The Policy of Students' Union Council - The Students' Union at Newcastle University - Newcastle University Students ...
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The Students’ Union at Newcastle University
The Policy of
Students’ Union Council
Last updated March 2018
Policy Date Passed
‘15 minutes is never long enough’. Extending the library study December 2017
space break times
Absence without apologies May 2014
Abolish Saturday exams February 2015
Access to Manifestos May 2014
Amendments to the Safe Drinking Policy May 2012
Ban Advertising from pay day lenders October 2013
Beauty pageants December 2009 and
Feb/March 2014
Bike Repairs on Satellite Campuses May 2015
Bus Service to St Mary’s College November 2017
Changing the name of Mensbar December 2016
Charter For Action Against Homophobia and Transphobia March 2015
Cheap Non-Alcoholic Drinks March 2014
Childcare Support May 2015
Clarification of referenda cycle May 2017
Council training December 2011
Diversity within Freshers Week March 2014
Drug Policies Supporting Students March 2016
Effective PTO’s Feb/March 2014
Electoral Registration as part of University Registration March 2016
End of Term and End of Year Reports March 2014
Equal Pay Audits October 2016
Extend The Business School Access Rights to Undergrads at March 2015
Weekends
Fairtrade December 2011
Fair Referendum Campaigning February 2014
Failed PTO’s May 2014
Failure to report May 2014
Feedback campaign Feb/March 2014
Fancy Dress Policy October 2015
For an inclusive Freshers’ Week October 2013
Fossil Free Student Union December 2014
Free Periods March 2015
Green University May 2016
Hold talks/lectures/debates by famous October 2013
academics/politicians/celebrities/journalists (COT)
Honorary Life Memberships May 2014
Housing Guarantors Scheme for international students May 2015
Housing Policy May 2015
Inclusivity Policy May 2016
Increase Gender Options on University/Union Documentation December 2016
Installation of menstrual care bins in University Halls of Residence December 2016
Introduce Consent Classes* for students October 2016
Improve Support for Student Carers February 2017
Increased Outreach to and Integration with Satellite Courses March 2015
Initiation Ceremonies March 2014
Inter-semester break Indicatively passed May
2016 & formally endorsed
1October 2016
Introduce an abstain option for elections November 2013
Leaflet for incoming students Indicatively passed May
2016 & formally endorsed
October 2016
Living Wage Foundation March 2018
Mandate Freshers Week Organisers to include mature/part-time December 2012
and International students in Freshers’ Week activities
Media Code of Practice March 2014
Menstrual Care Bins in All Washrooms March 2018
Music For Non-Music Students March 2015
National Blood Service – Dealing with LGBT+ Concerns February 2012
Newcastle Student Radio Website October 2011
Newcastle University Student Union Gender Neutral Toilet Policy October 2014
Newcastle University Student Union Zero Tolerance Policy October 2014
Towards Discrimination Bullying and Harassment
Newcastle University should implement ‘Socially Responsible December 2014
Licensing of their Intellectual Property (Biomedicine/biotechnology)
New Building for Society Meetings March 2015
Nightline Constitution May 2013
No to Higher Tuition fees December 2013
No Bin, No Search December 2017
No Smoking and ban on advertising March 2014
NUSU’S position on the EU Referendum November 2015
NUSU response to NHS Changes November 2013
NUSU’s Position on the Teaching Excellence Framework February 2017
NUSU to hold more events (film screenings, talks, discussions) February 2017
related to the Freedom City 2017 celebrations and Martin Luther
King legacy
Opposing expansion of the teaching day May 2017
Opposing The Fit to Sit Policy November 2015
Opting-in to the printing of Council documents December 2016
Optional Word Processing of Exams December 2017
Playing Newcastle Student Radio in Newcastle University November 2017
Students’ Union
Policy on responding to consultation or formal requests for Student May 2014
opinion
Policy Maintenance March 2014
Policy of the Union March 2014
Pornographic publicity and publicity objectifying people Indicatively passed May
2016 & formally endorsed
October 2016
Positive campaigning to encourage blood donations December 2012
Polling Stations for NUSU Elections December 2014
Print Credit Information Distribution February 2017
Promotional Guidelines October 2014
Providing Assistance for Hiring an Academic Dress May 2014
PTO Handover Procedures December 2013
PTO Publicity November 2013
Public Debates May 2014
Purposely developed or built faith centre to be a priority for the November 2017
Newcastle University estates strategy
Recap Recording – Available for download October 2014
2Recap – More Timely Uploads October 2014
Reiterating our commitment to Fair Pay May 2014
Remembering the Fallen Feb/March 2014
Reporting procedure for zero tolerance to sexual harassment December 2013
policy
Rewards for Society Members October 2014
Shorter Waiting Times for Counselling November 2014
Special Projects May 2014
Sports Centre - Monthly Fee May 2014
Students For Sensible Drug Policy’s (SSDP) Motion to challenge May 2015
zero tolerance
Student Representative on Senate December 2011
Support scholarships for asylum seekers and people with February 2017
discretionary leave to remain (DLR)
The use of Havelock Hall Fire Exit February 2016
The University’s values are being publicly compromised by February 2017
investing in the arms trade while claiming to honour the legacy of
Martin Luther King
To lobby the Newcastle City Council to implement necessary March 2018
safety measures on Wellington Street
To restore adequate faith space provision for Muslim students November 2017
Trade Union Involvement February 2016
Transgender policy March 2013
T-Shirted Pub Crawls March 2014
Wi-Fi – in all student accommodations October 2014
Wednesday Afternoons Free for all Students May 2016
Work towards creating a ‘cycle hub’ on campus November 2013
Zero Tolerance to Sexual harassment Policy June 2012
3_____________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWCASTLE STUDENT RADIO WEBSITE
Date Passed: October 2011
____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. That the Newcastle Student Radio (NSR) has a minisite as part of the Students’ Union website as its current
website.
