Students’ Union Elections 2026
Nominations for this year’s Students’ Union Elections are now open until Friday 13th March.
We're looking for students who care about making things better and want to stand for election. Students who want to:
- Build positive relationships with staff and students
- Listen to what students are saying andR work with others to turn that into action
- Bring different Communities together
- Earn a part-time salary alongside studying
- Develop valuable leadership skills
Elected Students’ Union and School Representatives work closely with the University to improve the student experience and make sure student voice stays front and centre in decision-making.
New for 2026: Action Plans aligned with Student Priorities
If you stand for Election, you’ll create an Action Plan based on the Union’s student priorities: the key issues students have said matter most.
Last year, we introduced a ‘New Era’ of Community Organising, a new way of creating change. Instead of students working on issues alone, this approach focuses on building relationships, working together and organising around shared concerns. You may already have seen this in action if you attended our Student Assembly or are part of a Community.
Your Action Plan will reflect this approach, where you’ll:
- Focus on issues already identified as important
- Build on top of ideas connected to wider, shared goals
- Work across the Union and University in a way that’s joined up
These priorities are:
- Finance (Cost of Living and Studying)
- Timetabling
- Placements
- Facilities
- Teaching
No campaigning or leadership experience necessary
We will fully support you if you decide to stand for election – no previous campaigning or leadership experience is necessary.
As a potential candidate, you will have access to:
- A full introduction to the Students’ Union, the roles, how the elections work, and what to expect from the process
- Dedicated one-to-one time to ask questions and talk through the responsibilities before submitting a nomination
- Practical support to build confidence in speaking to students, sharing ideas clearly, and having effective conversations
- Guidance on how to shape an Action Plan around the Student Priorities
- Advice and tips on how to engage students both online and across campus
The aim is simple: it’s not just about getting elected. We'll make sure you feel prepared, confident and ready to lead.
Roles you can stand for
There are several paid and unpaid roles you can stand for in this year’s Elections, open to any eligible University of Lancashire student between 1st July 2026 – 30th June 2027.
New for 2026: Students’ Union Representative (Governance)
1 vacancy
14 hours a week
£9,172.80 per year
In this role, you would:
- Chair the Students’ Union Trustee Board
- Serve as the Student Governor on the University Board
- Represent students in high-level strategic decision-making
- Ensure strong governance and accountability
- Keep student interests at the centre of Union and University decisions
Students’ Union Representative
3 vacancies
14 hours a week
£9,172.80 per year
In this role, you would:
- Attend University committees and project meetings
- Meet with senior leaders, including the Vice Chancellor’s Group
- Lead progress on the Student Priorities
- Contribute to Union policy and strategic decisions
- Work alongside student Communities to move action forward
School Representative
10 vacancies (one per School)
3-4 hours a week
Unpaid
In this role, you would:
- Lead student representation within your academic School
- Raise student feedback and work with staff to improve the student experience
- Work with academic Communities, Community Organisers and students to drive change
- Take part in the Union Leadership Group and help shape Union decisions
How to stand for election
Nominations run from Monday 2nd March to Friday 13th March and the process is simple:
That’s it. You don’t need previous leadership or campaigning experience. If you’re passionate about representing students and working collaboratively to create positive change, you’re exactly who we're looking for.
Whether you want to shape University-wide strategy, represent your School, or place student voice at the heart of governance, standing for election is your chance to do this.
Key dates (and other ways to get involved)
Standing for election is just one way to get involved in this year’s Students’ Union Elections. If leadership isn’t for you, you can still take part by voting for the candidates you think will best represent students and help the Students’ Union deliver on its priorities.
Here are all the key dates for the Elections period:
- Nominations: 2nd–13th March
- Candidates’ Briefing: 16th March
- Voting: 23rd–26th March
- Results: 27th March
For more information, visit www.lancashiresu.co.uk/elections