Officer Elections

Officer Elections

Officer Elections are the biggest student election at UoB! It’s YOUR chance to decide who will lead your Guild of Students next academic year! This is your chance to do things differently.

Right now, we’re looking for the students who want to apply to be one of our next Guild Officers. There’s a range of roles available, so whatever you’re passionate about, you can get involved!

To apply for a role you must be a full member, meaning you must be a fully registered student at UoB and a member of the Guild of Students. Students are automatically Guild members, so providing you haven’t opted out of your membership you can apply. If you would like to change your membership status, please email your Guild President.

 

Register Your Interest

If you would like to find out more about applying to be an Officer and representing around 38,000 UoB students then register your interest!

Register your interest

Recommend a Friend

Do you know someone who would make an amazing Guild Officer? If so, fill in our form because we want to hear about them!

Recommend a Friend

Key Dates

 

Applications Open

Monday 25th January, 10am

 

Candidate Training & Support

Full Details Below

 
 

Applications Close

Friday 5th February, 4pm

 

Voting & Campaigning

Monday 22nd February 10am -
Friday 26th February, 4pm

 

Results Night

TBC

Key Steps

1. Applications: Monday 25th January, 10am – Friday 5th February, 4pm

This is your chance to officially submit your Guild Elections application through the Guild website. You’ll need to submit your written statement, candidate photo, and campaign poster during this time.

2. Candidate Training

Candidate training will give you all of the information you need to know about how to run an effective online campaign, how to write a written statement, and information about the support that is available before, during and after the election. Not all of these sessions are compulsory, but we do recommend that you come, as they will help you to prepare for campaigning!

You can find a list of all of the Candidate Training Sessions and Drop-in Sessions that will take place in the “Candidate Training, Support & Drop-ins” section below.

You can also find some resources which give an introduction to campaigning in Guild Officer Elections.

3. Voting & Campaigning Week: Monday 22nd February 10am – Friday 26th February, 4pm

During this week, you will campaign and ask UoB students to vote for you! All voting takes place via the Guild of Students website.

This year, all campaigning for the election will be online.

4. Results Night: TBC

The results of the election will be announced at a results ceremony (Results Night). More information will be available closer to the time.

Full-Time Roles

 

PRESIDENT

  • Helps to govern the University to ensure it represents students
  • Leads the Guild on democracy and governance work
  • Leads the Officer Team
  • Represents UoB students in the media
  • Chairs the Campaigns Committee
 

EDUCATION OFFICER

  • Works with the University to ensure that UoB students have the best academic experience
  • Represents students to the University to make sure their education meets their expectations
  • Works with Student Reps to make sure students have a say in how their course is run
  • Chair the Education Committee
 

INTERNATIONAL OFFICER

  • Ensures all international students at UoB have a great academic and social experience
  • Represents UoB students who are on a year abroad
  • Ensures International students feel part of their community and can get involved in ways to suit them
 

ACTIVITIES AND EMPLOYABILITY OFFICER

  • Ensures student groups and societies help students to develop and feel happy and healthy
  • Helps students develop their skills for employability
  • Responsible for Guild Venues and its commercial matters
  • Chair the Activities Committee
 

POSTGRADUATE OFFICER

  • Helps postgraduate students get a great academic and social experience
  • Ensures postgraduate students feel part of their community and can get involved in ways that suit them
  • Works with the University to make sure postgraduates are healthy, happy and supported
 

SPORTS OFFICER

  • Ensures Sports Clubs help students develop and feel happy and healthy
  • Works with UoB Sport to make sure clubs are what students want
  • Helps students across campus to get active in the ways that suit them
  • Co-chair the Activities Committee
 

WELFARE AND COMMUNITY OFFICER

  • Chairs the Welfare & Liberation Committee
  • Helps and supports students with their welfare, wellbeing, housing, community and safety
  • Campaigns to help staff and students build a happy, inclusive community
  • Makes sure that University services are inclusive and accessible
  • Support the wellbeing of students on in campus accommodation and the community

All Full-Time Officers are also Trustees of the Guild. Trustees are part of a Trustee Board, and are governors/directors of a charity - they help to make decisions on a charity’s strategy, development, spending and operational processes. So as a Full-Time Officer Trustee of the Guild, you will help to make decisions on these things!

You also work alongside four Student Trustees (students who are recruited to volunteer alongside their studies), six External Trustees (recruited professionals from outside of the Guild who are experienced in a relevant industry (e.g. finance, education) and contribute an outside perspective to the Board), and a University representative (University staff member). The President is the Chair of the Board. More information can be found in in Byelaws 3 & 4, and more general information about being a Charity Trustee can be found on the Charity Commission website.

More information in general about each Full-Time Officer role can be found in the “Guild Officer Elections 2021 Guide” document and Byelaw 7. To find out more about what Officers do on a day to day basis and as Trustees, you can contact one of the current Full-Time Officers or the Elections Team at elections@guild.bham.ac.uk.