2. The Courier obtained its own domain address in 2010, but retained a link within Students’ Union website.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. This set up gives NSR little to no control over the look and feel of its website.
2. It is wrong that a Union media section, which is one of the most creative parts of the Union, should be
constrained editorially by the Union.
3. Union media outlets should be able to have total control over every aspect of their website
4. The current set up of the NSR website restricts our growth as a student radio station and reduces how well it
can compete with likewise stations.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To allow NSR its own website rather than being a minisite of the Students’ Union website.
2. That NSR would continue to lie constitutionally under, and report directly to Students’ Union Council.
3. To mandate the Editor of the Courier, the Union IT Co-ordinator and the Marketing Manager to take the action
necessary to have this implemented.
4. That alongside, and in the absence of the NSR Station Manager, the Editor of Courier and the Digital Marketing
Officer will have admin rights on the new NSR website.
____________________________________________________________________________
COUNCIL TRAINING
Date Passed: December 2011
_____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. The elected Chair of Council is required in their job description to provide training to Students’ Union Councillors,
so they can understand the formal rules of procedure of Students’ Union Council.
2. The relevant portion of the Job Description states: “Work with the Education Officer to inform and train new
Students’ Union Councillors.
3. From March 2011 until November 2011, the position of Chair of Students’ Union Council was vacant.
4. Only officers in this academic year have received any training or explanation of Students’ Union Council’s
Standing Orders.
5. Part time Officers, including the Chair of Students’ Union Council, are trained before the first meeting of Union at
the start of the academic year.
4Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. Students’ Union Council is an important decision making body of the Union, and being a Students’ Union
Councillor is an important responsibility.
2. To reduce confusion, build confidence, ease understanding and improve governance, Councillors should be
provided with training in the formal processes of Students’ Union Council.
3. A lack of training is detrimental to the quality of discussions and decisions made at Students’ Union Council.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To reaffirm the importance of training Councillors, and to underline the responsibility of the Chair of Students’
Union Council in providing training to Students’ Union Councillors.
2. To mandate the Education Officer to provide training to Students’ Union Councillors in the Standing Orders and
Procedure of Students’ Union Council if the position of Chair of Students’ Union Council is vacant.
3. That this training should be conducted in a format similar to the candidates training offered for cross-campus
ballots.
___________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ON SENATE
Date Passed: December 2011
_________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. The Students’ Union is offered by the University 4 places on its Senate, of which three are taken by Sabbatical
Officers and the fourth by another student.
2. The fourth place on Senate is currently elected by Students’ Union Council.
3. University Senate has its own Constitution and rules, and all Union representatives are bound by these rules.
4. Many important items of business discussed at Senate are confidential and cannot be discussed with non-
members of Senate.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. Accountability and transparency of the decisions taken at University Senate is essential.
2. Confidentiality restrictions must be respected, but when they are lifted, information must be passed on to
students.
3. The independence of the fourth student seat on Senate should be preserved.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To re-affirm that the position of Student Representative on Senate may be filled by any student studying at the
University, irrespective of whether they are a Students’ Union Councillor or a Part-Time Officer.
2. To mandate the Student Representative on Senate to report to Students’ Union Council after every meeting of
University Senate, to inform Councillors of the items of business and any decisions made by the Senate.
3. To mandate Steering Committee to provide time for this on the Students’ Union Council Order Paper.
54. To mandate the Student Representative on Senate to report to Students’ Union Council any items of business
discussed at past meetings that were previously confidential but have since had this restriction lifted.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
FAIRTRADE
Date Passed: December 2011
_____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. A Students’ Union fair trade policy was passed at a General Meeting in 2005 but allowed to lapse in 2008.
2. Newcastle University continues to uphold its Fairtrade policy, and the Students’ Union has continued to meet the
fairtrade criteria even though the policy was allowed to lapse.
3. The President, Ethics & Environment Officers and Director of Commercial continue to be representatives of the
Students’ Union on the University Fairtrade Steering Group.
4. The Fairtrade Foundation awards a consumer label, the FAIRTRADE Mark, to institutions which meet
internationally recognised standards of Fairtrade.
5. Newcastle University has a Fairtrade Steering Group which maintains Newcastle University as a Fairtrade
University as certified by the Fairtrade Foundation.
6. To continue the cross-campus Fairtrade University certification, the University and Students’ Union must both
meet the certification standards as specified by the Fairtrade Foundation.
7. To achieve Fairtrade status for the Students’ Union, five goals needed to be met:
a) Create a Fairtrade policy incorporating the following goals;
b) Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all Student Union outlets;
c) Fairtrade drinks (for example coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the
Students’ Union;
d) There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus;
e) The Students’ Union will be represented on a University Fairtrade Steering group.
8. The Union is already meeting the 5 goals.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. This policy should not have been allowed to lapse.
2. The Students’ Union should re-adopt the policy.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To re-adopt the Fairtrade policy as attached in the Appendix.
APPENDIX
STUDENTS’ UNION FAIR TRADE POLICY
6The Students’ Union is committed to supporting, promoting and using Fairtrade goods.
To achieve this, the Students’ Union will, jointly with the University, maintain Fairtrade status, as defined by the
Fairtrade Foundation, and thus commit itself to the 5 goals as laid down by the Foundation.
In particular:
1. Fairtrade foods will be made available for sale in all Students’ Union shops and outlets and used in all cafés/
bars in the Students’ Union where possible. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use
Fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as it becomes possible to do so.
