Elections are here, this spring SOAS students will be asked if they've got what it takes to lead the union and represent students voices. In this election there are 13 roles available including the 4 Co-Presidents, 8 Preferenda Portfolio Part-Time Officer positions and the NUS Conference Delegate. 

 

Find out more about the candidates and their manifesto's here!

No elections are currently running

 

Make sure you're logged into on your Student Account in order to participate in this election. To do this you will need to click 'log in' in the top right hand corner of the website. Select the Student Log in option and use the email and password you use to log into other SOAS websites such as Moodle and your email. If you experience any issues logging in please contact cm85@soas.ac.uk 

Key Dates

 

Monday 

13th February 

10am 

Nominations Open 

Wednesday 

22nd February 

5:30pm 

Election Information Session 

Sunday 

26th February 

11pm 

Nominations Close 

Tuesday 

28th February 

5:30pm 

Candidates Meeting 

Tuesday 

28th February 

9pm 

Candidate Announcement 

Wednesday 

1st March 

5:30pm 

Campaign Training Session 

Friday  

3rd March 

5:30pm 

Hustings 

Friday  

3rd March 

Immediately following the close of Husting 

Campaigning Begins 

Monday 

6th March 

10am 

Voting Opens 

Thursday 

9th March 

4pm 

Voting Closes 

Friday  

10th March 

5pm 

Results Announced 

The Roles

Overview of the roles available

 

In this election there are 13 roles available, these include the 4 Sabbatical Officers, 8 Preferenda Portfolio Part-Time Officers and 1 NUS Conference Delegate.  

 

Sabbatical Officers for 2023/24 

During this election students will be electing the four Co-President roles for 2023/24. These roles are full-time paid positions with an annual salary of £27,900. The students elected to these roles will be responsible for representing and campaigning on behalf of SOAS students.  

The roles available are: 

  • Activities and Events Co-President 
  • Democracy and Education Co-President 
  • Equality and Liberation Co-President 
  • Welfare and Campaigns Co-President 

 

Preferenda Portfolio Part-Time Officers 2022/23 

Over the summer SOAS SU changed its Part-Time Officer structure to enable SOAS students to have more of a say about what matters to them by deciding the roles of 8 Part-Time Officer roles. These roles are voluntary, and the students elected into post will remain in office until July 31st, but are asked to support over summer and help organise welcome week activities..   

The roles available are: 

  • Sustainability Officer 
  • Students Against Securitisation and Surveillance Officer 
  • Anti-Racism Action Officer 
  • Mental Health Awareness Officer 
  • Arts and Culture Officer 
  • Cost of Living Campaigns Officer 
  • International Students Officer 
  • Afrikan Studies Officer 

 

NUS Conference Delegate 2022/23 

Each year the NUS National Conference takes place. This is an opportunity to debate the issues that matter most to students, set NUS policy and campaigns, attend workshops and events and network with other student leaders. This year's National Conference is on the 15th-16th of March 2023 in Harrogate and training will be on Monday the 13th of March. Conference, travel, and accommodation expenses will be covered.  

The roles available are: 

 

  • 1 National Conference Delegate 

 

Sabbatical Officer Role Descriptions

Co-President Democracy & Education  

 

Co-President Democracy & Education  

The Co-President Democracy and Education is responsible for ensuring that students voices are heard in the University and the SU, by being a member of the Universities Board of Trustees, championing students educational experience, working with Student Reps and leading on democracy within the SU. As Chair of the Board of Trustees they are also ultimately responsible for the leadership and direction of the SU. 

Dates: 1st July 2023 – 31st July 2024 

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 

Your role as a:

Representative and Campaigner 

  1. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf.  
  2. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects to improve their experience. 
  3. Represent SOAS students on School Committees and attend regular meetings with the Director of the School in order to make change in students' lives. 
  4. Represent the Union externally, working with other students' unions, the NUS and other organisations.  
  5. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members. 
  6. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work.  
  7. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  8. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points.  

Trustee 

  1. All Sabbatical Officers are Trustees of the SU. This means that they are responsible for the finances, reputation and legal compliance of the Union.  
  2. Be responsible for ensuring the SU pursues its charitable objectives. 
  3. Oversee the governance, finance and strategy of the SU. 
  4. Ensure that the SU complies with its governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation or regulations.  

Benefits

  1. Training and induction programme, including Trustee training and a handover between the outgoing and incoming officer team.  
  2. 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and agreed closure days. 

