1. Enhancing Community Relations
Chester Students’ Union
Dechlan Jarrett – President
Jack Mason – Vice President Chester
Laura Pearsons – General Manager

2. Who, What, Why and When? Context History Current Activities
Who is involved
Why it is important

3. Context Main campus located 0.5 miles from city centre
Rapid growth in past 10 years
15,500 students
7,000 living in Chester
1,000 in halls
18-24 year olds make up 40% of Garden Quarter Ward
Population Density is /hectare compared to county average of 3.47/hectare
High number of HMOs
2007 – Kingsway campus
2010 – Riverside campus

4. Context 3 Sabbatical Officers 16 Permanent Staff 40 Student Staff
Welfare Services
70+ Clubs and Societies
1 bar
2 shops
Starbucks
95/98 on per fte Block Grant latest figures!

5. History 2006/07 Issue of parking was raised in local community group
VP left crying
Promised regular attendance from that point forward
Started to make links with key organisations such as local police, county councillors
Sharing common ground
Made cakes for Christmas Bizarre!

6. History 2007/8
Garden Quarter Residents’ Association established – to bring the fun back into the area
Christmas window decorations competition
Christmas carol singing around the area
SSHH campaign
All key partners involved
Assisted with getting increased hours for bar

7. History 2008/9
Regular liaison with key community partners outside community meetings
International Women’s Day - Chester
Part of organising committee
Held on campus
Organised 6 a side community football tournament
Winner of CSU’s “S Factor” was star performer at Christmas Lights switch on in Garden Quarter

8. History 2009/10 Regular attendance at meetings and community events
Regular liaison with key community partners
6 a side community football tournament and kid’s activities
Chester’s International Women’s Day organising committee
Revitalised SSHH campaign to CSI

9. History 2009/10
Added Community Contribution as a criteria when deciding Club and Society of the Year
Discovered previously ‘hidden’ activities
Operation Christmas Child
Over 100 boxes
Over £5,000 raised by Clubs and
Societies for local charities of their choice

10. 2010/11 New CSU Strategic Document 2010-2013 Common Sense Innit
Further relationships with external organisations
We will continue to develop effective partnerships with the local community groups and individuals to enhance the University’s reputation and to further breakdown barriers between the long term residents and students in private sector housing. We will also seek more partnerships with external agencies who can provide vital services for our students such as legal and financial advice and guidance. Further, we will seek partnership with external organisations to attract potential advertising and sponsorship.
Common Sense Innit
Balloons through open doors and windows
Identity Theft Awareness
Neighbourhood Watch

11. 2010/11 Community Clean Up Screen on the Lane Twice a year
Over 40 students
Targeting sports and societies members
Working with key partners
Screen on the Lane
Found volunteers
Helped to secure an £800 grant from
Santander Universities Fund

12. 2010/11 100 Day Waste Challenge Chester’s One City Plan
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Reduce waste by 1kg per month
Frock Exchange in SU Bar
Love Food Hate Waste
Chester’s One City Plan
15 year development plan
President active member of committee

13. 2010/11 Veg Out People and Planet Society
Local Farmers with local produce

14. 2010/11 Student Stamp Christmas Light Switch On
Working with Cheshire West and Chester Council & Uni
Higher standard of ‘basic’ accommodation
Christmas Light Switch On
Collected the Christmas trees from the local forest in CSU minibus
Vice President asked to turn on Garden Quarter Lights

15. NUS Community Relations Award Winners 2011

16. 2011/12 and beyond First ever Chester Pride Event Taxi Vouchers
Organised by our LGBT Society
On an open day
MP & Vice Chancellor
Taxi Vouchers
Community Champions
3 Clean Up Days
Veg Out at Warrington Campus
Facebook message from community
Group to new Sabbs congratulating them

17. Why? COMMUNITY UNIVERSITY More understanding Use of facilities Income
Less fear
Less resentment
Clear lines of communication
UNIVERSITY
Less complaints
Better relationship with Council – planning etc.
Positive news stories
Most stories under Uni banner

18. Why? UNION STUDENTS Social Responsibility Less complaints
Positive News stories
Feel good factor
Election materials
New friends
Opinions actively sought
Less opposition to activities
STUDENTS
Social Responsibility
Less complaints
Supporting local shops
Better understanding of neighbours
Feel good factor
More events to enjoy
Volunteer hours
Active member of the community – more like home

19. Who? Sabbatical Officers Senior Staff Member Other staff
Who the community expect
Senior Staff Member
Continuity
Sense of taking it seriously
Other staff
Attending events with their families

20. Top Tips Patience – it takes years!
Use the passions/hobbies of the sabbs and staff
Lead by example
Get as much press coverage as possible
Add community responsibilities to clubs and societies awards
Take lots of photos
Have lots of informal meetings with key partners
Build up a rapport with local shopkeepers/retailers

21. Any Questions?