Issue 157

All change at Swansea's Students' Union

08th October 2007

This year will see big changes in the way that the Students' Union is run. Students will be asked to contribute towards and choose the future of their Union. Students will be asked for their say on how the Union makes decisions and how it is lead. This has come about due to a change in the law that asks all Student Unions to become charities and review how they are controlled. The new proposals will consider changes that will include the introduction of independent trustees alongside elected trustees, and the introduction of declarations of interest for trustees and senior staff. Students will also be given electronic votes, to decide on some important policies.

A new democratic structure for the Union will see changes to the officers who are elected.

The changes will be designed to improve the accountability and efficiency of the Union.

Student Union General Manager Stuart Rice said, "we will keep you updated through the Ezine, Website and Waterfront newspaper about this process, and you will be asked to vote, probably later this term on the proposals".

Waterfront will keep students informed of upcoming meetings about the changes. For more information and how to have your say please visit www.swansea-union.co.uk, alterntively, visit Stuart Rice in the General Office on the 2nd floor of Union House.

Caroline Sutch