Personal Profile

  1. Committed to students and SOAS SU 
  2. Ability to network, influence and communicate effectively 
  3. Willingness to represent students' opinions, even where they divert from your own 
  4. Ability to critically evaluate 
  5. Attention to detail in the context of strategic decision making 
  6. Ability to make rational and objective decisions 
  7. Act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking your responsibilities 

Responsibilities 

  1. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be a member of the School’s Academic Board and Learning and Teaching Quality Committee as well as a member of other School committees as approved by the Board of Trustees. 
  2. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall identify areas for attention relating to the education of students and provide information to Co-President Welfare and Campaigns to aid in running campaigns where relevant. 
  3. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall sit on the School’s Board of Trustees.  
  4. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be responsible for organising and publicising the three SU Forums working with Union staff. They shall also be responsible for maintaining the Policy File and publishing records of meetings, supported by the Communications and Governance Co-Ordinator.  
  5.  The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be the lead delegate and liaison with NUS, and shall be the first point of contact within the Union.  
  6.  The Co-President Democracy and Education shall liaise with the appropriate members of School staff in the Library, Faculties and elsewhere to ensure that Union policy and campaigns are progressed.  
  7. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be responsible for the running of the student representation system, in liaison with the Union’s Research and Representation Assistant, and for supporting the student representatives within the School.  
  8. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall provide information on the appropriate channels through which to raise issues with the School via the student representative and School committee structures.  
  9. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be Chair of the Union’s Board of Trustees  
  10. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be Chair of the Influencing SOAS Forum  
  11. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be Vice-Chair of the Governance Sub-Committee.  
  12. The Co-President Democracy and Education shall be Chair of the Reps General Assembly.  

 

Co-President Activities and Events

 

The Co-President Activities and Events is responsible for ensuring that  Clubs and Societies are supported and developed as well as leading on major SU events and a wider events programme. 

Dates: 1st July 2023 – 31st July 2024 

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 

Your role as a: 

Representative and Campaigner 

  1. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf.  
  2. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects to improve their experience. 
  3. Represent SOAS students on School Committees and attend regular meetings with the Director of the School in order to make change in students' lives. 
  4. Represent the Union externally, working with other students' unions, the NUS and other organisations.  
  5. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members. 
  6. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work.  
  7. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  8. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points.  

Trustee 

  1. All Sabbatical Officers are Trustees of the SU. This means that they are responsible for the finances, reputation and legal compliance of the Union.  
  2. Be responsible for ensuring the SU pursues its charitable objectives. 
  3. Oversee the governance, finance and strategy of the SU. 
  4. Ensure that the SU complies with its governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation or regulations.  

Benefits

  1. Training and induction programme, including Trustee training and a handover between the outgoing and incoming officer team.  
  2. 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and agreed closure days. 

Personal Profile

  1. Committed to students and SOAS SU 
  2. Ability to network, influence and communicate effectively 
  3. Willingness to represent students' opinions, even where they divert from your own 
  4. Ability to critically evaluate 
  5. Attention to detail in the context of strategic decision making 
  6. Ability to make rational and objective decisions 
  7. Act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking your responsibilities 

Responsibilities 

  1. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for encouraging the formation, and success of societies and sports teams within the Union.  
  2. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for organising the Societies Fayre in the first and second term and other events relating to societies.  
  3. The Co-President Activities and Events shall also be the main point of contact with the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and seek Sport Development opportunities from regional and national Bodies.  
  4. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for preparing an up-to-date list of active societies and publicising this. They shall also be responsible for the Sports and Societies area of the website and promoting its use, with support from the Communications and Governance Co-Ordinator.  
  5. The Co-President Activities and Events shall oversee the Union’s publicity policy and they ensure Union events are appropriately publicised on the Union website and via printed publications.  
  6. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for ensuring that societies’ budgets are set in line with SU procedures. The Co-President Activities and Events shall ensure that clubs and societies are spending their funds according to the stated aims of the Union and in the interests of each society’s members. 
  7. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for ensuring that societies are aware of regulations pertaining to the running of societies and that they abide by them. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for ensuring that all sports and societies have adequate training and information about health and safety issues and abide by policies set.  
  8. The Co-President Activities and Events, with the Co-President Equality and Liberation, shall be responsible for promoting and monitoring equality and diversity within sports, societies and extracurricular student activities.  
  9. Working with the Commercial Services Manager, the Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for organising a programme of Union entertainments. Reports on each event’s finances should be reported to the Union. They must ensure that all Union events are appropriately publicised.  
  10. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be responsible for funds raised for charity and must ensure that any fundraising on campus by societies and by the Students’ Union is followed through with an appropriate receipt and report. This is to be included in a report to the Board of Trustees.  
  11. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be the Chair of the SU Operations Forum.  
  12. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be the Vice-Chair of the Commercial Services Sub-Committee.  
  13. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be the Chair of the Societies Presidents Forum  
  14. The Co-President Activities and Events shall be the Chair of the Sports Forum  

