1. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal …€¦ · Web viewAll candidates must submit a five hundred word (maximum) manifesto which shall be displayed on the Union website

1. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – EDUCATION COMMITTEE BYE-LAW

The Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:

78. The Trustees and the Student Council shall have the power from time to time to jointly make, repeal or amend Bye-Laws as to the management of the Union and its working practices provided that such Bye-Laws shall not be inconsistent with this Constitution.

97.3 make, repeal and amend the Bye-Laws jointly with the Trustees in accordance with Clause 78;

Submission of this document (Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal) to Student Council is a request for a change to the bye-laws.

This Council NotesState the facts surrounding the proposal

This Council notes that currently under 5.5 the Education committee has no obligation to hold VP of Education to account. That Under 5.5.3.3 Faculty Reps who have not been performing their role essentially have a “free pass” come the new calendar year.

This Council BelievesState the reasons for amendment

This Council believes that the Education Committee should have an obligation to hold VP of Education to account as well as performing their role sufficiently to maintain satisfactory student representation

This Council Resolves

That the following bye-law amendments are made:

Old bye-law:

5.5. Education Committee

Definition of Education Committee5.5.1. This committee is a collection of students who have responsibility for all education

issues on behalf of Council.

5.5.2. The aim the committee is to improve teaching and learning in partnership with the University of Northampton.

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Electing Faculty Representatives

Faculty Representatives are ratified via a vote in the elections, held in accordance with the Student Representation Policy.Removing Faculty Representatives

5.5.3. Faculty Representatives may only be removed from position under one of the following circumstances:

5.5.3.1. Disciplinary decision, governed by disciplinary bye-law.

5.5.3.2. Vote of no confidence at Faculty Forum

5.5.3.3. Failure to attend 3 meetings in a calendar year, without submitting apologies

5.5.4. A Faculty Representative can appeal their vote of no confidence to the chair of Student Council, in writing, within 10 working days.

5.5.5. For a vote of no confidence decision to be overturned, a majority vote at Student Council must be achieved.

Education Committee Regulations5.5.6. See the Terms of Reference in the appendices of this bye-law.

5.5.7. A Chair and minute-taker must be in post by their first Education Committee meeting.

5.5.8. The Vice President Education will both provide written reports to the Education Committee on their progress since the previous meeting.

New bye-law:


Definition of Education Committee5.5.1. This committee is a collection of students who have responsibility for all education

issues on behalf of Council.

5.5.2. The aims of the committee are:

5.5.2.1. To improve teaching and learning in partnership with the University of Northampton.

5.5.2.2. To hold the VP of Education to account

Electing Faculty Representatives

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5.5.3. Faculty Representatives are ratified via a vote in the elections, held in accordance with the Student Representation Policy.

Removing Faculty Representatives5.5.4. Faculty Representatives may only be removed from position under one of the

following circumstances:


5.5.4.2. Vote of no confidence at Faculty Forum (Education Committee deleted)

5.5.4.3. Failure to attend 3 meetings in an Academic year (FSEC, FQSEC, Education Committee meetings) without submitting apologies 24 hours before clarification of the meeting.

5.5.5. A Faculty Representative can appeal their vote of no confidence to the chair of Education Committee, in writing, within 10 working days.

5.5.6. For a vote of no confidence decision to be overturned, the following process must be followed, and a majority vote at Education Committee must be achieved.

5.5.6.1. Valid appeal received by the Education Committee Chair

5.5.6.2. Evidence circulated around Education Committee members more than 48 hours in advance of the meeting

5.5.6.3. Education Committee meeting to discuss validity of the appeal

5.5.6.4. A vote taken to decide whether to uphold the appeal.

5.5.7. Quorum for the Education committee shall be set at 50% plus one but must also include at least 1 representative from each of the 4 Faculties

5.6 Education Committee Regulations5.6.1. See the Terms of Reference in the appendices of this bye-law.


5.6.3. The Vice President Education will provide a written report to the Education Committee on their progress since the previous meeting.

5.7 Allocation of Education Committee Councillors5.7.1. All 12 Faculty Reps shall be given first refusal on Student Councillor seats. Where a Faculty Rep decides to refuse their seat on Council the following process must be followed:

5.7.1.1 Council seats should be distributed equally between Faculties

5.7.1.2 Where there is a vacancy, that vacancy should be filled by a Course Rep from the relevant Faculty

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5.7.1.3 The election must be conducted within the next available Faculty Forum

5.7.1.4 Nominations will be opened within the meeting, and each candidate given a 1 minute speech to explain why they should be elected for the role.

5.7.1.5 The election must be conducted via Alternative Vote.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY

NAME Liam Bligh

DATE March 2017

SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME David lewis

Date March 2017

SIGNATURE

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2. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – ELECTIONS BYE-LAWThe Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:




1. This Council NotesState the facts surrounding the proposal

Currently the manifestos are often too long winded and don’t allow officers to be help to account at council.

All the photocopying be collated by the Students’ Union is often unfeasible.

There is not an opportunity for the subcommittees to host their own husting events.

2. This Council BelievesState the reasons for amendment

The manifestos must be shorter and more concise so candidates may be more accountable and allows for better questions during hustings.

That any photocopying or printing must be declared to the deputy returning officers to ensure fairness.

The subcommittees should have the power to hold their potential candidates to account.

3. This Council Resolves


Old bye-law:

2.34 All candidates must submit a five hundred word (maximum) manifesto which shall be displayed on the Union website and in the student newspaper.

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2.35 It is important that candidates’ manifestos abide by Union regulations, that they emphasise the positives of their own campaign and do not negatively reflect other candidates’ manifestos.

2.50 All photocopying must be done at the Students’ Union.

New bye-law:

2.34 All candidates must submit three-to-five key manifesto points, these manifesto points must be

2.34.1 No longer than 140 characters.2.34.2 Must be a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)

Objective, clearly outlining what a candidate would like to achieve.2.35 All candidates must submit three areas of interest that they plan on working on

during their term in office. These areas of interest should be2.35.1 No longer than 140 characters.

2.36 Each manifesto point must be

2.45 Each subcommittee of Student Council must host their own question time for the candidates accountable to said Subcommittee.

2.45.1 Each question time will be held by the chair of that committee. If the chair of said committee is running for one of the elected positions in question. The event will be facilitated by the appropriate staff member.

2.54 All photocopying and printing must be declared to the deputy returning officer, in conjunction with the candidate budget.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED BYNAME LIAM BLIGH

DATE MARCH 2017

SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME DAVID LEWIS

DATE MARCH 2017

SIGNATURE

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3. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – OBSERVERS BYE LAWThe Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:78. The Trustees and the Student Council shall have the power from time to time to jointly make, repeal or amend Bye-Laws as to the management of the Union and its working practices provided that such Bye-Laws shall not be inconsistent with this Constitution. 97.3 make, repeal and amend the Bye-Laws jointly with the Trustees in accordance with Clause 78;Submission of this document (Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal) to Student Council is a request for a change to the bye-laws.