2. Fairtrade drinks (for example, coffee and tea) will be served at all meetings hosted by the Students’ Union.
3. The process of maintaining Fairtrade status will be co-ordinated by the University Fairtrade Steering Group that
will include academics, senior management and student representatives. This group will prepare and oversee
the implementation of an action plan to achieve Fairtrade status for the University and Students’ Union.
4. The Steering Group will organise the publicity for Fairtrade fortnight and other promotions of Fairtrade
production an ongoing basis to ensure awareness-raising is maintained on Campus.
5. The Ethics and Environment Officer/s will send a yearly report to Students’ Union Council on ‘Fairtrade in the
University’ to inform students of the Student Union’s position relating to Fairtrade and to send to the Fairtrade
Foundation (via the University Director of Accommodation & Hospitality) in fulfilment of the requirement for
achieving Fairtrade status.
NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE – DEALING WITH LGBT+ CONCERNS
Date Passed: February 2012
_____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. That under current regulations men who have had anal or oral sex with other men within the last twelve months,
regardless of whether they have used protection or not, are banned from donating blood.
2. That heterosexuals who have engaged in some high-risk unprotected sexual activities are not restricted from
donating blood.
3. That following a previous Council motion, National Blood Service vans and promotional materials are currently not
allowed on Students’ Union (SU) property.
4. That the presence of HIV antibodies in an infected person’s bloodstream can be detected as soon as 15 days
after infection by using biochemical techniques.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. That within the homosexual community there exists a very strong awareness of the dangers of HIV and other
blood borne diseases and that safe sexual practices are actively encouraged.
2. That the National Blood Service is a vital organisation which saves the lives of thousands of people every year.
3. +That the vast majority of gay men follow safe sexual practices.
4. That the current policy of the National Blood Service is preventing healthy gay men from donating blood and thus
exacerbating a national blood shortage.
75. That the existing Students’ Union policy of banning National Blood Service activities on SU grounds is not
constructive and does not promote discussion between the National Blood Service and the LGBT+ community.
6. That by actively engaging with the National Blood Service, the National Health Service, the Department of Health,
and other relevant health authorities we would be able to influence decision-making, highlight the concerns of the
LGBT+ community, and ensure that they are resolved in a satisfactory manner.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. That in accordance with the Constitution (Memorandum 4.1), the National Blood Service should be allowed to
have a visible presence on Union property, including flyering on SU property and establishing blood donation
facilities on Union property.
2. That in accordance with the Constitution (Memorandum 4, paragraph 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3), the SU, in conjunction
with the LGBT+ society, the LGBT+ Officer, and any other interested parties, shall work to achieve the following:
2.1 Produce and distribute promotional material to raise awareness of LGBT+ concerns with regards to blood
donation;
2.2 Engage with the wider student population, either on or off campus, in order to raise awareness and
promote understanding of the above concerns;
2.3 Engage with other LGBT+ organisations who pursue similar aims;
2.4 Contact, lobby, and actively engage with local MPs in order to encourage discussion and promote concrete
action at a higher level;
2.5 Contact, lobby, and actively engage with Anne Milton (Minister of Public Health) and any future holders of
this office in order to secure a meaningful debate with the National Health Service which would allow us to
put our point across and challenge the current opinion on whether gay men are suitable blood donors.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
AMENDMENTS TO THE SAFE DRINKING POLICY
Date Passed: May 2012
___________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. That the Union’s Sensible Drinking Policy was reviewed in September, then October 2010.
2. That the Union received the Best Bar None accreditation award.
3. That policy passed in September 2010 mandated the Welfare and Equality Officer, Director of
Membership and Democratic Services and Director of Commercial to review the policy on a yearly basis.
4. That the policy has been duly reviewed, with changes shaded as below (Note: shading removed to make
below Policy easier to read)
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. That with the national drink-aware campaign and entertainments climate, an up-to-date Sensible Drinking
Policy needs to be in place, for health and safety reasons.
2. That a revised Sensible Drinking Policy will guard against any criticism regarding drinking culture that the
Union may or may not receive.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To accept the attached revised Sensible Drinking Policy into the Council Policy Document.
8Safe Drinking Policy
Responsible Retailing
Drinks Service Policy:
We will not serve mixed spirit drinks other than recognised cocktails, such as Skittles, Cosmopolitan, etc., e.g.
“5 shots along the top shelf”.
We will not serve spirits into draught alcohol products e.g. put a whisky in a pint of lager.
We will not normally stock any product over 40% ABV. Where we do it will be only the approval of the Director
of Commercial, who will consult with the Welfare and Equality Officer before making a decision.
Staff will receive responsible service of alcohol training and sign off Liquor Indemnity Forms to ensure they
abide by the following act; Weights and Measures Act (intoxicating liquor) Order 1988 and the Licensing Act
2003
We recognise that the service of shooter drinks could be considered part of a binge drinking mentality.
However, when used responsibly these add a fun element to events appreciated by the majority of customers.
The following measures apply to this specific type of service:
Staff briefed to preclude those who appear to have already consumed excessive alcohol.
All spirits at 40% ABV will be diluted at least to the ratio of 50/50% with an appropriate non alcoholic
mixer.
Service limited to a single measure.
There will be no competition elements that involve volume or speed incentives.
We will refuse service of alcohol product to those participating in excessive drinking or those who have
already drunk too much, and either ask them to leave the premises or we will encourage them to have a soft
drink or water as appropriate.
We will review this policy on an annual basis.
Drink Spiking Issues:
We will always make available information and warnings on the symptoms of drink spiking throughout the
year. Information and materials to be given from the Welfare and Equality Officer but should also be supported
by the Director of Commercial.
