Every year, students at UCA collectively decide who is going to lead their Union and improve the lives of students where it matters most.

The search is on for students who are passionate about making positive change; whether it’s tackling the cost of living, fighting for a more inclusive campus or ensuring that students have the best possible experience at University. This matters now more than ever!

You could act on behalf of thousands of students as one of our Presidents, leading your Unions campaigns and work to represent students to the University, regionally, and nationally. Or, as a continuing student you could run for a Campus Officer role and sit on Union Council. If you care about your University and the students who study here, it’s time to speak up and make a difference.

 

Roles Available in our Annual Elections

President (Canterbury/Epsom/Farnham)

 

Salary: £24,000 pro rata

Contract: Fixed-term (1 year)

Start Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025

 

About the Role

The Students' Union President plays a vital role in leading the Union, ensuring that students are represented, advocated for, and remain central to decision-making at every level within the University and beyond. As a key leader, the President supports the strategic direction of the Union and drives initiatives that improve the student experience, foster positive change, and elevate the student voice locally and nationally.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a registered charity, represent approximately 6,000 students, and oversee impactful projects and campaigns. The role also offers significant professional and personal development, equipping you with key transferable skills and leadership experience.

 

Key Responsibilities

Representation and Advocacy

  • Act as the primary representative of all UCASU members, ensuring the student voice is heard at the highest levels within the University and externally.

  • Campaign for positive change and advocate for the interests of students across academic, social, and welfare matters.

  • Serve as a member of the University Board of Governors to champion students’ interests at the University’s highest decision-making body.

  • Build strong relationships with UCA’s Senior Leadership Team to create effective communication channels between students and the University.

Governance and Leadership

  • Serve as a member of the Union’s Board of Trustees, ensuring decisions align with the Union’s strategic goals, financial viability, and charitable laws.

  • Actively participate in Union Council, an all-student committee that discusses student issues and creates policies impacting the Union’s operations.

  • Support and lead the Course Representative system in collaboration with Union staff.

Collaboration and Communication

  • Attend and contribute to regular University committees and working groups, securing and maintaining feedback loops between students, the Union, and the University.

  • Work with University departments and Union staff to align initiatives and strengthen the campus community.

 

What You’ll Gain

  • Leadership experience managing a registered charity.

  • Enhanced transferable skills including negotiation, communication, analytical reasoning, and time management.

  • The opportunity to work on projects and campaigns that matter to you and the student body.

 

What We Offer

 

  • Salary of £24,000 pro rata.

  • 25 days of annual leave (excluding bank holidays and University closure days).

  • Personal development days and tailored training opportunities to succeed in the role.

 

What We’re Looking For

Support and training will be provided to ensure you excel in this role.

 

  • Confidence in engaging with a range of stakeholders including students, University leadership, and external bodies.

  • Ability to read and interpret detailed meeting papers and make informed contributions.

  • Strong time management skills and the ability to manage your workload effectively to meet deadlines.

  • Passion for advocating for students and shaping the University experience for the better.

  • Join us in this rewarding leadership role to make a lasting impact on the student community and your future career.

     

Campus Officer (CO)

 

Role Type: Voluntary (1 year term)

Start Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025

 

About the Role

The Campus Officer role is a voluntary position designed to elevate the voice of students and foster positive change across campus life. There are 10 Campus Officers in total: three (3) each from Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham, and one (1) from Maidstone. The position is open to all continuing students.

Campus Officers play a key role in representing students within the Union and University, supporting campaigns, and driving improvements to the student experience.

 

Key Responsibilities

Representation and Advocacy
  • Represent students at all levels within the Union and University.
  • Actively participate in Union Council meetings, submitting reports from collated feedback, contributing to discussions on issues that affect student life and academic experiences.
  • Inform change by creating and voting on policy that benefits the student body.
  • Hold full-time elected officers (Presidents) accountable, ensuring their work aligns with the student voice.
 

