annual report 21.11.13 english - cardiff students

Annual Impact REPORT

2012/13

Y Y

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2012/13

CONTENTS

27

23

19

24

20

25

21

26

22

3 4 5 6

15

11

7

16

12

8

17

13

9

18

14

10

The Union’s mission, vision and values

An introduction to the report by the President

and Chief Executive

Headline Achievements

and wins

Satisfaction (students and staff)

Performance against our targets

Representation, Student Voice and campaigning for

students

Advice and Representation

Overall Engagement

Sport & Societies

Student Media

Democracy & Elections

Student Development

Volunteering in the Community

Entertainment Entertainment Housing

Unistaff Jobshop and money in

students’ pockets

IT Shop & Cutting Edge

Union Services at the Heath Park

Campus

Income And Expenditure

Trading Performance

Building works – summer 2013

Proposed building works – summer 2014

Our plans 2013/14

28Strategy development

2014-17List of Trustees /

Directors and Senior staff

2


Did you know

The Union runs a trading company – Cardiff Union Services Limited – to operate its commercial services. The profits of the Trading Company are then gifted to the Union to put back into its charitable activities and services.

3

About the UnionCardiff University Students’ Union aspires to have a positive impact on all students’ lives, whilst helping them enjoy their time at Cardiff. As a student-led, independent part of the University, the Union does this by representing students and providing a diverse and inclusive range of activities and services. The Union is based on Park Place and at the University Hospital of Wales, employees 100 permanent staff, 300 student staff and turns over approximately £8.5M per annum.

...and to help

them enjoy their time at

Cardiff

Aspiring to have

a positive impact

on all students’

lives...

our

vision

quality culture

partnership communications

sustainability opportunities

OUR

VALUES Y

Y

Y

Did you know

The Union is a registered charity and was incorporated as a limited company in 2010.


Introduction from the President and Chief ExecutiveIntroduction from the PresidentI am in the fortunate position of being in my second year as an elected offi cer and am therefore able to refl ect on last year’s achievements, monitor our current progress and look forward to the exciting plans the offi cer team have for the year ahead.

2012/13 was a year of great change for Cardiff University and the Students’ Union which also means it’s been a time of great opportunity. The University has a new Vice Chancellor who has restructured the academic schools into 3 colleges. The Union has a new CEO, one less elected offi cer (or Vice Presidents as they’re now known) and has undergone vast physical improvements.

I hope that these physical improvements are set to continue and over the next few months I will be talking with students about the plans to redevelop the 2nd fl oor. That includes Solus nightclub, the Kitchen, the Taf and (fi ngers crossed) the creation of some better outdoor social space!

I’d like to thank and congratulate the offi cer team of 2012/13 for their hard work and dedication, which is exemplifi ed by the number of wins for students you can fi nd in this report. They lay the foundations for a number of this year’s projects meaning the 2013/14 team have been able to hit the ground running.

Introduction from the Chief ExecutiveIt gives me great pleasure to introduce the Union’s annual report and look back on what the team has achieved over the past year. Having joined the Union as Chief Executive in June 2013, the majority of this report covers a time before I knew the organisation and knew the depth of its engagement with Cardiff students. However, the fantastic achievements of the Union’s staff, offi cers and volunteers over the 12 months gives me optimism that the Union can keep going from strength to strength next year and beyond.

I was attracted to Cardiff because of the Union’s excellent reputation, its high levels of satisfaction with its students and the bold ambitions of the University. Over the next year I will be working with Cari, the other elected offi cers, our staff and the University to develop a new vision for the Union that will reinforce our strengths, provide a platform on which the Union can thrive and ensure that the Union is recognised as an outstanding part of the University.

During the next year we will continue to invest in the Union’s physical spaces and provide the best possible space for students to access our representation, services and activities. We will do this whilst also rebalancing the commercial services offered by the Union so that they continue to add value and additional income to fund the Union’s core activities. After a challenging year in 2011/12 the Union’s trading company returned to profi t in 2012/13 and we expect this to be further strengthened during 2013/14.

I hope you enjoy reading the report. If you want to see the Union’s formal report and our fi nancial statements then please visit cardiffstudents.com/Impact.

