Elected Student Officer

Elected Student OfficersElected Role 12month position(Full-time paid) - £23,914Hours: 36.5 Hours per weekBased: AberdeenNominations Close: Friday 27th February2026, 5pmAberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) is a registered Scottish Charity, No. SC03797112Table ofContentsABOUT US0304060808091011BECOMING A TRUSTEESTUDENT PREISDENTVICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNITIESCOULD YOU BE ONE OF OUR FUTUREELECTED STUDENT OFFICERS?ROLE DESCRIPTIONSVICE PRESIDENT FOR ACTIVITIESVICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATIONIF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYOF THE ROLES OF THE ELECTIONS PROCESS,DON’T HESITATE TO REACH OUT TOELECTIONS@ABDN.AC.UK12VICE PRESIDENT FOR WELFAREAberdeen University Students' Association is a student-run organisation that supports,empowers, and represents all students at the University of Aberdeen. You might haveheard of it referred to as the "Students’ Union" – that's us! When you join the University,you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union and can access all theservices and events we offer. The Students’ Union is led by five elected full-time officers. While they work as a team,each has a specific focus to represent andsupport students in different areas. They also work together to bring positive changesat the University and beyond, both locally and nationally. We offer student representation at different levels: Class Reps for courses, School Conveners for schools, and Elected Student Officer and the Student Council for the University as a whole. We also run forums for students from specific groups, helpingto organise events and promote their interests. Our Students’ Union Advice service gives free, unbiased advice to students. We have two advisors who can help with a range of academicconcerns, from academic misconduct to appeals and more. If they can’t answer yourquestion, they’ll point you in the right direction. The Students’ Union also supports a vibrant student community with over 55 sports clubsand more than 200 societies and student groups. Joining these is a great way to meet newpeople, try new things, and build new skills. We also support student charity fundraising(RAG) and offer many volunteering opportunities. 1. ABOUT US32. Could you be one of our future Elected Student Officers?What is An Elected Student Officer?An Elected Student Officer is a full-time paid Student Representative within the Students’Union. Aberdeen Students’ Union currently has five Elected Student Officer positions,including the Student President, the Vice-President for Activities, the Vice-President forCommunities, the Vice-President for Education and the Vice-President for Welfare. What does an Elected Student Officer do?An Elected Student Officer is elected by the student body to represent student interestsacross the University. Depending on the role, Elected Student Officers each have a specificremit that they operate within, so the day-to-day varies depending on the role you chooseto nominate yourself for. The elections are held in March, and the role begins on the 1 ofJuly. st4To represent the interests of the student body at all levels of study to the University, andto local and national bodies. To be available for consultation with the student body, both formally and informally,and represent their interests appropriately.To adhere to, and ensure the implementation of, policies passed by students. To campaign for the rights and interests of the student body to the University, andlocally and nationally. To undertake additional responsibilities determined by Council or General Meeting onissues for which they have responsibility for. To report to the student body and Council on their work.General Duties of An Elected Student Officer?You will also have the opportunity to get involved in a range of Students’ Union initiativesthat focus on the wider University context, including our Democracy Review, new strategicplan and Student Partnership Agreement (SPA).Student Partnership AgreementOur 3-year Student Partnership Agreement (SPA) between the University of Aberdeen andAUSA (Students’ Union) sets out a shared commitment to working in partnership toenhance the overall student experience. Through collaborative planning, delivery andevaluation, the SPA provides a framework for addressing students’ needs and priorities ina coordinated and meaningful way. The Bigger picture...In simple terms, you nominate yourself, take part in the elections process, meaning thatyou create campaign materials, attend a number of optional workshops, secure votes fromthe student body and win through a majority single transferable vote (STV). If you nominateyourself, we’ll be in touch with some handy tips and guidance to help you along the way.how do i become an Elected Student Officer?5what’s in it for me?As an Elected Student Officer, you will advocate for students on both the local and nationallevel, you will gain a variety of skills and develop many relationships both within theUniversity and outside the University. Here are just some of the benefits:IT’S A FULL-TIME PAID JOB FOR A YEARBE A LEADER & MAKE YOUR UNIVERSITY BETTERBUILD YOUR SKILLS AND GROW YOUR NETWORKFIGHT FOR STUDENTS AND GET PAID FOR ITam i eligible?If you are a current student of any level at the University and based in Aberdeen, you areeligible to run for any of our Elected Student Officer positions, and if you are currently on astudent visa, your visa can be extended to accommodate Student Officer positions. Youdon’t need to be a graduating student to nominate yourself, but if you are partially throughyour degree programme, you will need to pause your studies throughout your term, as thisis a full-time position. You don’t need any experience to nominate yourself for one of ourElected Student Officer positions, and you don’t need to have been involved with the SUprior to your nomination either. For the next three years, the partnership will focus on SPAces - study, social and sport -ensuring accessibility, availability and utility across these areas, enabling all students