Students’ Union Elections in 2015/16 What happened and what can we learn and how can NUS support you? Webinar: We’ll start at 1pm and please mute your microphone but do use the chat box!

A hello from me Jonny Will Chambers Political Officer Although, better to but happy to help where I

Disclaimer… This session will not solve all you problems Elections are seen as the be all and end all when it comes to engagement, they aren’t. But when it comes to measuring engagement, they are just one of the key measures available. Go to smarter people to talk about democracy…

Learning Objectives Learn lessons from across the country Identity ways of minimising complaints and maximising turnout Gain clarity over how Returning Officer decisions are made

What happened in 2015

Election turnout as a % of students

How much did you spend?

How many hours did you dedicate?

The Good Fewer complaints and exclusions More women elected More data from online voting Institutions broadly supportive 1 in 5 candidates international

Trends that were repeated Women 3 times less likely to stand, 3 times more likely to win when they do Voting & campaigning time don’t matter that much Less ‘physical’ campaigning More diversity = better engagement

Ongoing issues… Data sets & Student Status Mix of online and paper Timing of complaints Mobile Voting Devices Compulsory briefings RO Autonomy Endorsements

Complaints & Exclusions Average number of formal complaints = 2.4 Average number of exclusions = 0.8 International students are more likely to be excluded than home students.

Rules & Regulations

Rules – Principles We are aiming to elect people in a free and fair manner We are not here to give everyone an equal chance of winning, just a fair one We should help candidates to engage better where we can Don’t tear up your rules every year If you can’t police it, or sanction against it, get rid of it If it has no impact, get rid of it If you legislate, people think it’s vital Remember that equality of opportunity is not the same as forcing all candidates to be equal; they’re not! Usually, the fewer rules, the better

Making elections a positive experience Annoying Rules “Coming to the candidate’s briefing is ESSENTIAL. Failure to attend will result in disqualification” (you’ll regret saying that). “No one can discuss their candidacy prior to campaigning” (doesn’t do anyone any good) “Incumbents can’t be mentioned/criticised and other sabbaticals can’t express a view”

Making elections a positive experience Yet more annoying rules…. No slates No campaigning in the union building Candidates can spend whatever they want Deducted votes used as a disciplinary measure Needless deadlines

Model Regulations Model regulations announced in conjunction with our usual elections report & analysis - report report-2015 We are proposing that rules will be sufficient to regulate elections effectively. These rules are in addition to general Union and University rules and regulations. Campaigners will be disqualified if they are found to have broken any of the rules outlined below.

Candidate Behaviour Campaigners must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporter’s actions comply with the campaign rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of a complaint against them. Candidates may only alter, move or remove their own campaign materials. Campaigners may only use mailing lists where lawful to do so. In most cases this will require the consent of the members on the list to use their details. Campaigners must not communicate with voters in any way once they have begun to complete their ballot. Bribes must not be offered as part of any campaign.

Campaigning Budgets & Materials The campaign budgets will be announced by the Returning Officer at the beginning of each academic year. Campaigners must not exceed their budget limits. All campaigners must submit a written list of all campaign costs with corresponding receipts within one hour of the close of voting. If candidates do not spend any money during the course of their campaign this must be made clear on the submission. All materials used by a campaigner must be included within their statement of expenditure with an estimated market rate. Items freely and readily available to all campaigners can be used without itemisation.

Making elections a positive experience for everyone

Making elections a positive experience Culture How do you encourage a positive culture amongst candidates? How do you protect the union’s relationships with its members? How do you introduce people to democracy?

‘Free and Fair’ Elections Likely to be candidates first experience of campaigning, how do you help them? If I never visited campus, can I fully participate? How many communications specialists do you employ, how do they sell the candidates?

How to boost turnout University of Manchester SU

00 Title What did we do? Elections re- brand: UCAN Staff team & strengths Chips for change & Democratea Candidate Liaisons & free printing 20p printer credit Web info + who agrees with you? Game Candidate training – talking to students Showed candidates stats Voting stations Videos Targetted s Window stickers, stickers, tshirts various posters Voter Demogs on website Facebook ads Schools/ halls/ AU/ society comp

00 Title Turnout boosters – Democratea Activity Tea & Coffee for voting Estimated impact Unknown in itself but the use of voting stations increased massively Cost Minimal Provider Cash & Carry

00 Title Turnout boosters – Incentives Activity Free Printer Credit (20p) – inspired by Leeds Uni Union Estimated impact Unknown but believed to be high Cost £2653 Provider University

00 Title Turnout boosters – Why vote for X?

Getting the most from NUS' elections support

NUS Elections Support Service Why do we exist? Fairness Adherence to process We are here to elect people rather than exclude people We are not here to ‘police’ every aspect of the elections

NUS Elections Support Service What’s the background? Independent national body Provides assurance to institutions that regulatory obligations under Education Act are met Sharing best practice across the wider movement

NUS Elections Support Service How will it work? Student’s unions can name Peter Robertson, NUS Deputy Chief Executive, as Returning Officer Peter will be supported by other experienced staff to advise on the decisions that are referred to him as Returning Officer NUS Elections Support Service is delivered by a network of Membership Engagement Executives across the country

NUS Elections Support Service What is the role of my Membership Engagement Executive? Membership Engagement Executives will not be signing off elections or making final judgements, but they can provide a link between yourselves and the Returning Officer, providing a local context and knowledge of local rules and regulations at such times as they are needed

NUS Elections Support Service FAQ’s Can someone come to my candidate briefing? We’ve produced a series of video resources that should help you locally to brief candidates. Your NUS Contact can support you with any further specific requirements. Background to ElectionsBackground to Elections, Candidate Briefing and ATV Explained.Candidate Briefing ATV Explained

NUS Elections Support Service FAQ’s If I have a problem? Your MEE. Any uncertainty or complex issue? It will be referred to Peter. What if we are excluding someone? All exclusions go to Peter automatically. How quickly do I get a response? In the voting period – 2 hours from your MEE & 24 hours maximum from Peter

NUS Elections Support Service FAQ’s Will someone oversee my count? Your MEE will be able to be present for the count and are trained to count union elections. Any issues will be reported to Peter What if there is an investigation? Your MEE will work with your local DRO to compile evidence to present to Peter What if I disagree with a decision? You can go to Peter directly via

NUS Elections Support Service Any further questions? Can’t think of any now? Your MEE will be able to answer your initial questions. We can put you in touch. Just

Questions & Close Please do the evaluation