31.01.2012 Agenda

1

Student Council Tuesday 31 January 2012 at 6.30pm in in Francis Bancroft Room 1.02.6, Mile End. Agenda

1.0 Apologies If you are unable to attend the meeting please send your apologies to [email protected] 2.0 Chair’s Welcome and Announcements 2.1 Student Representative and Part-time Officer Attendance (pages 3-4) Enforcement of Bye-Law 9.17.2

Student Councillors shall cease to hold office upon the passing of a resolution by a simple majority of the Student Councillors in the event that the Student Councillor has failed to attend either two consecutive or three in total meetings of the Student Council without providing proper cause to the Chair or Clerk

3.0 Minutes from the meeting of Student Council held on 13 December 2011 (pages 5-15)

Student Council is asked to note the record of the last meeting. 4.0 Officer Reports (pages 16-18)

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Union’s Part-time Officers since the last meeting. 5.0 Executive Action Plan (pages 19-27)

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Union’s Executive Officers since the last meeting. 5.1 President Action Plan (pages 28-32)

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the President.

5.2 Vice President Communications Action Plan (pages 33-35) Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Vice President Communications.

5.3 Vice President Student Activities Action Plan (pages 36-40)

Student Council is asked to note the activities of the Vice President Student Activities. 6.0 Formalising the Executive Committee (pages 41-43)

A motion to create an ‘Executive Committee’ Bye-Law outlining the role and remit of the Sabbatical Trustee committee.

2

7.0 Opening up workspace for students during the Examination Period (page 44) A motion proposing that the Executive Officers lobby for the opening class rooms and other spaces for student s during the exam period.

8.0 Staffing at the Griffinn Post-refurbishment (page 45) A motion proposing additional terms for employment of staff for the Griffinn. 9.0 Sports Representation at Barts and The London (page 46)

A motion proposing that the General Council Meeting of Barts and The London sports clubs and society Presidents is recognised as the representative body of Barts and The London sports clubs and societies.

10.0 Student Area in The Shield (page 47) A motion proposing to give students the space to eat packed lunches in The Shield. 11.0 Hot Desking of Student Councillors in the Student Union Office (page 48)

A motion proposing that the desk available in the Blomeley Centre be made available to Student Representatives and Part-time Officers.

12.0 Representation at upcoming SBCS meeting (page 49)

A Motion proposing to mandate the President and Vice President Education and Welfare to attend a School Biological and Chemical Sciences students.

13.0 Striving for a bolder future for QMSU online (page 50) A motion proposing a review of the Union’s website . 14.0 The Publication of Executive Officer Calendars (page 51) A motion proposing to publish the calendars of Executive Officers. 15.0 The Union Budget made simple (page 52-53) A motion proposing the publication of the Union’s Budget and details of expenditure. 16.0 Respecting Democracy (page 54)

A motion proposing an amendment to the Elections Bye-Law that prevents Executive Officers playing an active role in the campaigns of election candidates.

17.0 Ensuring the Election of Students to the Barts and The London Board is fair (page 55)

A motion proposing that the election of five Barts and The London Board positions are subject to the Elections Bye-Law.

18.0 External Speaker Interim Policy (pages 56-59) A motion proposing an interim policy on external speakers. 19.0 QMSU support for a London wide student manifesto and campaign on the London

Mayoral and GLA Elections (pages 60-62) A motion proposing Union support for the London Student Manifesto. 20.0 Time, date and place of next meeting

Tuesday 28 February at 6.30pm in in the Milton Lecture Theatre, Garrod Building, Barts and The London.

3

officer: position: 11.09.2011 (inquorate) 19.09.2011 01.11.2011 23.11.2011 13.12.2011

attended apologies absent attended apologies absent attended apologies absent attended apologies absent attended apologies absent

Andy Kanyemba Black Students Officer X X X X X

Ben Richardson Student Representative X X X X X

Caz Parra Secretary X X X X X

Chris Smith Student Representative X X X X X

Ciara Squires Student Representative X X X X X

Darcie Tyler-Henley Volunteering Officer X X X X X

Dominic Todd Sports Officer X X X X X

Donald Mackinnon LGBT Officer X X X X X

Edoardo Palombo Welfare Officer X X X X X

Ellen Kiely RAG Officer X X X X X

Michael Gilbert Postgraduate Officer X X X X X

Nabil Najjar Student Representative X X X X X

Ozzy Amir Campaigns Officer X X X X X

Shaun Ramanah Students with Disabilities Officer

X X X X X

Tom Voice Ethical and Environmental Officer

X X X X X

Velyana Borisova International Officer X X X X X

Wanda Canton Womens Officer X X X X X

Wilson Wong Societies Officer X X X X X

4

officer: position: 11.09.2011 (inquorate) 19.09.2011 01.11.2011 23.11.2011 13.12.2011

attended apologies absent attended apologies absent attended apologies absent attended apologies absent attended apologies absent

Adnam Aslam Dental Representative X X X X X

Amy Coulden Entertainments Officer X X X X X

Andrew Smith Student Representative X X X X X

Aran Ali RAG Captain X X X X X

Ben Hughes Technical Officer X X X X X

Eva Pathmananthan Dental President X X X X X

Hannah Downer Treasurer X X X X X

Jeeves Wijesuriya Vice-President London X X X X X

Jon Cramphorn Vice-President Barts X X X X X

Mandi Pal Secretary X X X X X

Michael Samy Communications Officer X X X X X

Nick Blondel Campaigns Officer X X X X X

Ramey Assaf External Affairs Officer X X X X X

Richard Donovan SSLC Representative X X X X X

Robert Zabihi Dental Representative X X X X X

Salem Al-Sawaf Entertainments Officer X X X X X

Sam Chequer Welfare Officer X X X X X

Tim Foster Clubs and Societies Officer X X X X X

5

Student Council Minutes Tuesday 13 December 2011 at 6.30pm in the David Sizer Lecture Theatre

Chair: Eleanor Hallam

Mile End Officers present (10): Ben Richardson (Student Representative) Chris Smith (Student Representative) Darcie Tyler-Henley (Volunteering Officer) Donald MacKinnon (LGBT Officer) Ellen Kiely (RAG Officer) Michael Gilbert (Postgraduate Officer)

Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer) Shaun Ramanah (Students with Disabilities Officer) Tom Voice (Ethical and Environmental Officer) Wilson Wong (Societies’ Officer)

Mile End Officer apologies (5):Caz Parra (Secretary) - proxy Ciara Squires (Student Representative) - proxy Dominic Todd (Sports Officer) - proxy

Edoardo Palmombo (Welfare Officer) Wanda Canton (Women’s Officer)

Barts and The London Officers present (9): Adnan Aslam (Dental Representative) Andrew Smith (Student Representative) Jeeves Wijesuriya (Vice-President London) Jon Cramphorn (Vice-President Barts) Mandi Pal (Secretary)

Ramey Assaf (External Affairs Officer) Rob Zabihi (Dental Representative) Sam Chequer (Welfare Officer) Tim Foster (Clubs and Societies’ Officer)

Barts and the London Officer apologies (5):Aran Ali (RAG Captain) Eva Pathmanathan (Dental Society President) Hannah Downer (Treasurer) - proxy

Richard Donovan (SSLC Rep) - proxy Salem Al-Sawaf (Entertainments Officer)

Faculty and Year Representatives present (4):Alex Schpektor (Humanties and Social Sciences Faculty Representative) Karishma Chouglay (Science and Engineering Faculty Representative)

Ollie Brown (Middle Years Representative) Nicolas Meier (Year One and Foundation Representative)

Sabbatical Officers in attendance: Sophie Richardson (President) Dominic Bell (Vice President Activities) George Ryan (Vice President Association)

Oscar Williamson (Vice President Education and Welfare) Sam Creighton (Vice President Communications)

Union Staff in attendance: Philip Gilks (Student Voice and Development Manager) Tom Sutton (Representation and Democracy Co-ordinator)

6

1.0 Apologies Apologies were noted and accepted. 2.0 Chair’s Welcome Announcements Chair welcomed members to the third meeting of the semester. 3.0 Minutes from the meeting of Student Council held on 23 November 2011

Noted with a change to 12.1 to: “Michael Gilbert stated the official reasons for Vik Chechi’s suspension were related to disputes within his working space. But the circumstances around his suspension suggested an act of retaliation against his trade union involvement.”

4.0 Officer Reports

Noted. 5.0 Executive Action Plan

Noted.

6.0 Election Dates Noted.

7.0 Executive Officers Duties and Responsibilities. Sam Creighton spoke for a motion to create an ‘Executive Officers’ Bye-Law containing the duties and responsibilities of the Union’s Executive Officers. He argued that the Bye-Law outlined the full duties and responsibilities of the Executive Officer positions approved at the General Meeting and in Student Council.

Sam Creighton waved the summation.

Student Council voted for the motion.

- 27 members voted for - 0 members voted against - 1 member abstained

8.0 Student Representative and Part-time Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Dominic Bell spoke for a motion to create an ‘Student Representatives and Part-time Officers’ Bye-Law containing the duties and responsibilities of the Union’s Student Representatives and Part-time Officers. He argued that the Bye-Law outlined the full duties and responsibilities of the Student Representative and Part-time Officer positions approved at the General Meeting and in Student Council. Dominic Bell waved the summation. Student Council voted for the motion.

- 26 members voted for - 0 members voted against - 2 members abstained

9.0 Use of the Library Postgraduate Reading Room by Undergraduates during the

Examination Period Chris Smith spoke for a motion proposing a Union campaign to open up the postgraduate reading room in the library to undergraduate students during the examination period. He argued while it was right that a room was established for postgraduate study, this could not be afforded during the exam period when there is a high demand from undergraduates for quiet study space.