Part-Time Roles

 

CAMPAIGNS OFFICER

  • Actively campaign on any issue(s) that is important to students - we recommend choosing 1 or 2 issues to focus on
  • Encourage everybody on campus to become involved with this/these campaign(s)
  • Ensure that the Guild actively supports other students, when students campaign on issues of concern
  • Aware and reactive to the needs and priorities of students when necessary
  • Attend Campaigns Committee
 

DISABLED STUDENTS’ OFFICER

  • Represent and campaign for inclusivity, accessibility and equal rights for disabled students at UoB and the Guild
  • Supports the work of Disability and Mental Health Association
  • Attend Welfare & Liberation Committee
 

ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS’ OFFICER

  • Represent and campaign for inclusivity and equal rights of ethnic minority students at UoB and the Guild
  • Support the work of Birmingham Ethnic Minority Association
  • Attend Welfare & Liberation Committee
 

ETHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER

  • Raising awareness of the Guild and University’s environmental impact and helping to develop a more sustainable student community
  • Sit on the Guild’s Ethical and Environmental Committee
  • Attend Campaigns Committee
 

LGBTQ+ STUDENTS’ OFFICER

  • Represent and campaign for inclusivity and equal rights of LGBTQ+ students at UoB and the Guild
  • Supports the work of the LQBTQ+ Association
  • Attend Welfare & Liberation Committee
 

TRANS AND NON-BINARY STUDENTS’ OFFICER

  • Represent and campaign for inclusivity and equal rights of trans and non-binary students at UoB and the Guild
  • Attend Welfare & Liberation Committee
 

WOMEN’S OFFICER

  • Represent and campaign for inclusivity and equal rights of women students at UoB and the Guild
  • Supports the work of Women’s and Non-Binary Association
  • Attend Welfare & Liberation Committee

More information in general about each Part-Time Officer role can be found in the “Guide to Officer Elections” document, and Byelaw 7.

To find out more about what Part – Time Officers do on a day to day basis, you can contact one of the current Part-Time Officers or the Student Voice Team at elections@guild.bham.ac.uk.

NUS LIBERATION CONFERENCE DELEGATES

In this election, you also have the chance to apply for an NUS Liberation Conference Delegate position. There are three Delegate positions available - Trans Students position, LGBT+ Students Position and Black Student’s Position. Please note that you must self-identify as a trans student, LGBT+ student or Black Student* to apply for one of these roles (N.B. “Black” refers to anyone who identifies as black, Asian or ethnic minority).

If you are elected, you will ensure that trans students, LGBT+ or black students nationally are effectively represented at the NUS Liberation Conference.

You must be able to attend the NUS Liberation Conference, which will be on 14th-15th April 2021. If the event is in-person, food, accommodation and transport costs will be paid for by the Guild.

NUS National Conference

In addition to the above roles, you also have the chance to apply for an NUS National Conference role in this election! There is one position available.

You must be able to attend the NUS NUS National Conference, which will be on 6th April - 8th April 2021. If the event is in-person, food, accommodation and transport costs will be paid for by the Guild.

The Applications Pack includes important elections documents (including rules and regulations), and useful resources to help you with your application and campaign.

To apply for a role, you must follow the Guild’s Election Regulations and Bye Law 8 (Elections) (see below). The Law, Institution and Union rules also all count and become election rules, including the Guild’s Zero Tolerance Policy & University Harassment and Bullying Policy.

All Guild elections are overseen by the Guild’s Returning Officer who is responsible for ensuring that every election is free, fair and open. The Guild’s Returning Officer is the University’s Registrar and Secretary who deputises their role to an NUS Returning Officer.

Elections Documents

 

Elections Guide

Student Voice Guide to Officer Elections 2021

 

Elections Glossary

Some of the language used during elections can be quite confusing - we’ve put together this useful glossary to help!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Election Regulations

All candidates must take responsibility to read these regulations and ensure that their campaign teams know about these. Not knowing about the regulations is not an excuse for breaking them. If the regulations are unclear or you need more help at any time, please email the Elections Team.

 

Guild of Students Byelaws

Please refer to Bye Law 8 with regards to Elections and Bye Law 6 with regards to Committees of the Guild.

 

Guild of Students Zero Tolerance Policy

 

University Harassment and Bullying Policy

Harassment

Polcies, Procedures and Guidelines

 

Complaints Procedure

The Complaints Procedure explains how we will deal with any elections complaints.

 

Complaint Form

A student or candidate wishing to submit an election complaint must do so by using this Complaint Form. This must be sent by email to elections@guild.bham.ac.uk.

All complaints must be substantiated with evidence in support of their complaint where possible.

 

Additional Support for Disabled Candidates

Candidate Training & Drop in Sessions

You can sign up to these sessions below:

Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
20th January noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this virtual drop-in session!
Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
22nd January noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this virtual drop-in session!
Introduction to Online Campaigning
27th January noon - 1pm
Online - On Zoom
Are you new to online campaigning? Or maybe you have never campaigned for an election before? Come along to this session to learn more about the different ways you can do an online campaign.
Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
27th January 3pm - 5pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this session!
Written Statement Guide
28th January 1pm - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Come along to this session to find out how you can write a written statement (manifesto) for your campaign, as well as what information you can include.
Part-Time Officer Roles: Campaigns Officer and Ethical & Environmental Officer
29th January 11am - noon
Online - On Zoom
Learn all about the Campaigns and Ethical and Environmental Officer roles.
Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
29th January noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this session!
Student Groups, Sports Clubs & Activities Committee Members
1st February 11am - noon
Online - On Zoom
Come to this session to find out how you can use your skills and experience to apply and campaign for the Activities & Employability Officer or Sports Officer roles.
Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
1st February 2pm - 4pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this session!
Reps Masterclass
2nd February 2pm - 3pm
Online - On Zoom
Come to this session to find out how you can use your skills and experience to apply and campaign for the Education Officer or Postgraduate Officer positions.
International Students' Session
2nd February 3pm - 4pm
Online - On Zoom
Come along to this session to see what it’s like to apply and campaign for an Election as an International student!
Officers' and Candidates' Social
3rd February noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Come along any time during this session, to chat to the Officer Team about their roles, and anything about elections and campaigning!
Postgraduate Students' Session
3rd February 2pm - 3pm
Online - On Zoom
Come along to this session to find out what it’s like to apply and campaign for an election as a Postgraduate student!
President Session
4th February noon - 1pm
Online - On Zoom
Come along to this session to chat to our current President Tobi about the responsibilities of the role, and what makes a great Guild President!
Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
5th February noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this session!
Introduction to Online Campaigning
8th February 3pm - 4pm
Online - On Zoom
Come along to this session to learn about the different ways you can do an online campaign.
Written Statement Guide
9th February 11am - noon
Online - On Zoom
Come along to this session to find out more about how you can write a written statement (or manifesto) for your campaign, as well as what information you can include.
Officer Elections: Drop-in Session
9th February noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have questions or concerns about the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this session!
How to Campaign Online: Dos and Don’ts [Mandatory Session For All Candidates]
12th February 2pm - 4pm
Online - On Zoom
This is a mandatory session for all candidates to attend. We’ll be covering the dos and don’ts of campaigning for elections, as well as lots of other important information that you need to know!
Candidate Drop-in Session
2nd March noon - 2pm
Online - On Zoom
Do you have any questions or concerns, following the Officer Elections? Come and chat to the Elections Team about it, any time during this session!
Candidate Catch-up Session
9th March 2pm - 4pm
Online - On Zoom
A chance for candidates, Officers and the Elections Team to catch-up after Elections.
Candidate Catch-up Session
22nd March 3pm - 5pm
Online - On Zoom
A chance for candidates, Officers and the Elections Team to catch-up after Elections.

Useful Resources & Support

Here are also some resources which may be useful to read before attending these sessions:

 

Introduction to Online Campaigning

 

Written Statement Guide

 

Useful Information For Your Written Statement

 

Candidate Welfare & Liberation Support

 

Candidate Wellbeing Guide

Register Your Interest/Recommend a Friend

 

Officer Elections - Register Your Interest

Do you fancy representing 38,000 students? Are you passionate about improving things for all students here at Birmingham? Could you be the voice for international and postgraduate students? Have you enjoyed playing a part in your student group – and now fancy running them all?

If you think you have what it takes to run in the officer elections and become one of our full-time or part-time Officers, we’d love to hear from you.

Press Start, fill in the form and register your interest!

Officer Elections - Recommend a Friend

Do you know someone who would make an amazing Guild Officer? Are they passionate about education? Could they be the voice for international or postgraduate students? Can they share their passion about student groups, plan the biggest & best events or make incredible changes to their accommodation? We want to know about them.

Elections nominations are now here – and we want to know about those incredible people who could make real changes to our community! If you know someone who you think could make things happen, then let us know by pressing Start and completing the form.

Don’t worry, you won’t be signing them up for anything without their knowledge – we’ll just drop them an email before nominations close to let them know that someone out there thinks they’d be a great candidate! Simple. As. That.

Apply!

Guild Elections 2021

This election will find the 7 Full-Time and 7 Part-Time Guild Officers who will lead your Guild of Students and represent you in the academic year 2021-22. There are also a wide range of Student Group elections taking place, where you can vote on the committees who will lead your Group next academic year.

268 posts are up for election.

Nominations open at 10:00 on Monday 25 January 2021 (in 2 days and 1 hours)

The polls open at 10:00 on Monday 22 February 2021 (in 4 weeks and 2 days)

Please log in to see more details.

Your Officer Team 2020-2021

Tobiloba Adeyemit

Tobiloba Adeyemi
President
Amie Raphael

Amie Raphael
A&E Officer
Jules Singh

Jules Singh
Education Officer
Wei-Lun Chen

Wei-Lun Chen
International Officer
Rebecca Cutler

Rebecca Cutler
Postgraduate Officer
Robert Hegarty

Robert Hegarty
Sports Officer
Charlotte Minter

Charlotte Minter
Welfare Officer
Part Time Officers

Part Time Officers
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