4. This Council NotesState the facts surrounding the proposal That during the Any Other Business of the last Council meeting (08/12/16) the VPUD brought a question that was asked by someone watching the live feed of the council meeting5. This Council BelievesState the reasons for amendmentThat this highlights an important progression of Council. That observers must be given the ability to ask questions during Any Other Business. This will be in accordance with points 4.66 and 4.67 regarding the difference between full members of the Union and others. If a question is asked online or wants to be asked in the room, then it falls to the Chair’s discretion6. This Council ResolvesThat the following bye-law amendments are made:Old bye-law:

4.66 . Any observing full members of the Students’ Union shall automatically be granted speaking rights but have no other powers.

4.67 . Speaking rights may only be granted to any other observers at the discretion of the Chair.

New bye-law:4.66 . Any observing full members of the Students’ Union shall

automatically be granted speaking rights but have no other powers.4.66.1 Observing full members can speak during any part of the meeting4.66.2 Observing full members can collectively ask a maximum of three

questions to Council during the ‘Any Other Business’ section of Council. 4.66.3 The Chair will decide whose questions are asked. Each question can be

discussed for a maximum of five minutes. If the question needs more discussion or Council do not wish to discuss it at the current meeting, any Councillor can submit a procedural motion to progress the debate accordingly.

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4.67 Speaking rights may only be granted to any other observers throughout a Council meeting at the discretion of the Chair.

4.67.1 At the discretion of the chair, any other observers can collectively ask a maximum of three questions to Council (including those asked by full member observers) during the ‘Any Other Business’ section of Council.

4.67.2 The Chair will decide whose questions are asked. Each question can be discussed for a maximum of five minutes. If the question needs more discussion or Council do not wish to discuss it at the current meeting, any Councillor can submit a procedural motion to progress the debate accordingly.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED BYNAME Arte ArtemiouDATE 09/12/16SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME Danjie ZhongDATE 09/12/2016SIGNATURE Danjie.Z

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4. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – GREEN IMPACTThe Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:




7. This Council NotesState the facts surrounding the proposal

UNSU are part of NUS’ Green Impact (http://sustainability.nus.org.uk/green-impact/about) and fill out their work book every year

October (plan) December (interim) February (report)

8. This Council BelievesState the reasons for amendment

That Student Council wishes to take a more active role in monitoring the effort of our Students’ Union in regards to the Green Impact Workbook. In October, December, and February’s Council meetings, the VPUD will bring the progress of this workbook to Council.

9. This Council Resolves


Old bye-law:

Reports3.1.1. Trustee report3.1.2. Finance report3.1.3. Officer reports3.1.4. Ratification of Committee minutes3.1.5. Issues arising from Committee minutes3.1.6. Any Other Business3.1.7. Date of Next Meeting

New bye-law:

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http://sustainability.nus.org.uk/green-impact/about

Reports3.1.8. Trustee report3.1.9. Finance report3.1.10. Green Impact Workbook report

3.1.10.1. To 3 meetings only Once to submit the plan, once to submit an interim report and once to submit the final report

3.1.11. Officer reports3.1.12. Ratification of Committee minutes3.1.13. Issues arising from Committee minutes3.1.14. Any Other Business3.1.15. Date of Next Meeting

AMENDMENT PROPOSED BYNAME Arte Artemiou

DATE 09/12/16

SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME David Lewis

DATE 09/12/16

SIGNATURE

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5. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – JOINT HONOURS STUDENTSThe Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:




10.This Council NotesState the facts surrounding the proposal

Joint honours Students feel underrepresented within academia despite the best efforts of Education Committee. This is not a failure on behalf of Education Committee, but instead a failure of the University to support Joint Honors Students. The university have recognised that Joint Honour Students need increased support, because they have appointed Mick Sumpter as Head of Joint Honours. Joint Honour students feel underrepresented in academia when it comes to the Personal Academic Tutor System they tend to fall through the cracks. Also, there are many concerns that arise in terms of inter-department communications, in regards to assignment bunching and timetable clashes. In working groups headed by Mick it has been voiced by Joint Honour Students that they do not feel that they have a voice or an identity at this University.

11.This Council BelievesState the reasons for amendment

In order to make Joint Honour Students feel more represented within academia it has been highlighted by Students and Staff that Joint Honor Representatives need to be created. The new roles will give Joint Honour students an identity and a voice within the University. Three Joint Honor Representatives positions will be created: 1) First year Joint Honor Representative, 2) Second year Joint Honor Representative; and 3) Third year Joint Honor Representative.

12.This Council Resolves


Old bye-law:

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4. Student Council

General Rules4.1. All persons attending a Council meeting should treat the meeting and other members with

proper respect.4.2. The role of Student Council is to analyse and critique the actions of the Union, Officers

and committees, and to ensure Union policy is implemented.

Membership4.3. All elected Full-Time and Part Time Executive officers have a seat on Council. Elected

Officers will take a seat on Student Council when they take up office, and relinquish their seat when their term of office ends.

4.4. Committees of Council will each have representation on Student Council. These representatives must be democratically elected via a committee meeting. The breakdown for each committee is below:

4.4.1. Activities Councillors4.4.1.1.There will be 15 Activities Councillors, split between 3 areas:

4.4.1.1.1. Athletic Union Committee4.4.1.1.2. Societies Committee4.4.1.1.3. Volunteering Committee

4.4.1.2.These seats will be split based on the number of participants within each area. (e.g. If there are 3000 participants in this area, there will be 1 seat available per 200 participants)

4.4.1.3.No committee shall have less than 3 representatives4.4.2. Student Voice Councillors

4.4.2.1. Education Committee- 12 Councillors4.4.2.2. Halls Committee- 9 Councillors4.4.2.3. Mature Students’ Committee- 4 Councillors4.4.2.4. Non-portfolio (Cross campus)- 3 Councillors

4.5. Committee representatives will sit on Council for a 12 month period, starting on 1 st April and ending on 31st March, apart from Halls Committee Councillors, who will sit on Council from 1st November-31st October.

Duties4.6. In accordance with the Articles of Association and the Bye-Laws the duties of Student

Council shall be to:4.6.1. Ratify the appointment of External Trustees on the recommendation of the

Appointments Committee.4.6.2. Represent the views of students within the University, locally and nationally. 4.6.3. Set the policy of the Union, and refer Policy to Referendum or to the Members

in a an Annual General Meeting

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4.6.4. Receive a quarterly report from the Trustees. 4.6.5. Require reports from Executive Officers, Student Representatives and Part-

time Officers on any matter except staffing and confidential issues. 4.6.6. Commend or censure, or no-confidence Trustees, Student Representatives and

Part-time Officers. 4.6.7. Jointly with the trustees make, repeal and amend the Bye-Laws. 4.6.8. Mandate Executive Officers and Student Representatives and on matters of

concern to members.