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2012/13 5

Headline achievements and wins for Cardiff students

Elected Offi cer Achievements• Introduced a Zero Tolerance to

Sexual Harassment policy across the University and Students’ Union

• Successfully lobbied the University for Ethical Investment of its banking and fi nances

• Introduced the Advice Squad - to raise awareness of the pastoral support the Union offers

• Held Go Green Week - offering cycling awareness/bike security classes and master classes on growing your own vegetables

• Supported NUS Wales’ Reclaim The Night campaign, empowering women in the community

• Fought to save the Health Centre at the University

• Introduced a Safe Taxi Scheme to ensure students can get home safely even with no money

• Gave away over 2,000 free teas, coffees, waters and energy drinks during Revision Aid

• Turned a £250k defi cit last year into a small surplus this year

• Secured a lucrative deal with WHSmiths

• Increased overall membership of societies by 10%

• Hosted Go:Global which involved thousands of students, 28 events and 36 societies

• Introduced RAG (Raise and Give) reps to Society Committees

• Trained over 500 society committee members for next year

• Attended NUS’ #DEMO2012• Attended #BUCSProtest to protect

medic sports clubs• Grew the number of societies we

have to over 150• Hired a new Chief Executive

• Carried out our biggest survey ever of student experience on Clinical Placement

• Hosted our biggest and best Freshers week yet for March nurses

• Secured a commitment to freeze international students’ fees for the duration of their course

• Gave over 2,000 students the chance to give feedback to the University during Speak Week

• Delivered 700 postcards with students’ ideas directly to the Vice Chancellor’s desk

• Recruited over 900 Student Academic Reps

• Secured an additional £1.1m for Halls of Residence improvements from the central University budget

• Secured £1.04m to transform the 3rd fl oor of the Students’ Union

• Won NUS’ best LGBT+ Campaign for ‘Out in Sport’

• Won best Student Media in NUS Wales Awards

• Held the biggest Varsity yet with 30 fi xtures played, 23 of which Cardiff won! Over 17,000 spectators in the Millennium Stadium!

• Organised the fi rst centralised sports tour to Salou, Spain

• Raised £1,500 for Wheelpower with a charity calendar

• Increased overall membership of sports clubs by 20%

• Introduced a sports club tiering structure to the AU to motivate clubs to improve and reward success

• Ratifi ed four new sports clubs• Introduced a new staff role:

Activities Manager

• Co-written the University’s fi rst sports strategy

• Secured up to £15,000 sponsorship from Kukri for the Athletic Union

• Increased engagement of students with the Heath Hub by 500%

• Secured £350k of funding to redevelop the 4th fl oor, giving us new teaching/meeting rooms and a conferencing suite

• Printed the 1,000th issue of Gair Rhydd

• Held the ‘Don’t Drop Out, Drop In’ campaign after Christmas

• Built a new website to keep students better informed of all that we do

• Erected new bilingual signage throughout our building

• Designed and rolled out new branding for the Union for greater impact and consistency

• Held the fi rst ever Cardiff Course Rep Conference

• Reshaped student democracy and received more ideas for change from students than the previous 3 years combined

• Trained a record number of Student Academic Reps

• Held our fi rst ever employability workshop for Student Academic Reps

• Secured tentative commitment from the University for the recording of lectures

• Spoke to over 2,000 fi rst year students about the Student Academic Rep System

• Heavily infl uenced the University’s priorities for capital spending

INCREASES IN OVERALL

ENGAGEMENT Summer Works 2013Best Student Media

NUS WALES VARSITY


SHEFFIELD

LEEDS

LOUGHBOROUGH

BATH

KEELE

WINCHESTER

CARDIFF

DUNDEE

TEESSIDE

COVENTRY

6

SatisfactionStudent SatisfactionSince 2012 the National Student Survey (NSS) has included a question regarding satisfaction in the Students’ Union. All final year undergraduate students are invited to complete to survey and at Cardiff over 90% of students take part. In the 2013 results Cardiff has remained in the top 10 of all students’ unions in the UK and the top students’ union in Wales.

Staff SatisfactionThe Union’s staff are often responsible for delivering many of the Union’s activities and services and for supporting the thousands of students that volunteer their time to the Union and through running sports clubs, societies and other interest groups. In July 2013 72% of the Union’s staff said that Cardiff Students’ Union was a great place to work.

