nsu impact report 2014
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NORTHUMBRIASTUDENTS’ UNION
REPORT 2014
Our Values
“TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF ALL OUR STUDENTS”
our mission
DEMOCRATIC * INCLUSIVE * ETHICAL INNOVATION * QUALITY * PARTNERSHIP
3
4 MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR PROFESSOR ANDREW WATHEY
5 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON
6 MAKING A BETTER UNION
7 HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT
8 VOICE - WINNING FOR STUDENTS
9 REPRESENTING YOU
10 EMPLOYABILITY
11 GETTING INVOLVED
12 COMMUNITY
13 BUILDING SOCIAL COMMUNITIES
14 WELCOMING YOU
15 CONNECTING WITH YOU
16 INTERNATIONALISATION
17 WELLBEING
18 STUDENT CITY LIVING
19 SUSTAINABILITY
contentsour pos itive im
pact...
Our Positive Impact for 2014
Our Positive Impact for 20144
Students’ Unions are at the heart of the University community. They provide a
welcoming and safe environment with opportunities for cultural enrichment
and personal development for all. Most important, the very best Unions
excel in representing the interests of their members and work constructively
with their University to enhance the quality of the student experience.
Northumbria Students’ Union is all these things and more.
Northumbria is an excellent University for teaching, research and knowledge
transfer. I know that a student’s fi rst priority is to fulfi l their academic
potential. But in a competitive job market extra-curricular activities help
students stand out from the crowd and the Union is a primary channel
through which Northumbria students can enhance their employment
prospects, through the numerous opportunities for personal development
that the Union provides. I commend the outstanding work of all Union
volunteers and the positive impact they have on the University but also the
wider community in Newcastle and beyond.
The Union has run highly eff ective campaigns in the past year engaging
many thousands of students. As a University we listen carefully to what our
students are saying and we will continue to work in partnership with the
Union on issues raised in the future.
I congratulate the Union on a year of tremendous achievement. I look forward
to working closely with you over the coming year.
Professor Andrew Wathey FRHistS FRSA FSA
Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive
Northumbria University
FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLORmessage
Our Positive Impact for 2014 5
Hello Northumbria!
2014 was a great year to be part of Northumbria Students’ Union. Together we
have really made a difference to student life and made some really positive changes
across campus. Our Mission is ‘to make a positive impact on the lives of all our
students’ and through talking to students through a variety of channels it appears
that we have come a long way in achieving this.
Every year we aim to ensure that all students at Northumbria have a great experience
at Uni, whether that be through; joining a society, volunteering, making friends, fun
and entertainment, advice and representation, or even just saving money through
ensuring we offer great value in all of our commercial outlets.
Student representation is clearly at the forefront of what we do and this year we have
successfully lobbied to achieve extended bus hours at Coach Lane, cheaper food in
our retail outlets and free water fountains on campus. We have campaigned for your
rights and our onsite lettings agency NU:LETS has gone from strength to strength,
saving students a total of £60,300 in admin fees over the last year alone.
We’ve seen a huge growth in student involvement with the amount of students
joining societies or taking part in volunteering increasing by 27% with 1 in 5
students on campus, now actively involved in the Students’ Union. Our volunteers
were even recognised on a national level with several NUS nominations and a
collection of awards – most recently the Positive Social Behaviour Order, recognising
the incredible work they do to help the elderly. On top of this, our elections also
saw a 33% increase in the number of voters with the number of candidates
applying to represent their fellow students at an all-time high.
Ultimately we have worked hard to make a real difference for YOU! I am extremely
proud to be part of Northumbria Students’ Union and I hope you enjoy reading
about the impact we have had on your student experience.
