bring my positivism and determination and I hope I will be able to help improve the Union to work in students’ best interest even more than it currently does!

 

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Andrew Murtough

(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I mentioned to a friend about wanting to give something back. I have had a good career working for a large company and am coming to the end of my working life. I wanted to volunteer to do something, when this came along it was ideal as it utilised my accounting qualification and work experience.

What is your fondest memory of your student days?

People/friends who you meet along the way.

Tell us a little about your career…

I have had three jobs, my current one I have had for 30 years. Whilst working for the same company I have had 11 different roles. It has not been all finance related, not only am I expected to carry out my role the expectation is do other things also. I do recruitment for the Finance function. I developed an apprenticeship scheme, a recruitment pipeline where we encouraged language graduates to become accountants. I led a site initiative to increase productivity on site, using work process improvements techniques, led a technology team to build peoples digital skills, numerous capability building programmes.

What inspires and/or motivates you?

Development of talent, building peoples skills and watching them grow

What are your specialisms or particular interests?

Finance, but also building capability.

If you could join and of the Unions clubs or societies, which would it be and why?

Politics, love to understand why people think the way they do

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

Experience, hope to encourage involvement by the Student officers. Learn from other Trustees, have never worked in education so its good to get another sectors insights.

Laura Pike

How or why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I've been involved in the student movement on and off for 16 years and when the opportunity to be a Trustee at Sunderland came up I couldn't resist.  I really wanted the opportunity to be able to use my knowledge and experience to make a difference whilst also being able to shape the direction of the Union and ultimately make a difference for the students of Sunderland.

What is your fondest memory of your student days? 

The thing I loved most about Uni was the societies and groups I got involved with.  It was such a great way to meet new people who also loved the things I did and I'm still good friends with some of those people today.

Tell us a little about your career

My career began when I was elected as Societies and Student Development Officer at Oxford Brookes Students' Union 16 years ago - a role which has had a massive influence on me and really shaped the kind of work I have done since.  Since then I've worked at a number of organisations and charities, mostly with young people in and out of education settings.   I've managed a Further Education Students' Union (Bradford College) and have done freelance work for NUS.  I now work at University of Manchester Students' Union as Head of Education and Advocacy where I oversee our work in campaigning, democracy, liberation, diversity, education and advice.  I really love my job and am really passionate about supporting students to have influence and bring about change both within the University and beyond. 

What inspires and/or motivates you?

Every day I am inspired by the staff and students I work with who are really committed to making a difference.  I'm also very motivated to try and make a better world for my little girl Connie who is 3.

What are your specialisms or particular interests? 

I really do love everything that Students' Unions have to offer and so love to hear about all of the amazing work that happens at Sunderland.  Moving forward, I'm keen to ensure that we do more to support our students at the London campus.

If you could join and of the Unions clubs or societies, which would it be and why?

It would have to be the Environmental Society.  I think it's more important than ever that we protect our precious planet for ourselves and future generations so would love to meet like minded folk who also want to do what they can.

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

I've worked in and with a number of different Students' Unions so I hope to bring knowledge and experience from elsewhere. 

Sarah Maluila-Tyler

How / Why did you become a Trustee of SU?

I attended a university in the North East and my first roles out of uni I secured with the help of my SU. Having worked nationally and out of the North East region for  a number of years  I was looking for an opportunity to reconnect  and essentially give back to the very region that had provided me with the opportunities that led me to where I am today. 

What is your fondest memory of your students days

There are so many!  Meeting people from different walks of life to my own helped to open my eyes to the wider world. 

Tell us a little about your career 

My career to date has taken me in a variety of different roles, having graduated from uni with a marketing science degree, I secured a marketing role with an international education charity which led me to continue my time in FE and HE education. Here, I ran campaigns and developed solutions for student recruitment and promote apprenticeships in the region. Since then I have made a switch into transport, leading the digital transformation and enhancing the digital customer experience. Over the past  4 years I have been a key lead in driving personalised real time interactions to enhance the customer experience within travel sector.

What inspires / motivates you 

Opportunity. What could be and how we can push the boundaries. 

What is your specialism or particular interests?

Digital transformation and customer experience. Using technology and data to drive a better richer experience. (I do have a marketing background though) 

If you could join one of our societies which would it be and why?

Law. If I hadn't made the leap into marketing and digital innovation, Law would have been my next passion as I grew with quite a burning desire for justice in the world and ensuring the law is kept relevant for today's world.

What do you hope to bring to the trustee board?