The Question“Thinking of all the services, including support, activities and academic representation provided by the Students’ Union (Association or Guild) at your institution, to what extent do you agree with the following statement: I am satisfied with the Students’ Union (Association or Guild) at my institution”.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

10TOP

of staff say that the Union is a great place to work

July 2013

72%888

2013 National Student Survey

Rank + / -

Rank 2013

Institution Union % Agree 2013

Union % Agree 2012

0 1 Sheffield (University of) 93 95

1 2 Leeds (University of) 90 90

-1 3 Loughborough University 88 91

8 4 Bath (University of) 85 79

13 5 Keele University 84 76

3 6 Winchester (University of) 83 80

-3 7 Cardiff University 82 83

-2 8 Dundee (University of) 82 82

2 9 Teesside (University of) 81 79

12 10 Coventry University 81 75


Performance against our targetsIn 2010 the Union launched its current strategy and set a range of targets in each year of that plan. During 2012/13 the Union had 96 individual targets, of which 29 were achieved, 13 were partially achieved and 52 weren’t achieved.

2012/13 was the penultimate year of the Union’s current strategy and many of the targets were very stretching. In addition, some of the original targets have become less applicable over time and not rigorously pursued.

For 2013/14 the Union’s operating plan has been simplified and includes only 20 targets covering: stakeholders; learning and growth; financial management and control; and systems, policies and procedures. The Union has also committed to launching its new strategic plan before the end of the academic year to cover 2014/17.

11 2 2 7

21 5 2 14

21 8 2 11

20 8 6 6

18 6 3 9

2 0 0 2

3 0 0 3

Totals 96 29 13 52

Your voice

Community Engagement

Employability

Health & Wellbeing

Fun and Friendship

Services

Resources

Targets Achieved Partially Achieved Not achieved


Representation / Student Voice / campaigning for students

The Union has a long and proud history of representing Cardiff students and shaping the learner experience at Cardiff University. Every year the student leadership of the Union is elected by students with College and School reps being elected by students from those areas.

RepresentationStudent Academic Reps play a vital role in the partnership between Cardiff University Students’ Union and Cardiff University. The Reps act as a link between members of staff and their fellow students to ensure that the student voice is heard and taken seriously at every level. Reps also attend Student-Staff panels within their school.

In 2012/13, 500 students were trained as Reps in comparison to 200 the year before. The training was delivered via 35 individual training sessions across schools and the Students’ Union.

Student Voice2013 saw the first ever Speak Week; a week offering students the chance to give feedback on their University experience through online surveys, feedback points around campus and an ideas wall in the Students’ Union. Speek Week also hosted the first Student Academic Rep conference at the Students’ Union.

Campaigning for StudentsThere is a lively campaigning culture at Cardiff University Students’ Union allowing student members to support causes they believe in and have their say on important issues. Campaigns are often headed up by Elected Officers, Associations, Student Run Services and by the National Union of Students.

In 2012 - 1 3

500

Students were trained as Reps in comparison to 200 the year before

Supporting studentsIn 2012/13, Cardiff University Students’ Union supported its student members in the following campaigns:

• Mind Your Head Week (mental health and wellbeing)

• Everyday Sexism Project

• Sustainability (Go Green Week)

Number of Student Academic Reps

2012-13 971 2011-12 963


Advice and Representation

The Union runs a dedicated advice and representation centre on the 3rd floor of the Union building and from the Health Hub at the Heath campus. Our team of Student Advisers will either directly support students or refer them on to specialist help.

During 2012/13 the Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) saw a marked increase in the number of student seeking help. In total, 1,739 individual students sought help compared to 1,225 in 2011/12.

ARC advises on a range of issues including academic, consumer, housing, employment, student finance, money matters and personal matters.

Academic issues Over the past year, ARC has dealt with 856 Academic issues including such matters as unfair practice, fitness to practice, progression of study, academic appeals and extenuating circumstances. During this period ARC advised on 251 academic appeals and 295 issues that related to extenuating circumstances. ARC also advised and represented an increased number of unfair practice cases. ARC was able to successfully support and represent some students that had fitness to practice and disciplinary issues, which involved the advisers with intensive casework over a prolonged period of time.

ARC advised on 1,064 housing issues that included house hunting, housing contract checks, housing deposits, disrepair issues and residence complaints.

ARC also held various events to engage with students about preventative issues such as Revision Aid and Housing Advice Week. During the year nearly 4,000 housing advice leaflets are distributed informing students about their rights and responsibilities in the private rented sector.

1,225 1,739

2011-12 2012-13NUMBER

OF STUDENTS

SEEKING

help

Money DoctorsMoney Doctors, our partnership with the University Student Support Centre, actively promotes money awareness amongst students and this year reached 2,225 students by presenting talks, interactive events and distributing information.


Overall EngagementThe Union strives to measure all of its interactions with Cardiff students and records participation in Union activities and use of services. Over the next year the Union will aim to use this information to better run its activities and services and ensure that student participation reflects the diversity of the University’s students.