Natalie-Dawn Hodgson
President 2014 - 2015
86% of students said we had a positive impact on their lives
NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON PRESIDENT 2014 - 2015
33% INCREASEIN STUDENT VOTERS
1 IN 5STUDENTSNOW ACTIVELY INVOLVED
NU:LETS SAVED STUDENTS
£60,300
6 Our Positive Impact for 2014
UNION
MAKING aBETTER
AS DETAILED IN OUR MEMBER APPROVED PLAN
‘THE BIG IDEAS 2012’, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING
HARD TO ENHANCE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE.
DELIVERING A POSITIVE IMPACT FOR YOU,
FOCUSING ON OUR KEY THEMES AND, STRIVING
TO DELIVER THESE CORE GOALS:
community BUILDING STUDENT COMMUNITIES
voice HAVE YOUR SAY AND WE WILL WORK
TOGETHER FOR IMPROVEMENT
employability THE UNION WILL DO MORE TO HELP
YOUR FUTURE JOB PROSPECTS
internationalisationAN INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR A
GLOBAL STUDENT BODY
wellbeing WE WILL SUPPORT YOU THROUGH
ALL ASPECTS OF STUDENT LIFE
sustainabilitySUSTAINING THE ORGANISATION
FOR STUDENTS FOR ALL TIME
7Our Positive Impact for 2014
IMPACT
HAVING aPOSITIVEIN 2014 WE MEASURED STUDENT
SATISFACTION, ENGAGEMENT
AND INVOLVEMENT AGAINST
OUR BIG IDEAS AND KEY
OBJECTIVES.
THIS YEAR WE SPOKE TO OVER
76% OF OUR MEMBERS THOUGH
FOCUS GROUPS, AND A NUMBER
OF SURVEYS INCLUDING
‘YOUR UNION, YOUR SAY’, THE
‘NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY’
AND OUR FRESHER’S WEEK
SURVEY. HERE ARE SOME OF
OUR KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
86% OF STUDENTSSAID WE HAVE A POSITIVEIMPACT ON THEIRS LIVES
68%of students agreed the Students’ Unionimproved the quality of their academic experience
2,997 STUDENTS VOTED IN OUR SABBATICAL ELECTIONS
AN INCREASE OF 33%
72% OF STUDENTSsaid the Students’ Union has helped them feel part of a community
82% OF STUDENTSagree they are kept well informed by the Students’ Union
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION INCREASED TO5TH PLACE in the International studentbarometer
74% OF STUDENTSwere satisfied with the overall services, activities and opportunities we provide
68% OF VOLUNTEERSfeel more confident about their future employability as a result of volunteering
INCREASED NET SURPLUS OF
1.5 % TO 4.5% PROFIT FROM TURNOVER
IN OUR STAFF SURVEY,
79% OF STAFF ARE MOTIVATED TO WORK TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
53% OF STUDENTSsaid we have improved their personal wellbeing
The Students’ Union has helped me feel part of a
community
POORNIMA DEVI SHANDRA BUSCOURSE REP/RAG/VN
Our Positive Impact for 20148
voice WINNING FOR STUDENTS We lobbied the
university to get extended library hours at City Campus East
JOE HOLT, VICE-PRESIDENT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
www.mynsu.co.ukDRINKAWARE.CO.UK
EMERGENCY
TAXISCHEME
ANONYMOUSMARKING
BIGGERLIBRARY
EXTRACOACH LANE
BUS
AN
REMOVAL
HIDDEN
FEES
of
WE GOT
YOU
@NORTHUMBRIASU MYNSU WWW.MYNSU.CO.UK
A
NU LETS:
LONGEROPENING HOURS
CITY CAMPUS EAST
A T
DEFEATED PROPOSALSTO BAN STUDENT PARKING IN JESMOND
BETTER FOOD AND RECREATION SPACE IN CLAUDE GIBB
BETTER RESEARCH SPACE FOR POSTGRADUATESIN BUSINESS AND LAW
INCREASED FUNDING
BY 9.5%
FOR A BETTER SU EXPERIENCE
GOT FREE WATER fountains on campus
LETTINGS BOARD TO BE BANNED IN STUDENT AREAS
FAIRER ALLOCATION OF TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHERS
OUR ELECTED OFFICERS WORKED HARD TO
CAMPAIGN FOR A BETTER UNIVERSITY
EXPERIENCE. OUR CAMPAIGN YOU SAID SU DID
DELIVERED, AMONGST MANY THINGS:
Our Positive Impact for 2014 9
REPRESENTING YOU
OUR MAIN PURPOSE AS A UNION IS TO REPRESENT, LISTEN AND CAMPAIGN TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE ON BEHALF OF NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS. REPRESENTATION IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE UNION AND THE SABBATICAL OFFICERS AND ADVICE & REPRESENTATION STAFF WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE AND SUPPORT STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE STUDENT JOURNEY.