Chair- Electing and responsibilities4.7. Chair and Deputy Chair of Student Council will be elected at the first meeting after 1st

April each year. This must be completed by secret ballot, using the Alternative Voting System.

4.8. The Chair shall be responsible for sourcing a neutral minute-take for Council. 4.9. The Chair of each Council shall make an e-mail address available and known to all

Councillors. All agenda item submissions and apologies are to be sent to that email address. Any agenda items or apologies sent to the Chair by any other method may not be recognised.

4.10. The Chair and Deputy Chair shall remain impartial throughout.

Chairs’ Responsibilities 4.11. Ensuring all motions are complete and fully researched, and accompanied by all

necessary supporting documentation4.12. Ensuring all discussion items are accompanied by proper documentation to provide

necessary background information, or directions to find such documentation elsewhere4.13. Ordering the Council agenda in accordance with sub-section 4.33 of this Bye Law and

with regard to relevance to Northampton students, importance and time-sensitivity4.14. Removing any motions where wording is seen to be incomplete or overly ambiguous.4.15. Removing any motions that appear more than once on the order paper.4.16. Removing any motions that, after attempted consultation with the proposer, are not felt to

have been adequately researched4.17. Reporting any motions that have been removed from the agenda and the reasons for the

removal. Any decision may be overturned by a qualified majority of two-thirds of the Councillors in attendance. The Chair shall circulate copies of all rejected motions (for information) in the event that they are returned to the agenda.

4.18. Ensuring that any observers present are fully aware of the proceedings of the Council and feel able to contribute to the debate.

4.19. Ensure that each agenda item is discussed fully and that debate is balanced before moving an item to a vote

4.20. Ensure that debates are conducted in a timely manner, that a diverse range of students are given the opportunity to contribute and that repetition is avoided.

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Responsibilities of the Deputy Chair 4.21. To assist the Chair in their responsibilities.4.22. To take the Chair when there has been a Vote of No Confidence in the Chair to elect a

new chair 4.23. To elect a temporary Chair if the Chair is absent or feels the need to step down. 4.24. To administer procedural motions where necessary.4.25. To advise the Chair on counts and Councillors wishing to make a contribution.

Conduct in Meetings and Powers of the Chair4.26. There shall be no alcohol consumed in the meeting. Any person felt by the Chair to be

under the influence of alcohol or any other judgement impairing substance may be asked to leave the meeting.

4.27. The Chair, following one verbal warning, may have any Councillor or observer felt to be disruptive removed from the meeting. The Chair may have a Councillor or observer removed from the meeting without a warning for particularly disrespectful or offensive behaviour, subject to overrule by two-thirds of the Council.

4.28. The Chair may adjourn (for a maximum of 15 minutes) or close the Council meeting. 4.29. When the Chair has invited somebody to speak, other persons in the room shall remain

silent.

Agenda Items and Order of Business4.30. Agenda items must be submitted to the Chair no later than 5pm, five working days before

the meeting or another specified deadline as determined by the Chair. All supporting papers must be supplied by the deadline.

4.31. Should a Councillor wish to use a visual aid or presentation in a Council meeting, a written request must be submitted to the Chair in advance of the meeting.

4.32. The Agenda will be circulated to Council members no later than three working days before the meeting.

4.33. The order of business for all agenda items for Student Council shall be ordered as follows:

4.33.1. Declaration of conflicts of interest4.33.2. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting4.33.3. Matters arising from the minutes not elsewhere on the agenda

Motions4.33.4. Proposed bye-law amendments4.33.5. Policy proposals4.33.6. Proposed officer mandates4.33.7. Discussion points

Reports4.33.8. Trustee report4.33.9. Finance report

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4.33.10. Officer reports4.33.11. Ratification of Committee minutes4.33.12. Issues arising from Committee minutes4.33.13. Any Other Business4.33.14. Date of Next Meeting

4.34. All motions must be prepared on the correct forms, which are attached as appendices to this bye-law.

Meeting procedure Motions4.35. A motion may be any of the four proposals below

4.35.1. Discussion Point- Take a potentially contentious issue and gather the views of Student Council

4.35.2. Policy- Introduce a new policy to allow the political views of our members to dictate how we act as an organisation

4.35.3. Bye-Law Amendment- To allow our members to make changes to how the organisation operates

4.35.4. Officer Mandate- To assign a task to an elected officer, whereby the officer must enact the wishes of Council and report back to subsequent meetings

4.36. Motions shall have a proposer and a seconder. 4.37. Any Councillor may propose or second a motion. 4.38. Motions shall be debated and require the approval of a simple-majority of Student

Council members to be carried and passed as policy.

Amendments4.39. Any Councillor may propose an amendment. 4.40. If an amendment is accepted by the proposer of the motion it shall be included in the

motion. 4.41. If an amendment is not accepted by the proposer of the motion it shall be debated and

require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be carried and included in the motion.

4.42. If an amendment not accepted by the proposer of the motion is passed, the Chair shall ask the proposer of the motion if they still support the amended motion. If the proposer no longer supports the motion, a new proposer should be found from the Councillors in the room.

Amendments to the Bye-Laws4.43. Any Councillor may propose an amendment to the Bye-Laws. 4.44. Amendments to the Bye-Laws must be drafted with the support of an appropriate member

of Students’ Union staff nominated by the Chief Executive. 4.45. Amendments to the Bye-Laws shall be debated and require the approval of a simple

majority of Councillors to be carried.

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General Regulations4.46. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that debate is as free and open as

possible, while at all times remaining relevant, concise and constructive.4.47. The proposer of a motion shall be given two minutes to speak in favour of that motion, a

speech against of two minutes will be offered to the floor. Debate shall then be opened to the meeting. If there is no speech against a motion the Chair may use their discretion and move straight to a vote.

4.48. All voting members of the Council should be accorded equity of status during the course of debate. The proposer of the motion should receive no higher speaking rights.

4.49. There shall be opportunities for a one-minute summation of the arguments for and a one-minute summation of the arguments against a motion at the end of debate. These shall both be offered to Councillors.

4.50. Councillors may, at any time during Council, put forward procedural motions

General Procedures4.51. Motions of no-confidence shall be tabled in the same way as any other motion but shall

require the support of at least four Councillors. 4.52. A motion or amendment may be withdrawn by the proposer, but shall be open to the

seconder or other Councillor to propose, provided that it is done immediately after such withdrawal.

4.53. The Chair shall rule a motion or amendment out of order if it: 4.53.1. Is in contravention of the Articles of Association and the Bye-Laws. 4.53.2. Is not within the duties of Student Council. 4.53.3. Is factually inaccurate, submitted without appropriate evidence or out of date. 4.53.4. Has already been submitted that academic year and there has been no

significant change in circumstances. 4.53.5. Seeks to commit the Trustees, the Student Representatives and Part-time

Officers, the Directors of the subsidiary companies or the Union’s resources to an illegal or unlawful act.

