Opening the door: Zones and policy making

“National Conference should be the only body that makes policy- it’s the most representative body”

• Zone Conference will not have any policy setting powers. Any policy discussions will be purely consultative/informal.

“Why can we only send one delegate?”

• There will be no formal limit on the number of delegates that can attend a Zone Conference. The voting power for electing Zone Committees will however remain at one union, one vote

“The role of the Zone Committee is unclear”

• The role of the Zone Committee will be a volunteer with an interest in that Zone’s work, that can input ideas and views into the zone; they will also carry out a scrutiny role in relation to the work of the full time officer

“How does this improve accountability?”

• The VP/Zone Committee will be required to submit a report and plan to the Zone Conference for discussion/accountability, and the president's priorities report and plan will go to each Zone Conference

“The policy process looks very confusing”

We have simplified and published revised proposals to achieve the following:

• More opportunity to discuss relevant issues to students
• Opportunities for evidence based policy making
• Speed up approval of non controversial issues on National Conference floor because the current process wastes time
• Unions have greater ownership of policy generation and policy making
• Retain the opportunity for a students' union to get their issue on National Conference's Agenda
• Improve accountability of officers