Democracy

Union Council is the highest decision making body within the representative structures of Hallam Union, it is responsible for policy making, campaigning, holding elected officers to account and ensuring the successful running of elections.

Union Council mandates Hallam Union by setting policies, campaign priorities and giving Union Council Representatives the chance to hold elected officers to account on behalf of the Students at Sheffield Hallam University.

The Chair presides over meetings of Union Council by allowing everyone the chance to have their say in a relaxed non-confrontational setting together with ensuring the smooth running of the meeting.

Hallam Union is a charity and as such must have a Board of Trustees to oversee key decision making which relates to the future of Hallam Union. The trustees have a responsibility to ensure that Hallam Union is not threatened by wrong financial decisions, does not break the law and that the work that is being done is for the benefit of its members – Hallam students.

The trustees are not a part of the representative side of Hallam Union, which is handled by Union Council, Referenda and Assembly.

The Trustee board consists of:

• President (Chair)
• Democracy and Communications Officer
• Welfare and Community Officer
• Education Officer
• Activities Officer
• Sports Officer
• 4 External Trustees
• 4 Student Trustees
  

Student Assembly is an open meeting that all SHU students can attend, this gives students the chance to draw attention to certain issues. There is no need to do this formally, students can just turn up and raise their point.

The purpose of this role is to preside over and chair Assembly meetings. In this role you will be responsible for chairing the meetings of Assembly and ensuring everyone has the chance to have their say in a relaxed non-confrontational space.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Promote the assembly to members of the Union and encourage engagement.
• Give notice of Assembly meetings to the Assembly reps, the Officers and the members of the Union.
• Be responsible for putting together an agenda in liaison with the secretary or their nominated delegate.
• Chair the meetings and facilitate discussions around issues affecting students as students.
• Aid the assembly reps in preparation of items for Union Council.
  

Volunteering Rep duties and responsibilities:

• To work to heighten the role of volunteering across all aspects of Union activity, and with students, the University and the community
• Take an overview of all volunteering projects and activities, monitoring and reviewing them when appropriate
• To attend Union Council and all relevant standing committees
• To network with relevant student volunteering groups, and voluntary and outside organisations, attending relevant meetings as appropriate
• To work alongside staff to support and encourage student led volunteering projects and initiatives
• Support the Activities Officer in their role