KENT UNION
CONSTITUTION BYELAWS
SEPTEMBER 2015
William Godwin
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BYE-LAWS: ELECTIONS
E1
Application
E1.1
E2
These bye-laws shall apply for all elections and referendum conducted by crosscampus ballot, and for all elections of members referred to in the Constitution.
Voting
E2.1
The RO will ensure that all eligible members of the Union can vote.
E2.2
The RO shall decide the method of voting and publicise it appropriately.
E2.3
The Voters shall be able to express preferences for as few or as many candidates as
they wish subject to the rubric on ballot papers.
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BYE-LAWS: GENERAL MEETINGS
GM1
Agenda and Business
GM1.1 The Chair of the meeting shall be responsible for ensuring that the
meeting runs smoothly.
GM1.2 The Agenda shall allow for the Meeting to fulfil all of its responsibilities outlined in
section 26 of the Constitution.
GM2
Calling of Meetings
GM2.1 A General Meeting may be called in accordance with section 23 of the
Constitution.
GM3
Quoracy
GM3.1 Quoracy for General Meetings will be 100.
GM4
Principles of Debate at General Meetings
GM4.1 The Chair of the meeting shall be responsible for ensuring that any and all debates
are fair, inclusive and robust. In particular, the Chair of the meeting shall:
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GM5
Be impartial and not participate in debate.
Ensure that debates are ‘balanced’.
Ensure that students are given an equal opportunity to participate.
Ensure that only one item is discussed at any one point in time.
Ensure that, as far as is possible, all items on the Agenda get discussed.
Advise the meeting as to proper conduct with regard to this Constitution, its
Bye-Laws and the Law.
Adjourn the meeting, or remove speaking rights from individuals, if necessary to
ensure the good conduct and course of business of the meeting.
Order of Debate at General Meetings
GM5.1 Debates should follow the following structure:


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A speech for the proposal
A speech against the proposal
Summation speeches
GM5.2 The proposer and seconder of a motion will be given the opportunity to make the
first two speeches for the motion.
GM5.3 The proposer of a motion will be given the opportunity to make the Summation
Speech.
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GM6
Process of Debates at General Meetings
GM6.1 Before a debate:
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
The Chair of the meeting will indicate the amount of time after which the debate
will conclude (the Guillotine).
The Chair of the meeting will indicate the amount of time available for each
speech.
GM6.2 During a Debate:
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Members should address themselves to the Chair of the meeting
Members wishing to speak should indicate this to the Chair of the meeting
The Chair of the meeting will call the first member observed.
All speakers should be given an equal amount of time to speak.
Members may ask a question, raise a point of order, raise a point of information
or propose a procedural motion.
The Chair of the meeting may move to a vote should the meeting agree that no
further discussion is required.
The proposer of a motion may withdraw the motion.
GM6.3 After a Debate:
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GM7
The proposer and first opposer of a motion shall be invited to make a
summation speech, which shall contain no new information.
A vote will take place, normally conducted by a show of hands.
The Chair of the meeting will record votes for, votes against and abstentions.
The Chair of the meeting will indicate if a clear majority is demonstrated.
If a clear majority is not demonstrated the Chair will conduct a count.
Once the Chair of the meeting is satisfied as to the result of a count, the Chair’s
ruling on the result will be final.
Members shall not enter or leave the room during a vote.
Debates will require a simple majority, except where otherwise specified in the
Constitution.
Interventions at General Meetings
GM7.1 At any time, any member may raise any of the following points of order in order to
challenge the conduct of the meeting:
i:
A request for a count of those present to ensure that the meeting is
quorate.
ii:
A request that the Chair of the meeting make a ruling as to the conduct of
the meeting.
iii
A request for a Constitutional Interpretation.
iv
The Chair of the meeting will respond to the point of order immediately.
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GM7.2 At any time, any member may raise a point of information. Points of information:
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
Must only contain ‘matters of fact’.
