The University of Salford Students' Union has been experimenting with new democratic approaches to engage students effectively. They have successfully used digital tools and face-to-face interactions to involve students in decision-making processes. However, challenges remain in expanding digital engagement and ensuring consistent officer presence for effective student involvement. Key areas - democracy - policy (includes [[Policy Book]]) - accountability ## Criticisms of previous arrangements - agreements set by minority of students, so tyranny of the minority. - Not focussed around the needs of students/ what the barriers to engagement in our democracy are. - Not focussed on the issues of the day, so too broad and also too shallow. - Too admin heavy for staff Article from James Coe: [[Source - Whose SU Is It Anyway by Wonkhe]] ## Ideas - Crisis of social connection! - Make greater use of digital tools - Not create more admin burden on SU - Democracy should be accessible to all students - powerful are those who can get closest to the su - more likely to be privileged - place officers at the heart of democratic work - look at community organising - devolve power where possible. - Take the union to the students. - use a policy book approach. - make sure the positions in that policy book are clear - Accountability of officers comes when going for re-election(?) ## My thoughts (2025) - Links to agency and the work that Carol wants to lead ([[What does Carol think about loneliness?]]) - ## Briefings - [[Source - USSU Democracy Review - initial report June 2023]] - [[Source - Democracy Review Update Jan 2024]] - [[Source - USSU Democracy Review Board update June 2024]]