Additional Trainings

Our Student Leaders Programme runs several workshops that potential candidates can pick and choose from to develop a bespoke training plan, and many past candidates have found these trainings valuable. The programme can help you prepare for running in the Election by allowing you to:

• Deepen your understanding of how you can take up a leadership role in any context  
• Enhance your self-awareness and skills to support your development as an adaptable lifelong learner and leader
• Improve your employability prospects by developing your ability to lead yourself, others and future change 

Workshops running during the period between the close of nominations and the start of campaigning are:

Connecting with Empathy (in-person and self-guided module on GCU Learn)	It has never been more important to be able to connect and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, especially when speaking to the student body which is made up of so many unique groups and individuals
Strategic Thinking (in-person and self-guided module on GCU Learn)	It will equip you with practical planning and analysis tools and identify ways to measure success, crucial skills when creating campaign plans.
Systems Thinking (in-person)	Build a deeper understanding of how things influence one another as part of a whole. Learn practical tools and approaches to explore the linkages, relationships, interactions and behaviours among the elements that characterise a system – essential when working within a university with so many moving parts.
Managing Self (self-guided module on GCU Learn)	Knowing our strengths and values, and managing ourselves well is a critical element of doing well when working with different stakeholders such as students, committees, and senior members of staff.

 

There are many more workshops to choose from that run throughout February – you can sign up to the Student Leaders Programme HERE. Once you have done so, you can browse all Student Leaders Programme workshops HERE. These are open to all GCU students.

2025 Training Resources (will be uploaded after the session)

Manifesto Training 2025 Slides

Digital campaigning tips

This resource was put together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we are back to in-person campaigning, you may still find some of the information useful. 

Understand how voting works at GCU

We use the single-vote transferable method for voting as this is the voting method used in Scottish Parlimentary elections. Ranking is important and many past Full Time Officers have won due to 2nd, 3rd and 4th preferences. 

 

Returning Officers

A Returning Officer is the independent person responsible for overseeing the entire election process, ensuring it's run fairly and according to the rules, and making final decisions on any election-related matters or disputes. The Deputy Returning Officer assists and acts on behalf of the Returning Officer in managing the election, handling day-to-day decisions and ensuring all electoral rules are followed.

Returning Officer: Peter Robertson, Chief Executive of National Union of Students (NUS)
Deputy Returning Officer: Sara MacLean, Student Voice Team Leader - GCU Students' Association.  elections@GCUstudents.co.uk

Make an Election Complaint

All elections complaints should be completed on the form below and emailed to the Deputy Returning Officer at elections@GCUstudents.co.uk. Complaints must be submitted no later than an hour after voting closes. It is always better to try and speak to the Deputy Returning Officer before submitting a formal complaint. If you want to know more about the complaints process, please see this flow diagram. 

Download the Complaints Form 

 

 

Claim expenses

All candidates in the elections must return a completed Expenses Form to the Deputy Returning Officer no later than an hour after the voting closes. This form must be returned alongside all receipts. Spending limits and rules around expense are detailed in the Election Rules. Candidates who do not return an Expenses Form by the deadline will not be able to claim back any money.

Download the Expenses Form

 

Being a Charity Trustee

If you are successfully elected as a Full Time Officer you will become a Trustee, as the Students' Association is a registered charity.

All successful candidates have been emailed a copy of the Charitable Trustee Declaration Form. This form must be printed, signed and returned to David Carse, Chief Executive.

Download the Being a Charity Trustee Presentation.

 

Keep up-to-date with Election Stats

Real-time overview of election statistics.

 

Key Dates

Nominations Open: Monday 3rd February 2025 at 10am.

Manifesto Training (optional): Wednesday 12th February 2025 at 2pm. Hybrid - Room NH208; Online - Join the meeting now

Nominations Close: Friday 21st February 2025 at 12noon.

Candidates Briefing (mandatory): Friday 21st February 2025 at 1pm to 3pm - online - Join the meeting now

Candidate Training (optional): Wednesday 26th February at 2pm -  4pm

Voting Opens: Monday 3rd March 2025 at 10am.

Voting Closes: Thursday 6th March 2025 at 5pm.

Results Announced: Friday 7th March 2025 at 6.30pm in Re:Union Bar.

Start Date for elected Full-Time Officers: Monday 2nd June 2025.