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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Student leadership team

Submitted 2 months ago by Nicola Simpson

Current
6comments

The student leadership team should be significantly streamlined from current levels. A team made up of President, Deputy Present and 4 to 6 paid student officers would allow for a more responsive team, able to act decisively at pace. Officers need not be elected to particular portfolios as though applying for a job but rather prospective candidates should set out their priorities for the term. A program should be agreed by the newly elected student officers and OpenSu staff with particular responsibilities assigned to an individual if necessary.

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 sections of our governance documents are: Articles of Association: Section 26: The Student Leadership Team Bye-laws: Section 4: The Student Leadership Team (SLT)
Katherine Richardson: 12:55pm on 5 Feb 26 Didn’t we agree last time this was proposed that it was a bad idea? Also, this a problem as it would staggeringly limit the pool of available students to volunteer, wages won’t be high enough to leave a job, and will be inaccessible for those on benefits who may end up with all sorts of chaos attempting g to re-establish their benefits when term ends or if crisis rises… there is also the issue of gaining experienced reps who can handle all at that level, the team is split out for a reason, so no one person is overloaded… and the pay is in no way proportional to the requirements…
William Docherty: 2:52pm on 5 Feb 26 I agree Katherine, I am sure we voted on this before andit was agreed the only paid posts would be president and vice president. Even by having these two roles paid we have created a community where only those who can accept a wage can have the highest roles. This is the one thing which I have always been against as we all should have the same opportunities.
Scarlet James: 3:29pm on 5 Feb 26 I agree with Katherine, we need to consider the large student pool available who may be on benefits, and not ready to assume a paid role, but have enough experience and knowledge to volunteer their time and expertise to the OU in a positive way for other students and themselves. These volunteers are able to gain insightful knowledge that can be added to CVs and give them the much needed confidence to then progress onto paid roles after achieving their degree. I think some roles could be paid such as VP roles but others should remain unpaid so that more students are able to apply and devote their time to these positions, therefore all students will benefit from these unpaid positions!
Louise Gardner: 4:29pm on 5 Feb 26 As a student on benefits as a carer, this would instantly disqualify me from applying because of the complete chaos UC would cause from me recieving just a little bit of money (spoken from experience!). I don't see an issue with the SLT as it currently is, but I especially see no reason to move any of the SLT roles from voluntary and exclude a large amount of students and potential candidates in the process.
Harrison Jenkins: 5:44pm on 5 Feb 26 I don't agree with the proposal to significantly streamline the student leadership team to a very small group without clearly defined, elected portfolios. While a smaller team may appear more efficient on paper, it risks reducing representation, transparency, and accountability in practice. A broader leadership team with defined roles helps ensure that different student interests, needs, and subject areas are properly represented. When officers are elected to specific portfolios, students know exactly what they are voting for and who is responsible for particular issues. Removing those defined roles could make responsibilities less clear and weaken accountability, since students may not know who to approach or who should be held responsible for outcomes. Efficiency is important, but not at the expense of representation and clarity. Student leadership is not just about acting quickly; it is about fairly representing a diverse student body. A slightly larger, portfolio-based structure may take more coordination, but it provides stronger coverage of student concerns and a more democratic mandate.

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

Student leadership team

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?