UJS

A little bit about UJS

How we work

UJS is a democratic, peer-led students' union. At the helm is the President, who is elected each December and takes up their post at the start of the following academic year. The President leads a team of sabbatical officers and full-time staff - meet them here. Together, the President and sabbatical team are responsible for running the union, making sure that the policy passed at UJS' annual Conference becomes reality and supporting JSocs and Jewish students on campus. All our work is guided by our core values.

UJS' National Council is a group of five student members who are elected at UJS' annual Conference. They are responsible for scrutinising decisions made by the President, ratifying amendments to the bye-laws, ensuring the President upholds the core values of UJS and providing feedback from students about student initiatives and the reputation of UJS. They focus on topics such as social action, liberation, communication, education and inclusivity.

If you are interested in running to be on National Council, get in touch with the President. 

 

UJS policy is made up of motions passed at the previous three conferences. See below for all policies passed:
Have a read of the recap of our last Conference in February 2023 here.
As a democratic union, we are governed by a constitution.
Our constitution can be changed by any member of UJS who wishes to do so. All you need to do is submit a constitutional amendment to UJS Conference, which takes place every academic year.
The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) is committed to running safe, inclusive and responsible activities. UJS members, event participants and representatives are expected to proudly and passionately embody UJS values of representation; peer leadership; cross-communalism; and Israel engagement. UJS does not seek to curtail freedom of expression or limit personal political views, even when these are contrary to UJS policy as decided by the majority of our membership. Nevertheless, UJS members are expected to act with respect and consideration for all members and everyone else involved in the union.

This Code of Conduct sets out the guidelines of behaviour that is expected from all participants in UJS events, programmes and activities.

1. Application of this Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct automatically applies to all members of UJS, as defined by Article 4 of the Constitution. Non-members of UJS who attend UJS events are also required to abide by the Code of Conduct.
This Code of Conduct applies to attendees at all events run by the Union of Jewish Students and any of its affiliated Jewish Societies (J-Socs.)

2. Conduct of Members

Members of UJS and non-member attendees of UJS events shall conduct themselves in a manner which is deemed to be acceptable at any and all times that they are participating in any UJS activity, using UJS-owned or rented property, or otherwise recognisable as a representative of UJS.

Behaviour which is deemed to be unacceptable includes but is not limited to behaviour which is physically or emotionally abusive, offensive, defamatory, distressing, aggressive, threatening, coercive or intimidating, either in person or on social media. Illegal activities, including the use of illegal drugs, also falls under this category.

Members and non-members are expected at all times to be mindful of relevant policies and laws, including and pertinently the Equalities Act. This relates to Members and non-members in particular in relation to language and action pertaining to "Protected Characteristics" as refered to by the Equalities Act.

Any member or non-member attendee who fails to act reasonably after consuming alcohol, whether provided by UJS or otherwise, shall be deemed to have contravened the Code of Conduct. Failure to act reasonably includes but is not limited to the behaviour deemed unacceptable above.

Any Member of UJS or non-member attendee who fails to comply with the provisions of this Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to being asked to leave an event (at the individual’s own cost) or suspension or withdrawal of Membership where applicable, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Constitution.

If a Member fails to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct and their Membership is withdrawn by the Sabbatical Team, they have the right to appeal to a panel of three trustees nominated by the Chair of the trustee board, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Constitution.

3. Compliance with Health and Safety Procedures

When participating in a UJS programme, members and non-member attendees shall comply with all requirements, regulations or conditions relating to health and safety and the reporting of incidents which may be applicable, including all requirements, regulations or conditions applied by UJS or facilities/venues where UJS events are taking place. Members and non-member attendees shall also follow the instructions of the UJS team and/or the staff of external facilities where health and safety is concerned.

4. Other matters

Any matters not specifically covered by this Code of Conduct shall be referred to the President of UJS who shall make a ruling, and if the President is unable to make a ruling the matter will be referred by them to the National Council, whose majority decision shall be final.

Nothing in this Code of Conduct shall conflict with the Articles of Governance, Byelaws or Constitution of UJS. Nothing in the Constitution or Code of Conduct of any J-Soc shall conflict with this Code of Conduct.




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