Representation and Democracy Network
Welcome to the Representation and Democracy Network
The network has been set up to facilitate the sharing of best practice, testing of ideas, sharing of information and allows you to learn more about rep and demo issues. The network is open to anybody who is involved in areas of representation and/or democracy. Hannah Pudner ;Student Feedback Co-ordinator
Join the Representation and Democracy network today
News
Ever thought about becoming an officer for your students’ union?
Union officers are responsible for the work and direction of the students’ union. As part of a team you would become the driving force for change in your union.
Officers duties include running campaigns, arranging events, setting up a training programme, organising activities … the list is endless.
Check out our toolkit and get yourself prepared to stand at your forthcoming election.
Stand Toolkit
Democracy and Governance Day 2006
For all those of you who missed out on the D&G day in December you can now access all the resources from the day online now. You can find resources on defeating apathy, running successful meetings and running fair and legal elections.
More are being added all the time so keep checking during the coming weeks.
Democracy and Governance Day Resources
The 2007 National Student Survey is about to begin!!!
 Are you prepared?
To learn more about what to expect during the 2007 survey and how you can promote it please read the NSS Promotional Guidelines
Or to find out how the results can aid your work go to www.officeronline.co.uk/nss or email NSS
Recent Posts
The views and opinions expressed in these posts are those of the individual author and do not reflect the policies or practices of NUS.
Council reps
“Just though I'd ask, as we are having major problems at the moment with our council reps and the academic side representation. I could have possibly managed to find a sponsor for reps but does anybody else have any incentive schemes that you run to keep your numbers up and ensure good attendance. It's becoming a real pain and several things aren't getting passed.” Rebecca Hill
“We've had issues with getting people to go on Union Council in the past, but the only incentive we've offered is that you get to help shape the Union's future, etc - you know, the normal stuff. Depending on the numbers who currently attend you Union Council, I suppose you could offer either a certificate or sum of money at the end of the year for attending all the meetings.” David Morris
“We have a very successful rep system here at Bournemouth. This year we introduced ‘rewards’ for feedback and meeting attendance. It has a made a noticeable difference to the attendance at meetings, although I don't think this is the only reason.” Jenni Winter
Full Transcript of Discussion
Facebook & Elections Campaigning
 I'm just wondering if anyone has specific Elections Regulations relating to Facebook as a campaigning tool. We have noticed more people are using Facebook/MySpace/etc for electioneering, and I'm just curious to learn how others manage this (if at all).
Andrea Breau; Democratic Services Coordinator at the
University of Warwick Students' Union
Why would anyone stifle the creativity and ambition of people by stopping them from using a medium available to all candidates? I would hope that each institution has robust enough complaints procedures to mean no foul play can reasonably happen...but your example of "support groups" being set up to damage a persons election potential can happen regardless of the stance you take.
Lee Griffin; Activities President at UWESU
Full Transcript of Discussion
Hannah’s 5 Must See Links
NUS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites
The Electoral Commission
- They are an independent body that was set up by the UK Parliament. Their mission is to foster public confidence and participation in the democratic process in the UK. You can find information on past and future elections, referendums, regulatory issues and research projects.
NUS Democracy Toolkit - The NUS' Democracy Toolkit is an essential guide to running union elections and increasing democratic involvement.
About my Vote - Find out about your vote and what elections are happening in your area.
Votes at 16 - A coalition of organisations campaigning to lower the voting age for all public elections in the United Kingdom. Get online and show you support.
The National Student Survey - The National Student Survey (NSS) is a survey targeted mainly at final year undergraduates and an opportunity for them to feedback on their academic experience. The results will be used to help future students to choose courses that best suit their needs and interests.
Subscriber Watch
 The Representation and Democracy Network is one of the most valuable network to any union officer and staff member. The network can only continue to be a success if you use it to ask questions, share resources and links and to network with your colleagues. Make sure you’re signed up to the network and utilise it fully discussing issues of representation and democracy in your union.
Resources
NUS produces and maintains a variety of key representation and democracy resources for union officers and staff. They can be accessed from this page at the links below. E-mail the networks team if you have any resources which you would like to share with your colleagues.
Constitutions
NUS Constitution, Democracy and Policy
- Our constitution sets out the aims and objectives of NUS, and this section outlines the procedures and mechanisms by which the national union is run. Find out how you can get involved and influence the policy and the work of NUS.
Union Constitutions
- Constitutions set out the aims, objectives and democratic structures of a union, ensuring an open and fair running of the union. Most have evolved considerably over the years adapted to meet the needs of the specific union. Here is a sample of some affiliated unions constitutions.
Unions Aims and Objectives - The aims and objectives section of a unions constitution is arguable the most important. It details the overall goals of the union, which each student officer and staff member must continually adhere to. Check the aims and objectives of some other unions and see how your union compares.
Equal Opportunities
Managing Diversity Task Sheets - Task sheets which can give you guidance when planning your equal opportunities lessons.
Equal Opportunities lesson plan -
The aim of this plan by Stroud College was to make students to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate language and identify the difficulties encountered by people with disabilities.
Equal Opportunities Roles - Look at these 12 different roles to aid you in your equal opportunities training.
History of Student Representation
The History of Student Representation - These notes outline the history and development of student representation in the United Kingdom.
Freshers Resources
A right of passage or a ticket to disaster? The initiation ceremony dilemma
- Explore the dangers and risks associated with the “traditional” initiation ceremony that many freshers are subjected to.
A Strong Students' Union
What makes a strong students’ union? - Measuring representational effectiveness in students’ unions
Student Apathy
A guide to generating student involvement - Student Involvement ensures that our Unions are representative and inclusive to all students.
Why students aren’t customers - The consumerisation of higher education means the traditional relationship between lecturer and student has been irrevocably eroded, writes John Sutherland
Are Students Apathetic? - “Student Apathy” is a term that has concerned the Student Movement for a long time- and longer than most of us involved in 2002 would imagine.
You are free to unsubscribe to the networks at any time, simply e-mail the networks team
| 
email to a friend
print this