The tools used to record the number of engagements are always being updated to ensure that they are accurate, fair and reflect actual activity. These factors are taken into account when measuring how the Union uses this data.

During 2012/13 the Union saw a huge overall increase in the number of students that engaged with the Union. Listed below is the number of students that used each service or activity associated with the Union.

Cardiff University Students’ Union Total Student Engagement 2012-13

Number of Students’ Union services engaged with

Number of Services Count of Ids

2012/13 2011/12 +/- %

One Service 7197 6911 286 4.14

Two Services 4246 4094 152 3.71

Three Services 2801 2589 212 8.19

Four Services 1387 1282 105 8.19

Five Services 596 523 73 13.96

Six Services 223 216 7 3.24

Seven Services 97 78 19 24.36

Eight Services 40 35 5 14.29

Nine Services 11 8 3 37.50

Ten Services 1 14 -13 -92.86

Eleven Services 5 4 1 25.00

Twelve Services 3 4 -1 -25.00

Thirteen Services 2 1 1 100.00

Fourteen Services 0 1 -1 -100.00

60% of all Cardiff StudentsIn 2012/13 16,616 students used one or more of the Union’s services, compared to 15,760 in 2011/12, representing more than a 5% increase. In total, this amounts to 60% of all Cardiff students. In addition to this we recognise that many students may engage with us in ways that we aren’t able to measure – like using the social facilities in the Union and buying things through our shops, bars and cafes. It is unlikely that the Union will ever measure these sorts of engagements, but the Union is constantly striving to ensure that all Cardiff students engage with the Union and feel satisfied with what we offer.

Student Run Services

Student Media

Student Council

Student Development

Unit

Letting

Jobshop

IT Shop

Guild of SocietiesEntertainments

Enterprise

Election Candidate

Athletic Union

Associations

AGMAdvice

Voter

Driver Testing

Course Rep

Volunteering (SVC)

One Service

Two Services

Three Services

Four Services

Five ServicesNine Services

Ten Services

Eleven Services

Six Services

Seven Services

Eight Services


SPORTS & SOCIETIES

The Union facilitates the running of over 64 sports clubs and societies. These groups are overseen by the Union, but much of the organising activity is undertaken by student volunteers from within the student groups. These volunteers are the elected members of these groups every year.

In 2012/13 the Union saw a significant increase of over 500 members of Athletic Union clubs. This resulted in 88 teams representing the University in sport competitions with over 800 students participating.

SocietiesDuring 2012/13 Societies membership reached an all time high, with 4,872 students signing up to one of the Union’s groups, representing nearly 18% of all students registered at the University.

The Guild of Societies are a diverse collection of groups, broadly broken into political, recreational, cultural and course based groups. If you want to see a full breakdown of all the Union’s societies then please visit www.cardiffstudents.com/societies.

20TOP

BUCSThe Union enters Athletic Union teams in British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) competitions and the performance of all teams is measured in the BUCS national league table. In 2012/13 the Union slipped from 17th to 19th place but remained in the top 20 out of 140 participating institutions.

2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2009/08 2009/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

1422 18 16 17 16 15 12

17 19

The Athletic Union Bucs Position


Student MediaThe Union supports a range of student led media outlets: Gair Rhydd; Quench; Xpress Radio; and CUTV. These media groups are run like sports clubs and societies and produce media content for all Cardiff students.

The Union has changed how it measures engagement in student media. Previously, students that sign up to be members of each of the groups have been counted for engagement purposes, but in 2012/13, this was changed so that only those that actually contributed by producing content and technical support were counted. Over the year, 146 students contributed to the media groups.

New media centreIn April 2013 Student Media moved from its space on the fourth floor of the Union to a purpose built space on the third floor.

QuenchCUTVXPRESS RADIO gair rhydd

students contributed to the media groups


democracy & elections

All students at Cardiff are given the opportunity to participate in the Union’s democracy and influence the direction and policy of the organisation. This is done through electing the major office holders in March every year and through participation in policy making bodies like the Annual Members Meeting and the Ministry of Change.

In March, 4,898 Cardiff students (about 18% of all students) elected the current group of Elected Officers through a secret ballot. This represents a slight drop on the previous year, where 5,018 students voted, but in 2013/14 the Union has committed to trying to get over 8,000 students to participate – or about 29% of Cardiff students.

