Minimum Operating Standards for Societies

Whether you're a new society, or a society that has been running for the last 20 years, there are a few metrics and deadlines that you'll need to meet each year to remain an SU affiliated society. Missing these might result in resource being withdrawn from you group, or even suspension of your group

• Core 3 committee roles are in post (President, Treasurer and Secretary)
• Committee elections are held annually via SU website 
• Society email account is checked weekly 
• Society attendance at Freshers’ Fayre (SU, faculty-led, or school-led fayre where appropriate)

• Society attendance at Students' Union AGM, Student Forums and participation in and promotion of Union Elections

• 20+ members annually 
• 10+ members recorded within 6 weeks of Fresher’s Fayre (or upon being set up)
• No external bank account held
• Positive bank balance maintained
• Financially sustainable
• Distinct aims, unique from other SU student groups
• Completion of the Societies Matrix every year
• Risk assessment for activity submitted annually and a new risk assessment submitted for each subsequent distinct event/activity
• Society Constitution is completed via the SU website, signed by the committee, and displayed under the ‘Resources’ section of the group webpage.

If you're having difficulties meeting any of these criteria, why not book a development meeting with a member of the Student Voice team by submitting a ticket at the top of this page?

The Students’ Union may, at its discretion and where it considers this necessary or appropriate having regard to the interests and needs of the student community, designate a society or category of student group as having protected status. In doing so, the Students’ Union may permit specified exemptions, variations or relaxations to otherwise applicable membership criteria and/or minimum operating standards, where it considers this appropriate, subject always to applicable law and the Union’s governing documents and policies.