4.53.6. Seeks to amend the Bye-Laws unless it is properly submitted as such according to section 4.44 of the Student Council Bye-Law.

Procedural Motions 4.54. A procedural motion must be proposed by a Councillor4.55. A procedural motion takes precedence over all other business4.56. When a procedural motion is called the proposer of the procedural motion and an opposer

shall have one minute to state their case. Further rounds of speeches may be granted. A procedural motion shall require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be carried.

4.57. In the event that a motion is proposed before another is resolved, the motions shall be prioritised as ordered below:

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4.57.1. Vote of No Confidence in the Chair- This can be used if Councillors feel that the Chair’s decisions or ability to chair the Council are damaging to fair debate or process. The Deputy Chair shall take over the Chair once this has been proposed and will conduct the vote. . If Council votes in favour, then the Deputy Chair will facilitate an election for a new Chair in which the Deputy Chair cannot be a candidate.

4.57.2. Chair/Deputy Chair’s ruling be overturned- This can be used if Councillors feel that a specific ruling by the Chair or Deputy Chair was wrong.

4.57.3. Vote in Parts- This can be used to discuss one or a few particular parts of a motion separately. This debate will then begin immediately if agreed purely on the parts as agreed. If parts are ‘deleted’ then they will be removed from the original motion. If parts are ‘kept’ then they will remain in the original motion. Once parts are decided, the debate will continue on the original motion.

4.57.4. A vote taken by secret ballot- This can be used to ensure that a vote takes place via a secret paper or electronic ballot.

4.57.5. Move to a vote- This can be used to halt the debate and go straight to a vote on a motion if Councillors feel that it is appropriate.

4.57.6. Amend a motion- This can be used to edit the wording of a motion. This should not substantially change the spirit of the motion.

4.57.7. A vote is referred to referendum- This can be used to refer a vote to the wider student body.

4.57.8. A vote be adjourned to a later meeting- This can be used to move an item to a later meeting. This may be because it is not urgent or Councillors feel they need more time to consider relevant issues and consult with students. All items that that fall after a guillotine will automatically be transferred to the next meeting of that Council.

4.57.9. A vote be referred to a Council Committee or Executive Committee- This can be used to move an item to a later meeting. This may be because it is not urgent or Councillors feel they need more time to consider relevant issues and consult with students. All items that that fall after a guillotine will automatically be transferred to the next meeting of Student Council.

4.57.10. A vote is not taken- This can be used if it is felt that the proposal is not relevant to the work of the Students’ Union or will impact our students, or if it is felt that Student Council is not the correct place for a decision to be made.

4.57.11. Move an item on the agenda- This can be used if an item is deemed important and needs to be brought forward to be the next item on the agenda to ensure it is fully discussed.

4.57.12. The meeting is adjourned- This can be used to pause the meeting for a break of up to 15 minutes or to close the Council meeting completely.

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Policy Lapse 4.58. Policy passed more than two academic years earlier shall be presented to Student Council

with a recommendation from the Executive Committee to retain or lapse. 4.59. Recommendations shall require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be

carried. 4.60. A Councillor may, at any time, bring policy that is considered to be out of date to the

attention of Student Council and debated.

Voting4.61. When voting, Councillors shall always be given the option to vote in favour, to vote

against or to record an abstention.4.62. All items shall be passed by a simple majority unless otherwise stated in the Constitution

or Bye Laws. 4.63. Voting shall normally be conducted by a show of hands4.64. An indicative vote between a number of options may be called by the Chair and recorded

in the minutes, but will not carry any authority.

Observers4.65. Where possible, there will be a designated area of the Council chamber where observers

shall be allowed to sit. Council members shall sit apart from them to avoid confusion when voting.

4.66. Any observing full members of the Students’ Union shall automatically be granted speaking rights but have no other powers.

4.67. Speaking rights may only be granted to any other observers at the discretion of the Chair.

Apologies4.68. Councillors who are aware of their absence must submit apologies to the Chair by email

at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the meeting. Apologies received after this point shall not be recognised.

Quorum4.69. Quorum for Student Council shall be either 50% plus one of all Councillors, or 20,

whichever is higher.

Frequency of Meeting4.70. Student Council must meet at least three times in term 1, three times in term 2 and once

in term three.4.71. Council must approve the dates, time and locations of meetings in the first meeting after

1st April for the following year. The chair must them update the SU website with arrangements.

Removal of Members of Council 4.72. Members of Council shall cease to hold office in the following circumstances:

4.72.1. Upon written notice of resignation sent to the Council Chair.

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4.73. If a resolution is passed by a simple majority of the Council in the event that the Member of Council has failed to attend either two consecutive or three in total meeting. Any Councillor who is removed via this method shall be informed by a signed letter from the Chair of Council and countersigned by the Students’ Union President. The individual must then be replaced as appropriate by the relevant Committee.

New bye-law:5. Student Council













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in a an Annual General Meeting5.6.4. Receive a quarterly report from the Trustees. 5.6.5. Require reports from Executive Officers, Student Representatives and Part-



concern to members.











removal. Any decision may be overturned by a qualified majority of two-thirds of the

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Councillors in attendance. The Chair shall circulate copies of all rejected motions (for information) in the event that they are returned to the agenda.










silent.







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5.42. If an amendment not accepted by the proposer of the motion is passed, the Chair shall ask the proposer of the motion if they still support the amended motion. If the proposer no

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longer supports the motion, a new proposer should be found from the Councillors in the room.




General Regulations5.46. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that debate is as free and open as

possible, while at all times remaining relevant, concise and constructive.5.47. The proposer of a motion shall be given two minutes to speak in favour of that motion, a

speech against of two minutes will be offered to the floor. Debate shall then be opened to the meeting. If there is no speech against a motion the Chair may use their discretion and move straight to a vote.











Procedural Motions

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5.54. A procedural motion must be proposed by a Councillor5.55. A procedural motion takes precedence over all other business5.56. When a procedural motion is called the proposer of the procedural motion and an opposer



5.57.1. Vote of No Confidence in the Chair- This can be used if Councillors feel that the Chair’s decisions or ability to chair the Council are damaging to fair debate or process. The Deputy Chair shall take over the Chair once this has been proposed and will conduct the vote. . If Council votes in favour, then the Deputy Chair will facilitate an election for a new Chair in which the Deputy Chair cannot be a candidate.









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Policy Lapse 5.58. Policy passed more than two academic years earlier shall be presented to Student Council

with a recommendation from the Executive Committee to retain or lapse. 5.59. Recommendations shall require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be

carried. 5.60. A Councillor may, at any time, bring policy that is considered to be out of date to the

attention of Student Council and debated.













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5.72.1. Upon written notice of resignation sent to the Council Chair.5.73. If a resolution is passed by a simple majority of the Council in the event that the Member

of Council has failed to attend either two consecutive or three in total meeting. Any Councillor who is removed via this method shall be informed by a signed letter from the Chair of Council and countersigned by the Students’ Union President. The individual must then be replaced as appropriate by the relevant Committee.