2,997 VOTES
CAST IN ELECTIONS + 33%FAIRER ASSESSMENTGUIDELINES FOR GROUP WORK
ALL-TIME RECORD OF
28 CANDIDATES IN SABBATICAL ELECTIONS
1,974 HOURS
SPENT ON ACADEMIC CASES
415
COURSE REPS TRAINED 7% INCREASE
1,216
ACADEMIC REPS IN PLACE
£13,150 AWARDED IN CAMPAIGN REP GRANTS
765 STUDENTSconsulted with on timetabling issues
68%Launched Open Knowledge Project
Accessibility improved across campus for disabled students
SPOKE TO OVER
4,000 STUDENTS THROUGH GO OUT AND
LISTEN DAYS AND HALLS VISITS
CAMPAIGNED NATIONALLY
TO PROTECT FUNDING FOR POORER STUDENTS
OF COURSE REPS HAVE MADE A POSITIVE CHANGE
411 ACADEMIC ADVICE CASES
Our Positive Impact for 201410
employability
Working for the Union has improved my
loads of transferable skills to enhance my
employability
JOSH RIVERS RAG/WELCOME TEAM/IT CLASSES
68% OF VOLUNTEERS were more confi dent about
their future employability
Launched Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
479LEADERSHIP POSITIONS MADE AVAILABLELaunched online NVQ accredited training
457 STUDENTS RECOGNISED FOR VOLUNTEERING
86 STUDENTS
NOMINATED FOR ANNUAL AWARDS
Degree accreditation for Nightline volunteers
OVER 110
student staff employed by the Union
50% of our staff recruited in 2014 were Northumbria graduates
66 BAR STAFF COMPLETED AND GAINED AN NVQ CERTIFICATION
STUDENT NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS IT CLASSES WON
1. ‘I Made A Diff erence’ Innovative
Partnership Award 2014
2. ‘Truth About Youth’s’ Positive
Social Behaviour Order Award
Dec 2014
219 STUDENTS had achievements
recognised on their Higher
Education Achievement Report
WON National Nightline
Association Volunteer of the Year
NOMINATED FOR NUS Student
of the Year 2014
961 nominations in Student Led
Teaching Awards +85%
2014 HAS SEEN STUDENT
INVOLVEMENT REACH AN ALL-TIME
HIGH WITH RECORD NUMBERS
OF STUDENTS SIGNING UP TO
VOLUNTEER OR BECOME A MEMBER
OF A SOCIETY. NOT ONLY DOES
THIS ENHANCE THEIR EXPERIENCE
AS A STUDENT BUT IT ALSO
IMPROVES THEIR EMPLOYABILITY
AFTER GRADUATING. WE AIM TO
DEVELOP OUR STUDENT STAFF IN
LINE WITH OUR INVESTORS PEOPLE
ACCREDITATION TO IMPROVE THEIR
FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS.
