Nominations are now open in this year’s Students’ Union President Election

 

Do you want to be the next Students’ Union President? Nominate yourself for election before 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026 here

 

Do you know someone who would be a good President? Fill in our Recommend a Student form and we’ll send them further information.

 

What is the role of Students’ Union President?

Your Students’ Union is an independent, registered charity and each year the student body is invited to elect the Students’ Union President. The President is the lead student representative for all RAU students, representing them to the University and locally and nationally on academic and non-academic issues.

 

The role of President is a highly responsible one. Not only are you the lead student representative, you’re also a charity trustee and company director of the Students’ Union and serve as Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees. You’re also a Student Governor and company director of Royal Agricultural University. These are legal roles and you are responsible for working with other Board members to ensure that the Union and the University is compliant, financially sustainable, well governed and here for the long-term.

 

It is a full-time, paid role for 12 months starting on 13 July 2026 until July 2027 with a salary of £26,707 per annum and 30 days annual leave. The role works a 35 hour working week which needs to be worked flexibly as some evening and weekend working is required. As well as a trustee and company director of the Students’ Union, the President is also an employee of the Students’ Union and subject to all the policies and procedures that apply to all SU staff.

 

It's a great opportunity to influence decisions for students at the highest level and advocate for positive change. You will be involved in making long-term decisions and need to be able to think about the bigger picture as well as work as part of a small staff team planning and delivering day-to-day Union activities.

 

The Students’ Union President Job Description can be read here.

 

You should nominate yourself for this role if you: 

• Would like to develop your leadership, management and organisational skills 

• Want to know what’s involved in leading a registered charity and company  

• Are a proactive, responsible individual who is confident communicating with a range of people, from students to the Vice Chancellor and MPs 

• Are comfortable writing reports and getting stuck into operational tasks as well as working strategically  

• Are committed to improving all students’ experiences and upholding the values of the Union and Royal Agricultural University  

• Want to be part of the Union’s transformation journey and create meaningful change

 

How do I nominate myself?

Only current RAU students, including undergraduates and postgraduates, are eligible to nominate themselves. To nominate yourself for Students’ Union President, please complete this form before 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

 

The form asks you to complete a candidate profile, upload a photo and complete candidate declaration forms.

 

Once we have received your form, it will be reviewed by the Deputy Returning Officer who will determine if you are eligible to stand in the election.

 

All candidates are required to attend a compulsory candidate briefing at 4pm on Monday 20 April or 12.30pm on Tuesday 21 April. And must read and agree to the Election Regulations.

 

You are not allowed to publicly declare your candidacy or begin campaigning until your candidacy has been confirmed, you have attended a briefing and the candidates have been announced by the Students’ Union.

 

You can see all the election dates here.

 

What is involved in campaigning?

The role of President is decided by an election in which all current RAU students are eligible to vote. Candidates need to encourage students to vote for them ensuring their campaign and the actions of their campaign team adhere to the Election Regulations and RAUSU and RAU policies.

Candidates are encouraged to be as creative, innovative and inclusive as possible in their campaigns and can use in person as well as digital methods. More information and top tips will be shared at the Candidate Briefing. 

 

Who runs the election?

The election is administered by the Deputy Returning Officer - Caroline Dangerfield, Students’ Union Director. The election is subject to the Election Regulations which can be read here.

 

The election is overseen by the Returning Officer - Peter Robertson, Chief Executive, NUS Charity.

 

The Deputy Returning Officer and Returning Officer can be contacted at elections@rausu.co.uk

 

What if I have any questions or want to make a complaint?

Please email the Students’ Union at elections@rausu.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

 

The complaints and appeals process is outlined in the Election Regulations.