On top of a previous history in marketing, keeping the focus on how to evolve in today's world and create a richer digital student experience.

Lisa Kearney

(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?

I’ve been a student twice at the University of Sunderland, worked with the Union and have seen first-hand the great work it does.

What is your fondest memory of your student days?

Receiving my undergraduate degree certificate during graduation was my fondest (and proudest) memory.

Tell us a little about your career

I am a Human Resources Specialist, and have worked in universities, charities and most recently in professional services.  

What inspires and/or motivates you?

Energy, enthusiasm and creative ideas. I enjoy working with a team and aiming for an end goal together.

What are your specialisms or particular interests?

My specialism is Human Resources, with a particular interest in learning and development.

If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?

Games club sounds fun! 

What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?

Knowledge and experience of my specialism.

Peter O'Brien

Board of Trustees Minutes - 17th July 2019

Board of Trustees Minutes - 28th October 2019

Board of Trustees Minutes - 9th December 2019

Board of Trustees Minutes - 24th February 2020

Board of Trustees Minutes - 27th April 2020

Board of Trustees Minutes - 27th May 2020

Board of Trustees Minutes - 22nd June 2020

Board of Trustees Minutes - 18th August 2020

• To keep under review the membership of the Board of Trustees and arrangements for filling vacancies that arise in the Trustee category, taking account of the need to maintain an appropriate mix of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity necessary for the discharge of the Board of Trustees’ responsibilities, including the delivery of the Strategic Plan;
• Determine the criteria for the short listing and selection of applicants and undertake the short listing of applicants, undertaking a skills, knowledge and diversity audit of the current board members;
• Advertise the roles available through whichever means they feel suitable but which may include national and local media, targeted communication through the alumni office, approaching specific communities which are underrepresented on the board;
• If appropriate, undertake interviews of candidates for these roles;
• To recommend to the Board of Trustees suitable individuals for appointment as External and Student Trustees, who shall vote on each individual by a simple majority vote;
• To oversee arrangements for the induction, training and development of members of the Board of Trustees;
• To keep under review and advise the Board of Trustees on such Code of Conduct for Trustees as in force from time to time; In exercising its responsibilities, Appointments Committee will keep under review the contribution and effectiveness of individual Trustees of the Board;
• The membership of the Appointments Committee shall be as noted in the Articles
• The Appointments Committee shall normally meet at least once in each financial year

• Advise the Board of Trustees on any Governance interpretations, proposed changes or other issues;
• Consider and where appropriate make recommendations for approval to the Board of Trustees any proposals for amendment to the Constitution which have been submitted for consideration by Union Council;
• Consider and where appropriate make recommendations any proposal to increase democratic participation by student members in elections and policy setting
• Ensure any proposals for amendments to the Constitution comply with current legislation and are within the scope of the charitable objects of the Union;
• The membership of the Governance Committee shall be the Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees, the Chair of Union Council, an officer Trustee and a Student Trustee.
• The Officer Trustee shall act as the Chair of the Governance Committee;
• The Union’s Chief Executive or his/her nominee shall attend as Clerk to the committee and in an advisory capacity only;
• The Governance Committee will normally meet at least once in each financial year

• General oversight of and provision of advice to the Board of Trustees in relation to the effective and efficient use of the Union’s resources (including any Union Council proposals), the solvency of the Union and arrangements for the management and safeguarding of Union assets in accordance with its charitable objects Consider and, if thought fit, approve for submission to the Board of Trustees the draft annual budget of the Union, including any block grant proposals, prepared by or under the direction of the Chief Executive;
• Lead the development and implementation of all the Union’s Finance and Human Resources strategies and Procedures including, but not confined to The Procurement Strategy, The Financial Regulations, The Risk Policy, Insurance provision, Employee consultation procedures, including recognition of staff unions, Any Equality and Diversity Policies, Health and Safety, Recruitment of staff, training & development, Staff disciplinary and grievances, Staff terms and conditions including pay grading, a Union complaints policy, payment of the Sabbatical Trustees, any other such policies and strategies delegated to it by the Trustee Board, monitor the performance of the Union against the approved budget and any relevant strategies including the corporate plan and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals, with any appropriate recommendations;
• Approval of financial expenditure outside approved Union budget;
• Ensure that annual financial statements are prepared and examined, including by the appropriate audit process and submitted for approval to the Board of Trustees;
• Keep under review and advise the Board of Trustees on the appointment of the Union’s bank and external auditors;
• Consider and advise Board of Trustees on investment of Union funds, fundraising and sponsorship;
• Consider and advise the Board of Trustees on Union affiliations;
• Save for the Chief Executive and post (the direct responsibility for which remains with the Board of Trustees), the Board of Trustees shall delegate to the Chief Executive all responsibilities, within the framework set by the Human Resources Committee, for the appointment, appraisal, suspension and dismissal of Union Staff and the determination of their pay and conditions of employment;
• The discussions and decisions of the Human Resources Committee where they relate to individual members of staff, or sensitive issues, will remain confidential, except where current legislation requires disclosure. Reports to the Board of Trustees shall maintain the confidential nature of the discussions;
• The membership of the Finance, Risk & Resources Committee shall be 2 External Trustees, an officer trustee and a student trustee. An External Trustee shall act as Chair of the Finance Committee;
• The Union’s Chief Executive shall act as Clerk to the committee and attend in an advisory capacity, along with the relevant senior staff members.