Michael Gilbert spoke against the motion. He argued that the postgraduate reading room facility was a new and one of the only benefits to being a postgraduate at the College. He understood there was a high demand from undergraduates for quiet study space and

7

suggested that undergraduates lobby their departments to make use of empty classrooms for quiet study as an alternative.

Chris Smith spoke for the motion. He argued not all departments controlled rooms that they could make available for quiet study space. Oscar Williamson spoke against the motion. He argued the reading room was one of the only benefits to being a postgraduate at the College. The Library was keen to join undergraduates in calling on the college to make available empty classrooms for quiet study.

9.1 Clarification

Alex Schpektor sought clarification as to how many postgraduate students studied at the College.

- Oscar Williamson replied approximately 40% of the overall student population. Chair moved to a vote.

Student Council voted against the motion.


10.0 ATMs on Campus

Chris Smith spoke for a motion calling for an investigation concerning the future of ATMs on the Mile End campus. He argued cashpoints were an important facility and service to provide for students and College staff. It was important cashpoints were located within the campus because it was a significantly safer environment. An investigation should take place, a report given back to Student Council with a set of recommendations and Student Council should have a say over the decision reached.

10.1 Clarification

Dominic Bell clarified that the Board of Trustees had taken a decision to take the stand-alone cashpoints out of service and remove them on grounds of potential risk.

Chris Smith waved the summation. Student Council voted for the motion.


11.0 Campaign for Q-Review

Ollie Brown spoke for a motion proposing a Union campaign to extend the pilot of Q-Review, a lecture recording service. He argued a review into Q-Review had found both lecturers and students found the recording service useful. Rather than lecturers opting-in to use the service, lecturers should opt-out to encourage wider use of the service. Ollie Brown waved the summation. Student Council voted for the motion.


12.0 Dyslexia Testing to Remain Free to Students

Shaun Ramanah withdrew the motion. 13.0 Researching the need for a Students with Disabilities Representative for Barts and the

London

8

Shaun Ramanah spoke for a motion proposing that the Union undertakes research to identify the need for a Students with Disabilities Representative (Barts and The London). He argued that the views of Barts and The London students with disabilities should be thoroughly researched to identify if there was a need for a representative for Barts and The London students with disabilities. George Ryan spoke against the motion. He argued he was not against the Mile End Students with Disabilities Officer independently researching the need for a Students with Disabilities Representative (Barts and The London) but was against mandating the Union to conduct research he believed he had already conducted. Shaun Ramanah spoke for the motion. He argued that he was the Students with Disabilities Officer for Mile End not Barts and The London. Researching the views of Barts and The London students with disabilities was not under his remit. The Union was better placed to conduct this research. George Ryan spoke against the motion. He argued that he was happy to facilitate the Mile End Students with Disabilities Officer to conduct the research which he could conduct without passing a motion into policy. Ozzy Amir spoke for the motion. He argued comprehensive research into this issue would end an ongoing discussion and debate on this subject. George Ryan spoke against the motion. He argued he had conducted the research already and there was no need to revisit the issue. 13.1 Clarification

Members sought clarification as to how much research had been conducted. - Tim Foster and George Ryan replied that Barts and The London Part-time

Officers and committee members of Barts and The London Clubs and Societies at a General Council Meeting had been consulted.

Dominic Bell asked whether a majority of those consulted were students with disabilities.

- Jeeves Wijesuriya replied that some were, as well as a large number of those that spoke on the subject, but not necessarily a majority.

Ozzy Amir spoke for motion. He argued that there was no harm in re-conducting the research, especially as some members argued the results were so conclusive. Mandi Pal spoke against the motion. She argued that Barts and The London students with disabilities did not want a representative to help them resolve the issues they faced or signpost them to services. 13.2 Clarification

Sam Creighton clarified that a representative’s role was not to resolve student issues or signpost students to services. A representative was responsible for representing students views on the issues they faced and seeking improvements to the student experience.

13.3 Clarification

Alex Schpektor sought clarification whether the Mile End Students with Disabilities Officer had been approached by Barts and The London students with disabilities with requests to conduct this research.

- Shaun Ramanah replied that he had been approached. Chair moved to a vote. Student Council voted for the motion.

- 18 members voted for

9

- 6 members voted against - 4 members abstained

14.0 Accessibility for Students with Disabilities on Campus

Shaun Ramanah spoke for a motion to lobby the College to improve physical and virtual accessibility. He argued there were still many barriers to full accessibility across the campus as well as online for students with visual impairments and the Union should do what it could to improve accessibility.

Shaun Ramanah waved the summation. Student Council voted for the motion.


15.0 Action Plan for Students with Disabilities

Shaun Ramanah withdrew the motion. 16.0 Time, date and place of next meeting

6.30pm on Tuesday 31 January in Francis Bancroft Room 10.02.6

10

officer: position: 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0

for against abstain for against abstain for against abstain for against abstain for against abstain

Ben Richardson Student Representative X X X X X

Caz Parra Secretary X X X X X

Chris Smith Student Representative X X X X X

Ciara Squires Student Representative X X X X X

Darcie Tyler-Henley Volunteering Officer X X X X X

Dominic Todd Sports Officer X X X X X

Donald Mackinnon LGBT Officer X X X X X

Ellen Kiely RAG Officer X X X X X

Michael Gilbert Postgraduate Officer X X X X X

Ozzy Amir Campaigns Officer X X X X X


X X X X X


X X X X X

Wilson Wong Societies Officer X X X X X

11

officer: position: 13.0 14.0 14.0 15.0

for against abstain for against abstain for against abstain for against abstain

Ben Richardson Student Representative X X

Caz Parra Secretary X X

Chris Smith Student Representative X X

Ciara Squires Student Representative X X

Darcie Tyler-Henley Volunteering Officer X X

Dominic Todd Sports Officer X X

Donald Mackinnon LGBT Officer X X

Ellen Kiely RAG Officer X X

Michael Gilbert Postgraduate Officer X X

Ozzy Amir Campaigns Officer X X


X X


X X

Wilson Wong Societies Officer X X

12



Adnam Aslam Dental Representative X X X X X

Andrew Smith Student Representative X X X X X

Hannah Downer Treasurer X X X X X

Jeeves Wijesuriya Vice-President London X X X X X

Jon Cramphorn Vice-President Barts X X X X X

Mandi Pal Secretary X X X X X

Ramey Assaf External Affairs Officer X X X X X

Richard Donovan SSLC Representative X X X X X

Robert Zabihi Dental Representative X X X X X

Sam Chequer Welfare Officer X X X X X

Time Foster Clubs and Societies Officer X X X X X

13

officer: position: 13.0 14.0

for against abstain for against abstain

Adnam Aslam Dental Representative X X

Andrew Smith Student Representative X X

Hannah Downer Treasurer X X

Jeeves Wijesuriya Vice-President London X X

Jon Cramphorn Vice-President Barts X X

Mandi Pal Secretary X X

Ramey Assaf External Affairs Officer X X

Richard Donovan SSLC Representative X X

Robert Zabihi Dental Representative X X

Sam Chequer Welfare Officer X X

Time Foster Clubs and Societies Officer X X

14



Alex Schpektor Humanities and Social Sciences Representative

X X X X X

Karishma Chouglay Science and Engineering Representative X X X X X

Nick Meier Year One and Foundation Representative

X X X X X

Ollie Brown Middle Years Representative

X X X X X

15

officer: position: 13.0 14.0 11.0

for against abstain for against abstain for against abstain

Alex Schpektor Humanities and Social Sciences Representative

X X

Karishma Chouglay Science and Engineering Representative X X

Nick Meier Year One and Foundation Representative

X X

Ollie Brown Middle Years Representative

X X

16

Chris Smith (Student Representative)

- Had an initial meeting with SU staff regarding survey to assess effectiveness of website - Discussed with the Campaigns Officer about how changing the website would be a campaign - Attended pilot Beyond the Degree meeting

Darcie Tyler-Henley (Volunteering Officer)

- I have organised Provide's Volunteering Week, including an event run by Team Provide to raise awareness of volunteering.

- I have met with the project leaders of student led projects, READ, Aspire and SIFE to help them organise protomtional and fundraising events during volunteering week.

- I attended Risk Assessment training to allow me to carry out Risk assessment of Provide events on-campus.

- Ran a successful recruitment and promotional Provide stall at the Refreshers fair. - I am leading 70 volunteers at the Trolley Dash CAD on the Thursday of Volunteering Week.

Edoardo Palombo (Welfare Officer)

- Since the last student council, I have been revising the previous motions that I have submitted, especially the motion regarding the funding for clubs and societies which are currently not receiving any resource from the SU and those who are willing to get a club and society started. I will resubmit these motions when I feel they can stand the vote of council.

- I have also met with the Disability Group started my the fellow Councillor for Disabilities, I which I aim to establish a so much needed dialogue with students suffering from any disability, so that all of the SU is aware of the relevant issues.

- As always, I have been involved with the Anti-Cuts Campaign throughout the start of the Term.

Ellen Kiely (RAG Officer)

- Organising RAG Week and Jailbreak - Co-ordinating other clubs and societies to fundraise during RAG Week - Worked with the SU and Drapers to create student led events in Drapers

Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer)

- November 9th Demonstration - Presented motion at UGM (10/10/2011) however meeting overran and motion was not

discussed. - Due to timings of Trustee meetings, I was unable to secure QMSU support or funding. - Contacted and worked with groups such as the Education Activist Network (EAN) and

QMUL Stop the Cuts who helped with publicity and campaigning. - Motion was brought to Student Council (1/11/2011) where it was passed with an

overwhelming majority. - Enlisted support of other student council members to help with an information stall. - Still unable to get funds from QMSU due to a risk assessment yet to be undertaken. - Went ahead with the campaign anyway. - Turnout was approximately 30 students. Understandable considering lack of Union funding

and support and the fact it was in reading week.

