A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS’UNION
L
oughborough Students' Union exists to look after the needs and interests of all the students in Loughborough.
It has over 18,000 members drawn from the University, Loughborough College and the Loughborough Royal National Institute for the Blind Vocational College.
The Union ensures that students have their say in the running of the University and the Colleges and in other issues that affect them. It is also the place that students go when they need help, advice and is always on their side. The Union provides hundreds of students with opportunities to develop their skills, gaining new experiences which complement the education that they receive in the classroom, making them more than their course. These opportunities might be in the field of sport, the arts, organising a fund raising trip or helping with work within the community – the possibilities are endless. We aim to ensure every student has the time of their lifeat Loughborough that influences the rest of their lives.
In addition the Union operates important commercial services for its members. These services include licensed bars, catering outlets, entertainment and shops. In total the Union's commercial turnover is over £4M per year. Many students are employed by the Union on a part-time basis to help them support themselves through their studies.
The Union's main base is a large purpose-built building, which was opened in 1978 and which has recently undergone a major refurbishment. This building also houses a number of other services useful to students which the Union franchises to specialist companies. These include an academic book shop, bank, dentist, pharmacy, hairdresser and optician.
The Union is a democratic organisation whose affairs are directed by an elected Executive, which aims to deliver what the students need and want. Ten of these people work full time for the Union, taking a year off from their studies in order to do so. There are also five non-sabbatical volunteer positions. The Executive is accountable to the student body through a sophisticated democratic structure and the Union as a whole is accountable to its Board of Trustees.
To assist the Executive in the management of many aspects of the Union's work we employ over 150 permanent staff. Most departments have a Head of Department who will report to the Union Director or Deputy Union Director. The management teams work closely with the Executive to deliver our strategic plan and mission to our stakeholders.
Loughborough Students' Union is one of the largest and best students' unions in the country and to provide its members and clients with the very highest standard of service and experience possible. We have won multiple awards with the University, providing the UK’s best student experience as judged by an independent survey of student sponsored by the Times Higher. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and sustainability in all aspects of our operation.
We are committed to staff training and development as an important means of getting the best of the people who work here. The Union has been awarded with the Investor in People achievement since 1997 award in recognition of this.
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Recruitment
All decisions relating to recruitment will have regard only to the requirements of the job, irrespective of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious or political beliefs, age, or sexual orientation. During the recruitment process we will focus on potential ability not disability and we will take all practical steps to assist employees to overcome any disability in relation to work.
Short Listing, Interview and Appointment Procedure
Application for Loughborough Students’ Union posts will be on standard job application forms. A copy of this statement shall accompany every application form issued. The Union Director shall ensure that all members of interviewing panels are familiar with this policy and are aware of the guidelines to be followed.
Interview and appointment procedures shall be adopted so as to minimise any disadvantage suffered by the disabled, members of ethnic minority groups or either gender. Accordingly, in so far as is necessary for particular appointments, questions will not be asked during the interview regarding the following: marriage prospects, future family plans, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment panels will always include members of both sexes.
Induction
Induction procedures will include arrangements to ensure that such procedures are clearly understood by everyone (this particularly applies to instructions and notice in respect to the Health & Safety at Work Policy). For disabled people with mobility difficulties, special attention will be paid to emergency evacuation procedures.
Other Decisions
It is implicit in this policy that employees should not be treated more or less favourably in all matters of employment (except where an exception is necessary due to the nature of the work and allowed under the law) on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious or political beliefs, age, or sexual orientation.
Complaints Procedure
If you feel that you have been treated in an unfair or unlawful way, at any stage of your application, you should contact the Union Director, telephone 01509 635000.