11Our Positive Impact for 2014
Volunteering in the community is not only
incredibly rewarding but a great way of
meeting new people and learning new skills
KARLA PRIME NSU MEDIA/VNgetting
INVOLVED116 SOCIETIES
+ 56%
2,402 STUDENTS SIGNED UP TO VOLUNTEER
32,851 HOURS101 STUDENTS
GAVE 935 HOURS IN STUDENT VOLUNTEERING WEEK
£63,000 INVESTEDIN STUDENT ACTIVITIES + 50%
£15,121 RAISED FOR CHARITYTHROUGH RAG
157 RAG TEAM MEMBERS
2,500 MEMBERS
OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFITTED FROM VOLUNTEERING
375 STUDENTS
TOOK PART IN FAST FRIENDS TRIPS
Our Positive Impact for 201412
community
BUILDING SOCIALCOMMUNITIESOUR KEY AIM IS TO BUILD STUDENT COMMUNITIES
ON CAMPUS BY PROVIDING EXCELLENT VENUES AND
FACILITIES OFFERING ALL DAY GOOD VALUE AND A
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME. WE HOPE TO
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET FRIENDS BUILD
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND CREATE LIFE LONG
MEMORIES. HABITA CONTINUES TO BE THE MAIN
SOCIAL HUB ON CAMPUS.
SERVED OVER 200,000FOOD AND BEVERAGESIN HABITAHOSTED THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PADDY’S DAY WITH1,700 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE
INCREASED FACILITY STUDENT SOCIAL USAGE
BY 44%
SOLD OUTLONDON GRAMMAR GIG AND HOSTED 50 LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
AWARDED VENUE OF THE WEEKfor National Coff ee House Sessions
GAVE 10KAWAY IN FRESHER’S PRIZES
HOSTED OVER 30 STUDENT LED EVENTS
Our Positive Impact for 2014 13
The Students Union is a safe place to
socialise and meet friends
DEAN WILSON LAY STUDENT COUNCILLORHOSTED
6,329 HOURS’ WORTH OF STUDENT LED EVENTS
SERVED 71,455 Starbucks coffees
POURED 170,111PINTS HOSTED HOSPITALITYFOR OVER 22,000 STUDENTSAND THEIR GUESTS AFTER GRADUATION CEREMONIES
COACH LANECAMPUS
THE NEW SHOP
FULL TIME STUDENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
FAMILY FUN DAYS AND PARTIES
COSTA COFFEES AT COACH LANE
Our Positive Impact for 201414
Being part of the Welcome Team was such a laugh and really rewarding
KEELEY EDMONDSON WELCOME TEAM/NSU/MEDIA
NORTHUMBRIA IS
RENOWNED FOR THE
INCREDIBLE WELCOME
WE PROVIDE. FROM
THE EXCITING DAYTIME
ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME TO
THE LIVE ACTS AND CLUB
NIGHTS, NORTHUMBRIA
FRESHERS’ WEEK HAS IT ALL.
WELCOMING YOU
7,398 ATTENDEDATTENDED SOCIETIES AND PROJECTS FAIRS
LAUNCHED A BRAND NEW FRESHERS’ WEEK PROGRAMME AND
SOLD 1,781 TICKETS
305 WELCOME TEAM moved
5,000 STUDENTSINTO HALLS
OVER 1,300 STUDENTS WORLDWIDE RECEIVED THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WELCOME PACK
6,275 WELCOME PACKS MAILED TO STUDENTS AHEAD OF FRESHERS’ WEEK
8,359 ATTENDEDCOMPANY FAIRSREDUCED THE PRICE OF FRESHERS’ ENTERTAINMENT
SAVING STUDENTS 36K
1,152 STUDENTSATTENDED DAYTIME ACTIVITIES
Our Positive Impact for 2014 1515
CONNECTING WITH YOU
82% OF STUDENTS
FEEL WELL INFORMED
+ 8% ON LAST YEAR
OVER 76% OF STUDENTS
surveyed in market research and focus groups
397% INCREASE
IN INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
LAUNCHED 13 HALLSFACEBOOK GROUPS
20% INCREASE ON TWITTER FOLLOWERS TO 6.2K
WWW.MYNSU.CO.UK
714KVISITS
I was able to make friends before I
even arrived through joining the Halls Facebook group
CALLUM WATT FACULTY REP
DISTRIBUTED35,000COPIES OF NSU/LIFE MAGAZINE
28,307 NSU/TV YOUTUBE HITS
NEW STUDENTRADIO STATION LAUNCHED
COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT
HAS BEEN A HUGE FOCUS AND
PRIORITY FOR THE STUDENTS’ UNION
IN 2014. THIS YEAR WE HAVE WORKED
TIRELESSLY TO GET OUR MESSAGE
OUT TO STUDENTS IN THE RIGHT
PLACE IN THE RIGHT WAY AND THE
RIGHT TIME. WE HAVE DEVELOPED
OUR DIGITAL PLATFORMS, AND
INCREASED LINKS WITH STUDENTS
IN HALLS.