17

Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer) continued

- November 30th Strike and Demonstration - Passed motion securing QMSU support and funding. - Built for the campaign support lecturers in their dispute over pensions alongside raising

awareness of funding cuts to higher education in general. - Campus based campaigning groups were instrumental in the build up to November 30

th

- Disappointed so few student councillors responded to emails asking for support. - Designed publicity and over distribution of 3000 flyers and 100 posters. - Chaired open meeting of QMUL stop the cuts with a variety of speakers. - Approximately 100 students were on the picket lines many of whom went onto

demonstration. - Special thanks to Sam Creighton (VP Communications) for his proactive support.

Officer exceeded word limit – to view the full report email [email protected]

Shaun Ramanah (Students with Disabilities Officer)

- Had a meeting with Simon Jarvis and Oscar Williamson in regards to the dyslexia funding issues and how to secure funding for this in future years

- Held a meeting with the committee members of Ability, the student group I set up, to discuss plans for what we want to do this year and how we will achieve it. Plans that came out of this was building an interest at Refresher's fair, organising social events for students and running a campaign to raise aware for issues affecting students with disabilities

- Ran Ability's stall at Refresher's fair and signed up students who are interested in the issues affecting students with disabilities as well as making students aware of Ability's existence. Also spoke to students who run other societies and clubs to establish a relationship so that Ability's events and campaigns can be run with the support and cooperation of other student groups.

- Organised and attended Ablity's first social that was held for those who signed up at Refresher's, discussed Ability's plans and the direction it should go in.

- Emailed George Ryan about what the survey at BLSA should include so that it engages with students with disabilities who study medicine and dentistry to find out what they feel would best represent them.

Tom Voice (Ethical and Environmental Officer)

- Recently in my role as environmental and ethical officer I have been working to reseach and find out information about Queen Mary's energy use and the environmental decisions it makes.

- I have been looking into greener alternatives and other ways of producing energy mainly through conversaitions with WRAP (Goverment body that seeks to work towards a world without waste.) I have been particularly interested in the prospect of the use of BIO Waste.

- On the Ethical side I have been mainly focusing on looking at the brands QMSU chooses to stock and whether the companies themselves are percieved as being ethical.

Wanda Canton (Womens Officer)

- Organising Festival51 (will be a week long event with different events, meetings and activities surrounding womens rights).

- Promoting Elections - In discussion with other societies about how to organise a linked event

Wilson Wong (Societies Officer)

- Met with the Societies and Student Groups Advisory Board to discuss a new, rolling grant system for societies next year.

- Assisted with the set up and the promotion of Refresher's Fair. - Spoken to society presidents at Refresher's Fair regarding Spotlight and the International

Celebration Day.

18

Andy Smith (Student Representative)

- Drafted the BL 'Students with Disabilities Rep' Survey. - Attended a feedback session with the Dean of Education relating to hospital placements. - Completed the recent GOAT form. - Attended the BL Clubs' GCM. - Hounded potential applicants for the election of next year's councillors. - Had a great time GOATing in Val Thorens over Christmas. Main areas of feedback are that many

BL students like skiing, fancy dress and finding love in hopeless places. (Trip claim form yet to be submitted).

Hannah Downer (Treasurer)

- Worked with the drama society in reminding them of QM finance forms and making sure they know what to submit and how.

- Written and directed a play that fosters conviviality at BL. - Had a meeting with Claire Britton to organise how BL finances will be processed.

Jeeves Wijesuriya and Jon Cramphorn (Vice-Presidents Barts and London)

- Held meeting of Graduation Committee - Visited venues for Grad dinner - Met with Alumni regarding Barts renovation/Assoc Dinner - Confirmed dates for graduation - Organised BUCS response - Proposed sports representation motion at GCM - Been part of student consultation woorking group - Organise pan London RAG meeting - Run pan London Medical schools event - Helped advertise elections

Richard Donovan (SSLC Representative)

- Conferences: - Attended a teaching and learning afternoon at Mile End.

- Debates: - Booked to attend a talk at BMA House concerning Clinical Leadership.

- Meetings: - Booked to attend a talk at BMA House concerning Clinical Leadership.

- Dissemination of information to students: - Wrote a double-page spread for The Vulture to improve dissemination.

- BMA Conference: - Applied to attend the BMA Conference in April.

Sam Chequer (Welfare Officer)

- Continued meeting students who have contacted me with welfare related issues - Held a committee meeting to make sure the BL welfare committee have tasks for the upcoming

term - Begun putting together a campaign on sensible drinking and the GMC's views in illicit substances

19

0 25 50 75 achievement level: 100

A. election turnout

we will increase votes cast in the union elections by 20%

actions: outcome: progress: D J

A1

You Talk. We Listen. (P) Use questions in You Talk. We Listen. to encourage students to think about why they should vote.

- Students we talk to are encouraged to think

about the election and why they should vote.

- Dom and Sophie spoke to 100 students in

January - George had Whitechapel Board speak to 70

students in January

A2 Facebook (VPC) Use our personal Facebook profiles to publicise the election including changing our profile pictures and making status updates. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our status updates.

- Our Queen Mary Facebook friends will be

made aware of the elections and how and why to vote.

- Exec have all changed Facebook profile

pictures - An event has been set up on Facebook to

promote nominations

A3 Twitter (VPC) Use our Officer Twitter accounts to publicise the election. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our tweets.

- Our Twitter followers will be made aware of

the elections and how and why to vote.

- There have been 2 tweets each from Sophie,

Oscar and George about elections

A4 Targeted Emails (All) Use our mailing lists to send out targeted emails to publicise the election.

- Students on our mailing lists will be made

aware of the elections and how and why to vote.

- BLSA targeted emails

A5 Club-night Shout-outs (VPSA) Make shout-outs at every club-night during the voting period.

- Students attending club nights will be made

aware of the elections and how and why to vote.

- No update

20


A. election turnout (continued)

we will increase votes cast in the union elections by 20%


A6 Election Days (P) Be as available as possible on election days to flyer students and talk to them about the elections.

- Students attending campus during voting days

will be made aware of the elections and how and why to vote.

- No update

A7 Election Updates (VPC) Daily update students with how many students from their halls of residence or school of study have voted so far on election days. We will also update students with the ‘swing’ between candidates.

- Students may be encouraged to vote to

improve the standing of their halls of residence or their school of study.

- The swing may encourage candidates to work harder.

- No update

B. election candidates

we will increase numbers and improve diversity of election candidates

- We will have at least five candidates standing for cross-campus Executive Officer positions. - We will have at least three candidates standing for Vice President Barts and The London. - We will have at least five candidates from the Faculty of Science and Engineering standing for cross-campus Executive Officer positions. - We will have at least one candidate for each Student Representative and Part-time Officer positions and 75% are contested.


B1

You Talk. We Listen. (P) Use questions in You Talk. We Listen. to encourage students to think about why they should stand.

- Students we talk to are encouraged to think

about the election and why they should stand.

- Dom and Sophie spoke to 100 students in

January

B2 Facebook (VPC) Use our personal Facebook profiles to publicise nominations including changing our profile pictures and making status updates. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our status updates.


made aware of the nominations and why they should stand.

- Exec have all changed Facebook profile

pictures - An event has been set up on Facebook to

promote nominations

21


B. election candidates (continued)

we will increase numbers and improve diversity of election candidates


B3 Twitter (VPC) Use our Officer Twitter accounts to publicise nominations. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our tweets.


nominations and why they should stand.

- There have been 2 tweets each from Sophie,

Oscar and George about elections

B4 Targeted Emails (All) Use our mailing lists to send out targeted emails to publicise nominations.


aware of nominations and why they should stand.

- BLSA targeted emails

B5 Hail Mary Shout-out (VPSA) Make a shout-out at the Hail Mary held during nominations.

- Students attending club nights will be made


- Dom did a shout-out at Hail Mary on 25

January

B6 Lecture Shout-outs (VPEW) Create a schedule and deliver lecture shout-outs at major lectures during nominations.

- Students attending major lectures will be made


- Oscar developing timetable

B7 Surgeries (VPSA) Hold surgeries for potential election candidates to approach us about the positions.

- Students can meet with us to develop a better

understanding of the positions.

- No update

C. postgraduate events

we will hold at least two postgraduate events before may 2012


C1 23 January (P) Attend and host a Quiz for Postgraduate students.

- Postgraduate students are involved in the Union’s activities.

- The Union develops an increased awareness of postgraduate student issues.

- Quiz successfully held in January with 55 attendees who were also updated on the work of the Union to better their experience as Postgraduate students

22


C. postgraduate events (continued)

we will hold at least two postgraduate events before may 2012


C2 3 April (P) Attend and host an outing/trip for Postgraduate students.

- Postgraduate students are involved in the

Union’s activities. - The Union develops an increased awareness

of postgraduate student issues.

- No update

C3 You Talk. We Listen. (P) Use questions in You Talk. We Listen. to encourage postgraduate students to attend.

- Postgraduate students we talk to are

encouraged to attend.

- 3 April event promoted at January Quiz - To be included in You Talk. We Listen. in

March

C4 Facebook (VPC) Use our personal Facebook profiles to publicise the event including changing our profile pictures and making status updates. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our status updates.


made aware of the event.

- To be done for 3 April event

C5 Twitter (VPC) Use our Officer Twitter accounts to publicise the event. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our tweets.


the event.

- Sophie tweeted January event - To be done for 3 April event

D. question twenty-three

we will score within the top 25% of students’ unions in question twenty-three of the national student survey


D1 Union Focus (P) Make improving the Union’s Question 23 score a Union priority.

- The Union is focused on the consequences of

Question 23. - The Union undertakes activities to improve the

Union’s Question 23 score.

