Student group committee elections
Do you want to help lead your group, plan great events, and make everyone feel welcome? Now’s your chance to get involved! Nominate yourself to join your student group committee by reading the information below and filling out the form.
Why do we run elections?
East London Students’ Union is a democratic organisation. This means students choose who represents them. Running fair elections for student group committees ensures members get a say, and that each group is led by students who are passionate about creating a great experience for their members.
How do the elections work?
We’re holding an in-person meeting to elect each group's new committee. This meeting replaces the online election process, which unfortunately didn’t work due to low engagement. At the meeting, you will:
- have the opportunity to nominate yourself for the new committee;
- give a two-minute speech explaining why people should vote for you (if applicable);
- vote for who you'd like to join the committee.
After the voting process, Students' Union staff will count the votes to find out who will be your group's committee for the next year.
Each group's current committee, general group members, and anyone interested in joining the new committee must attend. Without attendance at your group's meeting, your group will not continue next year.
What roles can you run for?
There are three main committee roles that students can apply for.
The president leads the group. They are required to:
- Maintain regular contact with the Students’ Union
- Arrange and chair meetings of the committee
- Regularly update members on news and activity of the group
- Actively seek feedback from members
- Ensure all the committee have completed the compulsory training.
The events and administration officer is responsible for coordinating activities and events. They are required to:
- Plan and organise fun and engaging activitites and events
- Submit relevant event forms such as proposals, risk assessments, and external speaker forms
- Oversee event logistics at an activity or events
- Ensure only paid members attend events.
The finance officer is responsible for overseeing the finances. They are required to:
- Create a budget for events and yearly costs
- Record the group’s finances
- Complete financial process and documents.
As a student group grows, they may add more positions to the committee to help support the work of the group.
We only officially recognise the three roles mentioned above. Any additional roles can be added after the election process; these must be approved by the Students' Union.
What if I want to vote but not be a committee member?
Even if you don't want to run for a position, you can attend your group's meeting and vote. You must be a (paid-up) member of the student group to vote. To join a group, select it from the list of groups.
When and where can I attend my group's meeting?
Thursday 15 May 2025 (DL.3.04, Docklands)
12:00 - 13:00: Tamil, Karnataka, Marathi, Kerala, Telugu, Indian
14:00 - 15:00: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Nigerian, Kegites, African Caribbean
16:00 - 17:00: Somali, Islamic, Believers LoveWorld, First Love, Christian Union, Redeemed Pillar of Fire
Friday 16 May 2025 (DL.3.04, Docklands)
10:00 - 11:00: Hindu, Dominion City, Cancer Support, Gaming and Esports, Racing, Content Creators
12:00 - 13:00: Midwifery, Psychology, Computing, Law, Electrical and Electronic Engineers
How to apply for a committee position
Only students who will be a student until at least the end of spring term (semester B) in 2026 are eligible. You must be a (paid-up) member of the student group to apply. To join a group, select it from the list of groups.
You can apply for only one position across all student groups. To apply, just turn up at the meeting.
Rules
Each group must fulfil all three committee positions to remain registered. If the society has some but not all positions filled by the end of the meeting, the student group will be considered for closure. If a solution cannot be found the group will close in July 2025.
A committee member can only hold the same position for a maximum of two years, but can hold other positions.
If you are currently on the committee and want to re-run, you cannot use/abuse your position to influence how members vote.
The newly elected committee will take their positions in July 2025. Until that date, the current committee will continue to run the student group.
After the elections
It is recommended that after the election and until 30 June, the current committee should work with the new committee to hand over key information for running the group. Further guidance will be sent out to all groups later to help prepare the new committees such as training course date.
Groups exempt from the 2025 elections
Some student groups are exempt from this year’s election process. These groups are brand new and have only just formed their first committee. These groups don’t need to vote for a new committee yet. They’ll take part in the election process next year, when they’re more established.
These groups are Anime, Egyptian, Occupational Therapy and Tajik.