tofully engage in university life and benefit from a supportive, inclusive and enrichingenvironment. Elected Officers will play an active role in driving forward the SPA, givingthem a clear platform to see the tangible impact of their work and to contribute tocollaborative initiatives that make a real difference in improving students’ lives.3. Becoming a TrusteeWhat is A Trustee?What are the responsibilities of a trustee?As a Trustee, you have legal responsibilities including the governance and strategicdirection of the Students’ Union charity. This means you help to:Make sure the Students’ Union is well-managed and legally compliantEnsure the charity uses its resources responsibly and in line with its charitable purposesOversee the charity’s finances and long-term sustainabilitySupport and guide the overall strategy and priorities of the Students’ UnionTrustees share collective responsibility for decisions made by the Trustee Board. Duringmeetings, the Chair (the Student President) will aim to help the Board reach a consensuswherever possible. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions will be made by a majorityvote and then supported collectively by the Board. In addition, Elected Student Officers willbe supported by a talented and knowledgeable staff team who will help you succeed in therole. We will support you in understanding the Students’ Union’s key governingdocuments, financial responsibilities, and charitable purposes so you feel confident andwell-equipped in your role as a Trustee.The Students’ Union is a registered charity, and all charities must be governed by a groupof people called Trustees. Trustees are responsible for making sure the charity is well-run,financially sustainable, and working towards its charitable aims.If you are elected as a Student Officer, you will automatically become a Trustee of theStudents’ Union charity and will sit on its Trustee Board.6Eligibility to be a TrusteeTo be a Trustee, you must be able to confirm that you are not:Someone with an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or an offenceunder the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.Someone who is an undischarged bankrupt or has a Protected Trust Deed.Someone who has been removed under either Scottish or English Law or the courtsfrom being a charity trustee.Someone who is disqualified from being a company director.If you have any doubts about your eligibility, please get in touch by emailingelections@abdn.ac.uk. 7learn more about being a charitable trusteeOSCR (The Scottish Charity Regulator) has a lot of guidance around the trustees andcharitable organisations that lets you deep dive into governance in the charity sector.You can find the Students’ Union under “Aberdeen University Students’ Association” andview the Annual Statements and Charitable Purpose.Useful Links From OSCR for additional information:https://www.oscr.org.uk/managing-a-charity/managing-charity-trustees/guidance-and-good-practice-for-charity-trustees/ https://www.oscr.org.uk/managing-a-charity/managing-charity-trustees/being-a-charity-in-scotland/https://www.oscr.org.uk/managing-a-charity/managing-charity-trustees/trustee-information-guidance-pack/Student presidentPurposeKey Relationshipsmain responsibilitiesResponsibilities Marked with an Asterisk (*) are listed in our Bylaws & Constitution But CanChange Every Year Depending on The interests & Experience of the elected officers1.To be the main student representative for University of Aberdeen students.2.To lead on input to University strategic initiatives and be the student leader oncorporate governance meetings including represent students at University Court andUniversity Senate3.To be the Chair of the Trustee Board4.To be the ex-officio student representative on the Rocking Horse Nursery*5.Co-ordinate the development and delivery of Student Officer team objectives. 6.To liaise with the senior management of AUSA to ensure effective planning of AUSAservices and activities. 7.To oversee the implementation and upholding of AUSA’s Policy in accordance with theConstitution and promote and oversee the democratic structures of AUSA inaccordance with the relevant Byelaws. 8.To support the Foresterhill Committee* and the Qatar Campus Committee. 9.Oversee AUSA activities within the National Union of Students, serving as an Ex-Officio delegate to the Annual Conference(s) of the NUS. 10. To co-ordinate measures to encourage a student community which respects thediversity of its membership, in accordance with the Constitution11. To support student volunteering, employability and skills development*12. To liaise with relevant personnel in regards to marketing of the Student Association,reputation and risk management and ensure effective communication between AUSAand its membership.As Student President, you are the Chair of the Trustee Board and the main representativefor students at the University. Often, when there’s a general query, students will come toyou first. You are also responsible for the Union’s democratic structures and constitution.Your first priority will always be the relationship between students and the Students’ Union.At the University, your key relationships are with the Principal, Senior Vice-Principal, Vice-Principal Global Engagement and the University Secretary. You are also responsible forrelationships with the National Union of Students and Campus Trade Unions.84. Role DescriptionsVice-President for ActivitiesPurposeKey Relationships1.To be the main representative on AUSA Activities, such as Student Groups, Societies,and Sports Clubs within the University, locally and nationally.2.To chair and support the Sports Union Committee* and the Societies UnionCommittee*, and to organise and support meetings of representatives of all recognisedand affiliated AUSA Activities. (*where required)3.To support and liaise with Student Groups on representational matters.4.To support the activities development of AUSA Activities.5.To ensure collaboration within the Student Officer Team to support and implementrelevant campaigns for AUSA Activities, in particular relating to welfare issues, anddiversity and inclusion6.To encourage involvement in all areas of AUSA Activities along with fitness andWellbeing programmes. 