- Sophie reminded the Trustee Board of the

importance of the question and the consequences of a poor performance

- Another meeting with departmental managers has been arranged for March

23


D. question twenty-three (continued)

we will score within the top 25% of students’ unions in question twenty-three of the national student survey


D2 Branding Redevelopment (VPC) Ensure any Union re-branding will focus on improving the Union’s Question 23 score.

- Any Union re-branding will attempt to improve

the Union’s Question 23 score.

- No update

24


E. union reform

we will review the governance and structure of the union


E1 Articles of Association (P) Propose and pass new governing documents (Articles of Association) to allow the Union to register as an incorporated charity.

- The Union is able to register successfully as

incorporated charity.

- College Council proposed some changes and

also wanted to run it by their own solicitors. - The amended document will go back to

Student Council and then back to College Council in March

E2 Officer Structure Review (P) Reform Executive Officer, Student Representative and Part-time Officer positions to focus on representation.

- Executive Officer, Student Representative and

Part-time Officer positions focus on representation.

- Completed

E3 Bye-Law Review (All) Review the Union’s existing bye-laws and re-write or write any new bye-laws considered as required. - Media (VPC) - Sports Clubs (VPSA and VPBL) - Societies (VPSA and VPBL) - RAG (VPSA) - Volunteering (VPSA) - BLSA (VPBL) - Course Reps (VPEW) - Referendum (P) - General Meetings (P) - Board of Trustees (P) - Student Council (P) - Executive Committee (P)

- The Union’s governance is improved and

made accessible and easy to interpret.

- Club Sport, Societies, Media, Student Staff

Protocol and Complaints Bye-laws have all begun to be written

25


F. you talk. we listen.

we will speak to engage with over 2,500 students before may 2012


F1 Question Setting (P) Set You Talk. We Listen. questions in Executive Committee meetings.

- You Talk. We Listen. questions are set.

- Questions are being set bi-weekly in Exec

Committee meetings

F2 Asking Question (All) Ask forty students each per week for You Talk. We Listen. questions.

- We consult with Queen Mary students on key

questions and use their responses to inform our decisions.

- Officers make contact with students are students become increasingly aware of the positions and who we are.

- Dom – 58 students - Sophie – 36 students - George – 6 students - Oscar – 0 students - Sam – 0 students

F3 Debrief (All) Discuss You talk. We Listen results in Executive Meetings with relevant members of staff.

- Make decisions using You Talk. We Listen.

results.

- No update

G. new media

we will use new media like facebook, twitter and blogs to engage with students


G1 Promoting Twitter (All) Promote our Twitter accounts to students - Change email signatures (All) - Add Twitter accounts to QMessenger

Columns - E-Bulletin and BL Messages

- Students with Twitter accounts can follow us to

develop a better understanding of our day-to-day role and awareness of Union activities.

- Sophie has retweeted other Officers - Twitter accounts to be added to the end of

columns in QMessenger

G2 Website Blogs (All) Upload our QMessenger columns to a blog on the Union website.

- Students will be able to access our columns

on the website and throughout the year.

- No update

26


G. new media (continued)

we will use new media like facebook, twitter and blogs to engage with students


G3 Q-Review Student Council (VPEW) Investigate the potential to record Student council meetings and upload them to the Union website.

- Students with be able to watch recordings of

Student Council meetings.

- Oscar has investigated and is liaising with the

Q-Review staff member

H. question time

we will hold two events for students to question executive officers before march 2012


H1 March 6 Hold a Question Time event in Ground at 6pm on 6 March.

- Students have the opportunity to question us

on our work.

- No update

H2 You Talk. We Listen. (P) Use questions in You Talk. We Listen. to encourage students to attend.

- Students we talk to are encouraged to attend.

- No update

H3 Facebook (VPC) Use our personal Facebook profiles to publicise the event including changing our profile pictures and making status updates. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our status updates.


made aware of the event and why they should attend.

- No update

H4 Twitter (VPC) Use our Officer Twitter accounts to publicise the event. We will create a schedule co-ordinate our tweets.


the event and why they should attend.

- No update

H5 Targeted Emails (All) Use our mailing lists to send out targeted emails to publicise the event.


aware of the event and why they should attend.

- No update

27


I. student representatives and part-time officers

we will support our student representatives and part-time officers


I1 Blomeley Centre Workspace Offer a workspace/desk to Student Representatives and Part-time Officers in the Blomeley Centre.

- Student Representatives and Part-time

Officers can work alongside Executive Officers.

- We are waiting to see how many new staff will

be working in the Blomeley Centre before allocating desk space for Student Representatives and Part-time Officers

I2 Contact Regularly contact Student Representatives and Part-time Officers to offer support.

- Student Representatives and Part-time

Officers are offered support.

- Some meetings have taken place for those

Student Representatives and Part-time Officers interested

28


A. widening participation (wp)

we will: we will have achieved this when: what we have done so far: D J

A1 Plan an NUS WP Champions project To have planned a project to carry out for the NUS WP Champions Project.

- A project plan in place by the end of January

2011. - NUS have received the project plan. - Final plan in place for March 2012.

- An overview has been submitted to NUS. - Meetings have taken place with Volunteering

and appropriate other stakeholders.

A2 Identify and trained volunteers To have identified a specified amount of volunteers who can run the project in 2012/13.

- Volunteers identified by April 2012. - Volunteers briefed and trained by May 2012.

- Meeting taken place with Volunteering

Department.

A3 Developed a relationship with a school To have identified appropriate schools and developed at least one relationship for the project to be run.

- At least one school identified. - Relationship developed with at least one

school by June 2012.

- Bridge Academy in Hackney has been

identified as a possible partner. - A meeting is being arranged.

B. postgraduate students


B1 Postgraduate Events Hold at least one event every semester for Postgraduate Students to gather their views and opinions on education and welfare matters by May 2012.

- An event is run each semester. - At least one report goes to the Vice Principal

Advisory group for Research. - At least 40 students attend each event.

- Ran 3 events in total with the most recent

having over 55 in attendance. - Information collected on Postgraduates as

teachers, supervision and supervisors and the Students’ Union which is going to the next VP Advisory group for Research.

29


B. postgraduate students (continued)


B2 Postgraduate policy To develop policy that’s purpose is to directly benefit postgraduate students.

- At least two policies have been written and

passed by student council. - A mechanism has been put in place to

measure the impact of the policy over the coming months and years.

- Identified the need for a policy for flexible

payment for Postgrad students. - A policy is being developed and will go to the

February Student Council.

B3 Postgraduate section on the website To Union needs to ensure that information specific to students is available in accessible format online.

- A plan for the development of the

postgraduate section of the website is placed. - The postgraduate section is revamped and

regularly updated.

- The postgraduate section is regularly updated

with upcoming activities.

C. raising awareness


C1 NSS Question 23 To chair a group in the SU to look at how we can maximise our result to NSS question 23.

- The meetings take place once a month. - We are in the upper quartile of levels of

satisfaction in comparison to Unions around the country.

- The first meeting has taken place which has

led to better signage. - The next meeting is on Friday 10 Feb. - Need to produce a plan to ensure student

input into areas affected by the removal of the VP activities.

C2 Create a guide about the Union To improve the awareness of the role of the Union to academics, students and other bodies by creating a guide.

- It has been created before end of July 2012. - It has been distributed to all departments in

the college.

- A meeting has been planned with a University

staff member on the 5 March to determine what information the University staff need to know.

30


C. raising awareness


C3 Improving the awareness of the Sabbatical Trustee roles To actively publicise the role of the sabbatical trustees in the run up to the election and provide opportunity for all potential sabbatical candidates to meet with me to find out what the role is like.

- Five candidates stand for the position of

President. - I have had a one to one about my role with all

President Candidates.

- I have spoken to 5 students considering

running for the position of President. - I have spoken to one potential candidate for

the position of VP Welfare and one for VP Education.

- At least 5 of the students I have spoken to for the Student Council positions are planning on standing.

C4 Reports to Student Council It was identified through my PDR 360 (appraisal) that I need to make people more aware of what I am doing in my role as President

- To have submitted a report to every Student

Council from February 2012 on the work I have done since the last Council.

- Report to be found below.

D. in the higher education sector


D1 Unions 94 To take an active role in developing Unions 94 as a network so that QMSU can benefit from the work taking place in our mission group.

- My contribution has been deemed to be

integral to the success to Unions 94. - Unions 94 meet at least once a semester. - QMSU receives regular update on appropriate

topics for the benefit of our members.

- Elected as Chair of Unions94. - Second meeting to take place in York on 30

January. - I have helped plan the agenda with topics that

will benefit QMSU, including ‘How to engage hard to reach students in elections’, ‘Liberation’ and ‘WP in the Union’. I will provide an update after the event.

D2 Improving Quality Assurance in HE To take an active role in the QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY review that is taking place and ensure that it is working in the interest of QM students.

- I have consulted Queen Mary students about

relevant topics. - The research is taken to the Quality

Assurance Agency Sounding Board.

- I have attended and engaged with both Student Sounding Board meetings this semester, next meeting 2 March.

- Once the agenda is released I will theme a ‘GOAT’ topic around it to ensure QMSU student’s views are represented.

31


E. student charters

we will: we will have achieved this when: what we have done so far: N D

E1 To write a Student Charter To work with a team to develop the student charter.

- The first draft is completed by the end of Jan

2012. - Final Draft by April 2012.

- A first draft has been completed, and a format

has been agreed. - Commitment has been gained from the Vice

Principal for Teaching and Learning

E2 Consult students on the Charter To have appropriately consulted students and have the charter passed by Student Council.

- Consultation to take place by March 2012. - Passed by April 2012.

- A consultation process is being planned.

E3 Implement the Charter To have a campaign planned for the implementation of the charter with an accompanying website.

- Plan by July 2012. - Website by July 2012.