Alcohol Promotions Policy:
Newcastle University Students Union will take all reasonable steps to ensure that staff on relevant premises
do not carry out, arrange or participate in any of the following
– including large quantities of, or all drinks, in the admission fee.
sustained period – e.g. Pound In, ‘All you can drink’.
to consuming alcohol to recover from previous over-indulgence, or glamorising excessive
or irresponsible drinking.
under the legal purchase age.
-social behaviour.
ivity which presents alcohol abstinence, or choosing soft drink alternatives in a
negative light.
Sampling activity which offers more than 2.3 units of alcohol per person.
Where a drinks promotion exists, there must always be at least one soft drink included in promotions.
9 Examples of good promotions include:
be redeemed later, not just on the day they are won.
Training Summary:
We have a commitment to the development of our people throughout all levels of the organisation, and believe
training and development strengthens our operation as well as ensuring compliance with legal and self
imposed service standards.
All bar staff are given a minimum of 8 hours induction training prior to working on any of our bars, this includes
training on the legal (and operational) need to refuse service. It also provides methods of refusing service to
increase staff confidence in doing so.
Additional training and pre-session briefing takes place as a focus on drink awareness campaign periods,
including the critical Freshers and RAG periods.
Best Bar None:
We have been in receipt of gold ‘Best Bar None’ accreditation for the past two years. Judged independently by
the Institute of Licensing the scheme is a measure of performance against the four licensing objectives:
Consumer Safe Drinking
Our main consumers are students. It is our view that they are adults and we are not here to dictate or control
their actions or choices.
Our general policy is one of awareness and education. We aim to use our knowledge of how to market
effectively to Students to get key messages over regarding their safety and well being, by providing relevant
and timely information.
We will adhere to all legislation including the Licencing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010
We will run a number of campaigns during an academic year focused on providing information about key
issues at key times.
Examples of campaigns include:
Training:
Freshers Week and Raising and Giving (RAG) Crew
All crew and supervisors will receive training prior to events which will include:
Risk assessments for city bar tours, banning the use of devices that encourage binge drinking and all
crew/supervisors are banned from initiating drinking games with Freshers at all times. Crew and supervisors
are also banned from taking part in or encouraging drinking games whilst on duty.
What to do if a student has had too much to drink.
The importance of their role and that they are an ambassador of the Union and University and drinking must
be in moderation.
Supervisors will receive information on the support services available to students to pass this information onto
students.
Under 18s are not permitted to be on RAG or Freshers Crew.
10Officers
All officers of Newcastle University Students Union will be trained on the support services available to students
and the contents of this policy.
Support Mechanisms:
The Student Advice Centre (SAC) is a free impartial, independent Advice service available to all students. They can
offer help and support to students on many issues, including debt and personal problems that may have been caused
or affected by excessive drinking.
The University provides a variety of support services which may be applicable to students who have alcohol
dependency or other issues around alcohol. Any student presenting themselves to the SAC and who require additional
support can be referred to the University and/or the appropriate outside agencies.
The SAC pages of Newcastle University Students’ Union website will provide a link to the University, Life Matters and
Wellbeing services which includes information on understanding alcohol and also information on internal and external
support services.
Union Society Events at External Venues:
When hiring an external venue for an event like the graduation ball, the responsible officer will ensure that there is
water available at the table as well as alcoholic beverages.
It will be the external venues responsibility to not serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 or those already
intoxicated in line with licensing laws.
Under Age Drinking:
Freshers’ Week (FW)
All students wishing to take part in Freshers Week are asked to sign up and pay online prior to the event. This
information is to include date of birth of participants to monitor the number of under 18sand to offer appropriate
activities.
Alcohol based events and events in external bars shall be marked as over 18s only.
Students under the age of 18 will pay a reduced price and will wear a differently marked wristband.
Letters are to be sent to all nightclubs and public houses involved in FW to inform them that under 18’s can attend the
university and it is their responsibility to check the identification of students in line with licensing laws.
RAG Week
Alcohol based events and events in external bars shall be marked as over 18s only. This enables under 18 year olds
to make an informed choice about those activities to take part in.
Letters are to be sent to all nightclubs and public houses involved in RAG week to inform them that under 18s can
attend the university and it is their responsibility to check the identification of students in line with licensing laws.
Bars and Entertainments
Young persons aged under 18 years old are allowed access to Newcastle University Students Union entertainments
(subject to individual events licensing regulations) but in line with the law, they are not able to purchase or consume
alcohol. Certain events that are for over 18s only are advertised as so.
All bar and security staff are instructed to check the identification of anybody they suspect as under 18 years old during
training.
Any person found purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol for an under 18 year old will be subject to Newcastle
University Students Union disciplinary procedure as will any under 18 year old attempting to purchase alcohol.
On all events that are open to the public the Union shall operate ‘Challenge 21’ ID checks with acceptable forms of ID
being:
Passports
Driving Licences (provisional or full)
11 Valid ‘check 21’ cards.
Review Date
This policy to be reviewed on a yearly basis by the Welfare and Equality Officer, Director of Membership and
Democratic Services and Director of Commercial.
_____________________________________________________________________________
ZERO TOLERANCE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Date Passed: June 2012
_____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. Council passed the policy ‘Sexual Harassment’ in March 2011.
2. This policy outlined that “the Students’ Union should therefore adopt the NUS Zero Tolerance to Sexual
Harassment Policy, which would include raising awareness of the issue though poster campaigns across
campus as well as it being explicitly stated in training for events such as RAG, Freshers Week and societies,
that our Students’ Union does not accept any form of sexual harassment and therefore they have a duty to
represent these values as well.”
