What is a Women's Conference?
The lead decision making bodies of National Union of Students (NUS) are their conferences where delegates representing students from across their membership review the work the NUS have been doing over the last year, decide on priorities and policy for the following year and elect the leadership.
Durham SU is entitled to send a maximum of four delegates made up of:
- Up to two open place delegates with full voting and speaking rights who must be elected.
- Additionally one reserved place delegate who defines as a black woman.
- Additionally one reserved place delegate who defines into another Liberation group (black, disabled or LGBT+) or has caring responsibilities.
We will hold the election for the open place delegates at the Women’s Forum which will be held in Kingsgate, Durham Students' Union at 18:00 on 05 December. This event is open to all Durham University students and those who define as a women will be eligable to vote in the election.
What do NUS Delegates Do?
Being an NUS Delegate involves representing the views of Durham students on a national level. Delegates from across the UK attend the NUS Conferences to decide the political direction of NUS and elect the NUS leadership for the year ahead.You also provide feedback on the conference to Durham students.
As a Women’s Conference Delegate you will:
• Represent the women students of Durham University at NUS Women Students’ Conference.
• Vote according to Union policy when policy on an issue exists.
• Receive training and guidance on public speaking and the motions up for consideration.
• Read and be aware of candidates running in the Women’s Officer election.
• Read the updates from current the Women’s Officer on the work they have done this year for students.
• Vote for the NUS Women's Officer and Committee for the academic year 2018/2019.
• Write a report to be published on Union’s website about your experience.
• Feedback the outcomes of the motions passed at the Conference.
• Write a reflection piece which can be provided to NUS Women Students’ conference delegates in 2018/2019.
Why should I get involved?
Being an NUS delegate is an amazing opportunity to meet new friends, learn about issues affecting other students, and make a tangible difference to the lives of students throughout the student union movement. It’ll also give you the chance to develop your negotiation, networking and public speaking skills.
When is the conference?
The conference will take place over three days, from 11 - 12 April 2018. Don’t worry, all expenses will be covered by Durham SU. This includes transport, accommodation and food.
How to run to be a delegate?
Nominations for the open places have now closed. If you define as a black woman or into another liberation group you can enter our ballot to take one of the two reserved places. Find out more below.
• Nominations open 09:00, Monday 13 November
• Nominations close 17:00, Monday 27 November
• List of candidates will be published on our website Tuesday 28 November
• Elections take place at Women’s Forum Tuesday 05 December, where the result of the vote will also be announced. All candidates will be invited to particpate in a Q&A prior to the vote.