- No progress

additional information

The following is additional information regarding the work I have been doing in my role: J

- I attended College Council and presented both the Articles of Association and a report updating Council members on the work of the Union and key student issues. - I have met with students who have approached me to ask about elections and in particular the President role. - I have worked with staff members on developing the Complaints Bye-law and the Student Staff Protocol Bye-law. - I attended Ed Miliband's speech on the 10th January along with London Citizens and some Queen Mary students. - I welcomed Officers and staff members from Australia to QMSU and as well as showing them the campus and Union facilities, we also took the opportunity to share good

practice and compare and contrast the big campaigns we are facing. - The Executive Committee have spent time putting together a plan for this semester based on our Exec Action Plan to give us a clear set of tasks to do in order to fulfil our

plan points. - I led a workshop at a Partners in Quality event aimed at staff and academics from private and public Higher Education Institution, sharing QMSU's representational

structures and the ways in which students are involved and engaged in quality processes at Queen Mary. - I attended the Queen Mary Teaching and Learning Conference. - I have liaised with UCU and the Head of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences throughout the formal consultation process currently being carried out as part of

the restructure of the School. The threat of redundancy is very real and I have organised an open meeting for students of the School to have their questions answered by the Head of the School during the consultation period.

- I took part in a workshop with postgraduate CAP students, encouraging them to think about teaching in the new era and beyond. The session proved very useful for the participants as part of their training course. I also found it to be a good way of engaging with the new teachers in the University and from a student perspective it was a good opportunity to challenge the way the staff think about teaching.

32


additional information (continued)


- I attended compulsory health and safety and risk assessment training. - I have chaired the Board of Trustees meeting. - I met with students on a number of occasions involved in the recent incident that took place at a QMSU society event. I also had to deal with press and release a

statement regarding the incident - I attended the NUS Postgraduate Information, Advice and Guidance session in order to gain ideas and examples of good practice from other Unions on the best way to

inform Postgrads about services and facilities both in the Union and the University.

33


A. creating sustainable media

I will: I will have achieved this when: what I have done so far: N D

A1 Staff support Ensure that there is staff support in place for media for the 2012/13 academic year onwards and a handover has taken place.

- A staff job description is written including

support for media by January 2011. - The staff member has been appointed before

the beginning of July 2012.

- Submitted to the Chief Executive a list of

activities the staff member will need to complete.

A2 Regulations To have created regulations that provide clear direction for media, both where it is going and also about how it is run. The relationship between the Union and media will be clearly defined.

- The aims and purpose has been clearly

defined by end of November 2011. - The terms of reference and a Service Level

Agreement has been written by January 2011. - All documents passed through Council and the

Board of Trustees.

- A draft interim agreement is going to the Board

of Trustees.

A3 Running successful elections To ensure the success of media successful elections need to be run finding the editors for next year. The elected then need productive handovers.

- All positions are contested. - Handovers are planned and delivered.

- Not till the exam period.

A4 Funding Funding is achieved for the next year through the Union and additional sources.

- Three funding bids have been submitted and

two are successful. - £5,000 additional funding secured. - The Union budget is submitted and approved.

- On-going.

34


B. making an accountable executive officer team


B1 Sabbatical Question Time To provide an opportunity for students to come and hear what the Executive Officer team have been working on and ask questions.

- At least one Sabbatical Question Time has

been run a semester. - At least 50 students turn up to each event.

- One in Semester A with 21 students attending. - Date planned for Semester 2.

B2 Sabbatical drop ins To ensure that sabbatical officers are in a location on campus every two weeks providing a drop in opportunity for students to talk direct to the sabbaticals.

- They take place every fortnight - Appropriate places for the drop ins to take

place are located on both campuses. - At least three sabbatical officers attend each

drop in.

- To be reviewed as it is not taking place.

B3 Fees and cuts The sabbatical trustees are mandated to work on the fees and cuts campaign through policy set at Union Council, so we therefor need to be accountable for our work on the Unions major campaign.

- At least three sabbatical officers attend all the

fees and cuts meetings. - A sabbatical officer speaks/presents at every

meeting - A briefing updating students on the progress

on fees and cuts it produces once a semester.

- Only two attended first meeting. - I spoke on behalf of the Executive Officers. - Going to be working on a briefing to go out

early Jan.

C. social outreach


C1 Volunteers Identify and train at least five Queen Mary students to go into schools and help set up a newspaper.

- All students have been identified by the end of

November 2011. - All students have been trained by the end of

December 2011.

- Lack of commitment from Media. - 5 volunteers found. - To be discussed at the next Executive

Committee.

C2 Location for the project Identify a school to run the project in and set up an agreement between the Union and the School.

- A school has been identified by end of

November 2011. - An agreement has been put in place by end of

December 11.

- School identified as the Jack Petchey

academy. - An informal agreement/commitment is in

place.

35


C. social outreach (continued)


C3 Running the project To run a successful project in a school between Jan and March that supports pupils in setting up their own newspaper.

- Queen Mary students go into the school for a

10 week project. - The school has a newspaper up and running.

- Semester 2

D. community radio


D1 Identifying the need Meet with local organisations to identify if there is a demand for local radio and what they would want from it.

- When enough evidence has been collected to

fill in the application form. - A minimum of five organisations have been

contacted.

- No progress

D2 Completing the process To complete the application process to apply for a community radio station.

- To have completed the application and sent it

before the end of my term of office.

- No progress

36


A. societies

I will: I will have achieved this when: what I have done so far: D J

A1 Societies Strategy To create a societies strategy that identifies a clear route for development over the next three years.

- A strategy has been passed by May 2012.

- Identified the three key themes. - The draft is on-going.

A2 Regulations To have reviewed the societies regulations and split them from sport taking into account areas needed for development.

- New regulations are passed at the March 2012

Board of Trustees.

- The draft is 1/3 completed. - The regulations are being split from sport. - Decision to reduce subs to £1 has been

agreed by the advisory board. - Creating a rolling grant application process. - Sections on external speakers and elections

have been written

A3 Representation A clearly defined representation structure is in place for societies and meetings take place.

- Meetings take place at least twice a term.

- Two meetings have now taken place with a

great attendance and valuable contributions from the representatives.

A4 Supporting societies To work towards creating supported well developed societies through training, resources and development plans.

- At least 4 different training sessions have been

planned and run throughout the year. - At least 6 new ‘How To’ documents have been

created and made available online. - 20 societies have development plans.

- Training already delivered; Induction, Finance

& Events, Web. - The Handbook is complete, subsection need

to be done for hoe to guides. - At least 20 societies have draft development

plans

37


B. mayoral elections


B1 Student Manifesto To take an active role in the development of a London wide student manifesto and lead on creating a QMSU specific manifesto through consulting the student body for the Mayoral Elections.

- I attend the London meeting and a London

Wide manifesto is completed by the end of November 2011.

- A launch activity is planned and takes place to launch the Queen Mary Student Manifesto.

- Attended meetings and manifesto has been

written. - Launch date set for mid-February. - Question Tim event planned for March 15 at

ULU.

B2 Lobbying the candidates To lobby the candidates and ask for them to pledge there support to the London wide and the QMSU manifesto. Also to invite local candidates to campus for an event and encourage students to attend the ULU Question Time.

- All candidates have been contacted by the

end of February 2012. - A response is received from at least half of all

the candidates and at least one candidate pledges to support either/both of the manifestos.

- Meetings are held with at least three local candidates.

- 25 Queen Mary students attend the London Student Question Time.

- Chaired a Q&A session with Ken Livingstone. - Liberal Democrat and Conservative candidate

have been contacted about options of running similar events on campus.

B3 Getting students to vote To work with the local council to get a polling station on campus and maximise the student involvement rate in the election.

- The local council has been contacted before

the end of November 2011 about getting a polling station on campus.

- A campaign is plan and carried out promoting the election to students.

- A website is being created to promote the

manifesto and encourage students to vote. - Tower Hamlets electoral commission have

agree to have a day of voting on campus and three days of getting students to register to vote.

C. sport


C1 Regulations To have reviewed the sports regulations and split them from societies taking into account areas needed for development.

- New regulations are passed at the March 12

Board of Trustees.

- Coaching section has been written. - A section on disciplinary has been created - Subs have been revised.

38


C. sport


C2 Representation A clearly defined representation structure is in place for sport and meetings take place.

- Meetings take place at least twice a semester.

- 2 meetings took place in semester 1.

C3 Focus sport A tiered structure for sport is developed with opportunities for widening participation.

- A tiered structure of sport is developed - A policy is developed for a scholarship

programme to widening participation in sport at elite levels.

- Discussions are taking place and the focus

sports have been picked. - No progress on WP.

D. flagship events


D1 Partner led events To develop a pilot project for students running events with the Union Events Manager.

- A process is developed. - A pilot project is delivered in semester two.

- A process was developed and students could

apply. - First event has been picked and will be run in

February.

D2 Colours and Honours To develop a process for deciding the awards and an event(s) to award students involved in sports, societies and volunteering.

- An award structure has been identified by

January 2012. - Event are planned and take place.

- The event is being split. - Award progress identified for Awards and

Honours and nominations now open. - Events have been publicised and tickets are

on sale.

D3 Societies flagship event To work with societies to develop an event that showcases what they do.

- A business case is developed and a

collaboration project is planned.

- International event has 13 societies signed up

to take part.

39


E. improving finance processes


E1 Going online To move to a system where forms including expenses, claims etc. can be submitted online.

- It is made available online to submit at least

two finance forms.

- The plan has been written. - Online account system designed for

consultation.

E2 Immediate access to their funds To work towards identifying a process where students can have immediate access to the funds in there account preventing them from having to use their own money.

- A meeting takes place with the finance

department and the option is explored and outcomes followed up.

- Meeting booked in with Finance for January.

E3 Risk To reduce the risk involved in finance a risk register needs be created and a system which prompts staff and students when actions need to take place is introduced.

