The Guild Elections are here – giving us the opportunity to vote for the people who will be running our Student’s Union next year. The Elections can seem a bit confusing if it is your first time voting, this guide will help you understand what you are voting for, why and how.
The Full Time Officer positions are:
President (Currently Jack Mably):
The President of The Guild of Students is responsible for representing all 30,000 students at the University of Birmingham. They are required to represent students from all backgrounds, with a diversity of wants and needs. The lead and manage the Guild Officer Team and student volunteers, ensuring that the Guild is meeting students requirements day-to-day as well as in big events.
Activities and Development Officer (Currently Ben Chapman):
Activities and Development Officer is the position which supports and is responsible for student groups. Their job is to give advice and resources which they need to be an effective. They try to ensure that all members have a fulfilling, enjoyable and high quality experience, acting as a regulator of the student groups. Their aim is to increase involvement of students in student groups through the advice they offer and by promoting the experiences and skills that can be gained through being an active member of societies, clubs and volunteering projects.
Education Officer (Currently Izzy Lenga):
The Education Officer leads the Guild in its efforts to improve the education of students at Birmingham. They represent students at the University, listen to their wants and needs in their education and try to action these. They will be the voice of all 30,000 students on a daily basis.
Housing and Community Officer (Currently Roberto Sorrentino):
The Housing and Community Officer represents students and supports them in matters concerning housing and community. Their responsibilities include; engaging with community groups, creating a positive relationship between students and local residents, helping students with housing concerns and promoting safety within the student community.
Postgraduate Students’ Officer (A New Role):
The Postgraduate Officer is a new Full Time Role. They will be supporting and representing the 13,000 postgraduate students on campus and ensuring that they get the most from their time at Birmingham. They’ll make sure services, events and campaigns are all accessible and relevant to postgraduate students.
Representation and Resources Officer (Currently Daisy Lindlar):
The Representation and Resources Officer takes the lead in dealing with issues of finance within the Guild as well as being responsible for supporting the Guild’s service. They improve representation through running elections that are well-promoted and accessible for all students. They are also responsible for improving the sustainability of the Guild and tackling environmental issues within the student community. They promote the structures which are relevant to the needs of students including; Guild Council, Forums and other Guild democratic structures.
Sports Officer (Currently Rémy Claustres):
The Sports Officer position takes responsibility for student leadership in sporting activities at the University. They promote equal opportunity in sport so every student can get involved. They work with University of Birmingham Sport (UBS) supporting the sports clubs and helping to develop facilities. The promote healthy living and organise events and campaigns to encourage students to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Welfare Officer (Currently Ross Strong):
Welfare Officer is a representative of the needs and interest of the students to the University and externally. They boost awareness of various welfare issues by organising events, distributing necessary information and offering students practical advice.
The Part Time Officer positions are:
- Anti-Racism; Anti-Fascism Officer
- Community Action Officer
- Disabled Students’ Officer
- Ethical and Environmental Officer
- Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer
- Home Students’ Officer
- International Students’ Officer
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Students’ Officer
- Mature & Part time Students’ Officer
- Satellite Sites Officer
- Womens’ Officer
For more information on the Part Time Officer roles, click here.
VOTING OPENS 29.02.2016 at 10am!
You can vote and join the discussion here.