7.To represent Sports Clubs within the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) andScottish Student Sport (SSS). 8.To support the promotion and development of Intramural programmes and representthe students involved in Intramural sport. 9.To organise and support meetings of representatives of all recognised Sports Clubs. 10.To promote University sport throughout the community.As the Vice-President for Activities, you are responsible and the main representative of allSports Clubs & Societies. You will lead events such as Welcome Week, Granite CityChallenge and Intramural Sports. In this role, you help improve the lives of the SU Society& Sports Clubs members or committees.Similar to the Student President, your first priority will always be the relationship betweenstudents and the Students’ Union and how they interact with our Sports Clubs & Societies.But you will also work with various members of the University Senior Management Teamand Staff at Aberdeen Student Village. You will also work closely with organisations outsidethe SU, such as British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and Scottish Student Sport(SSS,) representing Aberdeen Students’ Union.main responsibilitiesResponsibilities Marked with an Asterisk (*) are listed in our Bylaws & Constitution But CanChange Every Year Depending on The interests of the elected officers9vice-president for communitiesPurposeKey Relationships1.To be the main representatives on matters relating to the local and student communityto the University, locally and nationally.2.To organise and support sustainability, environmental and liberation activities withinthe University, locally and nationally. 3.To organise and support campaigns and activities on sustainability, transport, andenvironment and ethics. 4.To chair and support the Communities Committee* and Environment and EthicsCommittee* (*These Committee don’t always run, but when they do this will be apart ofyour Remit)5.To support the Liberation and Section ForumsAs Vice-President for Communities, you will lead a number of our student initiatives, suchas Climate Change and Cost of Living. You also help contribute to the relationshipsbetween the University, City and Students. You will engage with students across theUniversity and create opportunities for them to connect with one another.As listed in other roles, your number one priority will be the relationship the students havewith the Students’ Union, but as Vice-President for Communities that relationship extendsto Aberdeen City Council, Old Aberdeen Council, Local and National Members ofParliament and Members of Scottish Parliament.main responsibilitiesResponsibilities Marked with an Asterisk (*) are listed in our Bylaws & Constitution ButChange Every Year Depnding on The interests of the elected officers10vice-president for EducationPurposeKey Relationships1.To be the main representative on academic issues within the University, locally andnationally.2.To lead the work on issues of national higher education policy in consultation with theother officers and students through regular open forums.3.Co-ordinate and implement relevant campaigns on academic issues.4.To coordinate Class Representatives and School Conveners/Reps. 5.Support students on academic issues that have wider policy implications, inconsultation with the AUSA Advice and the Representative Services Department. 6.To Chair and support the Education Committees. 7.To support the Postgraduate Forum*. 8.To represent students at University Senate9.To support the Academic and Discipline specific societies where appropriate*As Vice-President for Education, you contribute and drive conversations relating to thelearning experience of the Student Body. You will prioritise working with students and theuniversity as well as representing student views on the educational experience. You willhelp lead the Student Representatives of the University Senate. One of your key relationships, like other roles, is the relationship between the Students andthe SU, but also the relationship between the students and the University. You will workclosely with the Vice-Principal of Education as well as members of major committees acrossthe University, such as the Student Support & Experience Committee and the QualityAssurance Committee. You will also develop a relationship with Heads of Schools, Deansof Schools and the Directors of Education.main responsibilitiesResponsibilities Marked with an Asterisk (*) are listed in our Bylaws & Constitution ButChange Every Year Depnding on The interests of the elected officers11vice-president for welfarePurposeKey Relationships1.To be the main representative in welfare and housing matters within the University,locally and nationally. 2.To campaign on welfare issues including, but not limited to, wellbeing, mental health,sexual health, student safety, and housing issues to ensure that students are equippedto be at their best academically. 3.To chair and support the Welfare Committee* (*This Committee doesn’t always run,but when it does will be apart of your Remit)4.To support the welfare of Liberation and Section Forums.5. To ensure students have the skills and knowledge to campaign on welfare issues.As the Vice-President for Welfare you will work closely with teams throughout the SU aswell as teams across the University. You will represent students voices and opinion when itcomes to Student Mental Health, Wellbeing, Welfare and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Similar to other roles, you have a responsibility to uphold the relationship between theStudents, the Students’ Union, and the University in all matters pertaining to studentWelfare and well-being. You will be involved in workstreams across the University andwork with policymakers both locally and nationally.main responsibilitiesResponsibilities Marked with an Asterisk (*) are listed in our Bylaws & Constitution ButChange Every Year Depnding on The interests of the elected officers12