The Students’ Union (SU) Communication and Digital Support Manager Ciarán Clark gives the low down on running for election this spring. 

Your students’ union is for students, run by students. We bang on about it a lot but it’s true. You can create tangible, long-lasting change throughout your time at university, and get paid £26,457 a year for doing so!   

What roles are being elected? 

This year's Spring Electionsare centred on our Full-Time Officers (paid positions that include membership of the SU’s Board of Directors), the majority of our Part-Time Officer roles (voluntary positions representing specific groups of students) and  Student Trustees (students who also sit on the Board).  

You can nominate yourself to become one of six Full-Time Officers:  

Or, if you fancy nominating yourself for a part-time voluntary role there are seven more available including:  

…as well as three student trustee positions!  

Student trustees sit on the Board of Directors for the Union. Trustees are not involved in day-to-day affairs, but take an overview of how the Union is performing, both financially and in delivering services to students. 

The overall role of the Board is to ensure that the Union is well run, meeting its aims and working within the legal and constitutional framework laid down. Being a student trustee means you are listed officially as a trustee on the Charity Commission website and as a director on Companies House’s website! 

What kind of people are you looking for? 

Anybody can be an Officer. You don’t need previous work experience, nor do you have to attend an interview. You simply just need to run a campaign on why you think you’re the best person for the job! There is room for absolutely anybody on the Officer team, and if you’re interested then you already have what it takes. 

What is it like working for the Students’ Union? 

There is never a dull moment working in Falmer House, with exciting student led campus events and activities happening every single day, this is not your regular 9-5! To make it even better, you will be a part of a supportive, creative and diverse team of student staff and full-time staff alike; with plenty of opportunities to grow and develop your CV.