StudentLeadership Election

22,000 Reasons to Stand for Election

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How to run for a full time post2013-14

Brighton Students' Union is a registered charity, number 1137566 STUDENTS’ UNION

How to run for a full time post

Every year, five students get paid to be the full-time leaders of Brighton Students’ Union. They are chosen by the 22,000 students who study at the University of Brighton, represent those students on a day-to-day basis, become trustees of a charity and leaders of a £2.7M organisation. Furthermore, they receive a salary of £17.4K, get a comprehensive development programme worth £2.5K a year and are supported by experienced staff, an established infrastruc-ture and a positive relationship with the University’s key decision makers.

Read on to find out how to become a student leader for the 2013/14 academic year.

Who can apply?

Any current University of Brighton student can nominate them-selves for one of the five full time roles at Brighton SU.

You will either need to be graduating this summer or be happy to take a year off your course while you hold the role before returning to study the following year.

Part of the role is being a trustee, so there are a few additional requirements you’ll need to check you meet (don’t worry, you proba-bly will!) – these, along with lots more information about the elec-tions, are all on our website.

www.brightonsu.com/elections

Union Presidentdemocracy | spokesperson | leadership

Jacob Kahane (2012-13)

VP Academic A�airslearning | teaching | resources

Anty Bursac (2012-13)

• Provides leadership for executive officers and works on policy• Ensures that students inform everything the Union does• Represents the Union at a local and national level• Works with the Chief Executive on Union strategy• Engages the University on the matters that are important to students

Jacob says: To be a good Union President, I think you need to be confident in a leadership role and be able to see the big picture. You also need to care about the experience of all students, whatever their

views.

• Campaigns for improvement to resources, learning & teaching, and quality feedback for all students

• Represents students at university management level• Works alongside 13 school reps and 900+ course reps to help students have a say in how their course is run

• Promotes the academic support services to make sure students know help is at hand if and when they need it

Anty says: To be a good VP Academic A�airs, I think being open-minded, approachable, responsive and a people person is essential. Be confident with your aims – getting evidence from students and having faith in what you’re doing feels fantastic.

VP Campus & Communicationscommunities | media | facilities

Joel Samuels (2012-13)

• Co-ordinates and supports student liberation group campaigns officers and other student campaign priorities

• Works to ensure that students have a healthy environment in which to work and study• Lobbies government bodies on issues that affect students throughout the region• Leads the Students’ Union’s ethical and environmental programs and campaigns• Runs Brighton Students’ Union’s annual Rate Your Landlord housing campaign

Tai says: The VP Wellbeing works with a hyper-diverse range of student

groups, so should be an empathetic person who is dedicated to being progres-sive and open-minded. Due to the huge range of issues that come up,

being able to prioritise what is most important is absolutely vital.

• Makes accommodation and university facilities better for students• Works with campus and halls reps to create thriving student communities across all areas of the University• Supports the student media services• Oversees the SU cafes and shops

Joel says: To be a good VP Campus & Communica-tions, I think you need to be good at multitasking and time management, have a keen interest in marketing and media and a professional attitude.

VP Wellbeingsustainability | inclusivity | campaigning

Tai Ray-Jones (2012-13)

• Provides an inclusive and broad calendar of events • Encourages greater sports participation and an excellent standard of facilities• Supports the development of new and established societies across all five campuses • Oversees the expansion of Raise and Give (RaG) using innovative and exciting ideas• Recognises all volunteers and inspires students to take part in volunteer opportunities

Holly says: To be a good VP Activities and Events I think you have to manage your time very closely whilst also engaging with the student population, recognising the di�erent needs of di�erent campuses. A positive attitude is a must with a good understanding of budgeting and communications.

VP Activities & Eventsentertainment | sports | societies

Holly Kavanagh (2012-13)

Because of you…

One of the best things about being a full time officer is making real changes for students. Officers act on your feedback, and so a few things the 2012/13 officer team have done for you are:

> Extended library hours at Aldrich library

> Secured two Students’ Union bars, opening this academic year, with more to

follow

> Mobilised and transported UoB students to the NUS Demo in London

> Improved the internal structure of the SU, making it more accessible for

students and staff

> Made sure bursary and financial support is provided as cash wherever possible,

and that there is money in the pockets of students who need it most

How do I get involved?

Choose your position

All positions are leadership positions, but all have different areas of responsibilities. To help you choose, think about…

• Your interests, passions, previous experiences and ideas for change • What you could bring to the role• What might encourage students to vote for you

Nominate yourself

• Find five other University of Brighton students who want to be your official supporters• Fill in the nomination form online, OR• Fill in a paper nomination form, available from any SU office (and return it!)

Get elected!

You need to convince students that you’re the best person for the job. As daunting as that may sound, don’t worry – you’re not alone. We have friendly workshops, publicity support, online resources and a key contact member of SU staff so you’re always looked after. We also work with the student media groups who’ll be covering the elec-tion, helping you get your name out there.

What will I get?

PayEach officer works 37.5 hours a week and receives a £17.4K per annum salary, which includes 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. The contract starts 24th June 2013 and ends 12th July 2014.

CampaigningThe nature of elections means not everyone who runs will win, but whether you win or lose you’ll gain incredible experi-ence of running a campaign – even this can greatly increase your employability as it shows you’re motivated, determined, creative and passionate.

TrusteeshipAll full time officers become trustees of Brighton SU, mean-ing you’ll be making real finan-cial and reputational decisions in the best interests of the Union.

ExperienceBeing a full time officer at a Students’ Union is a graduate job like no other. The skills you’ll learn and develop include lead-ing campaigns, team building, representing and mentoring students, negotiation, project management, chairing meet-ings and financial awareness within an organisation.

TrainingEach officer receives a training package worth around £2.5K – the packages are tailored to both the role and your specific needs.

EmployabilityYou’ll have led an £2.7M organi-sation, represented 22,000 students, been a trustee for an award winning charity and proved you’re capable of making real changes within institutions as big and complex as the University of Brighton. Your CV will be gold.

Key Dates

• Nominate YourselfMonday 4th Feb 10am – Sunday 17th Feb 10pm

• Candidate Training Workshops (you must attend both sessions)

Brighton: Monday 18th Feb 5-6pm and Tuesday 19th Feb 12-1pmHastings: Monday 18th Feb 4-5pm and Tuesday 19th Feb 2-3pm

Eastbourne: Monday 18th Feb 12-1pm and Tuesday 19th Feb 5-6pm

• Publicity DeadlineThursday 21st Feb 4pm

• Candidate Video RecordingFriday 22nd Feb 10am – 4pm (Watts studio, Brighton)

• Candidates’ Election Launch PartyTuesday 26th Feb 6.30pm

• Candidate Question TimesThursday 28th Feb (Eastbourne), Monday 4th March (Hastings),

Tuesday 5th March (Brighton)

• Voting PeriodMonday 11th March 11am – Friday 15th March 3pm

• Results Party Friday 15th March (Brighton)