Elections and Handovers

All societies are required to host fair and democratic elections, as outlined in our bye-laws and student group regulations. When you agree to become a committee member you are asked to agree to followingthe SU’s expectations and procedures surrounding the elections, handovers and finishing your society role.

Two people standing and talking in front of a booth that says vote here.

Annual Elections

All societies annually elect their next year’s committee. These annual elections will normally take place in the spring months to elect the committee to start in the New academic year which starts 1 August.

The Committee members would be in term from 1 August until 31 July the following year.

By default, all mandatory roles will be set up for election. Societies can discuss with their coordinator whether additional roles need to be added into the spring elections This is approved normally on a case-by-case basis to help the new committee achieve affiliation in the new academic year.

We have provided you with a PDF guide to your responsibilities during any Elections module

Download the Society Elections Guide

By-Elections

During the year your society may be required to host a by-election for a vacant or new committee role you would like to fill.

When hosting by-elections, your coordinator will arrange the elections to be the next possible opportunity which allows for approximately 1 week of nominations and a minimum 48 hours of voting. They will announce in your teams' channel when the timelines for your mandatory role elections are and remind you of your actions. You can propose potential dates to your coordinator that enable the best member engagement.

Handing over your society

When your role comes to an end you will be expected to complete a handover process, whether there is a committee member in post or not.

You will be sent a short document or form to complete and gather your reflections. Within the Handover you are expected to provide all social media log ins, share any plans, key contacts, reflections with incoming or future committee members. If you manage any group chats related to or in the name of your society, you will be expected to hand these over also and/or add incoming committee as admins/ owners.

Handover Form