Once again I'm going to offer a less than startling revelation: the way that decisions are made affects the decision taken. In other words, process shapes outcome.
Both process and outcome are important in and of themselves. The way they relate is also important.
To call something democratic is to say that 'the people' had power over the decision. However this concept can translate into practice in so many different ways. The very essence of the concept of democracy is contested. The democratic model employed will therefore affect the decisions taken, but because no one wants to stand up and say they are against democracy, debate about changing process is a democratic organisation, such as a Sutdents' Union, becomes about who can succesfully capture the term democracy. This can be clearly seen from recent proposals to significantly alter the way NUS operates.
Being a Union officer is obviously about making decisions, and therefore there are numerous proceses to put in place to make sure decisions are taken in an appropraite way.
For my post budgeting is a big one. Part of budgeting is proposing budgets for student committees and various processes have been employed to do this in the past. If you're part of a committee and you have feelings on how this can be done to effectively suit you then please be in touch. The process starts from the new year.
Maybe that was a little bit self-indulgent for a blog on the last work day before Christmas, but I'll end by wishing you a Merry Christmas and a good holiday. Hope revision goes well if that's what you'll be doing (that's one thing about studying I don't miss!).
Cheers,
Pete
Commercial Services
One of my main responsibilities is overseeing the Union's commercial services and making sure student interests are served by these. Our commercial services have changed and evolved hugely over time and are, in the main, very succesful. The launch of New Leaf and Fusion Bar and Grill (check out their impressive Christmas menu) have been well received this year and people don't seem to miss the sandwich shop much, prefering the light that has been opened up by removing it.
The commerical services serve two purposes for the Union:
- Firstly, they are valuable in and of themselves, as it is good for our members to have great places to go and eat lunch, have a pint, buy a magazine or whatever. Moreover, the fact that the Union is led by students (through officers and SUC) means that we are able to keep in touch with what students want to a greater degree than competitors.
- Secondly the profit made at the outlets is reinvested to pay for other services to members. These include things like the student advice centre and committee budgets.
It is important not to sit back and be content, however, as there are always ways to improve.
It's always great to hear ideas from other people. If you have any ideas about what the Union should be doing, however whacky, send me an email. I certainly can't promise to take them up but we could do and it helps it terms of thinking out of the box and being in touch with what our members want. Alternatively come along to Commercial Services Committee, which discusses these issues. If you email me, I'll let you know when the next meeting is.
Pete.Johnston@shef.ac.uk.
Cheers,
Pete
The commerical services serve two purposes for the Union:
- Firstly, they are valuable in and of themselves, as it is good for our members to have great places to go and eat lunch, have a pint, buy a magazine or whatever. Moreover, the fact that the Union is led by students (through officers and SUC) means that we are able to keep in touch with what students want to a greater degree than competitors.
- Secondly the profit made at the outlets is reinvested to pay for other services to members. These include things like the student advice centre and committee budgets.
It is important not to sit back and be content, however, as there are always ways to improve.
It's always great to hear ideas from other people. If you have any ideas about what the Union should be doing, however whacky, send me an email. I certainly can't promise to take them up but we could do and it helps it terms of thinking out of the box and being in touch with what our members want. Alternatively come along to Commercial Services Committee, which discusses these issues. If you email me, I'll let you know when the next meeting is.
Pete.Johnston@shef.ac.uk.
Cheers,
Pete
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