Your guide to the elections: what they are, why they matter, and how SU Officers represent you
What are the SU Officer Elections and Why do they Matter?
As many of you may or may not know, the Student Union is an entity separate from the University that represents the needs of the 20,000 students here at Bath. Every year, as students, we have the opportunity to elect the SU officers. These are the leadership team that represents the Student Union, and the students at the University. Any registered student can run and vote in the elections, having the voice to shape student life and decide what kind of leaders we want guiding student activity in our university. This leadership team is made up of six positions, each heading up different aspects of student life: SU President, Activities Officer, Community Officer, Education Officer, Sports Officer and Postgraduate and International Officer.
These elections are of utmost importance in shaping the character of our university. The Student Union represents the student voice, and these elections give us the opportunity to shape how we will be represented. Each candidate has their own set of experiences, motivations and principles that will guide their leadership style and the decisions they will make on our behalf. Therefore, it is imperative that each individual use their democratic right and cast a vote that conveys their voice.
What does each Officer do?
To help give a clearer idea of what students are voting for, it’s useful to break down what each Officer role involves and how these different positions shape the direction and priorities of the Students’ Union.
SU President
The SU President, currently held by Benji Orford Thompson, is the figurehead of the Students’ Union and represents students at the highest levels of the University. A key part of the role is leading on the Top 10, which are the ten priorities voted for by students each year and focus on the issues that matter most, from wellbeing and inclusivity to academic experience and campus life. The President also oversees how the SU is run, chairing the Board of Trustees, supporting the CEO to shape and deliver strategy, and leading major decision-making spaces such as SUmmit. No two days are the same, but the role is always centred on student advocacy, whether that’s attending senior meetings like Council and Senate, working with student groups, or lobbying for change locally and nationally. The aim is to create lasting, meaningful change for students at the University of Bath.
Activities Officer
The Activities Officer, currently Sam Ellis Hunt, supports and develops the huge range of student opportunities outside the classroom, working with over 160 student groups. This includes arts, faith and cultural societies, as well as volunteering and fundraising. The role focuses on making sure groups have the support and resources they need to grow, while also leading on environmental sustainability and extra-curricular development opportunities that help students build skills and experience. Much of the week involves meeting with student leaders, attending events, and working on projects that improve participation and inclusion. From sustainability campaigns to wider conversations about housing or employability, the Activities Officer helps ensure student communities are at the heart of the SU’s work.
Community Officer
The Community Officer, currently Izzy Downer, focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive and safe environment for all students. The role covers areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, safety, housing, accessibility and the cost of living. They work closely with Hall Reps and Diversity and Support Groups to make sure student voices are heard, and also collaborate with the Student Community Partnership to strengthen relationships between students and the local community. The role involves a mix of campaigning, meetings and student engagement, and ranges from delivering manifesto pledges and pushing the Top 10 priorities to supporting events and initiatives that bring students together. The goal is to turn student concerns into real improvements across campus and beyond.
Education Officer
The Education Officer, currently Helen Slater, represents undergraduate students on academic matters and works to make sure their experiences shape decisions across the University. This includes everything from teaching quality and assessments to wider education policy. The role involves working closely with academic student reps and staff to understand student priorities and drive change through manifesto commitments and the education-related Top 10. Alongside the SU President, the Education Officer is also a Student Governor, sitting on University Council and contributing to long-term strategies. Much of the work focuses on advocating for students in senior meetings, consulting widely, and communicating clearly to keep students informed and involved.
Sport Officer
The Sport Officer, currently Angus Gueterbock, represents the student voice across all areas of sport. This includes club development, facilities, scholarships, engagement, finances and the overall sporting experience. The role involves supporting clubs to grow and become more inclusive, while also shaping the long-term strategy for student sport. A typical week includes working closely with club committees, representing students in meetings and funding panels, and collaborating with the University and national organisations such as British Universities and Colleges Sport. The aim is to strengthen opportunities for all students and ensure sport continues to thrive at Bath.
Postgraduate and International Officer
The Postgraduate and International Officer, currently Sanya Jethwani, represents postgraduate students across taught and research programmes, as well as the international student community. The international title in this role is new, reflecting the importance of ensuring global student voices are fully represented and supported. The role sits at the intersection of representation, policy and community building, working with students, departments and senior staff to improve the postgraduate experience. Much of the work involves listening to students, attending senior meetings, and pushing for change in areas such as academic policy, wellbeing and support. The Officer also focuses on building strong postgraduate and international communities through events, networks and engagement, helping ensure all students feel connected and supported during their time at the University.
Ultimately, the SU Officer Elections are about far more than choosing a group of student representatives for the year ahead. They are about deciding what issues will be prioritised, whose voices will be heard, and what kind of student experience we want to shape at the University of Bath. The Officers you elect will sit in the rooms where decisions are made, advocate on your behalf, and push for real change on everything from education and wellbeing to sport, sustainability and inclusion. That is why it is so important to pay attention, engage with the campaigns and take the time to vote.
Read the manifestos, ask questions, attend events and think about which candidates best reflect your priorities and values. Even if you don’t normally get involved in student politics, this is one of the most direct ways you can influence your time at university. The SU exists to represent you, but it can only do that effectively if students take part. Whether you choose to vote, run, campaign or simply learn more about the process, your involvement helps make the Union stronger, more representative and more responsive to the needs of all students. With voting open, make sure your voice is heard.