Oxford Brookes University Students' Union

Oxford Brookes University Students' Union is a students' union that represents the interests of students at Oxford Brookes University, which is located in Oxford, near Headington and Marston. The union is affiliated with the National Union of Students and works closely with other students' unions, such as the University of Oxford Students' Union and the Oxford University Student Union. Oxford Brookes University Students' Union is also a member of the National Union of Students Services Limited and has partnerships with organizations like the British Council and the European University Institute. The union's activities are influenced by the Education Act 1994 and the Higher Education Act 2004, which have shaped the landscape of higher education in the United Kingdom.

● History

The history of Oxford Brookes University Students' Union dates back to the establishment of Oxford Brookes University in 1992, which was formed through the merger of Oxford Polytechnic and several other institutions, including the Lady Spencer-Churchill College of Education and the Dorothy Wadham College. The union has its roots in the Oxford Polytechnic Students' Union, which was founded in the 1970s and was affiliated with the National Union of Students. Over the years, the union has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of sabbatical officers and the development of new facilities, such as the John Henry Brookes Building, which was designed by Rick Mather Architects and features a BREEAM-rated design. The union has also been influenced by national events, such as the 2010 UK student protests and the 2012 London Olympics, which have shaped the student experience in the United Kingdom.

● Governance

The governance structure of Oxford Brookes University Students' Union is based on a system of democratic representation, with students electing sabbatical officers to represent their interests. The union is also governed by a trustee board, which includes representatives from the University of Oxford, the Oxford Brookes University administration, and the National Union of Students. The union's governance is influenced by the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006, which regulate the activities of charitable organizations and companies in the United Kingdom. The union works closely with other organizations, such as the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, to ensure that the interests of students are represented at the national level.

● Activities and Events

Oxford Brookes University Students' Union offers a wide range of activities and events, including sports clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The union also hosts events, such as the Oxford Brookes University Freshers' Week and the Oxford Brookes University Summer Ball, which are designed to promote student engagement and well-being. The union works with organizations, such as the Oxfordshire County Council and the Oxford City Council, to deliver events and activities that benefit the local community. The union's activities are also influenced by national events, such as the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend and the Glastonbury Festival, which have shaped the student experience in the United Kingdom.

● Student Media

Oxford Brookes University Students' Union has a range of student media outlets, including The Brookes Tab, which is a student newspaper that covers news and events from around the university. The union also has a student radio station, which broadcasts a range of programs, including music, news, and entertainment shows. The union's student media outlets are affiliated with the Student Media Association and work closely with other student media organizations, such as the University of Oxford Student Union's Cherwell newspaper and the Cambridge University Students' Union's The Cambridge Student newspaper. The union's student media outlets are also influenced by national media organizations, such as the BBC and the The Guardian, which have shaped the media landscape in the United Kingdom.

● Facilities and Services

Oxford Brookes University Students' Union offers a range of facilities and services, including a student union building, which features a bar, a cafe, and a shop. The union also provides advice and support services, including a student advice centre and a counselling service. The union works with organizations, such as the NHS Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire County Council, to deliver services that benefit the student community. The union's facilities and services are also influenced by national organizations, such as the National Health Service and the Department for Education, which have shaped the provision of student services in the United Kingdom.

● Campaigns and Representation

Oxford Brookes University Students' Union is involved in a range of campaigns and representation activities, including lobbying and advocacy work. The union works with organizations, such as the National Union of Students and the University and College Union, to promote the interests of students and staff. The union is also involved in national campaigns, such as the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts and the People's Vote campaign, which have shaped the debate around higher education in the United Kingdom. The union's campaigns and representation activities are influenced by national events, such as the 2019 UK general election and the 2020 UK budget, which have shaped the political landscape in the United Kingdom. The union works closely with politicians, such as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn, to promote the interests of students and staff. The union is also a member of the European Students' Union and works with international organizations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the European University Association, to promote the interests of students globally.