Opening the doors: you said, we listened

When we launched the NUS reform process last year, unions like yours fed in ideas, proposals were then developed, and they were amended and voted on at an extraordinary conference. But then at our Annual Conference they narrowly missed the two-thirds majority necessary to pass.

So we know they weren’t perfect, which is why, following Conference, we directly contacted all delegates, constituent members and NUS mailing lists to seek feedback on the review and to get thoughts from you on where to go next.

As a result of this process, we received more than 400 written responses from student officers, unions, NUS committees and conference delegates. In addition well over 500 officers participated in consultation meetings and many have fed back comments at those meetings or to NEC members.

We then considered the feedback received and as a result have made a host of changes. Whilst they do not alter the fundamental basis for the proposed reforms, they do address significant concerns expressed by you; they are a simplification and strengthening of the proposals, with greater accountability and safeguards at the forefront.

There were nine key areas that you commented on. Click on the sections below (which are in alphabetical order) to see some of the comments made and we have listened.

Annual Conference/Congress

Elections and democratic procedures

Finances

Language used

Mature, part time and international students

Postgraduate students

Senate, The (now known as the National Executive Council)

Trustee Board, The

Zones and policy making

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