3. Since then, we have been accredited by NUS as a ‘Zero Tolerance Union’.
4. Information on the policy has been provided in some training, and resources have been made available by NUS
to raise awareness of the issue on campus.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. The NUS Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment Policy has no specific guidelines for how incidents of sexual
harassment should be reported and dealt with by our Students’ Union.
2. Only by providing a pathway for complaints regarding sexual harassment will we be able to tackle the problem
effectively.
3. The existing Complaints procedure of the Students’ Union does not provide a sufficient pathway for students to
complain about sexual harassment by another student at a Students’ Union event, whilst using the Students’
Union services or whilst taking part in activities organised by the Students’ Union.
4. The Students’ Union has an Incident Report Form which would allow such incidents to be reported, but that this
form is now rarely used.
5. Updating this form would allow a pathway to be put in place which would allow incidents of sexual harassment to
be reported and investigated.
6. An enforceable ‘Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment’ policy will only be possible when this pathway has been
implemented, which outlines this alongside who will receive training in the policy and how it will be promoted.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To adopt the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment policy as outlined in Appendix A.
2. To ask the Welfare and Equality Officer, Director of Membership and Democratic Services, and Convenor of
Disciplinary Committee to update the Incident Report form, Complaints procedure, Disciplinary procedure and
Equality and Diversity policy accordingly.
123. To adopt this procedure for the start of the next academic year.
Appendix A
Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment Policy
1. The Students’ Union shall enforce a strict zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment.
2. The Students’ Union will adopt the NUS definition of sexual harassment, which is as follows;
Unwanted sexual comments (including comments about your body or private life)
Unwelcome sexual invitations, innuendoes, and offensive gestures
Wolf whistling, catcalling or offensive sexual noises
Groping, pinching or smacking of your body, such as your bottom or breasts
Having your skirt or top lifted without agreeing
Someone exposing their sexual organs to you without consent
3. The policy shall protect all student members in all Students’ Union venues and at Students’ Union led activities.
4. The effectiveness of the policy will be reviewed annually by the Welfare and Equality Officer and designated
Equality and Diversity champions amongst Students’ Union staff.
Training
1. Comprehensive training in the policy shall be provided to all Officers of the Students’ Union, in training for all
events (Freshers’ Week, RAG Week) and in clubs and societies training.
2. All staff of the Students’ Union will be briefed in the policy.
Promotion
1. This policy shall be regularly and visibly promoted to students.
2. This shall be especially prominent during Freshers’ Week and at large scale Students’ Union events.
3. Its promotion will be regularly monitored by the Welfare and Equality Officer.
Reporting an Incident
1. Any student who wishes to make a complaint of sexual harassment within the Students’ Union building may do so
to any member of Students’ Union staff.
2. All staff will be briefed in the policy, and they will invite the student to take an Incident Report Form if they feel the
policy has been breached and if the student wishes to take the matter further.
3. Incident Report Forms will be readily available during Students’ Union events and will also be held behind
Reception.
4. Students may also make complaints directly to the Welfare and Equality Officer, in person or by e-mail.
Dealing with Reported Incidents
1. All reports shall be investigated through the existing Students’ Union Disciplinary Procedures.
____________________________________________________________________________
MANDATE THE FRESHERS’ WEEK ORGANISERS TO INCLUDE MATURE/ PART TIME AND
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN FRESHERS WEEK ACTIVITIES
Date Passed: December 2012
13____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. That mature students, part-time students, international students and student parents have not been included as
much as they could have been in previous Freshers’ Weeks.
2. That Part-time Officers do not have a big enough budget for the year to accommodate their students.
3. That mature, part-time and international students make up a significant part of the university student body.
4. That mature, part time and international students and student parents deserve equal treatment to 18- 19 year
old students.
5. That Freshers Week 2012 ‘Meet and Greet your Part-time Officer’ was badly organised and not advertised
properly.
6. That Freshers’ Week is one of the biggest weeks and sets the tone for the rest of the academic year.
7. That these students feel separated from the rest of the student body.
8. That FWOs should work with the Part-time Officers in the lead into to Freshers’ Week to receive advice and
guidance.
9. That Newcastle University would look better if it is shown to include all students.
10. Freshers’ Week Organisers should take into consideration all students needs and requirements.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To utilise the part time officers in assistance with the events for Freshers’ Week.
2. To properly organise and advertise specific Part-time Officer ‘Meet and Greets’.
3. For the incoming Freshers’ Week Organisers to organise appropriate events for mature, part-time, international
students and student parents.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
POSITIVE CAMPAIGNING TO ENCOURAGE BLOOD DONATIONS
Date Passed: December 2012
_____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. The ban on National Blood Service activities on SU property was repealed in February 2012.
2. There was a motion to allow the National Blood Service to have a visible presence on Union property passed in
February 2012.
3. There has been a recent blood donation drive in the Students’ Union building.
14Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. That the Union should encourage blood donation.
2. That men who have sex with men still face significant obstacles to donating blood which need to be highlighted.
3. Little action has been taken since the passing of a motion last February to engage with the National Blood
Service.
4. There is a demand for more people to donate blood.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To mandate the LGBT+ Officer, and Welfare and Equality Officer to campaign on this issue.
2. Mandate the above Officers to design promotional material with the message that men who have sex with men
still face considerable obstacles when it comes to blood donation.
3. To promote Blood Drives on the University campus and within the Students’ Union.
_____________________________________________________________________________
TRANSGENDER POLICY
Date Passed: March 2013
_____________________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1) Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) aims to be an inclusive organisation.
