Guild Elections

Guild Officer Team Election 2016

This election is to elect the 8 Full Time and 11 Part Time Guild Officers who lead your Guild of Students and represent you for the academic year 2016 - 17. *** Please note: You are only allowed to stand for one post in these elections. Please consider which post you want to stand for before nominating yourself. Multiple nominations will not be accepted***

The polls have closed.

Full Time Officers - Activities and Development Officer

Activities and Development Officer is responsible for supporting student groups, giving them the advice and resources they need to be effective. They act as the regulator of student groups; ensuring members have an enjoyable and high quality experience. They aim to get more students involved by promoting the skills and experiences students can gain through being active in societies, clubs and volunteering projects.
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Part Time Officers - Anti-Racism; Anti-Fascism Officer

The Guild of Students is committed to combating racism and fascism in all its forms. The Anti-Racism, Anti-Fascism Officer campaigns on issues related to removing racism and fascism, supporting the work of any relevant Representation Association or committees. They attend the Student Equality and Diversity Committee and promote tolerance, respect and diversity to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and wider community.
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Part Time Officers - Community Action Officer

Students play a positive role in the community with many students getting involved in community activities or supporting volunteer projects. The Community Action Officer interacts with the Housing and Community Officer to promote a positive student image to the community and ensure that local residents understand the issues that students face when living in the community.
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Part Time Officers - Commuter Students' Officer

The Home Students’ Officer supports those students who have chosen to live at home whilst they study at the University of Birmingham. The Home Students’ Officer ensures that home students do not miss out on the full University of Birmingham experience. It is expected that candidates be a Full Member normally resident in or around Birmingham.
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Part Time Officers - Disabled Students' Officer

The Disabled Students’ Officer gives disabled students a voice in the Guild of Students. They campaign against barriers to participation that can hinder students’ experiences during their time at University and encourage all students to take a positive attitude towards understanding the nature of disability and overcoming prejudices. It is expected that candidates self-define as a Full Member with a disability.

Candidates for Disabled Students’ Officer are expected to self-define as a Full Member with a disability. This can include, but is not limited to, physical disabilities and learning difficulties such as Dyslexia.

The Disabled Students Officer shall: 

  • Campaign on issues of concern to students with disabilities.  
  • To support the work of any Student Groups relevant to their role. 
  • Promote the interests of students with disabilities to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and wider as appropriate. 
  • To ensure that representation of all Disabled students occurs at all levels of the Guild in the absence of a committee. 

 

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Full Time Officers - Education Officer

Education Officer is the lead in the Guild’s efforts to improve education at Birmingham. They are responsible for representing students to the University and will be the voice of all 30,000 students on a daily basis.

The Education Officer shall: 

  • Lead the formulation of Guild policy on education and oversee its execution. 
  • Ensure that students are represented throughout the University on academic issues. 
  • Maintain a productive working relationship with the University on academic issues. 
  • Work with relevant staff members to ensure that representatives are empowered to achieve positive change on behalf of students through the provision of training, advisory briefings and/or other services. 
  • Monitor the progress and impact of Guild representation in addressing the concerns of students on academic issues.
  • Be the Guild lead on the Student Representation System as co-chair of the Student Representation System Advisory Board. 
  • Be the Guild lead on issues relating to the academic infrastructure, including being the key point of contact on matters relating to Institutional Audit. 
  • Oversee the development and dissemination of the Guild’s Student Voice Report. 
  • Be a Trustee of the Guild.
  • In the absence of the President or other Full-Time Officers, undertake delegated duties of the Full-Time Officer Team. 
  • Be ultimately accountable for the Guild of Students complying with the provisions of the Bye-Laws and adhering to changes made through the Members Democratic Process, particularly where relevant to their Officer portfolio. 
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Part Time Officers - Ethical and Environmental Officer

The Ethical and Environmental Officer raises awareness of ethical and environmental issues amongst students and effectively lobby the University to be more environmentally and socially responsible. They interact with the Guild of Students to make the organisation aware of, and act upon, the ethical and environmental implications of its activities.
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Part Time Officers - Ethnic Minority Students' Officer

The Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer represents all ethnic minority students within the Guild of Students. They campaign for the rights and interests of Birmingham’s ethnic minority students. They interact with BEMA, the Birmingham Ethnic Minority Association to energise ethnic minority students and get them involved in the Guild of Students. It is expected that candidates self-define as an Ethnic Minority Full Member.

Candidates for Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer are expected to self-define as a Full Member from an Ethnic Minority.

The Ethnic Minority Officer shall: 

  • Campaign on issues of concern to students of an ethnic minority. 
  • To support the work of any Student Groups relevant to their role. 
  • Promote the interests of Ethnic Minority students to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and wider as appropriate. 
  • To ensure that representation of Ethnic Minority students occurs at all levels of the Guild in the absence of a committee. 
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Full Time Officers - Guild President

President of Guild of Students represents all 30,000 students from a range of backgrounds, and a diverse set of wants and needs. They are responsible for leading the Guild Officer Team and all student volunteers.

