By Beds SU
Monday, 20 January 2025
Did you know that Beds SU is run by two full-time and four part-time elected students and that they are positions held by current students of the University of Bedford (UoB).
It may come as a surprise to hear that these roles are open to ALL students, regardless of the campus or year of study you are in, and that for our full-time positions these can be held by students who are graduating.
The roles are paid, with our two full-time officers stepping into a yearlong 37 hours a week contract and our four part-time officers paid to work up to 18 hours a week alongside their studies. For all positions there is a collective responsibility to lead the Union on behalf of students, delivering impactful and positive change on the issues that matter most to UoB students.
Changes for 2025
For the first time, this year we are asking students to not only choose the students they would like to see elected but vote on the issues and topics you would like to see your incoming Student Affairs Committee tackle on your behalf. This will be achieved by students prioritising a series of topics and issues put together based on Student feedback.
This decision, along with a change to the titles of roles and bringing the election of part-time roles into the Spring election, was approved by the Trustee Board in December 2024.
The roles available are:
Full-time, 37 hours a week job that cannot be done alongside your studies.
• 1 x Student Campaigns Lead [reserved for a student paying "International" fees]
• 1 x Student Campaigns Lead [reserved for a student paying "Home" fees]
Part-time, 12-18 hours a week job that has to be undertaken alongside your studies.
• 4 x Student Champion [One position for each of the four Faculties]
What Are Student Campaigns Leads?
The two Student Campaign Lead positions open for application from the 27 January, 2025 are full-time, 37 hours a week, paid jobs within the SU.
Individuals either take a year out from their studies (interrupting their current course, with permission from course leader) or work with Beds SU after they graduate.
Student Campaign Leads will spend large portions of their time working with the support of the staff team to create positive change for students with the aim of making a better university experience for everyone. Student Campaign Leads get to meet with senior members of the University, including the Vice-Chancellor, on a regular basis and advocate for the views of students and betterment of the student experience.
Student Campaign Leads start in July 2025 and hold their position until the end of June 2026.
These roles were formerly known as Co-President positions.
What are Student Champions?
The four Student Champions positions open for application from the 27 January, 2025 are part-time, up to 18 hours a week, paid jobs within the SU. Individuals must be students studying at the University of Bedfordshire during the 2025-26 academic year working alongside their studies. There are four positions, one for each of the four faculties and you must study in the faculty you are representing.
Student Champions will spend large portions of their time gathering feedback from students across their faculty. They will work with the support of the staff team to create positive change for students with the aim of making a better university experience for students in their faculty.
Student Champions get to meet with senior members of the Faculty, including the Dean and Associate Dean for Student Experience, on a regular basis and advocate for the views of students and betterment of the student experience within the faculty.
Student Champions start in July 2025 and hold their position until the end of June 2026.
These roles were formerly known as Part-time Faculty Officers
Key things you need to know about Student Elections
Beds SU members will be able to apply to become one of the team for 2025/26 between 27 January 10:00 and 19 February 10:00.
To apply you will need to complete an online application form, telling us a little about why you believe you have the skills and qualities required for the role and why your fellow students should vote for you.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend a meeting with members of Beds SU to discuss the role and make sure that you understand the requirements as well as have your campaign photos taken. This will be in the week beginning Monday 24 February.
We will also be recording an online Question Time for candidates so that students can see how you respond to a selection of questions related to the position you are applying for. This will be recorded prior to voting opening so that it can be sent out to all students to help inform their decision.
In order to be eligible for these roles, you must have been a registered student at the University of Bedfordshire both on 25 November 2024 AND on 17 March 2025 when voting closes.
You will also need to follow our elections rules and regulations- make sure you read these before you apply.
If successful, in the Student Campaigns Lead job you will need to either interrupt your studies for a year or be graduating before July 2025 to take up the position. If you have any concerns about eligibility, please get in touch: elections@beds.ac.uk
All Beds SU members (students) will have the chance to vote on what they want the team to work on and who they want to be elected between 7 March 10:00 and 17 March 10:00. During this time, we will be providing opportunities for candidates to meet voters, and will release the results on Wednesday 19 March 16:00.
If at any point of the election you have any questions or queries please email elections@beds.ac.uk
Want to find out more?
Contact elections@beds.ac.uk and one of our friendly team will be in touch to discuss the process in more detail.