Old Bye-law: 5.5. Education Committee

Definition of Education Committee5.5.1. This committee is a collection of students who have responsibility for all

education issues on behalf of Council.




Electing Faculty Representatives5.5.3. Faculty Representatives are ratified via a vote in the elections, held in

accordance with the Student Representation Policy.

Removing Faculty Representatives5.5.4. Faculty Representatives may only be removed from position under one of the

following circumstances:


5.5.4.2. Vote of no confidence at Faculty Forum or Education Committee

5.5.4.3. Failure to attend 3 meetings in an Academic year, without submitting apologies 24 hours before the meeting.

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5.5.5. A Faculty Representative can appeal their vote of no confidence to the chair of Student Council, in writing, within 10 working days.






New Bye-Law:


Definition of Education Committee5.5.1. This committee is a collection of students who have responsibility for all

education issues on behalf of Council.




Membership5.5.3. 12 Faculty Representatives

5.5.3.1. 3 Faculty of Business and Law 5.5.3.2. 3 Faculty of Health and Society 5.5.3.3. 3 Faculty of Education and Humanities5.5.3.4. 4 Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

5.5.4. 3 Joint Honour Representatives5.5.4.1. First Year Joint Honours Representative5.5.4.2. Second Year Joint Honours Representative5.5.4.3. Third Year Joint Honours Representative

Electing Representatives5.5.5. Representatives are ratified via a vote in the elections, held in accordance with the Student Representation Policy.

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Removing Representatives5.5.3. Representatives may only be removed from position under one of the following

circumstances:


5.5.3.2. Vote of no confidence at Faculty Forum or Education Committee

5.5.3.3. Failure to attend 3 meetings in an Academic year, without submitting apologies 24 hours before the meeting.

5.5.4. Representatives can appeal their vote of no confidence to the chair of Student Council, in writing, within 10 working days.






AMENDMENT PROPOSED BYNAME Hannah Botwright

DATE 03/03/2017

SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME Danjie Zhong

DATE 09/03/2017

SIGNATURE

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6. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – MOULTON ROLESThe Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:





Moulton is a distant partner college to the University of Northampton and The Students Union. It is currently neglected by the Students Union and Moulton are excluded from a lot of vital meetings that they as a separate establishment could benefit from. Currently there is only one position for Moulton, however, the workload for this role is too complex. As a result, the Moulton College Officer completes over 20 hours a month in scheduled meetings, however, according to the SU, the average hours per week is a maximum of 5 hours. For example, in the last month the Moulton Officer is shown to attend over 40 hours a week worth of meetings (Appendix 1), before speaking to a single student. This does not include work on manifesto pledges and missed meetings. This is more work than two-part time officers should be completing in an average month. Consequently, the Moulton Officer is not effective enough in their role.

1. This workload includes - collecting and working on welfare issues from students and presenting them to Student Welfare and the Student representative Meetings, posting updates/events from the students union and Moulton onto social media, recording academic issues from students and presenting them at the Academic Board, working alongside societies, sports and volunteering/P.T.O’s, F.T.O’s and SU Staff, campaign work and attending meetings at both Moulton and the Student’s Union as well as studying.

2. Moulton College has no staff provision to help the Moulton Officer with, which can prevent future students applying for the elections, adversely affecting Moulton’s Higher Education development. This further increases the communication gap between the Students Union and Moulton College. H.E management are the only support offered to the Moulton Officer, however, communication has been poor and there is a reluctance to take matters forward. The distance between Park Campus and Moulton College also makes immediate support difficult, especially when other commitments are involved in the role – attending meetings, speaking with students about their concerns, studying/revising, working with management and student welfare on manifesto points in their report.

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3. H.E Management, staff and students at Moulton College heavily rely on the Moulton College Officer to create the change that Moulton needs for its students, but consistently puts students concerns to the side, making it difficult to resolve any outstanding issues. This then puts the Moulton Officer in a difficult position due to the continuous demands from students, and the staff will not take things forward, which makes decision making for the Moulton Officer harder, especially for manifesto points that need permission/clarification from Moulton H.E Management.

2. This Council Believes

For Moulton students voices to be heard and the future Moulton Officer to be effective in their role the Moulton Officer role needs to be split into three roles. These three roles will be:

1) Moulton College Officer (welfare), 2) Moulton Education Officer, 3) Moulton Activities Officer.

(See Appendix 2 for the role descriptions of these officers)

These Officers will form a Moulton College Sub-Committee in order to facilitate better communication among students and Moulton representatives.

The two additional officers would feed their reports into the Moulton College Officer, who would be the only one to sit and give feedback on their reports to Student Council. The reason being because it would not be representative of the number of students at Moulton College to have three representatives to have voting powers on Student Council and on the Executive Committee.



Old bye-law:

NONE

New bye-law:

5.7. Moulton College Sub-Committee

Definition of Moulton Sub-Committee

5.7.1. This committee is comprised of the Moulton College Officer, Moulton Education Officer, Moulton Activities Officer and Moulton H.E Course representatives.

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5.7.2. The aim of this committee is to resolve issues regarding education, activities and welfare of Moulton students; and to work with Moulton College to resolve these issues.

Electing Officers

5.7.3. The Moulton College Officer, the Moulton Education Officer and Moulton Activities Officer are ratified via a vote in the elections, held in accordance with the Student Representation Policy.

Removing Officers

5.7.4. The Moulton College Officer may only be removed from position under one of the following circumstance:

5.7.4.1. Disciplinary decision, governed by disciplinary bye-law.5.7.4.2. Vote of no confidence within the sub-committee5.7.4.3. Failure to attend 3 meetings in an academic year, without submitting apologies5.7.4.4. In accordance with the Student Council Bye-Law 4.6.6.

5.7.5. Moulton Education Officer and Moulton Activities Officer may only be removed from position under one of the following circumstances:

5.7.5.1. Disciplinary decision, governed by disciplinary bye-law.5.7.5.2. Vote of no confidence within the sub-committee5.7.5.3. Failure to attend 3 meetings in an academic year, without submitting apologies

Officer Reports5.7.6. The Moulton College Officer, Moulton Education Officer and Moulton Activities Officer must present a report at each sub-committee meeting in order to evidence the progress on their work. 5.7.7. Each Officer must use the Officer report template (See Appendix 3)5.7.8. The Moulton College Officer must take both the Moulton Education and Moulton Activities Officer’s reports forward to Student Council.

Moulton College Sub-Committee Regulations5.7.9. This sub-committee will meet once a month.5.7.10. Annually this committee will review their terms of reference. The terms of reference will be created in the first meeting of this committee.