CAR

DIFF STU

DEN

TS ELECTED

OFFIC

ERS

THR

OU

GH

A S

ECR

ET BALLOT

march 2012

5,018 march 2013

4,898

Ministry of ChangeDuring 2012/13 the Union rebranded the Student Council – on a trial basis – to be called the Ministry of Change, with the aim of getting more students involved in its decision making and setting the Union’s policies. Whilst the final Ministry of change structure and branding was still under development, it successfully increased the number of items submitted by students for consideration from 10 (11/12) to 63 (12/13).


Student DevelopmentThis Union was one of the first in the UK to develop student development programmes to enhance student skills and employability. In recognition for the growing importance of this work and the need to expand opportunities to more students, the Union partnered with the University to develop an excellent new space for Student Development, within the newly created Centre for Skills, Enterprise and Volunteering within the Union building.

Opened by the Vice Chancellor in September 2012 the new Centre now offers an excellent space to deliver the Union’s skills programmes in areas such as leadership, personal effectiveness and communication. Students can gain certification for completing five units in these courses and during 2012/13 134 students attained Communication, 155 Personal Effectiveness and 161 Leadership. In total 1,797 individual students took part in skills development sessions, a huge 39% increase on the year before. In total 6,411 contacts were made as a result of repeat attendances and working closely with individual schools.

Communication

Personal Effectiveness

Leadership

155

181

134

1,797 individual students

took part

39% increase on the

year before

TOTAL

6,411 contacts were made


During the yearSVC saw a 23% increase in student involvement with 958 long term volunteers as well as over 200 volunteers taking part in one off events. SVC also supported 62 volunteers to achieve their 50, 100 or 200 hour awards in Millennium Volunteering.

15

Volunteering and student enterpise

The Union supports a huge programme of community volunteering in Cardiff and the wider community in South Wales through Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC). SVC is an independent charity set up and run by Cardiff students, funded by the Union and housed in the Centre for Skills, Enterprise and Volunteering on the second floor of the Union building.

Achievements Within the Community:Education: SVC operated in 10 local primary schools, 7 secondary schools and managed 3 after-school clubs.

Mental-health: SVC operated on 13 wards within 2 mental-health hospitals in Cardiff; SVC also offered volunteering opportunities within 2 rehabilitation units.

Partner Organisations: SVC continued to work in partnership by supporting recruitment for local and national organisations including the following-

Headway, Bullies Out, Hybu, Age Concern, NHS, Communities First, S.W Police

New Projects:Last year SVC started the following new projects:

• Confident Futures Project: In partnership with the Widening Access Team, a project supporting young people living in care to develop skills, confidence and aspirations about Higher Education.

• Fab 5 Partner Planners and Make & Bake: Both are clubs organising events and activities for older people.

• Innovate Trust: Working with our partner organisation, volunteers were matched to adults with learning, physical and /or mental health disabilities living in Supported Housing.

• LOL Fridays: A club providing young people with Down’s syndrome the opportunity to build social and life skills.

More information about SVC can be found on their website: www.svcardiff.org

Cardiff University EnterpriseBased in the Centre for Skills, Enterprise and Volunteering, Cardiff University Enterprise is a University managed service that works closely with the Union to offer excellent student enterprise opportunities and support. Over the course of the year 655 students took part in Cardiff University Enterprise extracurricular events, up from 602 in the previous year.

In addition over 90 students were supported to develop their business ideas and 548 students developed enterprise skills through accredited modules developed by academic staff supported by the Enterprise team.

958..long term volunteers as well as over 200 volunteers taking part in one off events

23%INCREASE INSTUDENTINVOLVEMENT


EntertainmentThe Union recognises its significant role in creating fun and friendship opportunities for Cardiff students and this is done through dedicated spaces within the Union building.

Cafes, Food and Social spacesThe Union runs a range of services within the Union building where students can eat, drink, study and relax. In addition to being highly valued by students, many of these services also contribute financially to the Union, so that more money can be directed towards providing welfare services, student activities and student development. In 2012/13 the Union entered into an agreement with WHSmiths for them to take over the management of the Union Shop. Re-opened in April 2013 the new WHSmiths’ store provides an extended range of student essentials and University-branded clothing.

The LoungeLaunched in 2011 the Lounge is a dedicated space for students to relax in a non-commercial environment. The lounge has dedicated study and Skype pods, a student Kitchen, a prayer room and a roof terrace.

The Graduate CentreThe Union works in partnership with the University in running the Graduate Centre – a dedicated space for study and social learning for post graduate students. The Graduate Centre boasts its own cafe bar and a range of social activities for post graduate students.