• To implement the decisions of Referenda, Student Member’s Meetings, the Board of Trustees, and Union Council, and to carry out such other activities as it deems appropriate to further the objectives of the Union, within its constitutional aims and policies;
• To represent the Union at all levels of the University system, and in particular, to attend all appropriate formal University meetings;
• To present reports on the business of the committee and the Union to Union Council, Annual Student Member’s Meeting and Board of Trustees;
• To consider the reports of Union Council and its various Committees and present them to the Board of Trustees, through the Chair of the Trustee Board;
• To review the Union’s policies and to present those policies which are due to lapse during their term of office to the Board of Trustees and Union Council, in order that a new policy can be written on the issue in question, if necessary;
• To be members of the Union Council and its committees, as specified by the Union’s Articles of Association and the Union Council’s committees’ terms of reference;
• To present and implement an Executive Committee plan for their year of office, including a campaign plan;
• The membership of the committee shall be the elected Sabbatical and Non Sabbatical Officers. A Sabbatical Officer shall chair the Executive Committee;
• The quorum of the committee shall be half the number of members of the committee plus one. (Note:- Half an odd number of Officers is rounded up. E.g If there are 7 Officers, half is treated as 3, so the quorum would be 5);
• Voting shall be by simple majority. In the event of a tie, the Chair of the committee, shall have a second or casting vote, which shall be always to maintain the status quo;
• The Executive Committee shall recommend changes to the Constitution to Union Council, as may be necessary;
• The Executive Committee shall appoint such Advisory Panels as may be required to assist it in its functions, and shall elect or ratify the membership and terms of reference of such Advisory Panels. The Executive Committee shall consider the recommendations of such Advisory Panels. If an Advisory Panel does not convene for one complete academic year, it ceases to exist;
• The decisions of the Executive Committee shall be made by a simple majority of those entitled to attend and vote at meetings and who actually attend and vote, except where otherwise mentioned in the Constitution. Such decisions shall be binding, subject to the proviso that the decisions of the Executive Committee shall be subordinate to those of Union Council, the Board of Trustees, a Union Student Member’s Meeting or a Referendum of Student members

• Ensure that the Student members of the Union uphold the good name and reputation of the Union, both within the Union/University and externally;
• Prevent unacceptable standards of conduct or behaviour contrary to the established policies and procedures of the Union;
• Ensure that Student members are fully aware of and in compliance with their duties and responsibilities, as stated in the Union’s Articles of Association and Byelaws;
• Ensure fair and consistent Student Members’ Disciplinary procedures and guidelines are in place, implemented and promoted effectively to Student members of the Union;
• Oversee the arrangements for student member disciplinary panels to ensure they comply with relevant legislation, the Union’s Articles of Association, Byelaws and disciplinary procedures;
• Provide advice and recommendations to the Board of Trustees;
• Review the Union’s procedures relating to the discipline of its members and make recommendations to Union Council on any procedural improvement;
• The membership of the Disciplinary Committee shall be the Chair of Union Council, an external Trustee and up to two members of the Executive Committee. The external Trustee shall be the Chair. If any of the above are personally involved with any disciplinary issue being considered, they must state conflict of interest and the Union Council will decide on their replacement;
• The Union’s Chief Executive (or their nominee) shall act as Clerk to the Disciplinary Committee and attend in an advisory capacity only;
• The quorum of the committee shall be three members, to include the Chair;
• The Disciplinary Committee will normally meet at least twice (2) times in each academic year, the Chair will meet as necessary to consider disciplinary cases;
• The Disciplinary Committee is responsible to and submits its minutes, reports and recommendations to Union Council.