Getting Involved at the Union
The best way to get involved in the Union is to run for one of our committees. Most committee positions are directly elected by our members after the first events of each term. All committee members and officers also become voting members of our General Committee, which usually meets every other Wednesday.
Any questions? Email our Returning Officer at returningofficer@dus.org.uk. For more information about elections currently running, please visit our Elections page here.
Our Committees
Secretary’s Committee
The Secretary’s Committee is the perfect way to get involved as a fresher, the committee roles are reserved for freshers in each college. The committee plays a crucial role in communicating with and promoting the Society to our members. The reps work alongside the Secretary, the Head of Secretary’s Committee, and the Publicity Officer and hold their positions for a year. Elections for these positions usually take place at the start of Michaelmas.
House Committee
House Committee is responsible for logistics at our debates and addresses. While this can be a bit time-consuming, you get the first chance to meet and talk to all of our speakers in person after our events. The ten committee members work with the Steward and are elected every term.
Social Committee
Social Committee helps the Social Secretary plan and run our social events, including our Michaelmas and Summer Balls. This is the perfect role for anyone interested in getting involved in the creative and social side of the Union. Five members are elected each term and they work with the Social Secretary.
President’s Committee
President’s Committee helps the President-Elect prepare for their upcoming term of events by writing invitations to speakers for debates and addresses. The four positions are elected at the first event after the result of a presidential election is announced.
Equalities Committee
Equalities Committee helps the Equalities Officer in representing and listening to the interests of historically underrepresented groups, and working to produce policies, practices, and publicity initiatives that promote an open and inclusive environment at the Union. The Committee consists of the LGBT+ Representative, the People of Colour Representative, the Disability Representative, the International Members Representative, and the Women’s Representative. Elections are at the start of each term.
Complaints Panel
Complaints Panel serves as the first point of contact for complaints about Union members. They investigate complaints and then report their findings to the Standing Committee. Two positions are open to ordinary members, and elections are yearly.