 

Co-President Welfare and Campaigns

 

Co-President Welfare and Campaigns  

The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns is responsible for ensuring that the welfare of students is prioritised within the union and university, developing campaigns and initiatives that seek to improve student experience.  

Dates: 1st July 2023 – 31st July 2024 

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 

Your role as a: 

Representative and Campaigner 

  1. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf.  
  2. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects to improve their experience. 
  3. Represent SOAS students on School Committees and attend regular meetings with the Director of the School in order to make change in students' lives. 
  4. Represent the Union externally, working with other students' unions, the NUS and other organisations.  
  5. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members. 
  6. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work.  
  7. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  8. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points.  

Trustee 

  1. All Sabbatical Officers are Trustees of the SU. This means that they are responsible for the finances, reputation and legal compliance of the Union.  
  2. Be responsible for ensuring the SU pursues its charitable objectives. 
  3. Oversee the governance, finance and strategy of the SU. 
  4. Ensure that the SU complies with its governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation or regulations.  

Benefits

  1. Training and induction programme, including Trustee training and a handover between the outgoing and incoming officer team.  
  2. 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and agreed closure days. 

Personal Profile

  1. Committed to students and SOAS SU 
  2. Ability to network, influence and communicate effectively 
  3. Willingness to represent students' opinions, even where they divert from your own 
  4. Ability to critically evaluate 
  5. Attention to detail in the context of strategic decision making 
  6. Ability to make rational and objective decisions 
  7. Act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking your responsibilities 

Responsibilities 

  1. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall represent the Union on the School’s Student Experience Committee, Resources and Planning Committee and on other committees as agreed by the Board of Trustees.  
  2. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall be responsible for maintaining a confidential and safe environment within their office in which sensitive issues can be discussed. They shall ensure that all issues raised shall remain confidential unless otherwise authorised by the individual or required by law.  
  3. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall refer students to appropriate internal or external bodies to help resolve a member’s issues. They shall not take on casework. 
  4. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall identify areas for attention relating to general welfare of students and run campaigns where relevant. 
  5. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall liaise with the School’s Student Advice and Wellbeing on welfare issues and encourage the use of the services within the School.  
  6. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall liaise with the appropriate members of School staff in the Library, Faculties and elsewhere to ensure that Union policy and campaigns are progressed.  
  7. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall liaise with the other Co-Presidents to campaign and raise awareness amongst students on education, equality and welfare issues and on education and welfare services available to members.  
  8. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall liaise and meet with Sanctuary Students and other accommodation providers.  
  9. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall work with the Welfare and Advice Caseworker to review casework relating to the student experience at SOAS in order to develop initiatives which might improve that experience.  
  10. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall be the Chair of the SU Campaigns Forum. 
  11. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall be the Chair of the Ethical and Environmental Forum.  
  12. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall be the Chair of the Welfare Reps Forum.  
  13. The Co-President Welfare and Campaigns shall be the Vice-Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-Committee.  

 

Co-President Equality and Liberation

 

The Co-President Equality and Liberation is responsible for championing equality, diversity and inclusion  throughout the SU and university, ensuring students from a marginalised background are represented and their needs met.  

Dates: 1st July 2023 – 31st July 2024 

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 

Your role as a: 

Representative and Campaigner 

  1. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf.  
  2. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects to improve their experience. 
  3. Represent SOAS students on School Committees and attend regular meetings with the Director of the School in order to make change in students' lives. 
  4. Represent the Union externally, working with other students' unions, the NUS and other organisations.  
  5. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members. 
  6. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work.  
  7. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  8. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points.  

Trustee 

  1. All Sabbatical Officers are Trustees of the SU. This means that they are responsible for the finances, reputation and legal compliance of the Union.  
  2. Be responsible for ensuring the SU pursues its charitable objectives. 
  3. Oversee the governance, finance and strategy of the SU. 
  4. Ensure that the SU complies with its governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation or regulations.  