- A risk registered is created by July 12. - A prompt system is explored and actions take

place by July 12.

- Ongoing

F. halls reps


F1 Create a plan To develop a plan for implementing a halls rep system at Queen Mary.

- Plan to be produced by Jan ‘12.

- A plan has been written - Resources identified

F2 Get agreement To work with the College to get agreement to the plan and make appropriate amendments.

- To be agreed by Jan ‘12.

- Meeting booked for the 25

th Jan to gain

commitment.

F3 Identify resources Identify staff and officer support for the process and its development for 2012/13.

- Staff and Officer support identified by July 12’.

- Ongoing.

40


additional information


- I chaired the BUCS London Regional meeting discussing matters and feeding back on BUCS’ proposals for a new regional competition structure, a new sport criteria, and

a Disability Sport Strategy. We also discussed the proposal from Imperial College for a London Universities Sports League (LUSL) - a London wide league due to be launched for next academic year designed to cater for all students wanting to play competitively in the London region in whatever team make-up they choose to enter.

- I attended the Teaching Rooms User Group relaying student issues about booking rooms in light of the proposals from the College to develop a new system. - I attended Health & Safety Management Groups for both HSS and SE departments. - I worked with staff and our external consultant on a Sports Project Initiation Bid that went to the College’s Estates Project Board. £65k has been set aside for a feasibility

study and to provide an interim solution the facility shortfall by converting existing office space to extra activity space. - I have responded to incidents with students’ room bookings and put in place the appropriate meetings to manage risk and negotiate the College’s policy on room booking

procedures.

41

6.0 Formalising the Executive Committee

Proposer: Sophie Richardson (President) Seconder: Dominic Bell (Vice President Student Activities) QMSU notes:

1. That within our new Articles of Association that will take effect on the 1st August 2012 the Union has an Executive Committee.

2. The Executive Committee compromises of the Executive Officers (Sabbatical Trustees). 3. The Articles of Association state that the responsibilities of the Executive Committee include

the implementation of policy, representation and campaigning work and should meet in accordance with the Bye-Laws.

4. The Union needs a Bye-Law on the Executive Committee. QMSU believes:

1. The Executive Committee require a clearly defined remit and terms of reference. QMSU resolves:

1. To recommend the following Bye-Law for the approval of the Board of Trustees.

42

Bye-Law

The Executive Committee

1. Constitution The Student Council has established a Committee of the Student Council known as the Executive Committee. 2. Membership The Chair of the Committee shall be the President. There shall be four members;

(i) the President;

(ii) the Vice President Education;

(iii) the Vice President Welfare; and

(iv) the Vice President Barts and The London.

A quorum shall be three of the Executive Officer positions.

The Committee shall include additional members and support as appropriate to meet the needs of the Committee with the approval of the Student Council.

3. Attendance at Meetings

In normal circumstances only the members shall attend meetings. Other Students’ Union or University staff may be invited by the Chair to attend for those items where business relevant to their responsibilities is to be discussed.

4. Frequency of Meetings Meetings shall normally be held once every week throughout the year. A period of no longer than two weeks shall pass between meetings. 5. Authority

The Committee is authorised by the Student Council to take decisions on issues in line with its terms of reference. It is not authorised to make decisions on those issues, which are properly the responsibility of the full Student Council or other Committees of the Student Council as set out in their respective terms of reference.

The Committee has the authority to create Sub Committees, Forums and Working Groups. These Committees shall meet in line with their respective terms of reference. The Committee shall conduct its business in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Queen Mary Students’ Union and its Bye-Laws.

6. Duties The duties of the Committee shall be:

(i) To determine appropriate action to implement policy set by Student Council.

(ii) To review and update the Executive Action Plan.

43

(iii) To identify student issues and determine a course of action to be taken in response of the issues identified.

(iv) To consult with the Members of the Union. (v) To examine, review and act upon other matters relating to the student experience at

the Queen Mary, University of London which is either not covered by the Zones or requires the attention of the full Executive Committee.

(vi) To periodically monitor, review and lead on the strategic plan.

7. Reporting Procedures

Notes recording decisions and actions of The Executive Committee will be circulated to all Committee members and relevant staff. The notes will also be submitted to the next Student Council.

8. Clerking Arrangements

The Clerk to the Executive Committee will be the Vice President Education, or in their absence one of the other Vice Presidents.

44

7.0 Opening up workspace for students during the Examination Period

Proposer: Raj S. Dattani (Biomedical Sciences Year 2) Seconder: Faria Fahjiba (Biomedical Sciences Year 2) QMSU notes:

1. That work space during the Examination Period is primarily provided by the Library and its associated workspaces.

2. That these spaces are normally operating at full capacity during the Examination Period. 3. The will of Student Council in rejecting a motion to alleviate this problem through opening the

Postgraduate Research Library Reading Room to undergraduate students. 4. That alternative options include utilising The Hive 24/7 and/or to open rooms within the

Bancroft Building. 5. That the basement of West Smithfield Library is open 24/7.

QMSU believes:

1. In taking action to alleviate this problem in order to provide a better student experience 2. That the Sabbatical Team should liaise with appropriate authorities (QMSE, The Library) in

order to open up spaces for students to work in during the Examination Period. 3. That a motion passed in Student Council would resemble the will of the student body to tackle

this problem, and further provides the Sabbatical Team with a mandate to raise this with QMSE.

4. That the option of opening The Hive 24/7 should be looked into, as similar facilities are provided 24/7 (without staffing) in the basement of West Smithfield Library, in order to provide extra capacity during night time hours.

5. That the option of opening and designating particular rooms in the Bancroft Building for student workspace should be looked into so as to providing extra capacity during day time hours.

QMSU resolves:

1. To urge and mandate the Sabbatical Team to take steps to address this problem. 2. That the Sabbatical Team should be expedite this campaign with urgency so that this matter

can be resolved by the forthcoming Examination Period.

45

8.0 Staffing at the Griffinn Post-refurbishment.

Proposer: Jeeves Wijesuriya (Vice President London) Seconder: Richard Donovan (SSLC Representative) QMSU notes:

1. The refurbishment of the Griffinn. 2. The atmosphere of community at the Whitechapel campus and its venue, the Griffinn. 3. The different and content-heavy timetables of medical and dental students 4. The detrimental effect these demanding timetables can have on their availability to work part-

time. QMSU believes:

1. This atmosphere of community is integral to its students’ satisfaction. 2. That employment policy is integral to the satisfaction of students on the campus. 3. That by having a larger pool of employees reduces the demand on individual employees to

work more shifts particularly during exams, and out-firms and allow greater flexibility. QMSU resolves:

1. To encourage commercial services to change staffing policy at the Griffinn 2. To positively discriminate in staffing the Griffinn with medical and dental student staff. 3. To recruit a larger employment pool of medical and dental students be used for staff selection

at the Griffinn and, therefore, enable more flexibility amongst rotas.

46

9.0 Sports Representation at Barts and The London

Proposer: Jeeves Wijesuriya (Vice President London) Seconder: Tim Foster (Clubs and Societies Officer) QMSU notes:

1. The recent changes to sports and societies representation structure at QMSU. 2. The creating of representative posts to enable wider consultation with clubs and societies. 3. The continuing high attendance at Whitechapel Campus GCM’s which formerly fulfilled this

purpose for Whitechapel students, clubs and societies. QMSU believes:

1. GCM’s at Whitechapel are both an effective and pragmatic method of achieving wide and representative consultation and informing the student body

2. The newly formed sports strategy working group is the most pragmatic and effective method of consulting and informing Mile End societies.

QMSU resolves:

1. A structure reorganisation: (i) Recognising the GCM of Whitechapel campus as the representative voice of

Whitechapel sports clubs and societies. (ii) To the sports strategy working group which would therefore represent Mile End.

2. GCM’s at Whitechapel be made equivalent to this board of representatives from Mile End campus.

3. Consultation of sports clubs on all sports policy and strategy be done equally at both boards to achieve wider effective consultation at both campuses.

47

10.0 Student Area in The Shield

Proposer: Jeeves Wijesuriya (Vice President London) Seconder: Jon Cramphorn (Vice President Barts) QMSU notes:

1. The new Shield café/bar venue at Barts campus

2. The ‘no outside food’ policy currently imposed on students but not research staff

3. The back room section of the Shield reserved for venue hire, largely unused during the day

QMSU believes:

1. The success of the Shield depends on student use of the facility

2. That students on campus should be provided somewhere to eat their own lunch particularly in

the winter when the green is not a hospitable environment

QMSU resolves:

1. To provide this back room space wherever possible for students to eat their lunch

2. To leave some tables set up for students use during the lunch time period

3. To create a universal set of rules applicable to all consumers

48

11.0 Hot Desking of Student Councillors in the Student Union Office

Proposer: Wilson Wong (Societies Officer) Seconder: Dominic Bell (Vice President Activities) QMSU notes:

1. A computer station has become available in the Student Union Office. QMSU believes:

1. Student Councillors should be easily contactable by the group of students whom they represent.

QMSU resolves:

1. The computer station should be made available to any student councillor who is interested in having open office hours to help perform their duties. This would be bookable on a first come, first serve basis.

49

12.0 Representation at upcoming SBCS meeting

Proposer: Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer (Mile End)) Seconder: Chris Smith (Student Representative) QMSU notes:

1. There will be a meeting on 1st February 2012 to discuss redundancies and cuts proposed to the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

2. This open meeting will involve students and staff members. QMSU believes:

1. In situations like this it is imperative that QMSU representatives attend and ensure they are as informed as possible so they may act in the best interests of students.