DIRECT SUMMER MAIL SHOT TO
25,270STUDENTS554,264
E-COMMUNICATIONS SENT
Our Positive Impact for 201416
internationalisationWITH AN INCREASINGLY DIVERSE
STUDENT POPULATION, NORTHUMBRIA
HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE AN
EXCELLENT WELCOME TO STUDENTS
COMING FROM OVERSEAS AND WE HAVE
PROVED TO BE INTEGRAL IN PROVIDING
A PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS TO MAKE FRIENDS AND
MEET LIKEMINDED PEOPLE.
Through forming a society I was
able to meet likeminded people
SANDEAN FERNANDEZRAG/ VOLUNTEER NORTHUMBRIA
RANKED 5TH in the UK for international student satisfaction
OVER 1,300 STUDENTSWORLDWIDE RECEIVED THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WELCOME PACK
WITH 18 DEDICATEDINTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES
OVER 656
INTERNATIONALSOCIETY MEMBERS
7500 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTENDED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
LAUNCHED INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
311 STUDENTS ATTENDED GLOBAL FOOD FAIRS
SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA ACCESSED FROM 70 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
wellbeing AS A STUDENTS’ UNION WE HAVE A
RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR STUDENTS NOT ONLY
TO SUPPORT THEM ACADEMICALLY BUT ALSO
TO ENSURE THEY REMAIN SAFE, HAPPY AND
HEALTHY. WE WORK ALONGSIDE STUDENT
SUPPORT & WELLBEING, LOCAL COUNCILS,
POLICE AND NHS SERVICES TO MAKE SURE WE
PROVIDE AN ALL-ROUND SUPPORT NETWORK
FOR ALL STUDENTS AT NORTHUMBRIA.
There is always someone there
to listen
CAMERON GILESLAY STUDENT COUNCILLOR
Our Positive Impact for 2014 17
LAUNCHED MENTAL HEALTHINITIATIVEHANDED OUT 3,000 FREE CONDOMS
HANDED OUT 2,000 FREE DRINK UNIT CALCULATORS
40% INCREASE IN CALLS TO NIGHTLINESTUDENTS VOLUNTEERED 5,502 HOURSFOR NIGHTLINE
LAUNCHED GETTING SETTLED PROJECT AND SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS INITIATIVE
LAUNCHED FREE MASSAGE SERVICE FOR STRESSED STUDENTS
FREE STI SCREENING FOR 18-24 YR OLDS
Our Positive Impact for 201418
AFTER LISTENING TO OUR STUDENTS WHO INFORMED
US OF THE ISSUES THEY ENCOUNTERED FROM
LETTING AGENCIES AND LANDLORDS. NU:LETS WAS
LAUNCHED IN 2012 AND HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH
TO STRENGTH, SEEING A HUGE GROWTH IN 2013/14.
WE ARE WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE LIVING
STANDARDS IN THE CITY AND PROVIDE
BETTER ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS.
