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The University of law students' Union

Governing Board

The primary purpose of the Governing Board is to manage the affairs of the Union and (subject to the Education Act, the Constitution and the Bye-laws) may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the Union. Day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Students’ Union Manager, who reports regularly to the Board. The Governing Board is the body within the Union that is ultimately responsible for the: governance of the union; budget of the union; and the strategy of the union.

Membership of the Governing Board:

  • 5 External Board Members
  • 4 Student Board Members
  • 2 Sabbatical Board Members (Elected SU Co-Presidents)

In Attendance as Observers:

  • The Students' Union Manager
  • Secretary (A staff member of the Union with no other involvement in the Governing Board)
  • University Observer (Pro Vice-Chancellor Diversity, Inclusion & Students or their designee)

 

SUGB Chair

 

Hi, I’m Benn, Chair of the Students’ Union Governing Board (SUGB).

As Chair, I lead SUGB meetings and work closely with the SU Manager and Deputy Chair to ensure the board’s decisions are carried out. It’s a privilege to serve in this role, especially during such an exciting time for ULaw SU, and I’m looking forward to continuing to shape the future of the SU.

Before this, I served as President of Strath Union, where I chaired the Board of Trustees. That experience, along with my work across the wider third sector, taught me a lot about leadership, strategy, and navigating challenges, from reopening after the pandemic to launching a brand-new students’ union building. It really honed my ability to make tough decisions and collaborate effectively.

Now living in Japan, I work full-time as an English teacher. I also serve as Director of Governance and Strategy for the Association of Japan Exchange Teaching (AJET), where I’m focused on helping the organisation become even more effective in supporting the JET community.

Alongside my role as Chair, I lead the SU Development Steering Group. We’re working hard to build a stronger, more resilient students’ union that truly reflects the needs and ambitions of our students. It’s about creating something that we can all be proud of—not just for today, but for the future.

Outside of all this, I’ve always had a passion for Japan, so it’s a dream come true to now be living and working here.

If you have any questions about the Governing Board, feel free to reach out to me—I’d be happy to chat: bennrapson@gmail.com

 

Student Members of the Governing Board

 

Student Board Members are a vital component of the University of Law Students' Union Governing Board, representing the perspectives and experiences of the student body. 
Student Board Members bring firsthand knowledge of the student experience, offering insight into how the Union's work, services, and policies impact students. They contribute to the governance of the Union by providing perspectives rooted in lived experience, ensuring that decisions align with the needs and aspirations of the student body.

As a member of the Union, a Student Board Member plays an essential role in shaping the future of the Union and relaying the perspectives of students. While they may have less formal governance experience, their contribution is crucial in maintaining a direct connection between the Board and the student population.

The role of a Student Board Member is to:

  • Represent the perspectives and experiences of the student body on the University of Law Students' Union Governing Board.
  • Bring firsthand knowledge of the student experience to ensure the Union is
    • Well-governed
    • Financially sound
    • Strategically effective in serving students
  • Contribute to the Union’s governance by providing insights rooted in lived experience as a member of the Union.
  • Uphold the Union's values and ensure that Board decisions align with the best interests of the student body.

 

External Members of the Governing Board

 

External Board Members are a key component of the University of Law Students’ Union Governing Board, bringing an external perspective to the Union’s governance. 
External Board Members contribute their professional expertise, independent judgement, and oversight to help ensure that the Union is well-governed, financially sound, and strategically effective in serving the students of the University of Law.

External Board Members are not members of the student body or staff but are selected for their ability to provide impartial, informed, and independent oversight. They are instrumental in upholding the Union’s values and ensuring the Board's decisions are made in the best interest of the student body.

The role of an External Board Member is to:

  • Provide an external perspective to the governance of the University of Law Students' Union.
  • Contribute professional expertise, independent judgement, and oversight to ensure the Union is:
    • Well-governed
    • Financially sound
    • Strategically effective in serving students
  • Act as a non-student, non-staff member, bringing impartial and independent oversight.
  • Uphold the Union's values and ensure that Board decisions align with the best interests of the student body

 

 

Key Responsibilities

Governance
Ensure the Union adheres to principles of good governance in line with its Constitution, the Education Act, and other relevant regulations. Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective governance practices, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the Union.

Financial Oversight
Ensure sound financial management practices are in place, providing oversight of the Union's budget and ensuring that financial decisions are made prudently. Review and approve the Union’s annual budget, and monitor financial performance against objectives.

Strategic Leadership
Contribute to the development and review of the Union’s strategic direction, helping to set long-term goals and priorities. Assess the delivery of key strategic objectives through regular review of the Strategy Reporting Dashboard.

Risk Management
Review and mitigate risks associated with the Union’s activities by regularly assessing the Organisational Risk Register. Ensure that risk management strategies are in place to safeguard the Union’s financial health, reputation, and ability to deliver its objectives.

Policy Oversight
Ensure that the Union's policies are up to date, compliant with sector best practices, and in alignment with the Union’s Constitution and objectives. Ratify policies passed by the Student Parliament, ensuring they meet legal and reputational standards.

Ethical and Independent Decision-Making
Act in the best interests of the Union at all times, free from conflicts of interest or influence from external organisations or individuals. Bring an impartial perspective to Board decisions, ensuring that all decisions are ethical and made with the Union’s long-term success in mind.

Contact

Queries relating to the SUGB should be directed to the SU Manager: Emma.Beenham@law.ac.uk.