On this page

• Summary of the role
• Responsibilities
• Meetings and committees

Summary of the role

The Union President is the principle representative of the 20,000 students here at the University. It is their job to co-ordinate the efforts of the Sabbatical team and the Union staff. The president works closely with the senior management on all issues especially the strategic plan and the Unions’ finances.

Responsibilities

1. Act as Principal Representative of the Students of the University of Portsmouth.
   
2. Act as Line Manager to the Chief Executive and ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place for support and appraisal and act as main communicator between management and the executive.
   
3. Be the chief liaison between the Union and the University.
   
4. Be responsible for ensuring that all resolutions of the Student Council are implemented.
   
5. Have the right to call an Extraordinary Meeting of any committee or society, giving at least two University working days notice.
   
6. Be authorised to take such action as is deemed desirable in the interests of the Union, provided that such action does not run counter to the Union's policy and is reported to the next Student Council. The President shall, if possible, call an Extraordinary Meeting of the Student Council before taking any action which is likely to be contentious.
   
7. Be responsible for overall ruling on this Constitution in the event of dispute.
   
8. Be responsible for ensuring that suitable deputies are found to perform the duties of absent Union Officials. In the case of an unfilled post, the President shall ensure that the essential duties of the post are performed.
   
9. Be responsible for the ongoing support and training needs of other Union officers.
   
10. Be the primary contact with NUS (National Union of Students)
    
11. To co-ordinate the process whereby annual submission, by way of a block grant funding, is made to the University, and the University receives the Unions' annually audited accounts and budget statement.
    
12. To co-ordinate the activities of the Sabbatical Team in line with the principle of collective responsibility.
    
13. To ensure the effective administration of all matters relating to membership which shall include processing the annual review of membership fees.
    
14. To ensure that all Committees and meetings are effectively serviced and their activities co-ordinated to include the maintenance of a central file of meeting documentation
    
15. To be responsible for the maintenance, and review of the register of external affiliations.
    
16. To serve as the principle contact, between the Union and external organisations including NUS, the Media and the local Community.
    
17. To be responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and compliance with its provisions except during elections where the Returning Officer shall have sole and absolute discretion in interpreting the rules for the conduct of elections. 
18. To maintain and review the operations of the Student/Staff Protocol Agreement
    
19. To maintain and review the operation of the University/Union Code of Practice within the terms of the Education Act 1994.
    
20. To ensure the maintenance, and review of the Union's Strategic plan.
    
21. The President automatically becomes a member of the University Board Of Governors
    

Meetings and Committees

University of Portsmouth-led Meetings

The UoP Board of Governors

• Quarterly
• As President you will hold the role of Governor at The UOP. This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of The UoP and you will share that corporate responsibility.

The UoP Estate & Information Technology Committee

• 3 times a year
• As a Governor at The UoP you will sit on this Committee which is responsible for the oversight of the strategic management of all The UoP land and buildings and IT requirements.

The UoP Finance Committee

• 5 times a year
• As a Governor at the UoP you will sit on this Committee which is responsible for the financial stewardship of all The UoP finances.

The UoP Academic Council

• Quarterly
• The President, Education & Representation Officer and Student Support Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for the management of all The UoP academic policies and procedures.

The UoP Quality Assurance Committee

• 6 times a year
• The President, and Education & Representation Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for ensuring that The UoP maintains a high level of service to all students at The UoP.

The UoP Library Committee

• 3 times a year
• The President, and Education & Representation Officer sit on this Committee which is responsible for the operation and development of the University Library

The UoP Student Academic & General Affairs Committee (SAGA)

• 3 times a year
• The Sabbatical team sit on this committee which is the principal medium through which Governors are directly able to hear the views and concerns of the students through the Students’ Union’s Sabbatical Officers. 

UPSU-Led Meetings

UoP Directorate

• Bi-monthly
• An informal meeting with The UoP Directorate Team to discuss issues effecting students at The UoP. As President you will lead the Sabbatical team in all discussions and negotiations.

The UPSU Board of Trustees

• Monthly
• As President you will hold the role of Trustee at The UPSU. This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of The UPSU and you will be part of the decision making process. The President will Chair this meeting.

PSUT Board of Directors

• Monthly
• As President you will hold the role of Director at Portsmouth Students’ Union Trading Company Ltd (PSUT). This Board holds the ultimate responsibility for all affairs of PSUT and you will be part of the decision making process. The President will Chair this meeting.

UPSU/UoP Steering Group

• Bi-monthly
• To liaise with The UoP, UPEL regarding any issues surrounding the Student Centre and the provision of services for students.

UPEL/UPSU Liaison Group

• Monthly
• To provide a forum to discuss Catering and Bars Services and Facilities and to discuss, liaise and agree on all issues affecting the management of the Student Centre Building.

The UPSU Finance & Staffing

• Quarterly
• As President you Chair this meeting which is responsible for the management of all The UPSU finances and staffing.

The UPSU / UPEL Student Activities Meeting

• Monthly
• To liaise with UPEL on all student led activities.

The UPSU Union Council

• Monthly in term time
• The Sabbatical Team report into the Union Council Committee which is made up of elected student representatives.

The UPSU AGM

• Once a year
• Union Council and the Sabbatical Team report back to the student membership on a yearly basis.

The UPSU Sabbatical Exec

• Weekly
• An informal meeting in which the Sabbatical Team discuss any operational issues.