Referendums

Should Aston Students' Union remain affiliated with NUS UK?

On Tuesday 14th October 2025, the Students’ Union (SU) Council voted to pass a motion calling for a referendum on whether Aston Students’ Union should remain affiliated with NUS UK. This decision means the question will now be put to a vote of the full current student membership.

Motion
The following Motion was voted on and approved by SU Council and will form the basis of the referendum question:

“This motion proposes that Aston Students’ Union should disaffiliate from the National Union of Students (NUS UK) due to concerns about representation, accountability, and value for money. It highlights that NUS UK, a political membership body separate from NUS Charity, has faced criticism for inadequate representation of marginalised students and weak national campaigning. The motion argues that the £25,098 annual affiliation fee could be better used to support student-led initiatives at Aston.”

Voting Details

All current Aston University students will be able to cast their vote through an online ballot.

Voting opens: Wednesday 25th March 10:00
Voting closes: Thursday 26th March 15:00
Vote count: Thursday 26th March
Results will be announced via the Students' Union website

Thinking of campaigning?

If you'd like to be involved in campaigning either for or against disaffiliating from NUS UK, please click on the button below.

I want to campaign

What does being a part of NUS UK mean?

Aston Students' Union is currently a member of NUS UK. Being affiliated means:

Taking part in national lobbying on issues affecting students.
Pay an annual membership fee of £25,098.40 to NUS UK.

What is the National Union of Students (NUS)?

The National Union of Students (NUS) is the national organisation representing university and college students across the UK. It works to achieve national change for students, campaigning on issues that affect education and student life. NUS is one of the world’s largest student movements and brings together students, educators, activists, and advocates to make education accessible, enjoyable, and lifelong. It aims to ensure students’ voices are heard, protect their interests, and address challenges across society. Find our more on their website.

What is the Aston Students' Union current membership?

Aston Students' Union is currently a dual member, meaning we are part of both: NUS UK and NUS Charity.

These memberships do different things, cost different amounts, and only one of them is included in the upcoming referendum. Take a look at the two parts of NUS:

NUS UK

What is it?

The national organisation that campaigns for students and represents student voices at a national level.

What does it do?

NUS UK leads on national campaigns, provides political representation and lobbying on issues affecting students.

NUS Charity

What is it?

The support and development arm of NUS. It's not political and instead focuses on helping Students' Unions run well.

What does it do?

NUS Charity provides training, governance and operational support, and helps to develop Students' Unions.

The Debate

Take a look at what it means when you vote to Leave or Remain.

Vote YES (To disaffiliate from NUS UK)

Aston Students' Union would save money on the annual membership fee and this would be reinvested back into the Students' Union.
We would no longer participate in NUS democratic structures such as conferences, and would work more with other students' unions to influence national government directly.
We would still have membership of NUS Charity, such as union development resources, trading support, election support and other services.

Vote NO (To remain affiliated to NUS UK)

We would continue to pay our annual membership fee which would give us access to training, resources and support that would otherwise have to be funded differently.
National representation gives us the benefit of any national lobbying campaigns NUS UK undertakes.
We will retain the right to vote and have a voice in shaping national student policy through NUS conferences.

Students' Union Neutrality Statement

Aston Students' Union remains neutral in this referendum and does not take a position on the outcome. Our role is solely to ensure that the process is run fairly and in line with our democratic procedures.

Student-led Campaigns

Any campaigns created by students during the referendum are independent and do not represent the official views of Aston Students' Union. The Students' Union is not responsible for, nor does it endorse, any campaign content.

Staff Facilitation

The referendum is being administered by paid Students' Union staff who act in a strictly impartial capacity. Staff involved in the process have no affiliations to any campaign and are responsible only for facilitating a fair and transparent vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a complaint?

Complaints can be submitted to the Deputy Returning Officer at returning.officer@union.aston.ac.uk

Does this affect our membership to NUS Charity?

This referendum is specifically for voting on the disaffiliation from NUS UK - the political arm of NUS. The membership to NUS Charity will not be affected.

Is there a number of votes that are needed in order for the referendum to count?

Yes. This referendum needs to meet a quorum requirement of at least 4% of the membership.