In the past year Bradford College SU has moved from an organisation at the periphery of our institution to one that is central to enhancing the student experience. The work that has been undertaken by staff and officers has made a tangible difference to our hyper-diverse membership.

Delivering change for our members:

• Successfully campaigned to change policy on ID cards to allow students 2 chances to attend classes without having to pay £5 for a replacement. A survey of over 1,000 students identified ID cards as the key issue on campus
• Successfully campaigned to make the College Fairtrade in a campaign engaging over 1,300 students
• Changed the College’s approach to bursaries in its 14/15 Access Agreement. The emphasis has shifted to bursaries, putting cash in students’ pockets
• Led 150 students in a protest in Bradford and sent 30 students to London as part of the Educate, Empower, Employ demonstration
• Organised for students to send Christmas cards to the Principal saying, ‘all I want for Christmas is…’ 200 students expressed their views leading to numerous small changes including microwaves in canteens and the removal of studio fees
• Contributed to the political education of our members by hosting a Q&A with 3 local MPs, hosting a debate of the Police and Crime Commissioner candidates, hosting a visit of the Education Select Committee to discuss Careers Advice resulting in a reference in a select committee report, and working with electoral registration to add over 100 students to the electoral roll
• Brought students closer to their representatives by persuading 3 local MPs to hold termly surgeries across the campus

Our Journey in 2012/13…

In February 2012 Bradford College SU embarked upon a research project to underpin our first strategic plan. Our goal was to break the cycle of decline at the Union and build a sustainable organisation delivering for its members. We engaged two PhD students from Sheffield University to carry out our research and produced the report attached.

Our one-page-plan outlines our response to this research and is now the basis of the Union’s work in achieving our vision. Below are the details of our work and achievements under each of the plan’s themes:

Our Vision:

“By 2015 we will be and independent and sustainable students’ union, respected as a critical friend of the College and impacting positively on the lives of our members”

Engaged & Active Representatives:

• Highest ever turnout in Union Elections, 1,735 students voting, a new record for FE. Increased from 1,470 in 2012 and 453 in 2011.
• More diverse candidates and officers to represent our membership. More women standing, including a first female candidate for a sabbatical position in 5 years. More mature students standing and international students running for and winning positions other than International Officer for the first time
• Developed a partnership with the institution around course representation and introduced Union staff support leading to a rep elected in each year of every programme. Delivered a new training package, specialised for FE or HE students. 123 Reps trained, up from 63 in 11/12
• Reformed SU Parliament, our sovereign decision making body, to allow all students to take part in deliberating Union policy through a one programme, one vote system. Over 100 students attended the November meeting
• Delivered the first Student Led Teaching Awards at the College as part of the NUS project

Building a Community:

• Took control of the College’s enrichment funding to deliver ‘Give-It-A-Go’ with at least an activity a week available to all students.
• Moved Union activities around the campus in response to feedback from students
• Succeeded in a bid to the council to develop a volunteering programme. Developed 6 local community partners to allow students to make an impact in their community, renovated an allotment to teach students about urban horticulture and provide cheap, healthy produce
• Supported development of clubs & societies managed and led by students. The College has men’s and women’s football teams in local leagues, a social enterprise society and a walking group, in addition to a number of departmental, national and faith societies

Supporting & Empowering Our Members:

• Professionalised student advice with a fully trained and insured adviser now able to offer an holistic service to students. Previously academic advice was delivered through elected officers, stretching their workload, straining the relationship with the College and confusing their role. Officers now spend all of their time representing students collectively, making changes across the College and campaigning for change
• Begun working with the College to re-draft policies that negatively impact upon students. This has lead to an overhaul of student disciplinary procedures. Also, the College will now provide 2 free nights of accommodation to a student who presents as roofless as a result of our lobbying
• Involved in the development of the access agreement for HE, successfully increasing the amount of money available as bursaries over fee waivers in recognition of student feedback

Providing Skills & Employability:

• Delivered new packages of training to elected officers and course representatives
• Developed training for election candidates to ensure all candidates, not just those that are successful, develop skills
• Worked with teaching staff to develop volunteering opportunities related to areas of study, including plans to use painting and decorating students to renovate multi-faith spaces

Being Independent & Sustainable:

• Implemented the Union’s first strategic plan, based on extensive research. Developed a mission statement, a clear vision and a one page plan to easily communicate our goals. This is backed up by a strategy map, KPIs and individual action plans for staff
• Drafted and passed a new constitution to enable the Union to meet the requirements of the Charities Act. Successfully recruited for external trustees, the new board will take up its role in July
• Secured approval for the Union to return to financial independence after 7 years under College control. Agreed a methodology for block grant funding for the first time