Wrexham students’ union crowned best in Wales

The team at Wrexham Glyndwr University’s Students’ Union are celebrating after winning a top award.

They were crowned Students’ Union of the Year at the National Union of Students (NUS) Wales Awards 2018 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff last week.

The awards are an opportunity for students’ unions across Wales to gain national recognition for the extraordinary things they do throughout the year.

In 2016 the union was a guild and a department of the university. Now it has a team of seven staff and two sabbaticals operating as a fully financially independent Students’ Union, registered charity and incorporated company.

A lot of work has gone into consulting students on what they want from their union and making sure the union’s strategic plan reflects that. The team was commended for its work in challenging and enhancing quality, as well as creating the bespoke online feedback reporting tool, Tell Glyn.

Tell Glyn asks students what they are happy with and what they are not happy with and the feedback is directed through the appropriate departments. The union then makes a report of any issues that goes to the University’s Learning, Teaching and Quality Committee for discussion and action and then to the Academic Board and the Board of Governors for noting.

Welcoming the award, Wrexham Glyndwr University Students’ Union President Travis Davies said:
“I am delighted that we have received the big Students’ Union of the Year Award.

“I am so proud of the team, they are constantly going above and beyond for students and it is great that they are getting the recognition they deserve.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University Students’ Union Chief Executive Officer Sarah Ellis said: “It has been an exciting year for us in terms of our achievements. The team have thought innovatively in order to capture student feedback and have worked closely with the university to ensure that there are effective processes for students to shape their learning and truly become partners in their education.

“To have been recognised for the hard work that has been put in this year is wonderful.”

Representation and Democracy Coordinator Marc Caldecott added: “To have achieved so much in such a small period of time is something that we are really proud of as an organisation.

“Student engagement is on the rise and union development is happening at a fast pace enabling us to truly meet the needs of the membership.

“This award is a fantastic way to finish such a successful year.”