Benefits

  1. Training and induction programme, including Trustee training and a handover between the outgoing and incoming officer team.  
  2. 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and agreed closure days. 

Personal Profile

  1. Committed to students and SOAS SU 
  2. Ability to network, influence and communicate effectively 
  3. Willingness to represent students' opinions, even where they divert from your own 
  4. Ability to critically evaluate 
  5. Attention to detail in the context of strategic decision making 
  6. Ability to make rational and objective decisions 
  7. Act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking your responsibilities 

Responsibilities 

  1. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall be responsible for promoting equality and diversity in all of the Union’s work, and ensuring that women students, black and minority ethnicity students, LGBTQ students, trans and non-binary students, disabled and carer students, working class students, mature students, international students, students of faith and any other marginalised groups of students are represented within the Union and that their needs met by the School.  
  2. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall be responsible for monitoring and promoting the Union’s Equality and Diversity Policy.  
  3. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall sit on the School’s Equality and Diversity Committee, and any other committees deemed appropriate.  
  4. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall work closely with the Union’s liberation officers and support their work whilst respect the autonomy of each liberation group, as well as the Mature Students Officer and International Students Officer. 
  5. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall work with the Co-President Activities and Events in promoting and monitoring equality and diversity within sports, societies and extracurricular student activities.  
  6. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall identify areas for attention relating to equality and liberation and, working with the Co-President Welfare and Campaigns, run campaigns where relevant.  
  7. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall be responsible for working to prevent and responding to incidents of harassment, abuse and discrimination on campus, with the support of the Union’s Advice and Welfare Caseworker and the relevant School staff.  
  8. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall refer students to appropriate internal or external bodies to help resolve a member’s issues. They shall not take on casework for which they are not qualified.  
  9. The Co-President Equality and Liberation shall liaise with the appropriate members of School staff in the Library, Faculties and elsewhere to ensure that Union policy and campaigns are progressed.  
  10. The Co-President Liberation and Equality shall convene and become the link for the six liberation caucuses.  
  11. The Co-President Liberation and Equality shall convene and facilitate other networks and communities of students who wish to come together based on their identity or circumstances.  
  12. The Co-President Liberation and Equality shall be the Vice-Chair of the People and talent Sub-Committee. 

 

 

Preferenda Portfolio Part-Time Officer Roles

Sustainability Officer

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing sustainable initiatives within the SU and University, working closely with the Officer Team and relevant Union and University staff.  
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to sustainability with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to sustainability. 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to sustainability. 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to sustainability to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so, represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to sustainability. 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

Students Against Securitisation and Surveillance (SASS) Officer  

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing Students Against Securitisation and Surveillance within the SU and University, working closely with the SASS Campaign, the Officer Team and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to Securitisation and Surveillance with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible. 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to Securitisation and Surveillance. 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to Securitisation and Surveillance. 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to Securitisation and Surveillance to improve their experience. 
  6. Where requested to do so, represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to Securitisation and Surveillance. 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members. 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

Anti-Racism Action Officer 

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing Anti-Racist initiatives within the SU and University, working closely with the relevant Liberation Caucuses, Officer Team, and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to anti-racism action with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to anti-racism action. 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to anti-racism action. 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to anti-racism action to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to anti-racism action. 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

Mental Health Awareness Officer 

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing mental health awareness initiatives within the SU and University, working closely with the Officer Team, and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to mental health awareness with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to mental health awareness 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to mental health awareness 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to mental health awareness to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to mental health awareness 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

Arts and Culture Officer 

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing arts and culture initiatives within the SU and University, working closely with relevant Clubs and Societies, the Officer Team and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to arts and culture with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to arts and culture 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to arts and culture 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to arts and culture to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to arts and culture 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

Cost of Living Campaigns Officer 

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing initiatives related to the Cost of Living Crisis within the SU and University, working closely with the Officer Team and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to the cost of living with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to cost of living. 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to cost of living. 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to cost of living to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to cost of living 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

International Students Officer 

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing initiatives relating to the international students experience within the SU and University, working closely with relevant Clubs and Societies, the Officer Team and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to international students with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to international students 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to international students 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to international students to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to international students 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

Afrikan Studies Officer

 

