The Student Union’s Elections are a legal requirement that ensures our organisation is member led by you, the students. They are hosted annually in Semester 2, to elect student representatives for the following academic year (e.g. July 1st 2025 - June 30th 2026). If necessary, a By-Election is held to fill any remaining vacant positions.
Elections are a key part of our democratic process that elects the officers that will lead the Union in working for, and representing, student interests on campus and beyond. There are 8 Executive Officer positions available each election:
Sabbatical Officers (Full-time, paid)
Student Officers (Part-time, voluntary)
Click here for more information about the Student Officer role.
Our elections happen early in Semester 2 (typically February-March time), and go through a series of stages:
Who can be an elected Executive Officer?
What do Executive Officers do?
Anybody who is a currently registered student of the University of Winchester, and has not elected to ‘opt-out’ of the Students’ Union, are eligible to nominate yourself to become an elected officer. Registered students covers full-time & part-time undergraduates and post-graduates, students on foundation degrees, distance learners, and full-time visiting and exchange students. Elected officers currently in officer may also be eligible to nominate themselves for election.
For Sabbatical Officers, your eligibility will also depend on being able to work full-time hours during your term of office, and being legally entitled to work in the UK.
For Student Officers, you must remain a registered student throughout the term of office for which you are being elected.
Part-time (voluntary) Student Officers are responsible for: promoting and defending the rights of members, campaigning on issues affecting members, and the implementation of Student Union policy.
Full-time (paid, circa £24,185 p/a salary) Sabbatical Officers (also known as Officer Trustees) have a wider remit, including the above, and undertake their work representing students and leading the Student Union as a full-time job. We would strongly suggest that you read the Union's Constitution and Paper – Executive Officers: Role and Responsibilities before standing for one of these full-time positions.
The nomination process in this election is undertaken online via this website - full details on how to nominate yourself will be made available close to elections time!
Our elections are undertaken using a single transferable vote (STV) system. This means that you can vote for your first preference, and then your second preference, and so on. For a fun tutorial video (produced by our colleagues at Lincoln Student Union) on the transferable vote method, please see here.
If you have any further questions about elections, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via student.union@winchester.ac.uk.
For more Frequently Asked Questions, and other election myths, check out our handy guide, here, where we de-mystify the elections process!
Our elections are held annually, giving you an opportunity to elect your new Executive Committee. These officers lead on the Students’ Union’s activity and represent students’ views and opinions for the coming academic year. Voting is important because you get your voice heard!
To see the election results from last year, click here.