The President shall: 

  • Ensure that the Guild of Students maintains a productive working relationship with the University, community decision makers and other external partners. 
  • Ensuring that the Guild operates to a high standard in comparison with other students’ unions and comparable third sector organisations. 
  • Oversee media and external relations. 
  • Monitor the progress and development of the Guild in conjunction with the Articles of Association, Mission Statement, and Strategic Plan and periodically to review those as appropriate. 
  • Lead the formulation of Guild policy on democracy and governance and oversee its execution. 
  • Work with relevant staff members in encouraging Full Members to participate in democratic activities and Elections. 
  • Be the lead Officer involved in the financial issues of the Guild of Students. 
  • Support the Education Officer relating to academic matters. 
  • In conjunction with the Officer Team, liaise with and advise the Chief Executive on matters relating to the Guild. 
  • Be Vice-Chair of the Trustee Board. 
  • Be a Trustee of the Guild. 
  • Be a member of University Council and attend its meetings. 
  • Be ultimately accountable for the Guild of Students complying with the provisions of the Bye-Laws and adhering to changes made through the Member’s Democratic Process, particularly where relevant to their Officer portfolio. 
  • Build and develop the Guild’s ability to effect positive change on issues decided by the Membership.  
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Full Time Officers - Housing and Community Officer

Housing and Community Officer is responsible for supporting students on housing and community matters. They engage with community groups and maintain positive relationships between students and local residents. They use these relationships to achieve successful results for students on issues such as housing and crime prevention.
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Full Time Officers - International Officer

The International Students’ Officer is responsible for ensuring that international students get the support, services and representation they need from both the Guild of Students and the University. They address the unique issues that students face when studying in a foreign country. It is expected that candidates are students who are classified as an international fee payer by the University of Birmingham, or are from within the European Union but not from the UK.

The International Officer shall: 

  • Lead the formulation of Guild policy on international matters and oversee its execution. 
  • Ensure that international students are represented throughout the University on issues affecting their experience. 
  • Maintain a productive working relationship with the University on the international student experience, including students with international fee status, those studying on a year abroad and students at Birmingham’s international satellite campuses. 
  • Monitor the progress and impact of Guild representation in addressing international students’ issues, providing guidance to staff and officers where appropriate. 
  • Oversee the organisation of Guild services and activities, including induction and integration activities, for international students and ensuring that all services and activities of the Guild have an internationalisation perspective.
  • Be the Guild lead on issues relating to the experience of international students, including acting as a key point of contact for IST, BIA and Study Abroad. 
  • Work with staff to ensure that Guild events, activities and communications are accessible for International students. 
  • Support the work of any Student Groups relevant to their role. 
  • Be a Trustee of the Guild. 
  • In the absence of the President or other Full-Time Officers, undertake delegated duties of the Full-Time Officer Team. 
  • Be ultimately accountable for the Guild of Students complying with the provisions of the Bye-Laws and adhering to changes made through Member’s Democratic Process, particularly where relevant to their Officer portfolio.  
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Part Time Officers - LGBTQ+ Students' Officer

The LGBTQ Students’ Officer ensures that the Guild of Students is at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ rights and properly supports all LGBTQ students. They are the Co-Chair and signatory for the LGBTQ Association and ensure that an Annual General Meeting is held to elect the committee. They also interact with the Guild’s welfare services to ensure that LGBTQ students who are in distress or difficulty get the help they need. It is expected that candidates shall self-define as LGBTQ.

Candidates for LGBTQ+ Students’ Officer are expected to self-define as a  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Queer Full Member.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Students’ Officer shall: 

  • Campaign on issues of concern for LGBTQ+ students. 
  • To support the work of any Student Groups relevant to their role. 
  • Promote the interests of LGBTQ+ students to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and wider as appropriate. 
  • To ensure that the representation of LGBTQ+ students occurs at all levels of the Guild in the absence of a committee. 
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Part Time Officers - Mature Students' Officer

The Mature and Part-time Students’ Officer campaigns on issues related to Mature and Part-time Students, promoting the interests of these students to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and the wider community. They ensure that the Guild is actively promoting initiatives to ensure that the welfare and interests of Mature and Part-time students are protected. Candidates for Mature and Part-time Students’ Officer are expected to be either a mature student, aged over 21 or over at the be

The Mature and Part-time Students’ Officer campaigns on issues related to Mature and Part-time Students, promoting the interests of these students to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and the wider community. They ensure that the Guild is actively promoting initiatives to ensure that the welfare and interests of Mature and Part-time students are protected. 

 

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Full Time Officers - Postgraduate Officer

The Postgraduate Officer is here to support and represent the 13,000 postgraduate students on campus! You’ll be making sure that our services, events and campaigns are relevant to postgraduate students – and working with the university to ensure UoB postgraduates have the best experience possible. The Postgraduate Officer is a new full-time role so this is an amazing opportunity to blaze a trail and make a job your own! There is one position available in this election. Candid

The Postgraduate Officer shall: 

  • Lead the formulation of Guild policy on postgraduate matters and oversee its execution. 
  • Ensure that both postgraduate researchers and taught students are represented throughout the University on issues that affect their experience. 
  • Maintain a productive working relationship with the University on the postgraduate student experience, including being the key point of contact for the Graduate School. 
  • Work with relevant staff members to ensure that postgraduate representatives are empowered to achieve positive change on behalf of students through the provision of training, advisory briefings and/or other services. 
  • Oversee the organisation of Guild services and activities, including induction activities, for postgraduate students. 
  • Be the Guild lead on postgraduate elements of the Student Representation System, providing postgrad student views to relevant University committees. 
  • Monitor the progress and impact of Guild representation in addressing the concerns of students on postgraduate issues, providing guidance to staff and officers where appropriate. 
  • Support the work of any Student Groups relevant to their role.
  • Be a Trustee of the Guild. 
  • In the absence of the President or other Full-Time Officers, undertake delegated duties of the Full-Time Officer Team. 
  • Be ultimately accountable for the Guild of Students complying with the provisions of the Bye-Laws and adhering to changes made through the Member’s Democratic Process, particularly where relevant to their Officer portfolio.  
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Full Time Officers - Representation and Resources Officer

Representation and Resources Officer is the lead Officer involved in Guild financial issues whilst supporting the Guild’s services. They help students get involved in the Guild through running elections that are well-promoted and accessible, as well as focusing on sustainability and future environmental issues. They promote Guild Council, Forums and other Guild democratic structures relevant to the needs of students.
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Part Time Officers - Satellite Sites Officer

At least a fifth of the student population are not based on the main, Edgbaston Campus. Students studying life or health science courses are based at the Selly Oak Campus, the Ironbridge or Shakespeare Institutes, or are on healthcare or industrial placements, sometime abroad. The SSO ensures that the Guild is relevant on all campuses. It is expected that candidates be a Full Member placed on a University of Birmingham site other than the main Edgbaston Campus.
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Full Time Officers - Sports Officer

Sports Officer is responsible for student leadership in sporting activities at the University. They ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved in sport. They work with University of Birmingham Sport (UBS) to support sports clubs and develop the facilities provided. They also promote healthy living amongst students, organising events and campaigns to promote well-being and healthier lifestyles.

The Sports Officer shall: 

  • Lead the formulation of Guild policy on issues related to sport and healthy living, and oversee its execution. 
  • Work with relevant staff members and the University to provide all Full Members with the opportunity to be involved in sporting activities, at both participation and performance levels. 
  • Promote student-led sport and where possible ensure sport is student-led throughout the University.   
  • Maintain a productive working relationship with the University over issues relating to the management of University of Birmingham Sports.   
  • Work with the University to ensure that campus facilities are accessible and sufficient for those Full Members participating in sport. 
  • Work with the University to ensure that student participation in sport is accredited and that the positive impact made by sports clubs is recognised.   
  • Help Full Members live healthier lives by providing Full Members guidance on relevant issues. 
  • Act as a key contact for British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and any other sport-focused external organisations that the Guild is in partnership with.
  • Lead on sustainability matters and to be chair of the Guild’s Ethical and Environmental Committee. 
  • Be a Trustee of the Guild. 
  • In the absence of the President or other Full-Time Officers, undertake delegated duties of the Full-Time Officer Team. 
  • Be ultimately accountable for the Guild of Students complying with the provisions of the Bye-Laws and adhering to changes made through the Member’s Democratic Process, particularly where relevant to their Officer portfolio. 
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Full Time Officers - Welfare Officer

Welfare Officer is responsible for representing the needs and interests of students to the University and external bodies. They raise awareness of welfare issues through distributing information and offering students practical advice on how they can avoid running into problems in relation to sexual health and crime.
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Part Time Officers - Women's Officer

The Womens’ Officer raises awareness of issues facing women and non-binary students within the student body and motivates women and non-binary students to get involved in relevant campaigns. They also interact with other Guild Officers and Guild services, to ensure that the Guild of Students places the needs and concerns of women and non-binary students at the heart of all its actions. The Women’s Officer is also Co-Chair and signatory for the Women’s Association and ensures that an Annual

Candidates for Women's Officer are expected to self-define as a Full Member who is a woman.

The Women’s Officer shall: 

  • Campaign on issues of concern to women and non-binary students. 
  • Support the work of any Student Groups relevant to their role. 
  • Promote the interests of women and non-binary students to the University of Birmingham, the Guild and wider as appropriate. 
  • To ensure that representation of Women students occurs at all levels of the Guild in the absence of a committee. 
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