Rules revision

What is the Open SU rules revision?

Our governance rules state that every four years we must open the floor for students to submit changes they would like to see to the Union's articles and bye-laws that govern how we are run.

The Rules Revision is about Open SU members being able to suggest ways of improving how your Students Union functions, updating our constitution and procedures so they speak for current Open University students and better reflect student voices.

Thank you for all your submissions, we really appreciate your time to send us your ideas. They are all being reviewed and will be taken to our Board of Trustees meeting in April for their consideration.

All OU students are members of the Union, which means you have a say in how we’re governed. You’ll be able to read governance change ideas submitted by your fellow students on this page, and share your feedback. Trustees will consider suggestions, comments and views, and you will be able to formally vote on anything that gets taken to our 2026 Conference.

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Rules revision

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Payment of all student officers

Submitted 2 months ago by Nicola Simpson

Current
5comments

The student leadership team, consisting of President, Deputy President and 4 to 6 officers should receive a real living wage/salary. It is highly unusual to be so reliant on unpaid student labour within elected leadership roles.

Open SU: 12:30pm on 22 Jan 26 Thank you for your suggestion. For those who would like to consider this topic further, the relevant section of our governance documents are: Bye-laws item 4.3.2
Loz Harris: 10:13am on 5 Feb 26 NO! This would mean those on benefits and those who would need a work visa would be excluded
Scarlet James: 3:33pm on 5 Feb 26 Agree with Loz, although your intentions are valid, there remains huge benefits for those who can contribute and gain vital skills such as confidence, self worth and skills for further positions from these volunteer roles. Please remember we are a university who strives to provide for ALL members of the student community and one vital motto that separates us from other universities… education for all.
Louise Gardner: 4:34pm on 5 Feb 26 Completely disagree. Yes, the leadership roles should be paid, but having the SLT roles as voluntary, especially within the OU where a large majority of students claim benefits as a carer or for a disability, is the only way to keep a fair and undescriminative SLT. You don't hear me complaining that they are voluntary roles, despite what other universities may do. I'm with the OU for a reason, and that reason is its inclusivity. Start introducing the next tier of paid roles and that all falls apart.
Harrison Jenkins: 6:09pm on 5 Feb 26 Paying the student leadership team a real living wage sounds fair in principle, but it raises some important concerns. Student representation roles are meant to be rooted in service, accountability, and broad accessibility. Turning all senior leadership roles into salaried positions could shift the focus toward financial incentive rather than commitment to representation and may change how students perceive those roles. There are also budget implications. Funding salaries for multiple officers could divert money away from student services, support programmes, and activities that benefit the wider student body. Many student organisations operate with limited resources, and prioritising pay at the top may not be the most equitable use of funds. A better balance might be targeted stipends, expense coverage, or partial compensation, enough to remove barriers to participation without fully professionalising every role. That approach supports inclusion while still keeping student leadership grounded in representation rather than employment.

More information

What is a rules revision?

Every four years, the Union can update how we are run according to our governing documents, and the rules revision period allows students to submit any changes they think should be made to how we do that.

What are the Unionʼs Articles and Bye-laws?

The articles and Bye-laws are the documents that define who we are, what we do, and how we do it. They govern our decision-making and reflect what OU students want us to be focusing on. For example, they include how our student leaders are appointed, how Trustees are required to make their decisions, and the format of our biannual Conference.

Why is this process happening?

In line with the Open SUʼs Bye-laws, a Rules Revision should be held every four years. This gives all members of the Union the opportunity to be involved in the process of reviewing the Unionʼs articles, and being a part of potential changes.

Who can propose changes?

All Open University students are invited to submit changes during the submission period.

How are changes approved?

Once the first round of submissions are processed, there will be an additional period of online discussion on the initial submissions. This will provide answers to any questions, any additional information that is required, and the opportunity for other students to provide feedback on submissions.

After these online discussions, the submissions will be considered by Trustees, who will make the final decisions on what will be taken to the Open SUʼs biannual Conference , where OU students will have the final vote on which changes to the way we run are approved. These will then be actioned by staff and student leaders at the Open SU.

Rules revision

What is the Open SU rules revision?

Our governance rules state that every four years we must open the floor for students to submit changes they would like to see to the Union's articles and bye-laws that govern how we are run.

Submit your rule revision

Rules revision

Payment of all student officers

More information

What is a rules revision?

What are the Unionʼs Articles and Bye-laws?

Why is this process happening?

Who can propose changes?

How are changes approved?