info for candidates

SE22 - Information for Candidates

This page contains information you will find useful as a candidate in the Summer Elections 2022. It is a useful resource during and after the elections and you're strongly encouraged to read before running. Everyone standing for a position will be required to indicate that they have read the rules of the election before being allowed to participate.  If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Team. 

On this page

Candidates' Pack & Election Rules

Imperial College Union's elections are governed by rules that ensure fairness and accessibility while rewarding energy and enthusiasm. By nominating yourself for a role, you agree that you have read and understood all of the relevant rules and policies. 

Read Candidates' Pack 

All candidates (except CSP candidates) must attend a Candidates Briefing which will take place on Microsoft Teams at 12:00 on Tuesday, 14 June.

Eligibility and nominations

  1. You must be a current student enrolled on a programme at Imperial College for the full academic year. 
  2. You must meet the eligibility of specific roles, for example, you can only be a Department Rep for the Department you study in.
  3. The Union will check that candidates are eligible to run with the College prior to the start of campaigning.
  4. If you fail to meet the above requirements you shall be withdrawn from the election.

DRO Reports

The rules of the elections will be interpreted and enforced by a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO). The DRO will handle complaints and issue rulings on breaches and other matters according to the rules. 

Read the latest DRO Reports

Training & Support

Imperial College Union offers comprehensive training for elected representatives with tailored programmes for different positions. Felix Editor & Constituent Union leaders will benefit from a Union induction programme as well as support from their predecessors. 

Academic & Wellbeing Representatives, Liberation & Community Officers, and Postgraduate Representatives will also be required to attend training, with the initial sessions usually being delivered between August and September, while CSP leaders receive tailored training through our year round Officer Academy.

We will contact successful candidates with details of induction and or training sessions. We ask that all elected representatives attend training in order to understand Imperial College Union, meet fellow leaders, and learn how to be successful in their role.

As well as role-specific training, Imperial College Union also offers skills-based training throughout the academic year, supporting our volunteers to develop skills such as public speaking, volunteer leadership, and time management. 

Nominations support 

The following training support will be available during the Nominations period to help you with your candidacy.

Online Hub:
The Union's Training Hub provides an opportunity for you to learn at your own convenience. There will be material available on the Hub during the elections which are specifically designed to help you with your candidacy. 

Writing Successful Manifestos
This will help you prepare your manifesto with information on how to craft your platform, as well as tips on language and persuasion. 
View this on the Training Hub  

Inclusive Campaigning:
This course will equip you with the tools to craft a campaign that reaches as many of your peers as possible with tips to help you connect with the whole Imperial community.
View this on the Training Hub

 

Campaigning support 

All candidates are required to read the rules of the elections before standing for a position. A Candidates' Brief will also be held just before the start of campaigning and all candidates for major positions must attend. There are very strict sanctions for breaching the election rules, many of which may not be obvious to candidates. Attending a session gives you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify rules and get useful information about the elections. Remember, ignorance of the rules is not a defence against breaches and sanctions will be applied to anyone who breaks them. The aim is to run a free and fair election that is as stress free as possible to all involved. If you are running for a role that is not a CSP Committee position and you are not able to attend the briefing, please let the Deputy Returning Officers know at elections@imperial.ac.uk.

Wellbeing Support

Elections is a stressful time and you will invest a lot of time and emotion into your campaigns, but the most important thing is to look after yourself! Remember to take time out, eat, sleep and be kind to yourself!

If you ever feel overwhelmed by the Elections, make sure you talk to someone! If your concern is related to your campaign, someone else's campaign, or the campaigning process, please contact the Elections Team. The Union Advice Centre can also help to signpost you to the most appropriate service if you are unsure. You can contact them by emailing advice@imperial.ac.uk

We will be hosting drop-in sessions to support candidates throughout the campaigning period, where you can come and chat with us or ask any questions. You can book a drop in session by emailing elections@imperial.ac.uk to request a slot.

All candidates will are also invited to an end of campaigning debrief event, where they can relax and enjoy some snacks on us! You will receive a calendar invite to this in due course.

Elections Team

The Summer Elections 2022 are managed by a Working Group of Imperial College Union involving a cross-section of teams. The rules are governed by a Returning Officer, who is responsible for ensuring the elections are fair. The Returning Officer is someone selected from outside of Imperial College Union in order to ensure their independence. The Returning Officer will make the final and binding decision on any rule breaches or complex queries raised by candidates and members.

The Returning and Deputy Returning Officers can be contacted on elections@imperial.ac.uk.

Declaring your Campaign Spending

All candidates must submit their spend declaration to elections@imperial.ac.uk by 14:00, 17 June 2022. Here's a step-by-step guide to submitting it:

  • Download the Spend Declaration Template
  • Review the Spend Declaration Sample to see a completed version
  • Complete the Spend Declaration with your name, username, position, and expenditures
  • Add your sort code and account number if you are running for a full-time or Constituent Union President position
  • Gather all of your paper receipts and take photos
  • Gather screenshots or attachable files of all electronic receipts
  • Ensure all receipt files have your name and the item type included in the file name - for example 'John Doe - Badges.jpg'
  • Send one email to elections@imperial.ac.uk with the subject line '<Your Name> <Your Role> - Spend Declaration' - for example 'John Doe - CGCU President - Spend Declaration'
  • If you are running for more than one position, please complete one declaration template for each position
  • If you have spent no money on your campaign, please simply send an email telling us your expenditure was zero.
  • Please predict spending that will take place on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, or can't be billed until afterwards
  • If receipts are not available, other evidence of cost will suffice
  • If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Team on elections@imperial.ac.uk

Publicity Banners

All promotional material created by candidates - such as posters or websites - must include the publicity banner which saves you the task of adding basic information such as the voting period and website.

Posters (click for example)

Full Colour

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (black on white)

 

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (white on black)

 

Download image: JPG

Complaints form

Breaches of the campaign rules are taken very seriously to ensure the elections are fair. If you would like to make a complaint about the conduct of anyone involved in the Summer Elections 2022,  you will need to complete the online complaints form.