INCREASED OUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO BY
133% TO 156 PROPERTIES£60,300
SAVED IN ADMIN FEES
HOUSED 402 STUDENTS
COMPLETED 131TENANCIESHOSTED FIRST EVER HOUSING WEEKLAUNCHED STUDENT CITY LIVING @ NORTHUMBRIA MAGAZINE AND
DISTRIBUTED7,000 COPIESGENERATED
£40,200INCOME
564STUDENTSconsulted with on housing issues in the city
DEALT WITH
600 STUDENT PROPERTY ENQUIRIES
STUDENTCITY LIVING
After a really bad
experience with my
previous landlord
I’m so glad I have
peace of mind
using NU:LETS
TALLY KERRNSU/MEDIA/MUSIC SOCIETY
www.nu-lets.co.ukThe ONLY official and approved student letting agency of Northumbria
STUDENTCITY LIVING
FREETO A GOOD HOME
At Northumbria
Student Housing Survival Guide
Your Guide to the Best Student Areas
Find Your Perfect Pad
Our Positive Impact for 2014 19
£14,405SURPLUS OF
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
UNIVERSITY GRANT FUNDING INCREASED BY
9.5%FOR 2014 - 2015
STRENGTHENED NET CURRENT ASSETS BY
£85,330INCREASED NET SURPLUS OF PROFIT TO
4.5% SECURED FUNDING TO ESTABLISH STAFF POSTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS ON THE COACH LANE AND LONDON CAMPUSES AND TO IMPROVE ENGAGEMENT WITH STUDENTS LIVING IN HALLS OF RESIDENCES.
Governance £7,684
Affi liations Including NUS £43,331
NU:LETS £14,345
Depreciation £88,644
Costs Of Sales £533,670
Support Costs £488,464
Rent £800,000
Salaries & Wages £1,303,241
University Grants £1,851,500
Self-Generated Income £1,422,284
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
All the money we make is recycled into making better facilities for you
TOM BROMWICHVICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS & DEMOCRACY (VPCD)
sustainability A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The Students’ Union continues to successfully
manage its costs effi ciently and increase income.
Commercially we seek to diversify our income base
and our in-house letting company NU:Lets continues
to grow with turnover increasing by 661% to £30,399.
The Union made an overall surplus of £14,405 in 2014
an improvement of £49,452.
With net current assets of £246,419 the Union is in a
stable position to build for the future. The University’s
continuing confi dence in the Students’ Union’s
ability to manage its aff airs in a prudent manner was
rewarded with an increase grant funding of 8.5%
to £2,025,000 for the fi nancial year 2014-2015. This
increase in funding allowed us to grow the quality
of the Union’s representation services and the
increase the breadth of student activity and personal
development opportunities for our members.
Due to good fi nancial management and additional
support and increased funding from the University we
have reinvested even more into the Students’ Union.
This has led to better facilities, enhancing our activities
and enabling us to represent students more eff ectively
with better staff support.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2013-2014
SELF-GENERATED INCOME INCREASED BY
3% TO £1.442KINCREASED GRANTS FOR STUDENT GROUPS BY
50% TO £48,200
CONFERENCINGHOSTED OVER 1,000 UK and international conference delegates
GAINED RECOGNITION through the attendance of high profi le guest
speakers including Haile Gebrselassie, Sir Jonathon Ive and Sir Chris Hoy
WWW.MYNSU.CO.UK
NATALIE-DAWN HODGSON NICOLE PEGG MIKE POTTER
JAMIE THOMPSON SARAH PRICE AMY WEALLEANS WILLIAM DOWNEY
KATE KENNEDY DAVID INMAN TIM MALLENDER KAREN INGRAM
TIM HILL QUINCY RAYMOND DIANE REDDELL CHRISTINE SIMONS
LAURA NELSON JOE HOLT TOM BROMWICH NICHOLA MCKENZIE
TRUSTEES & LEADERSof
NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS’ UNION2014
@NORTHUMBRIASTUDENTSUNION @NORTHUMBRIASU MYNSU