Please note that we are in the process of updating our policies, following our rebrand to Open SU.
Governing documents
The Open University Students Association Limited (now known as Open SU) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It is also governed by the Education Act 1994.
Our governing document is our Articles of Association, further developed by our Bye-laws.
Our charitable objects are the advancement of education of students at The Open University for the public benefit by:
- Defending the principles of equal opportunity and of open access to the University regardless of academic qualifications or financial circumstances.
- Promoting the interests and welfare of students at the Open University during their period of study and representing and supporting students.
- Being the recognised representative channel between students and the Open University and any other external bodies.
- Asserting that all students studying with the Open University have the right to have their views heard and acknowledged by the University; and
- Providing social, cultural, and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its students.
Our company number is 12031028 and charity number 1183837.
Read our Articles of Association
Read our Bye-laws
Open SU policies
Environmental Sustainability Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Interim Freedom of Speech Code of Practice
Investments Policy
Resolving and Settling Differences Procedure
Safeguarding Policy
Social Media Policy
Transgender and Gender-Diverse Inclusion Policy
Travel and Subsistence Policy
Values and Behaviour Policy
Volunteer Agreement
Volunteer Policy
Shared University agreements
The OU-Open SU Relationship Agreement sets out how the OU and Open SU will work together:
- Under our Student Charter principle, to secure the University’s mission (being open to people, places, methods and ideas) and to promote the University’s values (being inclusive, innovative and responsive).
- To support Open SU’s objectives for the advancement of OU students’ education, set out in our Constitution.
- To ensure that Open SU operates in a fair and democratic manner, and is accountable for its finances. The OU-Open SU Relationship Agreement complies with the statutory requirements for the Code of Practice under section 22(3) of the Education Act 1994.
Read the Relationship Agreement