~ [[130 - Governance]] # Salford SU Partnership Agreement The Partnership Agreement replaces the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Salford and Salford SU. Approved at the [[2025-11-25 - Board of Trustees]] meeting. Signed by Lord Keith Bradley (Chair of Council, University of Salford) and Akinwale Bello (President and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Salford SU). ## Why It Changed The 2020 MoU was felt to be "transactional" and "patronising" in tone — it prescribed expected behaviours from the Union rather than expressing a genuine partnership. The Partnership Review Board (a joint University-SU body) agreed to reframe the document in 2025. Key changes: - Renamed from MoU to Partnership Agreement — signalling maturity - Removed sections prescribing Union behaviour; replaced with principle-based language - Compliance requirements moved to a dedicated section (and appendix), so the main body focuses on partnership - Legal language retained where required; autonomy language strengthened ## Key Partnership Commitments Both parties commit to: - Participatory design for key strategies affecting students - Working together to tackle student loneliness, belonging, inclusion, and personal development - Open communication and joint problem-solving - Celebrating student achievements - Encouraging inclusive and democratic participation The Union presents formally to University Council twice per year. Both parties meet annually pre-academic year to align objectives. ## The Union's Legal Status The Union is recognised as: - A self-governing and autonomous body - A distinct, separate, and independent legal entity - The sole representative body of students (per Education Act 1994 s.22) ## Compliance Matters (Key Provisions) **Constitution:** The Union's Articles of Association must be reviewed and approved by Council every five years. No amendment is valid without Council approval. **Membership:** All registered students are automatically members. Students may opt out in writing; opt-out status lasts one academic year. Opted-out students can still access welfare and advisory services but cannot vote, stand in elections, or participate in decision-making. **Elections:** The Union must inform the University Secretary of changes to election byelaws or the Returning Officer; the RO's report must be shared with the University Secretary and Council. **Finances:** - Block grant determined annually by Council following representations from the CEO and Student Officers - Union cannot sell assets worth more than £50,000 without written University consent - Union cannot take on debt, create charges over assets, or make investments without University consent - Annual accounts audited by external firm; submitted to Council - University reserves the right to offset debts against the grant or withhold grant in event of a breach **Freedom of Speech:** The Union must hold its own Freedom of Speech Code of Practice (per Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023). See [[Freedom of Speech]]. **Data:** Both parties are data controllers under UK GDPR. Data sharing is for membership register maintenance, election conduct, and OfS requirements. **Complaints:** Student complaints about the Union are managed through the University's standard complaints process. ## Disputes Resolved first through negotiation between senior officials. If unresolved, both parties appoint an arbitrator or mediator by mutual consent. ## Review and Termination Reviewed formally by the Partnership Review Board at least every five years. Terminated only by: - Six months' notice from either party, or - Material breach not remedied within 21 days of written notice ## Source Document `251105 MoA.pdf` — Board of Trustees Meetings / 2025.11.20