Union Council

Discussing the student issues that matter to you

What is the Union Council?

The Union Council is in place to make important decisions that affect the student body and ensure that the wide diversity of the student body is fairly represented in these decisions

The Union Council is made up of 17 Part time officers, 4 elected Sabbatical Officers and 13 School Representatives. It is also attended by staff support members. The Chair of the Accountability Board also attends these meetings, to observe and ensure that they are taking place in a fair and democratic manner.

What happens at Union Council?

The Union Council is a regular meeting where members present can:

  • Give updates and feedback about the things they are working on.
  • Discuss, organise, and support campaign, events and projects and ideas.
  • Debate policy proposals, and vote on whether to approve them to become the political policy of the union.
Chair of Union Council
Will Jones

Chair of Union Council

Sub-Committees

Led by a Part-time Officers and supported by a Sabbatical Officer, sub-committees are a place where elected reps, student led groups and the student body can give feedback, share ideas and work on progressing campaigns and activities to enhance the student experience. Sub-committees then develop policy proposals to be approved at Union Council. All students are welcome at these meetings. 

Academic Sub-Committee

Wellbeing and Student Experience Sub-Committee

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee

Environment and Sustainability Sub-Committee

Policy Proposals

A policy proposal is basically a fancy way of saying "idea". Any student can submit a proposal to Union Council, and suggest ways for UPSU to improve. In order to submit a policy to Union Council, you must have a proposer (you) and at least one person who will second your idea (seconder). You can then submit your proposal to the Student Voice Team, who will help you develop your proposal, if needed, and include it on the agenda for the next meeting. The members present at the meeting will debate then vote on whether to approve your proposal. If your idea is approved, it will then become a part of UPSUs working policies, and we will work with you to make it happen!

You can also submit your ideas in collaboration with a Part-time Officer

Please use the Policy Proposal Template to formally submit a proposal for debate at Union Council - do get in touch with Student Voice for help with this if you are not sure what to do!


Dates of Union Council Meetings:

  • Thursday 27th October 2022
  • Thursday 16th February 2022
  • Thursday 16th March 2023, Rolle 307 6pm. Agenda, Co-option statements 
  • Tuesday 9th May, 6pm 

Meeting Minutes 

Tuesday 8th February 2022

Thursday 31st March 2022

Tuesday 17th May 2022

Thursday 27th October 2022

Wednesday 14th December 2022 

Thursday 16th February 2023


Motions passed:

Motion Date Passed Date motion lapses
Plastic Cups proposal - discussion only NA NA
Signature Requirements for Democratic Process Feb 2021 Feb 2023
Accommodation Sponsorship Feb 2021 Feb 2023
Tuition Fee Campaign Feb 2021 Feb 2023
Academic Representation Structure Mar 2021 Mar 2023
USPU Communications Output Refresh Mar 2021 Mar 2023
Volunteer Recognition Refresh Mar 2021 Mar 2023
Men's Wellbeing Officer Apr 2021 Apr 2023
Safe Spaces Review Apr 2021 Apr 2023
Increase in Student Trustees Apr 2021 Apr 2023
Emergency Accomodation  Mar 2022 Mar 2024
Men's Officer Role  Mar 2022 Mar 2024
Union Equality Stance  Mar 2022 Mar 2024
Union Council Bye-Law Update   Mar 2022 Mar 2024

Union Council Byelaw

UPSU Governing Documents: Union Council Bye Law Download bye law
Updates