Campaigns and Feedback

  • Support and run campaigns for positive change, advocating for student rights and welfare.
  • Promote and defend the rights of Union members, ensuring student feedback is heard and actioned by both the Union and the University.
  • Assist with Union activities and initiatives to engage students across campuses.
 

Course Rep Support

  • Support the Union’s Course Rep system, ensuring effective communication and representation at all levels.
  • Organise and run regular Course Rep feedback sessions with the support of Union staff to gather insights and address student concerns.
 

What You’ll Gain

  • The opportunity to create and enact policy that impacts approximately 6,000 students.
  • Leadership experience running campaigns and representing students within a Union and University setting.
  • Development of key transferable skills such as communication, leadership, guidance, and teamwork—all of which will enhance your CV and future career prospects.
  • The chance to work on projects and initiatives that you are passionate about.
 

What We Offer

 

 

Why Nominate Yourself?

 

By becoming a Campus Officer, you will play a crucial role in shaping the student experience at your University. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in your campus community, develop valuable skills, and leave a lasting impact. You’ll be part of a team of passionate and driven individuals working together to elevate the student voice and drive positive change.

 

Join us in this rewarding voluntary role to help shape the future of the student experience.

 

 

  • A comprehensive training program throughout the summer to prepare you for the role.
  • Ongoing support from a dedicated Union staff team and Presidents.
  • Potential opportunities for paid work outside of the elected position, supporting on additional Union activities such as events and open days (subject to meeting criteria).

 

How does it work?

Nominations

We open a nominations period which is when you can put yourself forward as a candidate. You’ll need to submit a manifesto about what you plan to do if elected. This is where students know why they should vote for you! Once nominations close, your Union publishes a list of all candidates and manifestos on our website and social channels.

 

Campaigning and Voting

Candidates need to get the word out that they are running for election - this is campaigning!
Voting is based on a system called the Single Transferable Vote. Students vote in order of preference:

  • #1 for their first choice candidate
  • #2 for their second choice candidate
  • #3 for their third choice candidate
  • And so on
You can ask voters to mark you as #1 first, but #2 if they already have a preferred candidate! This way, if a students preferred candidate gets knocked out of the running, you will receive their vote in the next round. This system means students still get a say on who is elected even if their first choice doesn’t receive enough votes. Find out more here.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Can I run for President as a First or Second year student?

Absolutely! If you are elected, the University allows you to take a year out of your studies (a sabbatical) to work full-time!

 

Can I run for any position?

Nearly any position. Campus Officers must be continuing their studies on their relevant campus.

 

What experience do I need?

None. People from all different backgrounds and skillsets run in your Union elections. What matters most are your ideas for improving the student experience at UCA. Whatever role you’re interested in, you will get training and support from your Union and staff team who will help develop your ideas and get the most out of your elected year.

 

Isn't it just a 'popularity contest'?

No! Candidates sometimes feel like they don’t know enough people to run for election, but we work hard to give everybody an equal platform and ensure students hear about you and your ideas. You don’t have to be a big name on campus to win!

 

I want to run, but I don't know what to put on my manifesto?

Don’t worry! Concentrate on the issues that matter most to you. Chat to your current officers and Union staff to explore how you could build upon suggestions for your manifesto. We have information on our website and run activities throughout the nominations period where you can learn how best to present your ideas!

 

Can I run for election as an international student?

Yes! We encourage all student wanting to run in elections.

Campus Officer is a voluntary role and does not require a visa or right to work check.

The President positions are fixed-term paid positions within your Union, starting in July 2025 and ending July 2026.
If you are nominating yourself for President we'll need to check your right to work in the UK before voting opens. For most international students studying on a student or Tier 4 visa you just need to tell us your share code and date of birth - you can find out more about that here. If your visa is due to expire you may be able to apply for a Sabbatical Officer visa.

If you have any questions about visas or working as a Sabbatical Officer, please contact ASK (Advice, Support & Knowledge) or elections.su@uca.ac.uk