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How does the Union decide what it believes in?

Students’ Union UCL is student-led. Students shape the positions we take, the priorities we set and the changes we work towards.

The Union agrees policy through two democratic meetings: the Policy Zones and the Union Executive. Any UCL student can attend and contribute; you don’t need to be elected to take part! Elected representatives make the formal decisions.

Policy Zones discuss proposals across three areas of student life: Activities, Education and Welfare & Community. When a Policy Zone passes a policy proposal, it goes to the Union Executive, where elected student leaders from across the Union vote on whether to adopt it as Union policy.

What is Union policy?

Union policy is a clear record of what the Union believes and has agreed to do. It can set a position on an issue, commit the Union to action or guide a campaign. Policies can concern student life at the Union, at UCL or beyond.

Once agreed, a policy guides the Union’s work and remains active for two years.

For more information on decision-making, you can view Amendments to Governing Documents which, when passed, form the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Bye-Laws.

Current Union policy

Below, you’ll find a live record of policies passed by the Union. Use the search and filters to find a policy, follow its progress, see where it came from, find out which officer leads the work and check when it is due to expire.

Reference code Title Lead officer Progress Origin Lapses
UP2508 The Union should join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads President Completed Welfare & Community Zone
UP2507 The Union should insource staff where ethically, technically and logistically possible and lobby UCL to do the same President Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2506 The Union should lobby UCL to introduce a policy that every high-stakes exam is supported by at least one past paper or mock exam. Education Officer Ongoing Education Zone
UP2505 The Union Should Adopt a Zero Edible Food Waste Policy Across All SU-Operated Food Outlets President Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2504 Union to lobby UCL to amend its extenuating circumstances policy to ensure that period pain and any other uterine-related issues are labelled Category A (circumstances that will normally be considered) Equity & Inclusion Officer Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2503 The Union should lobby UCL to conduct a thorough review into the services available for students trying to access Reasonable Academic Adjustments (formally known as SoRAs)/ECs Welfare & Community Officer Ongoing Education Zone
UP2502 Lobby UCL to provide better support for students who need to retake a year Education Officer Ongoing Education Zone
UP2501 Lobbying UCL for undergraduate bursary household income threshold rebalancing Welfare & Community Officer Ongoing Education Zone
UP2414 The Union Should Cut Ties With Environmentally And Socially Harmful Banks President Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2413 The Union should commit to formalizing the implementation of the Sustainability Council and addressing the climate emergency across the Union’s work President Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2412 Supporting Students in Sex Work Equity & Inclusion Officer Completed Welfare & Community Zone
UP2411 Union to Lobby UCL for Accountability, Transparency, and Ongoing Protection in Staff Misconduct Policies Welfare & Community Officer Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2410 Union to Lobby UCL for Transparent, Survivor-Centred Improvements to the "Report and Support" System through Formal Student Consultation Welfare & Community Officer Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2409 Use of Amazon Vouchers and Products President Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone
UP2408 Explaining the History of Phineas Bar Activities & Engagement Officer Completed Union Executive
UP2407 Improved transport links for UCL East students Equity & Inclusion Officer Completed Welfare & Community Zone
UP2406 The Union Should Support the Fossils Free Careers Campaign President Ongoing Education Zone
UP2405 The Union Should Lobby UCL to Conduct an Institution-Wide Review of Academic Curriculums for Inclusivity and Gender Equity Education Officer Ongoing Education Zone
UP2404 The Union should internally regulate all media societies via the IPSO code Activities & Engagement Officer Completed Activities Zone
UP2403 Ban fossil fuel companies from sponsoring clubs and societies Activities & Engagement Officer Completed Activities Zone
UP2402 Active Bystander and Consent Training Equity & Inclusion Officer Ongoing Activities Zone
UP2401 The Union should lobby UCL to expand Project Period into a university-wide initiative Welfare & Community Officer Ongoing Welfare & Community Zone