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Below is a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about the Elections.

What is a member of the Executive Committee?

Worcester Students' Union is a democratic organisation, run by students elected by students for students. The highest profile democratic body is the Executive Committee. The committee is elected cross-campus and is made up of three Sabbatical Officers and seven part-time Executive Officers.

The Sabbaticals all take a year out during or after their studies to run the Students' Union. The part-time Executive Officers volunteer their time whilst still completing their studies. 

What is in it for me?

As an Executive Officer you will:

Be part of a team running a 1.3 million pount not for profit (NFP) organistaion. Shape the Union and the University for many years into the future. Work with a team of permanent staff and develop life skills for the future.

Why should I stand?

There are many different reasons why you should stand. Some people do it because they feel that the union should be run in the interest of students for students. Some feel that a year or twos worth of business experience will stand them in good stead for employment in the future. Others wish to be involved in the politics of the student movement. Others do it for the personal development opportunities the training and insight into business and hopefully all because it is a year of unparalled opportunity and fun!

Is it a chance to change the Union to what I want it to be?

The best chance that anyone gets to shape the Students' Union is by becoming an Executive Officer. You have influence, the resources and the time to implement the changes that the team agrees upon. But you have to work with the rest of the team and worcsu staff. The unions' democracy binds you to certain responsibilities and of course financial, legal and operational constraints.

Is it a chance to change University of Worcester?

You'll be representing the views of 9,000 students, to key decision makers at the university. The Sabbatical Officers (and to a less extent part-time Executive Officers) have regular meetings with The Principal (Prof David Green), The Registrar (John Ryan), sit on the Board of Governors and input to a variety of committees, sub-committees, boards, working groups etc. It is a real opportunity to communicate the views of the student membership to the University hierarchy for everybody's benefit. 

What will I actually do then?

The Sabbatical Positions are a full-time job. You work the hours the team agrees upon and often more. You get paid an adequate wage and get full training. 

For the part-time Executive positions you volunteer as much of your time as you can, you will receive training and will have your expenses if incurred paid.

Can two people share a part-time position?

No, you will be a trustee with particular individual responsibilities; it must be a single person only. However involving people in your work in an excellent plan after all your work will affect the whole membership.

Commitments and Rewards for a Sabbatical Position

Time commitment inevitably varies but will most probably average between 40 and 50 hours a week, though hours to complete the job are the general rule. Working patterns need to be flexible. Sabbs are currently paid £13,200 (pending a remuneration review). It's true to say the Sabbaticals aren't paid to do the job, but are paid so that they can do the job! At present the Students' Union is reviewing the wage of the Sabbatical Officers and if anything changes we will let you know.

Skills acquired?

Decision making, interpersonal skills, customer service, written communication, creativity, leadership, presentation skills, project management, teamwork, self motivation, problem solving, flexibility, strategic thinking, persuasion and negotiation, planning and organisation, political awareness.

Executive Officer responsibility?

The Executive are ten of the Unions financial trustees. This means that they take ultimate responsibility for the financial management and well being of the Students'  Union and are ultimately financially liable.

The main meeting for all Executive Officers is the Executive Committee meeting. This meets once a week, for one or two hours to keep in touch and discuss Union policy decisions. It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee to put the decisions of Student Council into practice. As part of the Executive Committee, the Sabbatical Officers and Part-time Executive Officers are directly accountable to Student Council, and therefore must attend and provide reports for those meetings. Student Council meets four times a term.

Along with the Union Manager - permanent members of staff - the Sabbs attend monthly meetings to discuss operational strategic issues of the Students'  Union. Additional individual Sabbaticals meet with relevant managers and other staff, depending on their specific jobs.

In short Executive Officers are ultimately responsible for the running of Worcester Students'  Union, they tend to take on strategic management, policy making and representational functions. Although also their fair share of answering phones, photocopying, mountains of paperwork, moving 'stuff' and everything and anything else that needs doing. We realise that this can all sound very daunting, but you would be suprised how easy you find it, especially after a summer of training.