2. The President and the Vice President of Education and Welfare should be central to these discussions.

QMSU resolves:

1. To mandate the President and Vice President Education and Welfare to attend this meeting.

50

13.0 Striving for a bolder future for QMSU online

Proposer: Ozzy Amir – Campaigns Officer (Mile End) Seconder: Chris Smith – Student Representative

QMSU notes:

1. QMSU’s website www.qmsu.org is the official home of QMSU online. 2. The website provides key information to students regarding their union, including events and

campaigns and payments for membership services. 3. The website forms a key part of QMSU’s public image.

QMSU believes: 1. With an overwhelming large proportion of our students online, it is imperative that the website

forms an integral part of the Union’s approach when communicating with its membership. 2. With increasing ownership of internet enabled smart phones, the rise of ever prominent

mobile media provides an exciting new outlet for QMSU to reach it’s membership. 3. There has not been an extensive survey and review of the website to date. 4. Consistently evaluating the effectiveness of the means by which QMSU engages with its

membership can only drive up standards and increase engagement with the Union. 5. The website is currently difficult to navigate, and in comparison to other student union

websites, out-dated. 6. A wide spread survey and review needs to be conducted to confirm these findings and judge

how best a website can suit the members of QMSU.

QMSU resolves:

1. For the proposers and seconders of this motion to work with a sabbatical officer and relevant members of staff to conduct a full-scale review of the website, both online and offline.

2. That this review will involve conducting a campus wide survey of students judging the website on criteria determined by the above group of individuals as well as the standards that websites are judged by according to the webby awards.

3. To ensure that by the next scheduled council meeting in March, the results of all this research and consultation is presented in a report to student council with plans in place to implement improvements to the website with immediate effect.

51

14.0 The Publication of Executive Officer Calendars

Proposer: Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer (Mile End)) Seconder: Edoardo Palombo (Welfare Officer) QMSU notes:

1. The Union spends approximately £150,000 a year for Executive Officers (this includes salaries, staff costs, training, HR etc)

2. Those executive officers are mandated by policy formed as a result of the various democratic structures of QMSU.

3. Part of the job of Student Council is to hold these executive officers to account. QMSU believes:

1. Last semester, some students experienced difficulties when trying to get in touch with Executive Officers.

2. The reasons cited were at times unsatisfactory or unhelpful. 3. It is in the interest of the Student Council and the Union as a whole to fully understand how

Executive Officers manage their time. 4. Considering the proportion of Union funding that goes into paying Executive Officers, it is

prudent for Student Council to be able to raise concerns if they believe Executive Officers are spending their time ineffectively or in their own interests over and above those of QMSU.

5. Allowing Student Council access to the calendars of Executive Officers makes it easier to hold them to account.

QMSU resolves:

1. To allow student council to electronically access up-to-date information about the schedules of their Executive Officers for them to scrutinise at their leisure and ensure trustees are working in the interests of students and not just their own.

2. This includes, but is not limited to, the previous semester’s calendars. 3. For the above to be enacted immediately, with the relevant authorisations passed onto all

student counsellors as soon as possible. 4. For hard copies of the calendars to be made available to those counsellors who request it. 5. For the VP Education and Welfare to look into a real life display that Executive Officers can

physically update to display their availabilities and to present a proposal for this at the next student council meeting.

52

15.0 The Union Budget made simple

Proposer: Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer (Mile End)) Seconder: Oscar Williamson (Vice President Education and Welfare) QMSU notes:

1. The total expenditure of QMSU in the year 2009/10 was £3,798,111. 2. Where this money goes shapes how QMSU functions over the course of the year and has a

profound impact on its strengths and priorities. 3. Information about how QMSU spends its money is either difficult to locate, understand,

incorrect, or out of date. 4. We note that some things are sensitive for commercial or other reasons.

QMSU believes:

1. The biggest barrier to any new project is often a lack of funds. 2. An understanding of the financial realities of QMSU will lead to a better-informed Student

Council and better-informed policy making. 3. While certain councillors have allocated budgets for use as per their job descriptions, the

spending of a large majority of funds is usually decided independent of any democratic process.

4. Though the financial and practical realities of such an arrangement may be understandable, detailed and easily accessible information on how QMSU spends its money should be made available for Student Council and the wider student population to view.

5. It is only when this information is made accessible and public that Student Council and the wider student population can scrutinise the allocation of funds and see if money is being spent according to the priorities of the students.

6. The publication of an easy to understand budget for the wider student population is long overdue.

QMSU resolves:

1. To mandate QMSU to publish the entire budget of QMSU for the year 2011/2012 and every year thereafter.

2. That this publication be formatted in such a way to allow the information contained within to be easily understandable by those students unfamiliar with complicated budgets.

3. That the publication be broken down into various sections that outline what proportion of the overall budget is spent is which area of QMSU.

4. To ensure that this information is accurate and up to date. 5. Some of the breakdowns in the budgets should include, but not be limited to, areas such as:

(i) The cost of the Course Rep scheme with full break down of every cost from time and money spent promoting the scheme down to the costs of t-shirts and pens.

(ii) The full financial reports relating to Ground including profit margins on the items sold there and how much money it brings to the Union.

(iii) How much money QMSU spends promoting non-commercial events such as UGMs, Student Council and other membership based services such as sports clubs and society funding.

(iv) How much money is spent on Drapers every year with breakdowns detailing: (v) Cost of upkeep and running the establishment (vi) The cost of promotions for the establishment including the amount of money spent on

promotions which itself includes breakdowns in costs of printing promotions, time spent by staff designing said flyers and the total amount of revenue it brings in.

(vii) Breakdowns of how much individual clubs and societies spend as an overall percentage of the Union budget.

6. For this and all other data to be displayed in such a way that makes comparisons easy, for example through the use of graphs and pie charts to visually demonstrate the allocation of funds.

7. For a few examples of these comparisons to be:

53

(i) Between the commercial and membership sides of the union. (ii) Between all the different campaigns the Union has run this year. (iii) Between the various commercial venues themselves

8. That all the above be completed and within 30 days of the passing of this motion. 9. For it to be available online. 10. To be available in hardcopy for those counsellors who request it. 11. In the event of a commercial concern (or other justification), data may be presented in a

redacted form, on the condition that such a decision is fully justified in an accompanying explanation.

54

16.0 Respecting Democracy

Proposer: Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer (Mile End)) Seconder: Jeeves Wijesuriya (Vice President London) QMSU notes:

1. That QMSU has stringent regulations regarding the proper procedures being followed during the elections.

2. This Union is committed to the principle of full democracy, advocating the right for any member of QMSU to stand for a position in a free and open election.

3. Current election byelaws neither prohibit nor allow Sabbatical Officers to campaign for other candidates.

QMSU believes:

1. Sabbatical officers, as figureheads of the Union, should take the lead in respecting and upholding the democratic principles of QMSU.

2. Sabbatical officers have great influence by virtue of their positions over other students. 3. That as prominent members of the Union, Sabbatical Officers can influence election results

depending on whom they endorse. 4. This runs the risk of elections being skewed so that students not in particular circles, or

candidates not as heavily involved in particular areas within QMSU, are at a disadvantage, thereby undermining the concept of a fair election open to all.

5. This also exacerbates the concerns that student politics, and involvement within the Union in general, is restricted to certain cliques.

QMSU resolves:

1. Add the following clause to the bye-laws: “5.1.9 Executive officers not running in the elections cannot campaign or endorse any candidate or slate nor publicly express a preference for any policies put forward by any candidates.”

2. In the interim period, between the passing of this motion into policy and approval of this amendment to the Bye-Laws, mandate the Sabbatical Officers to sign an agreement explicitly stating that they will not favour or endorse publicly or campaign in these elections for any candidate or candidates nor will they publicly express a preference for any policies put forward by any candidates.

3. This agreement will be signed immediately after the passing of this motion. 4. This agreement will read:

“I, <Name>, agree that I will not use my role as <Title> to campaign for or publicly endorse any candidate or candidates running in QMSU elections for 2012/13. Nor will I publicly express a preference for any policies put forward by any candidate or slate. I accept that failure to do so may result in a vote of no confidence from Student Council. Signed, <Signature>

55

17.0 Ensuring the Election of Students to the Barts and The London Board is fair

Proposer: George Ryan (Vice President Association/BLSA President) Seconder: Andy Smith (Student Representative (Barts and The London)) QMSU notes:

1. That the Barts and The London Students Association will have a Barts and The London Board to which only Barts and The London students can be elected in the academic year 2012/13.

2. The Barts and The London Board can create additional positions for the benefit of its members to sit on the Board.

3. The existing Barts and The London Board (Whitechapel Board) has voted to add five additional positions to its Board to be elected in the election to which nominations opened on Monday 9th January, including:

(i) Entertainments Officer (2 positions) (ii) External Affairs Officer (iii) Alumni Officer (iv) Secretary

4. The Union currently has an approved Election Bye-Law which does not explicitly cover the election of positions to the Barts and The London Board.

QMSU believes:

1. That the election of any position to the Barts and The London should be fair. QMSU resolves:

1. That the election of the five additional positions to the Barts and The London Board must follow the approved Election Bye-Law.

56

18.0 External Speaker Interim Policy

Proposer: Dominic Bell (Vice President Student Activities) Seconder: TBC QMSU notes:

1. Several students and the external speaker invited to QM Atheist Society’s event, ‘Sharia Law and Human Rights’, were aggrieved by an individual who threatened their lives and their families’ lives.

2. The event was subsequently cancelled there and then. 3. As a registered charity, QMSU is responsible for managing the risks of its events.

QMSU believes:

1. Safety and security of our students, staff, and guests is of utmost importance. 2. Students and guests should be allowed to speak freely on and off campus at our students’

events within the confines of UK and EU law without fearing for their safety and security. 3. While the response time from the College’s Security services was fast (approx. 3 minutes) the

quality was inadequate. QMSU resolves:

1. To adopt the ‘External Speaker Policy’ until such time that QMSU’s Board of Trustees passes a bye-law.

2. To use this policy as a basis for the bye-law. 3. To pressure the College to ensure Security staff are trained and briefed to deal with issues of

conflict.

