YSJSU recognised as NUS 'Small and Specialist Union of the Year'

York St John University’s Students’ Union (YSJSU) won the award for ‘small and specialist union of the year’ at the annual NUS awards.

The awards were held last week and involved 64 students’ unions who had made it through to the finals. The York St John team, who attended the awards ceremony in Bolton, was up for one of the 14 awards after being shortlisted to a group of five following a successful application.

Achievements from the past year include doubling the number of programme representatives, establishing postgraduate research reps for the first time, and doubling the number of both societies and society members.

Other successes that were highlighted in their award submission included the passing of a Union paper which means students are now involved in course validation programmes, allowing student views to have an influence on how courses are put together.  

The welfare and student engagement role of YSJSU was also stressed with ‘Flat Fridays’, which involves the team heading to various accommodation sites with a box of teabags aiming to chat to residents, mentioned along with the publishing of housing advice and ongoing collaboration on a landlord accreditation scheme.

Laura Jackson, Students’ Union President, said: “I am absolutely delighted by the award. To be shortlisted was amazing, but to win is an absolute honour. I’d like to thank all the staff we have working at the Union from the bar/shop reception staff right up to our trustees who all put in an amazing effort to make sure we are working to the best of our ability to give students the best experience possible.

“It’s amazing that we have been recognised nationally for what we do.”

Laura also thanked programme representatives, sports and societies members and student volunteers.

Chris Bateman, Chief Executive of the Students’ Union, said: “It is fantastic that York St John Students’ Union has received this recognition at the highest level nationally. Credit is due to the Sabbatical Officers and Staff Team of the Students’ Union, and this award is the result of their hard work and dedication over recent years.”