Salary: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 – 31st July 2023 

Hours: Approx 2-3 hours per week 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for championing initiatives relating to afrikan studies within the SU and University, working closely with relevant Liberation Caucuses, relevant Clubs and Societies, the Officer Team and relevant Union and University staff. 
  2. Coordinate the work and campaigns relating to afrikan studies with the rest of the SU, in order to ensure that such activities are as effective and engaging as possible 
  3. Work with the wider Executive Committee to deliver campaigns and activities as laid out by Union Policy on matters relating to afrikan studies 
  4. Work alongside students, finding out their views and experiences and advocating on their behalf on matters relating to afrikan studies 
  5. Acting in students interests by supporting student led campaigns and projects relating to afrikan studies to improve their experience 
  6. Where requested to do so represent SOAS students on School Committees on matters relating to afrikan studies 
  7. Work closely with other Union Officers and Union Staff members 
  8. Engage in collective decision making and accountability with the Executive Committee by being accountable to them, consulting them before taking actions where practical, reporting activities as well as facilitating other members work  
  9. Support democracy and promote active citizenship within the SU by attending and participating in democratic meetings such as General Meetings and Union Forums. 
  10. Create positive change in the SU by carrying out Union Policy set by members and your manifesto points. 

 

 

NUS Conference Delegate Role Description

NUS Conference Delegate x 1  

 

Role Type: Voluntary 

Dates: 13th March 2023 - 16th March 2023 

Hours: One training session + attendance at the conference 

Responsibilities:

  1. Represent SOAS students at the annual NUS Conference on the 15-16th of March 2023 

  2. Decide the policy and campaigns for the National Union of Students. 

  3. Attend workshops, events and networking opportunities that relate to the student movement. 

  4. Attend training session on the 13th of March 2023 

    Please note, NUS require that 50% (rounded down) of the delegates we send to the National Conference must self-define as women. 

     

     

 

Frequently Asked Question

How does voting work? 

 

Voting in SOAS SU Elections uses Single Transferable Vote (STV). STV means that candidates do not need to win a majority, but instead must reach a quota/proportion of the vote. The quota is determined by the number of votes cast and the number of positions to be filled. The quota is: Total votes cast / (Number of ‘seats’ available +1) +1
 
When voting students select their candidates in order of preference and are able to vote for as many or as few as they like. When the voting has closed, Candidates are excluded if it is impossible for them to reach the quota, their votes are then transferred in order of preference, this ensures that fewer votes are wasted.  In addition to the candidates in the election students are also able to select Re-open Nominations.  

 

Can international students run in the elections? 

 

Yes, international students can normally be a Sabbatical Officer, and Visa extensions can be granted for the purposes of undertaking a Sabbatical role. You will be liable for paying any additional fees. If you have any questions please contact the School’s Immigration Team.  

Find out more on the UKCISA website.  

International students can also run for Part-Time and NUS Conference Delegate roles. 

 

Can I undertake a role alongside studying? 

 

For Part-Time and NUS Delegate roles absolutely, you will need to be enrolled in a current programme of study.  

For Sabbatical roles, you will be expected to work Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm, therefore continuing study is not normally possible. We recommend you speak with the Elections Clerk if you have any questions.  

 

I want to find out more about campaigning, manifesto’s and being a candidate 

 

Please head over to the Candidate Handbook to find out more about being a candidate in the election.  

 

Where can I find information about the Election Rules and Complaints 

 

The Election Rules are in place to ensure that the election in free and fair, you can

view the rules here.

.  

The Guiding Principles are: 

  • Candidates must treat other candidates, students and members of the public with respect. This includes engaging in healthy debate and not to campaign negatively.  

  • Candidates’ campaigns should be fully transparent and accountable to the union.  

  • Candidates must not do anything to gain an unfair advantage.  

  • Candidates must not undermine the fair and democratic running of elections.  

  • Candidates shall be responsible for the actions of their campaign teams. 

  • Candidates must not break any general union and University/College rules and regulations. This also includes the Law. 

If you would like to have an informal chat with the Election Clerk about the behaviour of any candidate please contact CM85@soas.ac.uk  

If you believe that the actions of a candidate or campaigner have breached the Election Rules you can make a formal complaint using this form here. Complaints must be submitted no later than one hour after the close of voting.  

 

 

Make sure you're logged into on your Student Account in order to participate in this election. To do this you will need to click 'log in' in the top right hand corner of the website. Select the Student Log in option and use the email and password you use to log into other SOAS websites such as Moodle and your email. If you experience any issues logging in please contact cm85@soas.ac.uk 

This webpage was last updated on: 06 Mar 2023 17:48