57

External Speakers Policy January 2012

1.0. Preamble

1.1 Freedom of expression and speech are basic human rights to be protected and are protected

by law.

1.2 Open debate is central to the culture of academic freedom, the development of students’

ideas and understanding and is protected by an act of parliament relating to freedom of

speech and academic freedom on campus.

1.3 Student safety and welfare is at the heart of the Union’s policies and practices.

1.4 The freedom to express views can sometimes be tempered by the need to secure freedom

from harm for students and communities.

1.5 Where there is potential for these rights to come into conflict in relation to controversial

speakers, this Union is committed to collaboration that will allow the Union to reach sound,

evidenced judgements about the organisation or person in question and that allows the Union

to meet its various legal obligations.

1.6 An external speaker refers to any person or organisation that is not part of QMSU or Queen

Mary, University of London, invited to speak at any of QMSU’s events.

1.7 All speakers will be made aware of their responsibility to abide by the law, the College and the

Union’s various policies, including that:

(i) They must not incite hatred, violence or call for the breaking of the law.

(ii) They are not permitted to encourage, glorify or promote any acts of terrorism

including individuals, groups or organisations that support such acts.

(iii) They must not spread hatred and intolerance in the community and thus aid in

disrupting social and community harmony.

(iv) Within a framework of positive debate and challenge seek to avoid insulting other

faiths and groups.

(v) They are not permitted to raise and gather funds for any external organisation or

cause without express permission of the trustees

1.8 Student groups affiliated to the Union must notify the Union of any events on or off campus

that involve external speakers through these procedures.

1.9 No event involving any external speakers will be publicised by QMSU until the speaker has

been cleared through the appropriate procedures as provided in this policy.

1.10 The Union reserves the right to cancel or prohibit any event with an external speaker if the

procedures provided herein are not followed or if the relevant health, safety and security

criteria cannot be met.

1.11 The Union will provide easily attainable and up-to-date information for students on how to

reduce and manage risk for their events.

58

2.0 Initial process

2.1 The Union requires event organisers to provide:

(i) Organiser’s name and contact details

(ii) The name of the society or group the booking is for

(iii) Expected number of attendees

(iv) Confirm whether the intention is to have the event as member only, invitation only

event, open to all students at this College, open to all ULU students, or open to the

general public

(v) Confirm any external speakers’ affiliations (specifically where they are political or

religious)

(vi) Declare any knowledge of controversy attracted by the speaker or topic in the past

(vii) Confirm if the event and speaker are likely to attract media interest – if so why?

(viii) Confirm website details providing further information on the speaker

2.2 Any failure to disclose the details in 2.1 may result in an event/booking being postponed or

cancelled and could result in suspension or disaffiliation of the student group or referral for

Union disciplinary action.

2.3 On receipt of the form the student activities staff will perform a risk assessment.

2.4 The student activities staff will receive regular training and briefing on controversial speakers

and will liaise closely with student groups and University security to manage any risk.

2.5 They will refer any speakers that may require further exploration to a Full-time Officer or the

Student Voice and Development Manager. They will provide the most relevant information for

any speakers that are a cause for concern. All others will be considered approved.

3. Referred Speakers

3.1 Any events with referred speakers will be investigated by a senior member of staff designated

by the Chief Executive Officer for decision by an Executive Officer on behalf of the Trustee

Board.

3.2 They will conduct a short investigation into the speaker and the event that takes

representations from the student society related to the booking and from a number of

concerned groups, university officials and external bodies.

3.3 In making recommendations they will assess the risk on the following basis:

(i) The potential for any decision to limit freedom of speech as per the College’s code of

practice in pursuance of the 1986 Education Act.

(ii) The potential for the event going ahead to cause the Union to be in breach of its

Equality and Diversity policy.

59

(iii) The potential for the event going ahead to cause the Union to fail in its wider legal

duties.

(iv) The potential for the event going ahead to cause reputational risk to the Union.

(v) The potential for the speaker’s presence on campus to cause fear or alarm to

members of the student body.

(vi) The potential for the speaker’s presence on campus to give rise to breach of peace

3.4 They may make one of the following recommendations:

(i) On the basis of the risks presented not to permit the event with the external speaker

to go ahead

(ii) On the basis of the risks presented to fully permit the event with the external speaker

to go ahead unrestricted

(iii) On the basis of the risks presented to permit the event to go ahead with the external

speaker on the basis of the regulatory steps designed to reduce risk

3.5 When considering any steps designed to reduce risk, their potential to in and of themselves

cause risk should be taken into account.

3.6 The recommendation will be put to the relevant Executive Officer who will make a decision

that is routinely communicated to the Trustee Board. Where members of the Trustee Board

disagree with the decision they can call an extraordinary meeting in the usual way.

3.7 Where the society in question disagrees with the decision made they shall have the right to

appeal which will be considered by the President

3.8 Where students or student groups disagree with the decision made they shall have the right

to submit a complaint as stipulated in QMSU’s Complaints bye-law, a remedy to which shall

be the option to consider the complaint an appeal as above.

3.9 An appeal report on referred speakers will be produced by the relevant Executive Officer for

consideration by the Trustee Board.

4.0 Approved Events

4.1 Once approved, events will be monitored closely by QMSU to manage any risk.

4.2 QMSU will communicate and manage the risk with the relevant students and the College

where appropriate.

4.3 The students organising the event have a duty to inform QMSU of any new undisclosed risk

that has come to their attention in the lead up to the event.

60

19.0 QMSU support for a London wide student manifesto and campaign on the London Mayoral and GLA Elections

Proposer: Ozzy Amir (Campaigns Officer (Mile End)) Seconder: Dominic Bell (Vice President Student Activities) QMSU notes:

1. Students’ Unions across London have been drafting a manifesto for the London Mayor and GLA candidates to respond to student issues since September 2011.

2. The manifesto will be made public in mid-February 2012 3. ULU will be hosting a Mayoral Hustings in March 2012

QMSU believes:

1. This manifesto poses a number (not all) of highly important students’ issues which the London Mayor and GLA can support, improve and/or resolve.

2. The number of Students’ Unions and students in support of this manifesto is extremely important in influencing politicians, external organisations and the public and building student voice across London.

3. The manifesto and the campaign will be an extremely useful tool in getting students to vote in the London Mayoral and GLA elections.

QMSU resolves:

1. To support the demands made in the manifesto. 2. To actively support the campaign led by London based Students’ Unions. 3. To back-up the London wide campaign with local action.

61

London Student Manifesto 2012

Crime

Demand: ‘Involve students in decisions about policing student activities and events.’

Problem: Recent policing decisions made and the tactics used by the Metropolitan Police have severely damaged the Police’s relationship with students.

Solution: The Police should engage with students and their representatives when making the decisions around policing student activities and events. A senior Metropolitan Police official should have responsibility for improving the Police’s relationship with London’s students.

Demand: ‘Review extensively the Government’s Prevent Strategy to be called.’

Problem: The measures in the Prevent Strategy to tackle terrorism and extremism in Universities and Colleges are unhelpful, inflammatory and discriminatory.

Solution: A wide-scale review of the Prevent strategy should be called, that will radically alter how countering terrorism and extremism in Universities and Colleges is approached with more effective results.

Demand: ‘We want a city-wide police strategy for crime prevention and student safety.’

Problem: Criminals perceive students as easy targets with student loans and the latest technology. Students have a wide range of backgrounds and are often subjects of abuse. Many students are also new to London and the UK and are unused to securing their property.

Solution: Creation and implementation of a comprehensive strategy drawn up after consultation with Students’ Unions tackling crimes effecting students.

Transport

Demand: ‘Discount on pay as you go and all travel cards for students traveling in London by 30%.’

Problem: Travel costs can be a significant expense for students. Weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards are not cost effective and do not reflect students’ timetables or frequency of journeys.

Solution: Discounting pay as you go travel will fairly alleviate the costs of studying in London for all students.

Demand: ‘Improve cycling provision for students.’

62

Problem: The cycle hire scheme is limited to particular areas in central London. There are few provisions outside Zone 1, especially in South London. There is a lack of cycle racks and the cycle hire scheme in areas with high numbers of students.

Solution: Put cycle hire scheme racks and lanes in densely populated student areas and extend it out further.

Housing and Living

Demand: ‘We want the London Assembly to investigate the poor conditions of student housing’

Problem: A whole list of issues including the lack of consistency in standards, rising costs, the hazards of discrimination, extortion on deposits, and restrictions on who can be a guarantor for international students.

Solution: An investigation with a view to potentially create a charter between students and landlords.

Demand: ‘We want a maintenance allowance that accurately reflects the costs of being a student in London.’

Problem: The cost of living in London and away from home in comparison with the rest of the country is high and students in London are more and more often having to subsist by finding part-time work.

Solution: Lobby Student Finance to review and increase maintenance loans to better reflect living costs.

Employment

Demand: ‘We want internship opportunities to be paid.’

Problem: Employers can get away with not paying interns because the law is not adequately enforced.

Solution: As a reward for employers who pay internships a fair wage the Mayor should create an accreditation list. An opposing list should be created for those who don’t pay interns fairly.

Demand: ‘We want public opposition to damaging restrictions imposed on international students’ visas.’

Problem: The Home Office’s new rules on international students’ visas are too strict and unreasonable. The management is discouraging international students’ applications to our institutions and is harming London’s competiveness as a centre for higher education and economic growth.

Solution: The harsh restrictions should be opposed and publicly denounced as detrimental to London’s economy and not in the interests of our competitiveness as part of a globalised economy.

31.01.2012 Agenda

Documents

Transcript of 31.01.2012 Agenda