Governance of the National Union of Students (United Kingdom)

[4] Supporters argued that the reform proposals would replace an outdated system of governance and lead to a more innovative corporate structure.

[The] Democratic Procedures Committee are responsible for the democracy of NUS – the accessibility of its conference and the fair policy processes of the National Union as a whole.

Membership of an Area organisation is optional (determined by the normal democratic process at each students' union) and is paid for by subscription in addition to the cost of affiliation to the national body.

They do not feature in all printed editions of the constitution, and have not been officially dissolved by the decision-making Annual Conference of the national body.

They consist of students’ unions that choose to affiliate to the Area within a geographical boundary determined by NUS.

In more remote parts of the country, the Area organisations are intended to form a useful first point of contact and offer a readily accessible person to assist the local student unions.

Those Areas able to afford the costs may send their Convener to a training session provided by the NUS.

Because of their local perspective and autonomous nature, it is not uncommon for Areas to be involved in conflicts with the national organisation.

Conversely, political groupings (and the fulfilling of obvious functions and shared goals) within the bodies sometimes draws them into very close co-operation.

It holds two Conferences (Spring and Winter) every year to discuss policy, elect its new Executive committee and determine the direction and work of the Area.

It runs regional wide campaigns as well as specific training events for its Constituent Members (CMs).