Written by Shreya Gupta
Photographed by Anonymous
LSESU is proposing to move the detail of how its democratic processes work out of its Articles of Association and into its Byelaws, prompting questions from students about representation and accountability.
The Articles of Association are the Students’ Union’s founding legal document. Under the draft, any amendment requires approval from LSE (Article 23.2). Byelaws, by contrast, can be made, repealed or amended by the Board of Trustees “in consultation with Student Voice in such manner as the Trustees deem appropriate” (Article 29.1). Details moved into the Byelaws would therefore be easier to change than they are today.
The SU says the changes “do not represent a change in LSESU’s charitable mission or purpose”. It describes them as part of its Transformation Project, approved last November, which aims to “revolutionise the way the SU functions”. It argues the changes will make governance clearer and decision-making more “agile”.
Under the draft, the Board would have 14 trustees: four Sabbatical Officers, four Student Trustees and six Lay Trustees (who are appointed by the Trustees themselves). At least four trustees must take part for a meeting to have the minimum headcount, including two Sabbatical Officers and one Lay Trustee. Student Voice procedures, such as referendums and conferences, would run to a timetable set out in the Byelaws rather than the Articles.
A 14-day consultation closed on Monday 19th October. According to the SU, students asked how the change fits into the wider Transformation Project, and how it will affect student representation and the ability to hold the SU to account. The SU said the change is part of a wider effort to strengthen governance, accessibility and student engagement.
The SU says the Articles are not the end of the process and that it will review its Byelaws next. Students can discuss the Transformation Project at the Townhall on 1st December and address the final proposal at the Additional Student Members Meeting.
The draft Articles are available on the LSESU website.