The TafThe Taf is the Union’s traditional pub in the Union building, offering a range of food and drink options seven days a week and a programme of entertainment.

The KitchenThe Kitchen is a daytime only food outlet, providing a range of hot and cold food and drinks at an affordable price. Situated on the second floor, the Kitchen is very popular during term time and can accommodate up to 200 students.

Magic WrapSituated on the Ground Floor, Magic Wrap offers a healthy lunch time takeaway option for students.

CF10CF10 is a traditional cafe that offers affordable breakfast and lunch options all year round. Situated on the first floor – opposite the Great Hall – CF10 is also used as a gig venue and bookable space for student groups in the evening.


WHSmithsThe popular Union Shop was given new life in April 2013 when the Union entered into a partnership with WHSmiths. Situated on the first floor WHSmiths in open all year round, 09:30am to 16:30pm.

The Union runs a thriving, diverse and popular range of evening activities for Cardiff students. The Great Hall, Solus and the Union building’s other social spaces provide a fun and safe environment for night time activities that continue to be popular with students.

During 2012/13 at least 8,659 students attended our night-time activities in the Union building, an 18% increase on 2011/12 . It isn’t possible to capture the data of all students that use these facilities and therefore the number of users will be higher. In addition, the Union’s entertainment programmes are open to students of other universities in Cardiff and the Union’s entertainment programme remains popular with that group.

SolusThe Union’ main nightclub, Solus, offers regular night time

activities as well as gigs, one-off events and is used for a range of day time uses including fitness classes,

exhibitions and market stalls.

8,659 students attended our night-time activities in the Union building

18% increase on 2011/12

Did you knowAt least 31% of registered students participated in the Union’s night time entertainments programme?

the great hall

The Great Hall is the Union’s

biggest open-span space and is

used for a wide variety of activities

throughout the year including

events, gigs, lectures, exams,

awards dinners and fayres

Did you knowIn 2012/13 the Union hosted 68 gigs in the Union with acts such as Jake Bugg, Bastille and the NME Awards Tour.


HOUSING

STUDENTS

HOUSED

2011/20121,360

2012/20131,499STUDENTS

HOUSED

OWNED & RUN BYCardiff Student Letting

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' UNION

The Union wholly owns its own letting agency, based on the Ground Floor of the Union. Established in 2005,

Cardiff Student Letting housed 1,499 students last year, and is the only lettings agency in Cardiff not

to charge agency fees to tenants. Despite this, Cardiff Student Letting still makes a healthy

profit that is then re-invested into the Union’s other activities and

services.

LETTING

AGENCY

Whollyowned

NO AGENCY

FEES

EST2005


Unistaff Jobshop and money in students’ pockets

The Union works in partnership with the University in running the Unistaff Jobshop – an employment agency for Cardiff students, which places students in part-time and temporary work both within the University and in the wider community. Unistaff Jobshop is based on the Ground Floor of the Union building, although many students access the service via cardiffstudents.com or the database of jobs sent to registered students.

Highly valuedIn 2012/13 the Jobshop continued to be a highly valued and accessed service by Cardiff students with 1,870 students being placed into part time or temporary work, a slight increase on the year before.

PROVIDED OVER

100,000hours of paid

work 2012/2013

ACCESSED BY OVER

3,000students

2012/2013

PAID OUT

1.2m in casual wages

2012/2013


it Shop & cutting edge

1,232Repairs completed

30,800Total amount of money the IT Shop

saved students on repairs

260,000 Sales since the IT Shop opened

The Union runs an IT Shop from the fi rst fl oor of the Union building, supplying IT equipment as well as providing PC and laptop repairs. In addition, the Shop also caters for a wide range of student stationery needs.

Located on the ground fl oor of the Union building, the Union runs a hairdressing salon. Open to students, staff and the local community all profi ts from the salon are reinvested back into the Union’s activities and services.

Since opening in 2010 the salon has gone from strength to strength and is a highly valued service.


Union Services at the Heath Park Campus

The Heath Hub is the heart of Heath-based Union activity. Students can access a multitude of the services provided by the Students’ Union, including the Jobshop, Cardiff Student Letting, the Advice and Representation Centre (ARC), as well as Skills Development Service courses. The Heath Hub is also the main point of contact to the Students’ Union on Park Place with a direct phone line to the Elected Officers.

HEATH

1917 students engaged with the Heath Hub184%

increase on 2011-12

,


INCOME AND EXPENDITUREThe Union is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Union’s charitable activities are accounted for through Cardiff University Students’ Union, with trading activities being accounted for through Cardiff Union Services Limited.

