Relationship Between the Students’ Union and Student Groups

Created by Russell Wade, Modified on Mon, 20 Oct at 9:48 AM by Russell Wade

Statement on the Relationship Between the Students’ Union and Student Groups

The Students’ Union recognises and supports the valuable role that student groups play in enriching the student experience, fostering community, and promoting personal development. To ensure clarity and transparency, the following principles define the relationship between the Union and its affiliated student groups. These form the basis of individual student group constitutions:

1. Autonomy and Legal Separation

Student groups operate as autonomous entities, independent in their day-to-day decision-making, governance, and activities. They are not representative bodies of the Students’ Union and may not speak or act on its behalf without explicit written authorisation. All communications and events must clearly state that the views expressed are those of the student group and not of the Students’ Union.

2. Oversight and Compliance

While autonomous, student groups are required to operate within the framework of the Students’ Union’s constitution, policies, and procedures. Oversight is limited to areas essential for legal compliance and safeguarding, including:

Financial accountability

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

External speaker protocols

Conduct and disciplinary matters

This ensures that student group activities remain lawful and aligned with the Union’s values.

3. Support and Affiliation

Affiliated student groups may access Union resources, including funding, training, premises, and promotional support, provided their activities align with the Union’s charitable objectives. These include advancing education, promoting welfare, and encouraging inclusive social, cultural, and recreational engagement. Continued access to support is conditional on compliance with Union policies and the maintenance of affiliation standards.

4. Reputational Risk and Liability

All student groups must avoid activities that could bring the Union into disrepute. The Union is not liable for the actions, decisions, or views of student groups unless it has explicitly endorsed them in writing. Any breach of Union or University policy, or UK law, may result in disciplinary action or withdrawal of affiliation.

5. External Affiliations

Student groups may affiliate with external organisations that are lawfully constituted and aligned with their aims and the Union’s constitution. These affiliations must not conflict with the Union’s charitable purposes. The Union reserves the right to review or reject affiliations that pose reputational or legal risks.