Governance
Student groups are run by students, for students. They should be run democratically so that everyone involved in the group can have a say in how they are run. There are two key things you need to do to make sure your members have their say in how the Group and ensure it's run in conjunction with JMSU procedures and policies.
Our Policies & Code of Conduct
When members join a student group, they agree to follow the Students’ Union’s policies and the Student Group Code of Conduct. These provide a shared understanding of expectations, behaviour and safe practice across all activities.
Committees should make sure their members are aware of these expectations and should apply them when planning and delivering activity.
The policies and guidance committees need to be aware of are:
- JMSU Activities Policy 2025
- Freedom of Speech & External Speaker Policy 2024
- Sports Code of Conduct
- Societies Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct outlines expectations for both committee members and general members. Any required documentation must be completed before activities take place.
Digital Communications Guidance
Committees must also follow the JMSU's new WhatsApp Code of Conduct and ensure group chats reflect safe and respectful communication standards before starting any digital activity.
Committee Structure & Roles (Sports & Societies)
Sports
Sports Club Committee Structure
Each sport must have three of the following four committee positions in order to be active as a club:
JMSU also recommends the committee hold the following positions that are not compulsory:
Societies
Each society must have three of the following four committee positions in order to be active a society:
JMSU also recommends the committee hold the following positions that are not compulsory:
How to elect a new committee?
Registered members of one of our student groups (sports and societies) are eligible to nominate themselves for available committee roles as well as having their say on who leads their club/society and vote in the election.There are a range of committee roles (see above) and each play a key role in shaping the direction of your chosen student group for the academic year.
Read the Student Group Elections Rules & Regulations
AGM
Each group must hold an Annual General Meeting or AGM each year. This meeting is your and your members’ opportunity to make changes to the Group for the future and review the last year, renaming your Group, adding new committee members and many other things must be discussed and voted on in an AGM before they can be enacted.
EGM
An EGM is an Emergency General Meeting. An EGM can be held at any point during the year, when necessary. EGMs are usually held when you need to change your constitution, or when you need to elect a new committee member outside of an AGM.
Alumni/Associate Members
Associate Members of JMSU can join Societies and Sports Clubs to take part in activities only, without the wider membership rights of being a full member. Associate Membership is currently available to alumni of LJMU, SU/University staff and students from any other HE institution. Associate members cannot hold committee positions, vote on decisions in committee meetings, AGMs, or elections, or compete in BUCS.
This year associate and alumni members can sign up via the website, click on login and go through the steps to register/sign in.