2) NUSU does not currently have a Transgender policy.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1) All students should feel comfortable and safe within the NUSU building and when partaking in any NUSU
activities.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1) To implement the NUSU Transgender policy as in Appendix A attached.
APPENDIX A
Newcastle University Students’ Union
TRANSGENDER POLICY
Newcastle University Students Union (NUSU) strives to ensure that all students are treated equally and feel safe and
comfortable in the Students’ Union. The transgender community is no different and this policy has been written to
inform students and staff alike about NUSU’s commitment to tackle discrimination and to raise awareness of issues
transgender students may face.
Appropriate Language
The following points may be helpful regarding how to treat people who are transitioning. NUSU recognises the
following as good practice:
15 It is respectful to use a trans person’s chosen name, not their birth name and it is never appropriate to put
quotation marks around either the trans person’s chosen name or the pronoun that reflects their gender identity.
A person who identifies as a certain gender, whether or not they have taken hormones or had surgery, should
be referred to using the pronoun (he or she) appropriate for that gender. For example, if the person wears a
dress and uses a woman’s name, the feminine pronoun is appropriate. If you are not sure what the correct
pronoun is, ask the person what they prefer.
It is unlikely to be appropriate to use the terms ‘sex-change’ or ‘pre/post-operative’ as these imply that the
process of transition must involve some form of surgery, which may not necessarily be the case.
The Transition Process
The steps below provide an overview of a typical transition. Each individual’s situation will vary depending on a range
of factors, including whether or not a person opts for medical procedures, and whether they are receiving medical
assistance privately or on the NHS.
1. The student informs their institution that they want to transition to their preferred gender and will commence a
real-life experience.
2. After at least three months, the student may begin hormone therapy. At the student’s request, the institution
updates its records to reflect any name change and their new gender.
3. A new student file is created and any documents revealing their former name and gender that must be kept (for
example, finance records) are marked ‘confidential’. Until the Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is
received this will be as a ‘known as’ name within the system.
4. If the student has changed their name, they are informed that they must legally do so before a degree certificate
can be issued in their new name.
5. After at least 12 months, the person may undergo surgery. After two years of living in their chosen gender,
whether or not they have undergone surgery, the person may apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
6. A Gender Recognition Certificate is awarded and the person is issued with a new birth certificate. The person
is now legally recognised in their chosen gender – all documents and references that have not already been
changed must now be changed.
Notifying the Students Union:
Students are required to inform the University in writing if they are intending to transition (see Student Wellbeing
Transgender Policy http://www.ncl.ac.uk/search/?q=transgender+policy&num=10). Once the University has been
informed, as long as the student gives consent, the Students’ Union will also be informed. This is so that NUSU can
make amendments to mailing lists, notify staff who may come into contact with that student, or contact clubs and the
student’s societies on their behalf to inform them so appropriate language and name can be used, if this is what the
student wishes. No-one will be notified without the student’s consent.
NUSU can also arrange for the student’s NUS extra card to be changed, clubs or society cards to be changed, and
any records NUSU holds on the student or records of achievement.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is crucial and respected. In specified circumstances, the Gender Recognition Act prohibits disclosure
of the fact that someone has applied for a Gender Recognition Certificate, or disclosure of someone’s gender before
the acquisition of a GRC. Such disclosure constitutes a criminal offence liable to a fine.
If a student discloses to NUSU that they are in the process of transitioning, this will be treated with the upmost
confidentiality and no-one will be notified without their consent.
Forms and Questionnaires:
When designing forms or questionnaires, NUSU will bear in mind that some people prefer a further option in addition
to ‘male’ or ‘female’. An option ‘prefer not to disclose’ will appear on all NUSU surveys or questionnaires. It should
also be made clear on forms requesting this information what the intended use is, as this may affect how some trans
people respond.
Records and Data Protection
16No records should be changed without the permission of the student concerned. If an individual gives notification of
their intent to transition during their education, the University will need to agree with them the date from which their
gender is changed on all student records and public references, with the exception of degree certificates. The point at
which these changes are made should be agreed with the individual.
The names and pronouns on student records will be changed on receipt of a written notification of intent to transition
as this is sufficient for the gender and name on student personnel and academic records to be changed. This is
necessary to enable the person to go about their daily life as a student without their birth gender being known.
It is very important to ensure a trans person’s file reflects their current name and gender. When a trans person
receives a Gender Recognition Certificate, they have the right to request that all references to their former name and
gender are removed from old records to ensure their former identity is not revealed. All records held on paper file
must be found and replaced with new records, and relevant information transferred to a new cover. Nothing should
remain on file which would disclose to a third person that a change has occurred.
Washroom Facilities:
A trans person should have access to ‘men-only’ and ‘women-only’ areas – such as the toilets in the Students’ Union
building. NUSU does also have gender neutral toilets but a trans student is allowed to use the facilities for the gender
in which they present. This may mean that a person changes the facilities they use at the point when they start to live
in their acquired gender. In some situations it may be helpful to explain the situation to other students who use the
facilities, however this should only be done following full consultation with the trans person and if the trans person
concerned wants this conversation to take place. It is not acceptable to restrict a trans person to using disabled
toilets or other unisex facilities.
Discrimination and Harassment:
Bullying, harassment and discrimination are unlawful and will not be tolerated by NUSU. This policy protects the
rights of trans people to dignity and respect whilst in the Students’ Union building and when participating in any of
NUSU clubs, societies or activities. Some indicative examples of unlawful direct discrimination include:
refusing to support a student who is trans;
verbally or physically threatening a trans person or spreading malicious gossip about that person;
refusing to associate with or ignoring someone because they are a trans person;
not allowing a trans person participation in any club, society or activity;
refusing to address the person in their acquired gender or to use their new name;
sexual harassment of a trans person;
revealing the trans status of a person to others, either by disclosing information to individuals or groups – in
other words, ‘outing’ someone;
passing judgment on how convincing a trans person is in their acquired gender;
refusing to acknowledge the rights of a trans person and failing to acknowledge that a transition has occurred;
NUSU will take the following steps to ensure this discrimination does not happen or is challenged by:
monitoring the policy and its impact regularly;
having a clear procedure for investigating complaints;
training all NUSU staff on the policy and particularly those involved in investigating complaints;
making all NUSU volunteers aware of our Transgender Policy, including when we train club and society officers;
engaging in regular awareness-raising activities and campaigns with the LGBT+ Society.
Transphobic propaganda, in the form of written materials, graffiti, music or speeches, will also not be tolerated. NUSU
undertakes to remove any such propaganda whenever it appears on Students’ Union premises.
Complaints:
Any complaint in relation to the Transgender Policy should follow the usual NUSU complaints procedure which can be
nd
found in the Document Library at www.nusu.co.uk or a copy can be obtained from the admin office on the 2 floor of
the Students’ Union.
Alternatively you can e-mail generaloffice.union@ncl.ac.uk.
The Law:
The process of gender reassignment can take several years to complete and there are different legislative protections
at each stage of the process:
17The Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999
This legislation extended the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) to cover discrimination on grounds of gender
reassignment in employment and vocational training, which includes all higher education students. The regulations
cover direct discrimination, victimisation and harassment on the grounds of gender reassignment.
The regulations protect a person who intends to undergo, is undergoing, or has undergone gender reassignment from
unfavourable treatment on the grounds of their gender reassignment. This includes people preparing for medical
treatment. Protection applies from the moment when the person indicates their intention to start the reassignment
process, even if they subsequently change their mind.
The Gender Recognition Act 2004
The legal position for a person who has fully transitioned is clear and unequivocal. The Gender Recognition Act 2004
allows trans people who are able to satisfy the Act’s evidence requirements to apply to a Gender Recognition Panel to
seek full legal recognition. If a Gender Recognition Certificate is issued, and the person’s birth was registered in the
UK, they will be able to obtain a new birth certificate which does not disclose the fact that they have changed gender.
Thereafter, the Sex Discrimination Act applies to this person in the same way it would to anyone else. Anyone who
acquires information about someone’s trans status is liable to criminal proceedings if they pass that information to a
third party without the permission of the individual.
The Equality Act 2006 – the Gender Equality Duty
The Equality Act 2006 amends the Sex discrimination Act 1975 to place a statutory duty on all public bodies such as
the University, when carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination
and harassment and to promote equality between men and women. As part of that duty the University is specifically
required to address and eliminate discrimination and harassment of trans staff and students.
The Data Protection Act 1988
Under the Data Protection Act, trans identity and gender reassignment would constitute ‘sensitive data’ for the purpose
of the legislation and must be processed as such.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
A trans person could be protected under the Disability Discrimination Act if their gender dysphoria leads to anxiety and
depression on a long term basis, although there is no legal precedent at present.
The Human Rights Act 1998
The Human Rights Act provides protection to trans people, principally under the right to a private life in that this
includes, amongst other things, the right to choose a sexual identity, lifestyle and the way a person looks and dresses.
The Equality Act 2010
Gender reassignment is one of nine protected characteristics within the act, and it is also included in the Public Sector
Equality Duty. The definition of gender reassignment within the act gives protection from discrimination to a person
who has proposed, started or completed a process to change their sex.
The Act offers more far-reaching protection from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment than existing
equality law as it protects:
trans people who are not under medical supervision;
people who experience discrimination because they are perceived to be trans;
people from discrimination by association because of gender reassignment. For example, it would protect the
parents of a trans person from being discriminated against because their child is transitioning.
Further information:
Gender Agenda which highlights equality for both men and women www.gender-agenda.co.uk;
Queer Youth provides forums, podcasts, blogs and resources for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
youths www.queeryouth.org.uk ;
Gender Trust for help with gender identity issues www.gendertrust.org.uk .
Useful Contacts
18Transitioning can be a very hard time and there are many different means of support or people you can speak to.
Counselling and Advice
Student Wellbeing: 0191 208 3333
Student Advice Centre: 0191 239 3979
Listening and Support services:
Welfare and Equality Officer: 0191 239 3917 or welfare.union@ncl.ac.uk
Chaplaincy: 0191 239 3917 or http://www.ncl.ac.uk/students/chaplaincy
Nightline: 0191 261 2905
Samaritans: 0191 232 7272
Groups:
Newcastle University LGBT+ society: lgbt.society@ncl.ac.uk
Tran Tyne: http://tynetrans.wikidot.com/ or tynetrans1@gmail.com
Terminology :
Acquired Gender
The new gender of a person who has had their gender reassigned and/or legally recognised. It is possible for an
individual to transition fully without surgical intervention.
Gender
Gender consists of two related aspects - gender identity, which is the person’s internal perception and experience of
their gender, and gender role or expression which is the way the person lives in society and interacts with others
based on their gender identity. Gender is less clearly defined than anatomical sex and does not necessarily represent
a simple binary choice; some people have a gender identity that is neither clearly male nor female.
Gender Dysphoria / Gender Identity Disorder
The medical term for the condition in which a person has been assigned one gender (usually at birth on the basis of
their sex), but identifies as belonging to another gender, or does not conform to the gender role society ascribes to
them. Gender Dysphoria is not a form of sexual deviancy or a sexual orientation. Gender Dysphoria is a highly
personal and complex condition.
