Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) and Bucks Students’ Union have jointly created five key principles to inform the way we work together. Centred around transparency, respect and collaboration, the principles were launched with the planting of a tree in the community garden student project at our High Wycombe Campus.
Professor Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor of BNU said: “This is no mean feat - we understand other institutions have incurred legal costs over a period of years only to arrive at a turgid document consigned to a dusty shelf. Our principles fit on one page, and they inform the way we work together, day in and day out. It’s a public expression of our joint commitment to create the best possible experience and positive impact for our learners. And a sign of the renewed and focused partnership with the SU that really matters to me and colleagues.
“We work in true partnership with our Students’ Union and put our money where our mouth is. From awarding a grant of more than £2m this year – which has already funded 3,000 free meals for our learners and The Big Deal programme of free personal development, sport, recreation, social activities and societies so everyone at BNU has a full university experience – to awarding the SU the contract for our entire catering operation. Already we’ve seen a 40% increase in footfall in our main outlets, a 20% reduction in prices and significant sales growth. And ending the contract with an external company has created more on-campus job opportunities for our students, all paid at the Real Living Wage.”
Jean Marc Amagoua, President of Bucks Students’ Union said: “Over a number of years we have built a high level of trust, respect and partnership with the University by demonstrating we are the well informed, authentic voice for our members, evidencing our impact and value and delivering on our commitments by operating excellent student-led services, with hugely rewarding levels of engagement.
We are delighted to work with a university willing to listen to our members and prepared to make changes, invest in facilities and take decisions entirely centred around their interests and needs. We have a genuine shared commitment to improve the lives of students, break down barriers, and provide the experience they are entitled to. Whether it’s developing new services in an accessible, value-for-money and student friendly way, extending our hand of support or effectively lobbying on behalf of our members, we know we always have the University’s backing to do what’s right by the students at BNU.
The significant, on-going investment in our unique ‘Big Deal’ and cost-of-living support is a testament to the strength of this partnership. We’re doing things differently here. It’s an exciting time to be at Bucks.”
The shared principles of working together are:
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Members of our student community automatically become members of Bucks Students’ Union when they join BNU. The Union works hand in hand with the University to achieve common objectives, tackle challenges, and build a positive, thriving environment where learners’ needs and outcomes always come first.
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The University will provide the support, funding and resource needed for the Union to deliver outstanding services, and the Union commits to using those resources impactfully for the benefit of all learners.
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We will be robust and transparent in reporting on the impact of initiatives and develop structures that build trust, track progress, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration. Our proud partnership benefits BNU learners by supporting their ambitions, and fostering success in their future endeavours and chosen careers.