Present: Rhiannon Horlsey - President (Chair), Vicky Clarke, Rachel Reid, Jess Mobbs, Lynsey Burrows.
In attendance: Richard Silcock, Chief Executive
Apologies: Pete Jeffreys
The Chair introduced the officers and welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting of RUSU and RUSU Services Limited.
Minutes of the 2007 AGM
These were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Report on last year's activities
Representing the views of our members - Lynsey Burrows reported on:
The employment of a dedicated Campaigns Co-ordinator.
The training and development programme for potential Sabbatical Officers and Trustees.
The continued review of the governance structure and development of Student Voice, Student Feedback Forum and Services and Entertainments Forum.
The funding secured for an academic case worker as part of the student advice team.
Raising the profile of the Students' Union through relevant groups in the local community.
Engaging effectively with our members - Rachel Reid reported on:
The successful trial of online voting for the sabbatical elections resulting in an increased turnout of over 2400.
Externally facilitated focus groups, the results of which have been fed into strategic plans for the next three years.
The development of a Communications department to improve paper based and digital information and to ensure effective reaction to feedback from members.
The development of the 'Everybody's Talkin' e-newsletter sent out fortnightly to 18000 students.
Enhancing the experience for our members - Jess Mobbs reported on:
Instigation of the 'Give it a go' scheme with the provision of free 'taster' sessions.
The new service level agreement with the SportsPark.
The continued development of services in the Hub including support for volunteers, society members and sports clubs.
The continued successful roll out of the MASIV scheme enabling almost 200 students to gain degree accreditation for their voluntary work.
Providing quality facilities and services for our members - Vicky Clarke reported on:
The opening of the Juice Bar thus increasing the range of health options available.
The deal negotiated with Blackwells.
The refurbishment of the non food area of the Students' Union shop.
Continued development of the retail mall which now included a convenience store, an oriental outlet, a cereal & bagel bar, hairdressers, insurance office, juice bar and bookstore.
The increased quality and capacity of the Summer Ball.
Working on behalf of our members - Rhiannon Horsley reported on:
The improvement in our score in the 'Sound Impact Awards', a scheme that benchmarks best practice in ethical and environmental performance.
The work on the Student Union Evaluation Initiative, a Government backed accreditation scheme.
Successfully maintaining 'Best Bar None' accreditation, a scheme that measures how safe and customer focused our licensed trade venues are.
The recording of a surplus for the financial year in line with reserves policy.
There were no questions.
Financial Reports for RUSU and RUSU Services Limited
Richard Silcock presented the accounts for RUSU (Whiteknights and Bulmershe) and RUSU Services Ltd (Nursery).
In respect of RUSU, overall a £57k surplus had been recorded for the year compared to £104k last year. The majority of the increased reserves of £240k were tied up in refurbishment and equipment with net assets at £42k.
The grant income from the University was £801k which included additions for student numbers and funding towards projects including MASIV. The net trading income was down £50k on last year to £251k. This was due to a national downturn in licensed trade sales and increased marketing costs. Sales and profitability in retail had increased.
Expenditure showed a small increase in Support Services due to staffing costs; Membership Services was in line with previous years; Democracy and Elected - support for democratic processes showed some savings; Clubs and societies supporting over 120 groups had received increased funding of £30k; Affiliations of £46k included NUS, sports affiliations.
RUSU hoped to become a register with the Charity Commission late 2009 and work would be done with the auditors and finance providers to prepare the account format for probable charitable incorporation.
With regard to RUSU Services Ltd, this was supported by RUSU and University assistance to pay off negative reserves of £114k.
The financial accounts for 2007/08 were duly approved. The appointment of the Auditors,Knox Cropper were approved
The year ahead budgeted for increases in venue income following refurbishments, a slight
reduction in retail and a reduction in franchised space due to games machines and STA travel.
On the expenditure side, an increased budget in Membership and Democracy, increased
contribution to sports and societies, giving a surplus budget of £35k. There would be a Nursery
re-budget to take account of the new provision.
Where we go next:
Representing the views of our members, Lynsey Burrows reported on plans for the following year:
A review of the organisation's strategic plan.
Preparation for the Charities Act.
Production of an Annual Report for the AGM.
Continuing work with JCR's.
Playing an active role in the community.
Review of the effectiveness of the democratic meetings.
Engaging effectively with our members, Rachel Reid reported on plans for the following year:
Increasing the election turnout with a target of 3000 votes.
Review of 'Everybody's Talkin' to increase impact.
Promotion of online sales of University merchandise and trialing e-tickets for Union events.
Market research to discover students' views on the provision of student activities.
The use of innovative ways to increase the feedback from our members.
Promotion of social facilities available to JCRs.
Enhancing the experience for our members, Jess Mobbs reported on plans for the following year:
The continuation and development of the range and quality of services available from the Hub.
Further development of the 'Give it a go' initiative.
The development of a training programme for our volunteers based on key skills.
The setting of targets for participation in volunteering.
A review of the sports fee structure in consultation with the University.
Providing quality facilities and services for our members, Vicky Clarke reported on plans for the following year:
The provision of a new 90 place nursery facility with extended opening, in partnership with the University.
A review of the demand for a non licensed social space on campus.
A review of entertainments to include a recommendation for non alcohol centre events.
Investigation of options for extended opening of RUSU services during core times.
The implementation of a mystery shopper scheme.
A merchandise project with the University to provide online sales and opportunities at Henley.
The promotion of involvement of student volunteers in the delivery of welfare training and campaigns.
Working on behalf of our members, Rhiannon Horsley reported on plans for the following year:
The achievement of silver accreditation in the 'Sound Impact Awards'
The confirmation of commitment to achieving Investors in People status.
A successful completion of the Student Union Evaluation Initiative assessment.
Improvement of performance and continuation of accreditation in 'Best Bar None'.
The communication of the new Strategic Operating Plan through staffing structure and appraisal process.
The production of a three year rolling financial plan.
A review of the provision of the outsourced financial processing.
An investigation into sourcing additional funding from non traditional sources.
Questions from the floor:
Q. What were the benefits of becoming a charity?
A. Rhiannon Horsley said it was to become mandatory for all student unions and, in preparation, RUSU had reviewed its governance and established a Trustee Board.
Q. Could more detail be given on the volunteer training programme?
A. Rhiannon Horsley hoped that an enterprise agenda would be developed with emphasis on helping with employability. Next year it would be opened to clubs and societies and the following year to all students.
Q. What happened with the swimming pool campaign?
A. Rhiannon Horsley reported that gathered a 1500 signature petition. This was not one of the University's priorities but lobbying would continue.
Q. Would volunteer training include JCRs?
A. The training programme had not been finalised but would include JCR Committees.
Q. How soon will event tickets be online?
A. It had been hoped to do this from October, but will certainly be ready for next academic year.
Rhiannon Horsley gave a brief outline on what it was like to be a sabbatical officer; RU the next president information sessions were being held in the next two weeks.
She thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