2012/13 was a stable year for the Union, with no major variances in the performance of the charity or allocation of resources to its charitable aims.

Income

Expenditure

A full copy of the Union’s Financial Statements and Trustees Annual Report can be downloaded from cardiffstudents.com/Governance

2013 2012

Block Grant 600,000 610,000

Donations in Kind (a portion of costs incurred by Cardiff Union Services Limited that applies to the Union)

1,161,519 1,063,929

Sponsorship 3,951 4,713

Gair Rhydd Advertising 17,182 27,258

Incoming resources from charitable activities (including income for sports, societies and other student activities)

124,220 103,021

TOTAL 1,906,872 1,808,921

2013 2012

Cost of student media 44,485 59,089

Wages and salaries 697,555 869,505

Establishment 38,610 34,478

Administrative charges 65,867 88,274

Motor and travel 161,617 179,175

Union activity 619,392 386,013

Professional expenses 4,737 7,415

Finance expenses 651 714

Support costs 272,337 298,036

TOTAL 1,905,251 1,802,699

1,906,872TOTAL INCOME

3,951SPONSORSHIP

124,220ACTIVITIES

1,161,519DONATIONS IN KIND


TRADING PERFORMANCE

2013 2012

Turnover 4,659,929 4,634,813

Cost of sales (2,598,610) (2,621,720)

Gross profit 2,061,319 2,013,093

Administrative expenses (3,934,376) (4,067,123)

Other operating income 1,935,192 1,754,137

Operating profit / loss 62,135 (299,893)

Other exceptional items (2,386,418)

Other interest receivable and similar income

501 331

Interest payable and similar charges

(11,803) (7,593)

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation

(2,335,585) (307,155)

Loss for the financial year (2,335,585) (307,155)

Profit & Loss Account for Year Ended 31.07.13

Balance Sheet at 31.07.13

2013 2012

Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets 797,834 943,244

Investments 77,023 95,023

874,857 1,038,267

Current Assets

Stocks 122,440 205,976

Debtors 597,694 440,592

Cash at bank and in hand 147,416 115,179

867,550 761,747

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

(1,243,190) (1,243,809)

Net current liabilities (375,640) (482,062)

Net assets exluding pension liability 499,217 556,205

Net assets excluding pension liability

Net pension liability (2,278,597)

Net (liabilities) / assets (1,779,380) 556,205

Capital and reserves

Profit and loss account (1,779,380) 556,205

Shareholders' (deficit)/funds (1,779,380) 556,205

£62,135PROFIT

The Union’s Trustees are also Directors of Cardiff Union Services Limited, the trading company that provides all of the commercial services offered by the Union, including venues, retail, catering, advertising and lettings.

The trading company Returned to health in 2012/13, generating an operating profit of £62,135 compared to a £299,893 loss in 2011/12. This profit was created by increased turnover, a better gross profit and additional operating income.

Changes in accountingDue to changes in accounting for defined benefit pension obligations, the company has recognised its future obligations to the employee pension scheme SUSS, amounting to £2,386,418. The company’s obligations will likely extend to 2030 and will have a dramatic effect on the balance sheet until then.

Y Y Y


Building works summer 2013

In the summer of 2013 the Union undertook its biggest renovation programme in the Union building’s history, with the 4th floor and half of the 3rd floor being internally demolished, remodelled and refurbished. Costing just over £1M, the refurbishment provides a vastly improved space for student engagement, a new advice and representation space and additional and improved bookable space for student groups. These projects were driven by the Union’s research of student needs in 2012/13 and were fully supported by Cardiff University.

In addition to the major changes on the top two floors of the Union building, some more modest improvements were made to the Reception and circulation space on the 2nd floor. The reception now provides better space for exhibitions and more seating space for students. In preparation for the new intake of students in September 2013 a new catering option – the Pantry – was built into the reception space, selling hot food, drinks and milkshakes, whilst the box office was permanently closed with all ticket sales being moved online.


Following the success of the capital developments in 2012 and 2013 the Union intends on undertaking its biggest capital development to date in 2014. During late 2013 and early 2014 the Union will be consulting with students and University stakeholders in remodelling the vast majority of the 2nd floor of the building, including Solus nightclub, the Kitchen, The Taf and Reception.