May only be given with the permission of the current speaker, or the Chair of
the meeting.
GM7.3 At any time during the debate, except during a vote, any member may propose one
of the following procedural motions:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
That the meeting has no confidence in the Chair of the meeting and that
s/he should be replaced for the remainder of the meeting.
To challenge the ruling of the Chair of the meeting.
That there should be a further round of speeches.
To move straight to a vote.
To adjourn the meeting for a break.
That the current discussion should be resolved with a secret ballot.
That a vote should be recounted.
That the debate should be split into parts and voted on separately.
To allow non-members to speak in the meeting.
To remove speaking rights from a member of the meeting.
To amend the order of items on the Agenda.
To call for a recorded vote.
GM7.4 The proposer of the motion will be given one (1) minute to speak in favour of the
procedural motion. The Chair of the meeting will then seek one (1) opposer to
speak for one (1) minute against the procedural motion. This will be followed by a
vote.
GM7.5 In the event of procedural motion i. is proposed, the Chair of the meeting will
immediately give way to a Vice-Chair for the duration of the debate and vote on the
procedural motion.
GM8
Amendments at General Meetings
GM8.1 Any member of the meeting may propose an amendment to a debate. This
amendment is then treated as a debate in itself.
GM8.2 The Chair of the meeting will allow for the proposer of an amendment and one
opposer to speak for two (2) minutes on the amendment.
GM8.3 If no opposer is found, the amendment will be carried.
GM8.4 If, following the amendment of a debate, the original proposer of the motion no
longer wishes to propose the debate, the proposer of the amendment will become
the proposer.
GM8.5 Amendments only become policy if the original debate is subsequently passed.
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BYE-LAWS: STUDENT COMMITTEES
SC1 Role and Function of Student Committees
SC1.1
Kent Union shall run Student Committees, in order to:
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SC2
Facilitate student involvement in the Union
Act as a channel of communication between students from that site and
relevant University staff and committees.
Represent the interests of the students from that site to the Union and the
University
Organise social, sporting and other events at that site, in conjunction with
other areas of the union, so as to enhance the experience of students from
that site.
SC1.2
Each designated University ‘College’ will have its own site committee.
SC1.3
At least one Student Committee shall exist for the students of Park Wood.
SC1.4
The Executive Committee may decide to create and disband other committees or
to rename any committee
Operation of Student Committees.
SC2.1
Each Student Committee shall have its own Constitution, which shall be approved by
the Executive Committee, and shall not contradict any part of this Constitution and
Bye-Laws.
SC2.2
Each Student Committee shall have the following elected positions, plus any others
in accordance with its Constitution:
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President
Vice-President
Welfare Officer
RAG Officer
Student Activities Officer
Sports Officer
Media/Communications Officer
Campaigns Officer
SC2.3
All members, residents or students shall be empowered to stand and vote in
elections for the above positions.
SC2.4
All elections must be conducted in accordance with the Elections Bye-Laws.
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BYE-LAWS: STUDENT ACTIVITIES
SA1
Team Kent
SA1.1 There shall be a Team Kent Executive Committee.
SA1.2 Team Kent Executive Committee shall have a constitution which shall be approved
by the Union’s Executive Committee.
SA2
The Societies Executive
SA2.1 There shall be a Societies Executive.
SA2.2 The Societies Executive shall have a constitution which shall be approved by the
Union’s Executive Committee.
SA3
Volunteering Committees
SA3.1 There shall be a Canterbury Volunteering Committee and a Medway Volunteering
Committee
SA3.2 The Canterbury Volunteer Committee (VolCom) shall have a constitution which shall
be approved by the Union’s Executive Committee.
SA3.3 The Medway Volunteer Committee (MedVolCom) shall have a constitution which
shall be approved by the Union’s Executive Committee.
SA4
Student Activities
SA4.1 The Union will facilitate other student groups, including Student Media,
Volunteering and Raise and Give, and will ensure that all activities operate under the
principle of student direction and leadership.
SA4.2 Constitutions or democratic structures for any such groups shall be approved by the
Union’s Executive Committee.
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BYE-LAWS: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
RO1
Removal from office of Union Officers
RO1.1 Trustees, may be removed from office in accordance with the Constitution.
RO1.2 Full-time and Part-time Officers may be removed from office by:
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A Referendum, conducted in accordance with the Referenda Bye-Laws;
A two thirds majority vote at a General Meeting
By a breach of the Kent Union Student Disciplinary Procedures resulting in
an exclusion from Union Activities; or
By exclusion from the University.
RO1.3 In addition, Student Committee Members may be removed from office by a twothirds majority at a General Meeting of that Site Committee.
RO2
Resignations from Office
RO2.1 Any Union Officer may tender their resignation at any time.
RO2.2 Resignations must be made in writing to the President of Kent Union
RO3
Removal from Office debates and replacements
RO3.1 Proposals to remove any member from Union Office shall be treated as a debate
under the Debating Bye-Laws.
RO3.2 In the case of a vacancy arising from a resignation, Executive Committee will
determine if and when to hold a bye-election in accordance with the election ByeLaws.
R04
Secure Petition
R04.1 As stated in the Constitution under 104.26 a Secure Petition is a written request to
the Union which shall be fixed in a pre-arranged place or places or held securely online. In the case of a Vote of Note Confidence (VNC) this shall be held in designated
university space(s) for a period of up to 7 days as deemed by the Returning Officer. If
the required 150 signatures are not collected during the set time period the Secure
Petition is closed. The wording of the secure petition shall be agreed at a meeting
with the Returning Officer and the Secure Petition will be kept in accordance with
Data Protection. Any signatures collected not in accordance with the above are not
deemed valid.
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BYE-LAWS: SPECIAL MEMBERSHIPS
SM1
Special Memberships
SM1.1 Kent Union may bestow Life and Honorary membership of the Union on any person,
subject to these Bye-Laws.
SM2.2 Special Membership may be awarded by a majority vote of Executive Committee or
any higher body.
SM2
Life and Honorary Membership
SM2.1 The status of Life and Honorary Members of the Union may be conferred on any
person by the Life and Honorary Committee of up to eight members elected at AGM.
The President is chair of this Committee and should meet once a year.
SM2.2 Nominations for Life and Honorary members should be emailed to the President.
SM2.3 Such status shall be held for life, excepting any repudiation outlined in these ByeLaws and the Constitution.
SM3
Repudiation of Life and Honorary Memberships
SM3.1 Any Life and Honorary Membership status may be repudiated at any time with
immediate effect by Executive Committee.
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BYE-LAWS: JOB DESCRIPTIONS
JD1:
Elected Officers
JD1.1
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JD2:
It shall be the responsibility of all elected officers to:
Represent the views of students within their remit to the Union and University.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with
o Other Union Officers
o Student Volunteers
o Union Staff
o University Staff
o Staff and Officers from External Organisations
Promote the interests of students and the Union in all activities.
Develop, promote and uphold Union Policy at all times.
Attend and report regularly to any relevant Union or University bodies.
Attend all training courses relevant to the role, as required.
Convene, organise, attend and chair any appropriate Union committees, working
groups or informal groups as appropriate and required by the membership.
Work alongside appropriate Union staff members to ensure that services and
activities within their remit exceed the expectations of the membership.
Abide by the Staff and Student Protocol agreement at all times.
Officer Trustees
JD2.1
The following full-time positions shall be Officer Trustees:
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Union President
Vice-President (Education)
Vice-President (Welfare)
Vice-President (Activities)
Vice-President (Sports)
JD2.2
Officer Trustees shall conform to the Officer Trustee Guidelines of Office.
JD2.3
Officer Trustees shall be paid an allowance in accordance with the Constitution.
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JD2.4
Officer Trustees shall be ex-officio Trustees of the Union.
Kent Union shall have the following part time positions:
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7 Student Committee Presidents
International Students’ Officer
Mature Students’ Officer
Part-time Students’ Officer
KGSA President
Students with Dependents’ Officer
Students with Disabilities Officer
Ethnic Minorities Officer
LGBT (Open place)
LGBT (Women’s place)
Women’s Officer
Ethics Officer
Environmental Officer
3 Undergraduate Faculty Representatives
6 Postgraduate Faculty Representatives
Societies Executive Committee Representative
Team Kent Executive Representative
Raise and Give (RAG) President
Volunteering Committee Representative
Medway Volunteering Committee Representative
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BYE-LAWS: DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES
DP1:
Democratic Process
DP1.1 Motions that are passed at a General Meeting or at Referenda and ideas that are
passed at an All Student Vote become Union policy for two years, and after this time
will automatically lapse.
DP1.2 Policy can be removed by a body of higher status.
DP1.3 Policy cannot be passed if it contravenes an existing policy made by a higher union
body. The President shall be the arbitrator of what contravenes existing policy.
DP1.4 The President will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance and publication of a
record of active policy.
DP1.5 Amendments to this Constitution and Bye-laws are not classed as policy and serve
until amended in accordance with the Constitution and Bye-laws
DP2:
All Student Votes
DP2.1 Kent Union will host an online ideas forum on the Kent Union website for any
member to submit a policy idea.
DP2.2 Ideas submitted to the online ideas forum have 14 calendar days to gain the support
of 150 members.
DP2.3 An all student vote will be called following the support of an idea on the online ideas
forum of at least 150 members. Ideas that fail to get the support of 150 members
cannot be submitted again to the online idea forum for one calendar year.
DP2.4 An idea passes if at least 100 members cast a vote in an all student vote and a
majority of the votes cast are in favour of the idea. If a majority of votes are cast
against the idea, or if less than 100 members cast a vote in the all student vote, the
idea falls and cannot be submitted to the online ideas forum for one calendar year.
DP 3:
Executive Committee
DP3.1 Executive Committee shall have the authority to:
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make, repeal and amend the Bye-Laws jointly with the Trustees in accordance
with Clause 73 in the constitution
to create sub-committees to support student group activities
appoint associate members in accordance with Clause 15 and the Bye-Laws
DP3.2 The composition and proceedings of Executive Committee shall be set out in the ByeLaws.
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DP4
Membership
DP4.1 Membership:
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5 full time Officers
29 Part time Officers:
o 7 Student Committee Presidents
o International Students’ Officer
o Mature Students’ Officer
o Part-time Students’ Officer
o KGSA President
o Students with Dependents’ Officer
o Students with Disabilities Officer
o Ethnic Minorities Officer
o LGBT (Open place)
o LGBT (Women’s place)
o Women’s Officer
o Ethics Officer
o Environmental Officer
o 3 Undergraduate Faculty Representatives
o 6 Postgraduate Faculty Representatives
o Societies Executive Committee Representative
o Team Kent Executive Representative
o Raise and Give (RAG) President
o Volunteering Committee Representative
o Medway Volunteering Committee Representative
DP4.2 A member may submit an application to the Executive Committee to amend the
Bye-laws so long as they have the support of two Executive Committee members.
Following the submission the Executive Committee will convene within 14 calendar
days. Members shall be given 7 calendar days’ notice of the meeting. All members
have the rights to attend and speak Executive Committee meetings.
DP4.3 All Executive Committee members must attend each meeting where a group of
students will be randomly selected in the room to have full voting rights.
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5 Full time Officers
5 part time officers (1 to be a post graduate rep) (1 to be liberation)
Societies Executive Committee Representative
Team Kent Executive Representative
Medway or Canterbury Volunteering Committee Representative
DP4.4 Bye-law amendments require a two-thirds majority vote to be enacted.
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DP5
Principles of Debate at Executive Committee
DP5 .1 The Chair of the meeting shall be responsible for ensuring that any and all debates
are fair, inclusive and robust. In particular, the Chair of the meeting shall:







DP6
Be impartial and not participate in debate.
Ensure that debates are ‘balanced’.
Ensure that students are given an equal opportunity to participate.
Ensure that only one item is discussed at any one point in time.
Ensure that, as far as is possible, all items on the Agenda get discussed.
Advise the meeting as to proper conduct with regard to this Constitution, its
Bye-Laws and the Law.
Adjourn the meeting, or remove speaking rights from individuals, if necessary to
ensure the good conduct and course of business of the meeting.
Order of Debate at Executive Committee
DP6.1 Debates should follow the following structure:



A speech for the proposal
A speech against the proposal
Summation speeches
DP6.2 The proposer and seconder of a motion will be given the opportunity to make the
first two speeches for the motion.
DP6.3 The proposer of a motion will be given the opportunity to make the Summation
Speech.
DP7
Process of Debates at Executive Committee
DP7.1 Before a debate:


The Chair of the meeting will indicate the amount of time after which the debate
will conclude (the Guillotine)
The Chair of the meeting will indicate the amount of time available for each
speech.
DP7.2 During a Debate:
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
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Members should address themselves to the Chair of the meeting.
Members wishing to speak should indicate this to the Chair of the meeting.
The Chair of the meeting will call the first member observed.
All speakers should be given an equal amount of time to speak.
Members may ask a question, raise a point of order, raise a point of information
or propose a procedural motion.
The Chair of the meeting may move to a vote should the meeting agree that no
further discussion is required.
The proposer of a motion may withdraw the motion.
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DP7.3
After a Debate:
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DP8
The proposer and first opposer of a motion shall be invited to make a
summation speech, which shall contain no new information.
A vote will take place, normally conducted by a show of hands.
The Chair of the meeting will record votes for, votes against and abstentions.
The Chair of the meeting will indicate if a clear majority is demonstrated.
If a clear majority is not demonstrated the Chair will conduct a count.
Once the Chair of the meeting is satisfied as to the result of a count, the Chair’s
ruling on the result will be final.
Members shall not enter or leave the room during a vote.
Debates will require a simple majority, except where otherwise specified in the
Constitution.
Interventions at Executive Committee
DP8.1 At any time, any member may raise any of the following points of order in order to
challenge the conduct of the meeting:
i: A request for a count of those present to ensure that the meeting is quorate
ii:
A request that the Chair of the meeting make a ruling as to the conduct of
the meeting.
iii
A request for a Constitutional Interpretation.
iv
The Chair of the meeting will respond to the point of order immediately.
DP8.2 At any time, any member may raise a point of information. Points of information:


Must only contain ‘matters of fact’.
May only be given with the permission of the current speaker, or the Chair of
the meeting.
DP8.3 At any time during the debate, except during a vote, any member may propose one
of the following procedural motions:
xiii.
xiv.
xv.
xvi.
xvii.
xviii.
xix.
xx.
xxi.
xxii.
xxiii.
xxiv.
That the meeting has no confidence in the Chair of the meeting and that
s/he should be replaced for the remainder of the meeting.
To challenge the ruling of the Chair of the meeting.
That there should be a further round of speeches.
To move straight to a vote.
To adjourn the meeting for a break.
That the current discussion should be resolved with a secret ballot.
That a vote should be recounted.
That the debate should be split into parts and voted on separately.
To allow non-members to speak in the meeting.
To remove speaking rights from a member of the meeting.
To amend the order of items on the Agenda.
To call for a recorded vote.
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DP8.4 The proposer of the motion will be given one (1) minute to speak in favour of the
procedural motion. The Chair of the meeting will then seek one (1) opposer to
speak for one (1) minute against the procedural motion. This will be followed by a
vote.
DP8.5 In the event of procedural motion i. is proposed, the Chair of the meeting will
immediately give way to a Vice-Chair for the duration of the debate and vote on the
procedural motion.
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