Monday 09-02-2026 - 08:48

 

Written by Christina Mallison

Christina Mallinson is the Union Assembly Deputy Chair.

 

 

For those of you who may not know, Union Assembly (UA) is the highest democratic body in LUSU – its members consist of: the four Full Time Officers (FTO’s); the five Liberation and Campaigns Officers (LCO’s); representatives of Sports & Societies respective Committees; College JCR Presidents; and under- and post-graduate academic reps. Together, they do their best to represent all aspects of student life at the university, and make & change policy to improve the student experience. The Assembly meets twice a term, and any student is welcome to attend to see the discussion.

 

 

The meeting opened with a welcome from the newly appointed chair (Carys Smith) and Deputy Chair (Christina Mallinson) and a brief introduction of the new Vice Chancellor Steve Decent, who was also in attendance. It is important to note that this was the first Union Assembly which was live streamed, which the chair noted during introductions. We then began with the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, which will now be available from here. Following this, we swiftly moved onto the Full-Time Officer’s (FTO’s) reports, summarised below.  
 
Full-Time Officer Reports 
Rory O'Ceallaigh, LUSU President 
Rory began by highlighting the Union’s role in holding full-time Officers to account. He then went onto the proposed increased rent prices for on-campus accommodation for the academic year 26/27, detailing his meetings with UPP and the possibility of negotiations moving forward. Rory celebrated his work for improved transparency in the Students’ Union, celebrating the live streaming of the session. He then went on to discuss college redesign and questioned whether the duplication of consultation sessions (which had been done previously) were necessary. Rory outlines the lack of transparency related to college membership fees. Student money should be controlled by students who have been voted to represent you. On college bars, College Presidents have been initiating conversations about students bringing in their own alcohol to post bar spaces. Rory stated that a challenge facing this proposal is distrust from College managements as to whether students can control themselves. Rory explained that students are capable of running their own social events there is a lot of interest in arranging Extravs and similar events. Rory is starting a Socials and Events Group to help begin planning. On LU Future, consultation work is starting now. On industrial action, tensions are quietening down. UCU are preparing for a formal dispute related to the move of staff office in FHASS. Rory also informed us of his intentions to expand the out-of-hours parking pass to the sports centre. Rory explained that the University has sold more parking passes than there are spaces. Rory desires to improves bus prices and cycling infrastructure. Rory is working with the University to create drying rooms on-campus and exploring ways to reduce costs of laundry.

 

Emily Houston-Woods, LUSU Activities Officer  
Emily provided an update on the Kit Review and the Sports Model Review. She provided reassurances that financial processing will improve. Emily is publishing minutes online for Societies and Sports Committees. Emily also touched on work to improve women+ participation in student groups.  Emily informed us on York’s upcoming visit to Lancaster, for Roses planning. Emily announced her new role as Chair of the new BUCS committee in disability access. Emily provided updates on the workload of Sports committee, Societies Committee, Netball and Football Committee, Roses Committee and Sustainability Committee.

 

Leah Buttery, LUSU Wellbeing Officer
Leah explained the recent success of focus groups on the University Mental Health service, findings of which will be shared. On town safety, Leah will be walking around the spaces highlighted by students in ‘areas of concern.’ This information will then be used to improve street lighting. On period poverty, two dispensers have been put on campus. Leah is working for more products to be available across campus. Leah delivered training with Wellbeing Officers on JCRs. Leah is continuing to support work on LGBTQ+ accommodation. We are seeking greater transparency on the investigations to gain support of the trans+ community. Leah is working with the Birchall Trust to seek students’ views to work to tackle harassment and sexual misconduct. Leah announced the resignation of Millie Ni-Elle Ashton, Women’s+ Officer. Leah read out a statement from Millie. A range of actions have been proposed to the Trustee Board.

 

Liz Gillett, LUSU Education Officer
 Liz explained the up-to-date progress on CTP Approval Panels. Liz is interested in diversification of assessment methods. On timetabling, Emily and Liz are continuing to push for free Wednesday afternoons. On self-certification, the Fit to Sit policy has passed their Education Committee. If students feel to unwell to sit an exam, they can self-certify their extension. Liz is working to secure sensory rooms with the Accessibility Community. 

 

Access Fund Report 
Emily Houston-Woods outlined how we have received £15,000 in funding. £8150 has been distributed last term- 94/296 applications were successful. A large amount of the money was given out for Sports Passes. Football and Netball dominate as the most participated-in sports. The University has £146,000 from an anonymous alumni donor, to promote sport participation for the coming years. Terms of which are still being agreed upon.

 

Introduction to Prof. Steve Decent Vice Chancellor 
Steve outlined his background and previous roles. He explained his intention to engage with students more broadly through themed meetings. Howe explained his work to engage with staff, with 60/90 appointments completes so far. A new strategy is needed for the university, the development of this will require extensive consultation with students and staff. Prof. Decent is keen to deliver LU Future and CTP projects safely. He highlighted the need for the strengthening of student voice within the University. Prof Decent then invited questions from students.

 

Social Media Policy 
The chair introduced the agenda item and noted that this is now for discussion. Chris Cottam (LUSU Head of Advocacy and Governance) introduced the policy. Chris explained the purpose of the policy. This meant there is a range of legislation the Union must comply with. Chris highlighted feedback that has already been taken in. The policy was met with many questions, asking for clarification on certain points. The chair closed the discussion and invited an agenda item at the next meeting.  
There was no other business, so the Chair closed the meeting.  
 
You can watch the live stream of the meeting on LA1TV’s YouTube channel: