The biggest election at university is coming and this is your chance to bring about the changes you really want to see at Christ Church. Each year you elect the Student Leaders (also known as sabbaticals, sabbs, or full-time officers) who you want to be your voice and make student-led change that actually happens.

Scroll down to find out more about the roles, how to apply, when voting is, and why Student Leaders are shaping the future of both the union and the university.

Union President

Your main purpose is to represent and empower every student and be the main representative of students to the University.

• Be the lead liaison for the Students’ Union and the student body with the University.
• Be the Student Governor of Canterbury Christ Church University.
• Be a Trustee of Christ Church Students’ Union as a charity.
• Be a Director of Christ Church Students’ Union as a company

Read the full role description

President (Academic Life)

Your role is to represent the academic matters of the student body to ensure all voices can be heard and amplified to help ensure Canterbury Christ Church students receive the best quality education.

• Represent the Student Body at the highest level on academic matters, including at Academic Board.
• Be a Trustee of Christ Church Students’ Union as a charity.
• Be a Director of Christ Church Students’ Union as a company

Read the full role description

President (Student Life)

Your role is to lead on creating and supporting life-changing student communities, to breaking down barriers that hinder participation, and to actively celebrate diversity.

• Represent the Student Body at the highest level with student groups, ensuring our members engaged with Sports Clubs and Active and Interest Societies are represented.
• Be a Trustee of Christ Church Students’ Union as a charity.
• Be a Director of Christ Church Students’ Union as a company.

Read the full role description

There are also lots of benefits of being a Student Leader at Christ Church Students' Union including:

Whether you’re studying at Canterbury Christ Church Uni next year or going to be graduating you could be one of our next full-time, paid, Student Leaders. You will need to submit an application (also known as nomination) where you can tell voters about the experience, qualities and passion that you will bring to the Student Leader role. People aren't just voting for ideas, they are voting for you!

Apply Now

The applications close at 12pm on Monday 24 February 2025 so ensure you get your application in before that time to allow you to be an official candidate in these elections.

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  APPLY | 14:00 Tuesday 28 January - 12:00 Monday 24 February

  This is the phase where you can apply (also known as Nominate or put yourself forward) for 1 of the 3 Student Leader roles. You can only nominate yourself for one role.

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  CANDIDATE'S BRIEFING | 17:00 Monday 24 February

  Once you're officially a candidates we need to get together to go through the process, ensure you know the procedures, and answer any of your questions before the campaigning and voting begins

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  ANNOUNCING THE CANDIDATES | 16:00 Thursday 27 February

  This is when we publicly reveal who the candidates are in the elections and you get the chance to find out more about them before the voting period starts so that you can make an informed decision.

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  CAMPAIGNING STARTS | 17:00 Thursday 27 February

  The candidates can now get out there and tell students why they deserve to be their next student leaders.

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  VOTING | 10:00 Monday 3 March - 17:00 Thursday 6 March

  It's time to choose the next student leaders at Christ Church! Voting takes place online on this website.

I'd like to be a Student Leader, what do I need to do?

All you need to do is submit your application and then get students to vote for you. Applications close on 24th February 2025.

To apply you’ll need to:

• Go to the online form
• Tell us about yourself
• Select the Student Leader role you want to apply for
• Upload your candidate statement and photo
• Submit your application

Once your application is approved & you've attended the Candidate Briefing, you can start digitally campaigning from 5pm 27th February and voting opens 3-6 March 2025.

Do I need to write a manifesto?

Candidates no longer run on manifestos and instead we are asking for a vision statement explaining to voters what you would prioritise if you were elected and the experience, qualities and passion that you will bring to the Student Leader role.

Can I nominate a friend?

Yes! If you know someone that would make a great Student Leader, fill out our 'Nominate a Friend' form. Your friend will be emailed by a member of CCSU staff about the upcoming elections. Your nomination will be anonymous - they won't know who suggested they should apply,

If I win the election when will my role start?

If you are successful in winning the election for a full-time role, you will begin the role on 30 June 2025. You will have a handover period with the current officers and then begin a summer of induction, training, planning, and networking.

What is the pay?

If you’re successful in winning the election, you will begin a one-year full-time paid role, taking a years break from your studies. You will be paid £23,662 or more for the year alongside 185 hours annual leave plus time off at Christmas and bank holidays.

If you have more questions then please contact elections@ccsu.co.uk

Information for Candidates 

Candidates will be subject to eligibility checks in line with the requirements from the Charities Commission.

Candidates are expected to work in line with the Elections Rules. 

Candidates are able to use £40 of their own budget and £40 budget from the Students' Union. In order to claim this you must document what you spent with receipts. Download the expenses form.