How do they know what students want?

• They ask students and act on student feedback
• They conduct polls, surveys, focus groups and research on specific issues
• They use other sources of information collected by the university and external bodies like National Students Survey (NSS) Student Perception Questionnaire (SPQ).
• They are elected on their manifesto which outlines specific ideas of what they will work on if they elected.
• They support Part-time elected Officers who run Forums attended by students who share their ideas and concerns.
• They have very recently been a student, either having just graduated or are taking a break in their studies.
   

They influence decision making at all levels of the Students’ Union and University:

• They attend regular meetings with; the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor Education & Student Experience and Director of Student Services to discuss the key issues affecting students currently and what to do about them. Recent discussions have included – the location of Graduations, the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), mental health support, financial barrier to engagement in student activities.
• They attend meetings to discuss specific topics, services or departments;
  - The quality of teaching and learning within Faculties and University.
  - Other academic issues e.g. extenuating circumstances, exams & learning support.
  - Student recruitment and fees.
  - Student Communications.
  - The Student Charter and other policies that affect students.
  - Employability.
  - Sustainability.
  - Sports Board.
  - Estates and campus development.
  - Student Wellbeing.
• As they are Trustees of the Students’ Union, they help to decide the direction and priorities of UPSU. Two Sabbatical Officers also sit on the University Board of Governors. These are the highest decision making meetings of the SU and University.
• They are involved in student complaints and appeals to the university. Sabbatical Officers are involved in the panels for complaints and appeals and vote on the outcome. They consider if any proposed action is fair and reasonable.

They work on addressing specific issues affecting students:

• They run campaigns and awareness raising events
• They submit reports and propose policies at University and Students’ Union meetings
• They work with other students’ unions and organisations, both locally and nationally.

They work with specific groups of students to ensure the student voice is represented, even if that group is not the majority:

• Sabbatical Officer roles have specific remit for the following groups; BAME, Women, Disabled, LGBT+, international, mature and Post-graduate.
• All Sabbatical Officers represent those students studying at Partner Colleges within the UK.

They support and empower individual students and student groups to run campaigns and activities.

They lead on the development of new initiatives to support students and enhance their student experience

They keep up to date with what is happening in Higher Education and at other SU’s so they can be proactive at identifying threats to students and understand how best to address them.