Following the departures of the Vice President Education and Vice President Welfare, the Students’ Union has carefully considered the best way to maintain student representation and support across this academic year.

After reviewing the options, the Union will not hold an immediate by-election. Instead, the roles will remain vacant until the Student Leadership Elections in March 2026.

Why? Running an election in December would see candidates facing significant barriers, including the short notice to stand and develop a manifesto, a limited campaign window, and academic pressures as we approach the end of the first term.

Alongside this, clear guidance would need to be produced regarding the eligibility of candidates to stand and any relevant leave of absence processes related to interrupting studies. This guidance simply doesn’t exist right now and we would be unable to guarantee that any elected student would not face a detrimental impact to their studies or finances should they be elected. That’s simply not acceptable.

Instead, we want to ensure that things run smoothly, we continue to make student life better, and your voice stays strong. Here’s how we’re making that happen:

More Opportunities to Have Your Voice Heard

We’re creating a pool of paid student panel reps to attend university committees and project boards. This means students will still have a seat at the table where decisions are made. These flexible roles, that fairly pay students for their time, will broaden the range of voices and perspectives heard by the University and be more reflective of the student experience at Roehampton. You can register your interest in these roles here.

Supporting this pool of students will be new student staff members who will help with preparation, diary management, and ensuring briefing papers are shared, so our new panel members can be at the top of their game and effectively represent students.

Get Paid to Share Your Views

We’re launching Survey Superheroes – a fun way to tell us what you think and earn some cash. By giving opinions and feedback through regular paid surveys, we will ensure that students have a real say in shaping our services and campaign work.

How will it work? Over the next six months we’ll run surveys to gather feedback on a range of issues. These will be sent out to a demographically representative pool of 250 students who will be paid £5 per complete survey.

You can register your interest in becoming a superhero today and start earning in the new year. Win win!

Campaigns Are Still Happening

A full-time Campaigns & Insight Coordinator will be recruited to support students in delivering campaigns and ensuring continuity on those already launched such as LEAP, the Open Forum, and improvements to local transport infrastructure.

We’ll also be recruiting additional student staff to lead on delivering projects while using existing officer plans, student networks, and an expanded Presidents’ Committee to keep things student-led.

What Does This Mean for You?

We’re reinvesting the funds from the two vacant officer roles to invest in more opportunities for students – accelerating work we were planning to launch in late 2026. In particular this means:

• More money in student pockets, through new flexible, paid opportunities.
• More chances to get involved beyond traditional elections, such as panels, student staff roles and new ways to get your voice heard.
• A broader range of voices and perspectives are heard in university committees, projects, and working groups.
• A stronger Presidents’ Committee with new members in the form of Deputy College Presidents providing input into the work of the Union and supporting the President, Joshua Kayode, across the remainder of the academic year.

If you want to get involved, share your views, or earn some extra cash, keep an eye on our socials and website for updates!