| Description | Minutes of a Working Group set up to consider the relationship between the University and the Guild of Students which was established in 2004 and reported to the Strategy, Planning and Resources Committee later that year, though the Working Group itself was responsible to University Council
Its terms of reference were to review the current range of activities undertaken by the Guild, considering in particular which services benefit from being managed by the Guild, which might be more appropriately managed by the University, and those which should be delivered in partnership; to establish a long-term financial strategy for the Guild; and to consider the future of the Guild building and the location of the Guild. The Working Group's review would consider the current financial situation of the Guild in the short term and over the long term consider how the University might ensure appropriate, quality services for students, particularly in light of changes to student fees in 2006
Membership of the Working Group consisted of a chair and secretary, and representatives from academic and administrative staff of the University and the President and General Manager of the Guild of Students, with the Vice-President (Education) and Vice-President (Finance & Services) also attending later meetings
Minutes of the first meeting of the Working Group include substantial background information in the form of copies of the Guild Constitution and other legislation; copies of the Guild section of the Student Handbook; information about Guild Societies and Clubs; and a Five Year Financial Forecast for the Guild of Students, submitted to the Strategy, Planning and Resources Committee and University Council in March 2004. Minutes of this meeting discuss student representation, Guild Welfare and advice services, and Guild facilities including clubs, societies, sports, retail and entertainment
Further meetings group discussed recommendations for the delivery of retail services; the enhancement of the interface between the University and the Guild in relation to advice and representation; and support for Open Days and Freshers Week
Minutes include reports and reviews of retail services; and a copy of a Guild of Students report on welfare and support provision
There are also minutes of a Retail Strategy sub-group meeting held on 29 July 2004 and minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2004 include a copy of a report produced following the meeting of the sub-group, considering the appointment of the Director of Retail and the subsequent retail strategy
There is further discussion of Welfare and Advice services, and the interaction between the Guild and the University in the areas of Widening Participation, the Careers Service, and the Personal Skills Award. Minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2004 include a copy of a report on the long-term future of the Guild and a possible re-location, together with papers relating to the University's Academic Strategy
The final report of the Working Group, dated 9 December 2004, covers current Guild activities and service provision; retail provision; welfare and advice; the long-term financial strategy for the Guild; and the long-term location of the Guild
It is clear that these minutes are working copies rather than the authorised version. The minutes contain several draft copies with annotations, as well as printed copies of email correspondence between Working Group members |