General Regulations for Committees

5.7.11. Committees are required to abide by the Constitution and Bye-laws of UNSU, and the Mission, Values, Policies, Regulations and Procedures adopted by Student Council and the Board of Trustees.5.7.12. All elected Committee positions will expire at midnight on 31st March, with new roles taking over on 1st April.

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DATE 09/03/2017

SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME Chelsea Eede

DATE 09/03/2017

SIGNATURE

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Moulton Officer Role Description

Role Title: Moulton College Officer Supported by: The Students UnionRole Purpose: To collect welfare issues from H.E students based at Moulton College.

Aims of the role:

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1. To work in conjunction with the Students Union, Moulton Education Officer, Moulton Activities Officer and Moulton H.E Course Representatives to implement change at Moulton College.

2. To coordinate and create new opportunities for H.E students.

Expectations of the role:1. To collect welfare issues and feedback from students at Moulton College.2. To communicate with the Moulton Education and Activities Officer on a regular basis

to further engage students.3. To facilitate the monthly Moulton Sub-Committee meetings with the Moulton

Education Officer, Moulton Activities Officer and Moulton H.E Course Representatives.

4. To write and present a report at the end of each month and present it at Student Council and the Moulton Sub-Committee on what manifesto points have been worked on.

5. To present the reports of the Moulton Education Officer and Moulton Activities Officer at the monthly Student Council based at the Students Union.

6. To promote Moulton roles and opportunities both internally and externally to H.E students.

7. To work alongside the Moulton Education Officer, Moulton Activities Officer and Moulton H.E Course representatives to conclude on social and academic matters.

8. To develop good working relationships with the relevant persons to excel in your role.9. To attend the monthly Executive Team Meetings to deliver short reports and feedback

on what has been worked on.10. To attend the monthly Student Council meetings once a month.11. To attend the Moulton Sub-Committee meetings once a month.

Moulton Activities Officer Role Description

Role Title: Moulton Activities OfficerSupported By: The Students UnionRole Purpose: To collect social/entertainment concerns from H.E students based at Moulton College.

Aims of the role:1. To work in conjunction with the Moulton College Officer, Moulton H.E Course

Representatives and Student Welfare Team to further improve education matters.2. To coordinate and create new opportunities for H.E students on a social aspect.

Expectations of the role:12. To collect social concerns and feedback from students at Moulton College.

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13. To communicate with the Moulton Education and Activities Officer on a regular basis to further engage students in future opportunities.

14. To write and present a report at the end of each month and present it at the Moulton Sub-Committee on what manifesto points have been worked on.

15. To work alongside the Student Welfare Team at Moulton College to implement social activities at Moulton College.

16. To promote Moulton roles and opportunities at Moulton College to H.E Students.17. To develop good working relationships with the relevant persons to excel in your role.18. To attend the Moulton Sub-Committee meeting once a month.

Moulton Education Officer Role Description

Role Title: Moulton Education OfficerSupported by: The Students UnionRole Purpose: To collect education issues from H.E students at Moulton College.

Aims of the role:1. To work in conjunction with the Moulton College Officer and Moulton H.E Course

Representatives to further improve education matters.2. To coordinate and create new opportunities for H.E students on an academic aspect.

Expectations of the role:1. To collect educational issues and feedback from students at Moulton College.2. To communicate with the Moulton College Officer, Moulton Activities Officer and

Moulton H.E Course Representatives on a regular basis to further engage students in future opportunities/events.

3. To write and deliver a report once a month during the Moulton Sub-Committee in regards to what manifesto points have been worked on.

4. To promote Moulton roles and educational opportunities within Moulton College.5. To work alongside the Moulton College Officer, Moulton Activities Officer and

Moulton H.E Course representatives to conclude on academic matters.6. To develop good working relationships with the relevant persons to excel in the role.7. To attend the Moulton Sub-Committee meeting once a month.

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Appendix 3

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7. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1) – OFFICER REPORTS The Students’ Union constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws. The Constitution specifically states:





This Student council notes that the Student Council Bye-Law is not up to date. It also notes that there is no mention of a standardised Officer report and that Officers get off too lightly when they do not submit a report at student council, because we cannot hold them to account.

16.This Council Believes

In the old bye-law there is no mention of the format of reports. In order to make it easier for councilors to compare the progress made by Officers should use a standardised officer report template, which will include a column named ‘previous council report’.

Also, as an elected Officer it is part of the Officer’s role to submit a report to Student Council, therefore any Officer who does not submit a report 2 times within an academic year should receive a censure. The aim of student council is to hold an officer to account based on their report. Councilors cannot hold their officer to account if they cannot see their report prior to student council.

We currently have voting pads and do not vote using a show of hands anymore.



Old bye-law:

6. Student Council

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in a an Annual General Meeting6.6.4. Receive a quarterly report from the Trustees.

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6.6.5. Require reports from Executive Officers, Student Representatives and Part-time Officers on any matter except staffing and confidential issues.

6.6.6. Commend or censure, or no-confidence Trustees, Student Representatives and Part-time Officers.

6.6.7. Jointly with the trustees make, repeal and amend the Bye-Laws. 6.6.8. Mandate Executive Officers and Student Representatives and on matters of

concern to members.











removal. Any decision may be overturned by a qualified majority of two-thirds of the Councillors in attendance. The Chair shall circulate copies of all rejected motions (for information) in the event that they are returned to the agenda.




Responsibilities of the Deputy Chair

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6.21. To assist the Chair in their responsibilities.6.22. To take the Chair when there has been a Vote of No Confidence in the Chair to elect a






silent.








Reports6.33.8. Trustee report6.33.9. Finance report6.33.10. Officer reports

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6.33.11. Ratification of Committee minutes6.33.12. Issues arising from Committee minutes6.33.13. Any Other Business6.33.14. Date of Next Meeting












6.42. If an amendment not accepted by the proposer of the motion is passed, the Chair shall ask the proposer of the motion if they still support the amended motion. If the proposer no longer supports the motion, a new proposer should be found from the Councillors in the room.




General Regulations

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6.46. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that debate is as free and open as possible, while at all times remaining relevant, concise and constructive.

6.47. The proposer of a motion shall be given two minutes to speak in favour of that motion, a speech against of two minutes will be offered to the floor. Debate shall then be opened to the meeting. If there is no speech against a motion the Chair may use their discretion and move straight to a vote.











Procedural Motions 6.54. A procedural motion must be proposed by a Councillor6.55. A procedural motion takes precedence over all other business6.56. When a procedural motion is called the proposer of the procedural motion and an opposer



6.57.1. Vote of No Confidence in the Chair- This can be used if Councillors feel that the Chair’s decisions or ability to chair the Council are damaging to fair

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debate or process. The Deputy Chair shall take over the Chair once this has been proposed and will conduct the vote. . If Council votes in favour, then the Deputy Chair will facilitate an election for a new Chair in which the Deputy Chair cannot be a candidate.












Policy Lapse

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6.58. Policy passed more than two academic years earlier shall be presented to Student Council with a recommendation from the Executive Committee to retain or lapse.

