Change starts today

We are excited to provide an update on the Change Programme, which has been running for the past ten months. As the programme transitions from the consultation phase into action, we can share key changes already implemented and the future direction of the Students’ Association. 

The Change Director, Antony Blackshaw and President, Cam Brown have worked hard to renegotiate our block grant from the University. In a time when Higher Education budgets are being reduced this achievement is particularly significant. An increased block grant will enable us to create capacity to re-focus our resources and energy around our core functions – Representation, Activities, Support, Student Experience and Opportunities.  

Antony Blackshaw has also been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer, with plans to recruit a permanent CEO starting in December 2024, aiming for a permanent appointment by September 2025. 

A three year Operating Plan has been created to lead us through this period of transformation. Developed from stakeholder feedback by interviews, consultations, student surveys and workshops we are confident of our focus going forward which is to enhance the service and experience we can offer to all our members. This coupled with our Manifesto for Change sets out pledges to allow us to focus on the impact that our work has for students, the University, and the wider community to make our value better understood and felt.   

Key areas of focus: 

Activities and Opportunities: 

• Ensure accessibility and relevancy for all undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

• Professionalise support for all our volunteers and officers & strengthen volunteer recognition programmes. 

• Expand student employment to offer students opportunities across the whole of our operation which will include supporting officers, volunteers and staff.   

• Focus on staff development, satisfaction and feedback and make a commitment to work towards becoming a Real Living Wage employer.  

Support: 

• Provide comprehensive advocacy services for students on academic, disciplinary, and tenant-related issues. 

Student Experience: 

• Increase inclusivity by encouraging a wider range of student communities and interests to use our services.   

• Prioritise service satisfaction, enhance feedback systems, and ensure value-for-money in trading activities remains a top priority. 

• Re-invest in our high-quality spaces and facilities to ensure these continue to meet student needs.   

• Improve transparency and ensure we are clearly understood by students. 

• Continue prioritising environmental sustainability and take part in relevant initiatives to measure and recognise achievements. 

Representation: 

• Undertake a full review of governance and leadership practices to ensure they reflect best practices. 

• Improve communication and engagement with students, facilitating better insight and enabling more targeted services, opportunities, and representation. 

• Reform democratic structures to ensure students remain at the heart of policymaking and that student leaders are empowered to drive meaningful change. 

Going forward

We are now at a crucial moment for the Students’ Association, with the new funding and our clear operational plan we’re focused on delivering better support, services and stronger representation for all our members, ensuring our work has a lasting impact on the student experience and the University community. 

The Change Programme is committed to maintaining close collaboration with students and other stakeholders, ensuring that their needs and feedback remain central to the ongoing changes.  

Democracy Referendum

As part of this change on the 26th and 27th of November all students will be asked to vote on a Democracy Referendum. This Referendum will be the biggest shake-up to student democracy since 1989.