It is hoped that the development project will begin in April 2014 and be completed in September, in preparation for the new academic year. Current plans include building a glass roof on Solus and introducing a mezzanine level so that the space can have a more flexible use than currently possible. Other plans include improvements to the social spaces and balcony areas across the front of the building and an expansion of the reception.

Proposed building works summer 2014


Our plans 2013/14

StakeholdersMaintain strong, sustainable and satisfied relationships with our stakeholders whilst ensuring that the Union is actively engaging its stakeholders in setting strategy and operational plans.

Targets To produce and launch the Union’s strategy 2014/17, following a thorough consultation with students, staff and the University, by 30th June 2014

To develop satisfaction surveys for: career staff, student staff, students, student activities volunteers and stakeholders and present the various findings to the Board of Trustees by 31st July 2014

To measure satisfaction amongst career staff and then improve overall performance by 31st July 2014

To achieve at least 85% satisfaction in the Union’s 2014 National Student Survey (NSS) question 23 score, by 31st July 2014

To significantly increase participation in the Union’s annual elections, evidenced by a minimum voter turnout in excess of 8,000 votes with an average of 5.5 sabbatical candidates for each post by 31st March 2014

The Union’s Board of Trustees have set the following targets as their top 20 priorities for the year:

,5Learning / GrowthContinually improve what the Union does whilst equipping staff, officers and volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve the Union’s Vision

Targets To increase the Union’s overall engagement with individual members up to 17,500 students by 31st July 2014

To hold at least 3 staff development days and introduce and produce regular communications from the Chief Executive by 31st July 2014

To develop a Trustees development plan and oversee the recruitment of additional Board members, by 31st March 2014

To agree a development plan for the 2nd floor of the building with the University, for a summer 2014 build, by 31st March 2014

To set up and take a leading role in the development of the ‘Centre for Student Life’ project with the University, by 31st October 2014

KN

Strategy development 2014-17Over the course of the next year the Union will be consulting with students and stakeholders within the University to develop a strategic plan to replace the Union’s current plan, that is due to expire in July 2014. The Union will be surveying students and running tailored focus groups to address the big issues that students think the Union will need to tackle of the next few years.

More information about the Union’s strategy review can be seen at: www.cardiffstudents.com/strategy

M

M


Financial Management and Control Achieve financial stability through robust financial management, reviewing existing practices and investing in the Union’s building and facilities.

Targets To set annualised budgets for CUSU and CUSL and achieve the overall budgeted position for the two companies for 2013/2014, by 31st July 2014

To agree a long term financial plan for the Union and achieve the overall cash reserves target for 2013/14, by 31st July 2014

To develop a cost centre accounting approach to the Union’s various departments within CUSU and CUSL and present the finding to the Board of Trustees, by 31st January 2014

To develop the 2nd floor entrance to the building and then pay for that development through additional trading profits achieved from that space, by 31st July 2014

To ensure that both the 3rd floor and 4th floor capital projects are completed on time and on budget, by 31st October 2013

c#Systems, Policies, ProceduresEnsure that the Union’s systems, policies and procedures add value, enable greater student engagement and are easy to understand.

Targets To develop a management plan and senior management team structure in support of the Union’s strategic priorities, by 31st March 2014

To develop a modern appraisal system with links to individual balanced scorecards for all staff by 31st December 2013

To establish a new job evaluation scheme and evaluate all job roles by 31st July 2014

To oversee a full review of the Union’s finance and governance arrangements, including a review of company structure and flow of information, by 31st January 2014

To develop a customer service strategy, including service standards, introducing a corporate identity for staff and measurements for service quality, by 31st December 2013

a9

M M

Cardiff University Students’ UnionPark PlaceCardiffCF10 3QN

Tel: +44 (0) 29 2078 1400

www.cardiffstudents.com

Directors of Cardiff University Students’ Union and Cardiff Union Services Limited

Sabbatical TrusteesPresident Harry Newman

Union Development Kieran Ghandi

Education Beth Button

Welfare Megan David

Athletic Union President Cari Davies

Societies Adam Curtis

Student Media Chris Williams

Heath Park Campus Hannah Pask

University Nominated TrusteesNon-Portfolio Sir Donald Walters

Non-Portfolio Gethin Lewis

External TrusteeNon-Portfolio Kim Gould MBE

Senior StaffChief Executive Jason Dunlop (up to 31st May 2013)

Chief Executive Daniel Palmer (from 1st June 2013)

Finance Manager Morgan Hart

Membership Services Manager Steve Wilford

Annual Impact REPORT

2012/13

Y Y

annual report 21.11.13 english - cardiff students

Documents