Gender Presentation / Gender Expressions
While gender identity is subjective and internal to the individual, the presentation of one’s self, either through
personality or clothing is what is perceived by others. Typically, trans people seek to make their gender expression or
presentation to match their gender identity, rather than their birth sex.
Gender Reassignment/Transitioning
Gender reassignment is a process that is undertaken under medical supervision for the purpose of reassigning a
person’s sex by changing physiological or other characteristics of sex and includes any part of such a process.
Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC)
A certificate issued by a Gender Recognition Panel under the Gender Recognition Act 2004 means that a holder of a
full Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is legally recognised in his or her acquired gender for all purposes.
Real Life Experience
This refers to the phase during gender reassignment in which the individual must live and work in their acquired
gender before certain medical procedures will be carried out.
Trans
19An inclusive term for those who identify themselves as transgender, transsexual or transvestite. The word ‘trans’ can
be used without offence to cover people undergoing gender transition; people who identify as someone with a
different gender from that in which they were born, but who may have decided not to undergo medical treatment; and
people who choose to dress in the clothing typically worn by the other sex. This term should be used as an adjective.
Transgender
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from their birth sex.
Transsexual Person
A person who feels a consistent and overwhelming desire to transition and to fulfil their life as a member of the
opposite sex.
Transvestite
A person who dresses in the clothing typically worn by the opposite sex. Generally, transvestites do not wish to alter
their body and do not necessarily experience gender dysphoria.
_____________________________________________________________________________
NIGHTLINE CONSTITUTION
Date Passed: May 2013
__________________________________________________________________
Students’ Union Council Notes:
1. Nightline is a confidential out-of-hours listening service run by student volunteers during term time.
2. The Service is completely funded by Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) and therefore is an integral
Students’ Union service.
3. The Welfare and Equality Officer is currently the budget holder for Nightline.
4. The Service is primarily run by an elected student committee.
5. The Service is currently unavailable 41% of the time that it is advertised as being open.
Students’ Union Council Believes:
1. The success of Nightline should be an organisational priority for NUSU.
2. That closer and more formalised involvement from the Welfare and Equality Officer will help improve the
Service and also support the student committee.
3. The current Nightline Constitution is out-of-date.
Students’ Union Council Resolves:
1. To replace the current Nightline Constitution with the following Constitution (Appendix A).
Appendix A NIGHTLINE CONSTITUTION
Aim of Nightline:
Nightline provides a key out of hours welfare support service for the students of Newcastle University Students’ Union
(NUSU). Nightline aims to deliver listening service providing support and basic information that is 100% confidential
and non-judgemental. Volunteers do not give advice or seek to counsel callers.
Membership:
1. Membership of Nightline will be open to all registered members of NUSU.
202. All members must abide by this Constitution and the Code of Conduct which all members must sign and a copy
of which will be kept with NUSU.
3. A list of members will be kept, which will be used by the Coordinators and will be shared with NUSU for
insurance purposes only and will not be used for contacting.
4. There is no fee for membership.
5. Any student of Newcastle University may remain as a graduate member of Nightline for a period not exceeding
two years after their graduation.
Objectives:
2. The objectives of Nightline are to:
(a) Offer a Nightline service to Newcastle University students for every night during term-
time;
(b) Recruit and provide ongoing training of volunteers;
(c) Provide for the welfare of volunteers;
(d) Provide opportunities for volunteers to meet socially;
(e) Promote Nightline to students, Newcastle University and NUSU bodies.
3. Nightline may undertake any action best calculated to further its objectives. In all activities, Nightline will strive to
adhere to the 5 principles of the Nightline Association: anonymity, confidentiality, non-judgemental, non-directive
and non-advisory.
Committee:
1. There shall be a Committee of members who will take responsibility for the administration of Nightline.
2. All Committee members must be full members of Nightline.
3. All meetings will be chaired by the Students’ Union Representative or one of the Co-ordinators. They must take
place once a month with at least 3 members of the elected student Committee present and then the meeting will
also be open to any Nightline volunteer who wishes to come. However, the Chair reserves the right to call a
meeting for only the elected Committee members if they feel there are sensitive topics to be discussed that
warrant this. All minutes (unless of said sensitive nature) will be circulated to all members via e-mail or the ’3
rings’ website.
4. Should a vacancy arise at any point during the academic year, the Committee may elect any member of
Nightline to fill the position, not including the position of Students’ Union representative.
5. In the absence of the Welfare and Equality Officer, the Director of Membership and Democratic Services will act
as an interim Students’ Union representative.
6. The Committee is authorised to issue rules or policies through a majority decision which are
binding upon members.
Officers
1. The following will be Officers of Nightline:
a) Two Co-ordinators who will take a lead on promotion and outward facing matters as well as internal
management of tasks and lead the Committee. They will attend the Nightline Annual and Regional
Conferences.
b) 5 Deputies who assist the Co-ordinators.
c) Students’ Union Representative will be the Welfare and Equality officer. They have overall responsibility
to:
i. Ensure the Service runs effectively.
ii. Be the budget holder and must take over any duties if a Co-ordinator or deputy fails to do them.
iii. Attend the Nightline annual and regional conferences.
iv. Liaise with stakeholders in the service.
v. Involve and work with relevant staff member in the University and Students’ Union to help with
workings and improvement of the service.
2. The duties listed below to be divided amongst deputies and overseen by Co-ordinators:
a) Ensure adequate training is given to members so they may run the Nightline
Service;
b) Create and maintain a rota of volunteer members to run the Nightline Service;
c) Run promotional activity to highlight the work of Nightline and encourage students to
volunteer as members;
d) Undertake fundraising activities;
e) Organise social meetings for members;
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