6.59. Recommendations shall require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be carried.

6.60. A Councillor may, at any time, bring policy that is considered to be out of date to the attention of Student Council and debated.

















6.72.1. Upon written notice of resignation sent to the Council Chair.

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6.73. If a resolution is passed by a simple majority of the Council in the event that the Member of Council has failed to attend either two consecutive or three in total meeting. Any Councillor who is removed via this method shall be informed by a signed letter from the Chair of Council and countersigned by the Students’ Union President. The individual must then be replaced as appropriate by the relevant Committee.

New bye-law:7. Student Council













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in an Annual General Meeting7.6.4. Receive a quarterly report from the Trustees. 7.6.5. Require reports from Executive Officers, Student Representatives and Part-



concern to members.











removal. Any decision may be overturned by a qualified majority of two-thirds of the

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Councillors in attendance. The Chair shall circulate copies of all rejected motions (for information) in the event that they are returned to the agenda.










silent.







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Officer Reports5.35. All Officers must use the report template as seen in Appendix 1. 5.36. Any Officer who doesn’t submit a report to the chair, in accordance with 5.30, 2 times throughout the academic year will receive a censure.

Meeting procedure Motions5.37 A motion may be any of the four proposals below

5.3.7.1. Discussion Point- Take a potentially contentious issue and gather the views of Student Council5.3.7.2. Policy- Introduce a new policy to allow the political views of our members to dictate how we act as an organisation5.3.7.3. Bye-Law Amendment- To allow our members to make changes to how the organisation operates5.3.7.4. Officer Mandate- To assign a task to an elected officer, whereby the officer must enact the wishes of Council and report back to subsequent meetings

5.38. Motions shall have a proposer and a seconder. 5.39. Any Councillor may propose or second a motion. 5.40. Motions shall be debated and require the approval of a simple-majority of Student Council members to be carried and passed as policy.

Amendments5.41. Any Councillor may propose an amendment. 5.42. If an amendment is accepted by the proposer of the motion it shall be included in the motion.

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5.43. If an amendment is not accepted by the proposer of the motion it shall be debated and require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be carried and included in the motion.5.44. If an amendment not accepted by the proposer of the motion is passed, the Chair shall ask the proposer of the motion if they still support the amended motion. If the proposer no longer supports the motion, a new proposer should be found from the Councillors in the room.

Amendments to the Bye-Laws5.45. Any Councillor may propose an amendment to the Bye-Laws. 5.46. Amendments to the Bye-Laws must be drafted with the support of an appropriate member of Students’ Union staff nominated by the Chief Executive. 5.47. Amendments to the Bye-Laws shall be debated and require the approval of a simple majority of Councillors to be carried.

General Regulations5.48. It shall be the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that debate is as free and open as possible, while at all times remaining relevant, concise and constructive.5.49. The proposer of a motion shall be given two minutes to speak in favour of that motion, a speech against of two minutes will be offered to the floor. Debate shall then be opened to the meeting. If there is no speech against a motion the Chair may use their discretion and move straight to a vote.5.50. All voting members of the Council should be accorded equity of status during the course of debate. The proposer of the motion should receive no higher speaking rights. 5.51. There shall be opportunities for a one-minute summation of the arguments for and a one-minute summation of the arguments against a motion at the end of debate. These shall both be offered to Councillors.5.52. Councillors may, at any time during Council, put forward procedural motions

General Procedures5.53. Motions of no-confidence shall be tabled in the same way as any other motion but shall require the support of at least four Councillors. 5.54. A motion or amendment may be withdrawn by the proposer, but shall be open to the seconder or other Councillor to propose, provided that it is done immediately after such withdrawal. 5.55. The Chair shall rule a motion or amendment out of order if it:

5.55.1. Is in contravention of the Articles of Association and the Bye-Laws. 5.55.2. Is not within the duties of Student Council. 5.55.3. Is factually inaccurate, submitted without appropriate evidence or out of date. 5.55.4. Has already been submitted that academic year and there has been no significant change in circumstances.

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5.55.5. Seeks to commit the Trustees, the Student Representatives and Part-time Officers, the Directors of the subsidiary companies or the Union’s resources to an illegal or unlawful act. 5.55.6. Seeks to amend the Bye-Laws unless it is properly submitted as such according to section 4.44 of the Student Council Bye-Law.

Procedural Motions 5.56. A procedural motion must be proposed by a Councillor5.57. A procedural motion takes precedence over all other business5.58. When a procedural motion is called the proposer of the procedural motion and an opposer shall have one minute to state their case. Further rounds of speeches may be granted. A procedural motion shall require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be carried.5.59. In the event that a motion is proposed before another is resolved, the motions shall be prioritised as ordered below:

5.59.1. Vote of No Confidence in the Chair- This can be used if Councillors feel that the Chair’s decisions or ability to chair the Council are damaging to fair debate or process. The Deputy Chair shall take over the Chair once this has been proposed and will conduct the vote. . If Council votes in favour, then the Deputy Chair will facilitate an election for a new Chair in which the Deputy Chair cannot be a candidate.5.59.2. Chair/Deputy Chair’s ruling be overturned- This can be used if Councillors feel that a specific ruling by the Chair or Deputy Chair was wrong.5.59.3 Vote in Parts- This can be used to discuss one or a few particular parts of a motion separately. This debate will then begin immediately if agreed purely on the parts as agreed. If parts are ‘deleted’ then they will be removed from the original motion. If parts are ‘kept’ then they will remain in the original motion. Once parts are decided, the debate will continue on the original motion.5.59.4 A vote taken by secret ballot- This can be used to ensure that a vote takes place via a secret paper or electronic ballot.5.59.5. Move to a vote- This can be used to halt the debate and go straight to a vote on a motion if Councillors feel that it is appropriate.5.59.6. Amend a motion- This can be used to edit the wording of a motion. This should not substantially change the spirit of the motion.5.59.7. A vote is referred to referendum- This can be used to refer a vote to the wider student body.5.59.8. A vote be adjourned to a later meeting- This can be used to move an item to a later meeting. This may be because it is not urgent or Councillors feel they need more time to consider relevant issues and consult with students. All items that that fall after a guillotine will automatically be transferred to the next meeting of that Council.5.59.9. A vote be referred to a Council Committee or Executive Committee- This can be used to move an item to a later meeting. This may be because it is not urgent or Councillors feel they need more time to consider relevant issues and consult with

P a g e | 49

students. All items that that fall after a guillotine will automatically be transferred to the next meeting of Student Council.5.59.10 A vote is not taken- This can be used if it is felt that the proposal is not relevant to the work of the Students’ Union or will impact our students, or if it is felt that Student Council is not the correct place for a decision to be made.5.59.11. Move an item on the agenda- This can be used if an item is deemed important and needs to be brought forward to be the next item on the agenda to ensure it is fully discussed.5.59.12. The meeting is adjourned- This can be used to pause the meeting for a break of up to 15 minutes or to close the Council meeting completely.

Policy Lapse 5.60 Policy passed more than two academic years earlier shall be presented to Student Council with a recommendation from the Executive Committee to retain or lapse. 5.61. Recommendations shall require the approval of a simple-majority of Councillors to be carried. 5.62. A Councillor may, at any time, bring policy that is considered to be out of date to the attention of Student Council and debated.

Voting5.63. When voting, Councillors shall always be given the option to vote in favour, to vote against or to record an abstention.5.64. All items shall be passed by a simple majority unless otherwise stated in the Constitution or Bye Laws. 5.65. Voting shall be conducted through voting pads5.66. An indicative vote between a number of options may be called by the Chair and recorded in the minutes, but will not carry any authority.

Observers5.67. Where possible, there will be a designated area of the Council chamber where observers shall be allowed to sit. Council members shall sit apart from them to avoid confusion when voting.5.68. Any observing full members of the Students’ Union shall automatically be granted speaking rights but have no other powers. 5.69. Speaking rights may only be granted to any other observers at the discretion of the Chair.

Apologies5.70. Councillors who are aware of their absence must submit apologies to the Chair by email at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the meeting. Apologies received after this point shall be accepted at the Chairs discretion

Quorum

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5.71. Quorum for Student Council shall be either 50% plus one of all Councillors, or 20, whichever is higher.

Frequency of Meeting5.72. Student Council must meet at least three times in term 1, three times in term 2 and once in term three.5.73. Council must approve the dates, time and locations of meetings in the first meeting after 1st April for the following year. The chair must them update the SU website with arrangements.


5.74.1. Upon written notice of resignation sent to the Council Chair.5.75. If a resolution is passed by a simple majority of the Council in the event that the Member of Council has failed to attend either two consecutive or three in total meeting. Any Councillor who is removed via this method shall be informed by a signed letter from the Chair of Council and countersigned by the Students’ Union President. The individual must then be replaced as appropriate by the relevant Committee.


DATE 22.02.2017

SIGNATURE

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME Liam Bligh

DATE 01.03.2017

SIGNATURE

Appendix 1

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Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal (SCF1)The UNSU constitution allows Student Council to amend bye-laws:



Submission of this document to Student Council is a request for a change to the bye-laws

This Council Notes

1. That the Bye Law is unclear regarding the allocation and use of funding for parties running in the referendum.

2. As the democracy and elections committee does not exist this needs to be removed from the bye law.

This Council Believes

1. Using money to incite a vote in a certain favor is unethical, and wouldn’t be tolerated in other organizations.

2. Using money may also skewer people’s opinions on the subject, which then results in an outcome which may not be truly representative of what the student body believe.

3. That if the funding cannot be determined by the executive committee due to timescale or holiday then the decision is made by a neutral Sabbatical Officer on their behalf.

.

This Council Resolves


6.1. Referenda can be called in accordance with the Constitution.6.2. A Referendum shall be the ultimate decision-making method of the Students’ Union.6.3. Members may set Policy by Referenda. Policy set by Referenda may overturn Policy

set by the Student Council.6.4. A Referendum can follow a Secure Petition of at least 0.5% of members.6.5. A Secure Petition must include a statement of the Petition’s aim, names of the

signatories, student numbers, course, year of study and email address.6.6. A Secure Petition must be submitted in hard copy to the Union buildings at either

Park or Avenue Campus, and must be addressed to the Chair of the Executive Committee.

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6.7. A Referendum shall also be called if a majority view is not reached during voting on Student Council.

6.8. Members shall be asked to vote yes, no or abstain in a cross-campus online vote.6.9. The Democracy and Elections Committee shall convene a Referendum within 3

weeks during term time after receiving the request.6.10. 1 weeks’ notice must be given prior to the start of a Referendum. Campaigning will

be permitted during this week.6.11. The Students’ Union shall provide the location for debating the Suggestions in the

Union building prior to the start of voting.6.12. The Executive Committee, and SU Management shall determine the level of funding

available for the facilitation of each Referendum.6.13. Each Referendum shall last 2 working days.6.14. The Democracy and Elections Committee shall be responsible for publicising the

Referendum in the Students’ Union and on the Union website, including details of the date of the Referendum and method of voting.

6.15. The Returning Officer shall announce the results of Referenda.6.16. A resolution may be passed by Referendum if at least 2.5% members vote, and two

thirds of the votes are in favour of the resolution. (In accordance with the Constitution)

6.17. A Referendum will be held to decide upon the issue of NUS affiliation at least every 3 academic years.

New bye-law:

6.1. Referenda can be called in accordance with the Constitution.6.2. A Referendum shall be the ultimate decision-making method of the Students’ Union.6.3. Members may set Policy by Referenda. Policy set by Referenda may overturn Policy set by

the Student Council.6.4. A Referendum can follow a Secure Petition of at least 0.5% of members.6.5. A Secure Petition must include a statement of the Petition’s aim, names of the signatories,

student numbers, course, year of study and email address.6.6. A Secure Petition must be submitted in hard copy to the Union buildings at either Park or

Avenue Campus, and must be addressed to the Chair of the Executive Committee.6.7. A Referendum shall also be called if a majority view is not reached during voting on Student

Council.6.8. Members shall be asked to vote yes, no or abstain in a cross-campus online vote.6.9. The Democracy and Elections Committee shall convene a Referendum within 3 weeks

during term time after receiving the request.6.9.1. The members of the Democracy and Elections Committee will be posted on the SU website prior to the referendum.

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6.10. 1 weeks’ notice must be given prior to the start of a Referendum. Campaigning will be permitted during this week.

6.11. The Students’ Union shall provide the location for debating the Suggestions in the Union building prior to the start of voting.

6.12. The Executive Committee, and SU Management shall determine the level of funding available for the facilitation of each Referendum.

6.12.1. If the Executive Committee are unavailable due to timescale or holiday then the decision will be made on behalf of them by a neutral Sabbatical Officer. If one is not available then the decision has to made as soon as the Executive Committee are available.

6.12.2. Funding may not be used to incite a vote towards a certain side.6.13. Each Referendum shall last 2 working days.6.14. The Returning Officer shall announce the results of Referenda.6.15. A resolution may be passed by Referendum if at least 2.5% members vote, and two thirds

of the votes are in favour of the resolution. (In accordance with the Constitution)6.16. A Referendum will be held to decide upon the issue of NUS affiliation at least every 3

academic years.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED BYNAME Rebecca Chapman

DATE 9th March 2017

SIGNATURE R.Chapman

AMENDMENT SECONDED BYNAME Hannah Botwright

DATE 9th March 2017

SIGNATURE H.Botwright

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Documents

1. Student Council Bye-Law Amendment Proposal …€¦ · Web viewAll candidates must submit a five hundred word (maximum) manifesto which shall be displayed on the Union website