It’s that time of year again when we dust off the voting booths and ballot boxes and start preparing for the Bucks Students’ Union annual elections. There are loads of leadership positions up for grabs, giving you plenty of chances to get involved, make a difference, and represent your fellow students. But with so many roles on offer, it’s easy to get confused. Don’t worry - we’re here to break it all down for you and explain why these elections matter.
What are the elections for?
The elections decide who will fill the four Elected Officer positions for the next academic year, across all campuses at BNU. The Elected Officers are full-time members of Union staff who lead the direction of the Union and help deliver the high-quality student experience we are so passionate about. These four positions offer the opportunity to direct the work of the Students’ Union, meaning you can implement changes you want to see.
Up for election:
- President: the principal officer of the Union and responsible for setting the political direction of the Union and communicating with all stakeholders.
- Vice President Education and Welfare (VPEW) is responsible for improving and enhancing the educational experience and welfare of all students
- Vice President Student Affairs and Campus Experience (VPSACE) is responsible for academic representation, student welfare, and campus experience for those studying outside of High Wycombe
- Vice President Achievement and Belonging (VPAB) is responsible for improving the non-academic experience of all students at Bucks, whether that be through sports teams, societies, volunteering or the many other opportunities on offer.
During the elections, each candidate will produce a maximum of 300 words written manifesto that will outline what they would aim to achieve if elected to their chosen position.
Alongside the full-time roles, there are part-time leadership positions that you can hold while continuing your studies. These include the Student Trustee positions – a unique opportunity to help shape the Union’s strategy as part of the Trustee Board.
Finally, there are elections for Club and Society Committees. Club and society committee members, such as Chairs, Secretaries, and Treasurers, play key roles in organising and leading their groups.
Why are the elections important?
The Students’ Union exists to represent you, and that’s why these elections are so vital. You’ll be choosing the people who will lead the Union during the 2026-27 academic year, so it’s essential to vote for candidates who reflect your priorities and goals
If you don’t vote, you are missing out on making sure your voice is heard, which may impact the overall result of the election. As a group, Bucks students are the largest influencing force for affecting change within the Students’ Union and the University. By voting, you can say that the changes being put in place are due to the contributions of your ideas and voice.
Why should I nominate myself?
Do you think you can help make student life at Bucks better? Can you campaign on students’ behalf to make sure their voice is heard? Can you lead your Students' Union? If the answer is yes, then you should nominate yourself.
Nominating yourself is easy. Head to the Elections homepage, select the role you’re interested in and log in with your Blackboard details. Click ‘Stand in Election’, follow the steps, upload a photo, and share your manifesto – and you’re ready to go!
- All nominations close at noon on Friday 13th February, so don’t miss out!
Here are some of the testimonials of our previous Elected Officers
And some more from our past officers here.
So, whether you’re curious about becoming a Committee Member, excited by the opportunity to be a Student Trustee, or inspired to run for an Elected Officer role, now is the time to step forward. Start writing your manifesto, and take the first step towards shaping your Union and making a real difference at BNU.
If you have any questions or want to find out more about the roles on offer, contact surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk