NUS Conference is the largest student democratic event in Europe. It usually takes place over three days, and the location changes every two years. In 2020 the conference was held online for the first time, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The conference brings thousands of students together in a huge event that involves debating and making policy, electing NUS’ leadership, and scrutinising the work of Officers. It also tends to involve a lot of socialising, campaigning, going to fringe events, and the chance to learn a lot about other SUs, other Universities, and the whole education sector.

NUS campaigns for students’ interests, lobbies the government and other decision makers, carries out research, supports individual Students’ Unions, and has liberation campaigns for women, black*, disabled, lgbt+ and trans students.

In recent years NUS has undergone a lot of change as a result of financial pressures, including an overhaul of how it’s democratic structures work. In the past year NUS has supported students campaigning for rent cuts and early contract release, has launched a Decolonise Education Campaign, and has researched the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on students.

You would represent Cambridge SU, and all Cambridge students at the Conference. You would get the chance to submit policy to conference, cast a vote to determine which motions are debates, speak in favour or against motions and vote on everything that is debated. You would also get a vote for positions up for election, and you can choose to run for election too.**

Cambridge SU has a policy that binds delegates to voting in accordance with policy that has been passed by SU Council, unless they ran on a manifesto that specifically contradicts the policy. Your voting record as a delegate is published after Conference.

If you have an idea for change or believe you are the right person to represent Cambridge students, you should run. All students are eligible to run to be NUS delegates, as members of Cambridge SU.

Crucially, there’s no need to have prior experience or knowledge about the NUS to run to be a delegate. Cambridge SU is here to help you at every step of the way, including with training you before conference in what to expect, and supporting you to be the most effective delegate you can be. All you need is an interest in representing your fellow students.

Whilst anyone can run, there are some controls of who is elected. NUS’ governing documents specify that 50% of every delegation must be students who include womanhood as a part of their identity. That means that of the seven delegates elected, three must be people who include womanhood as part of their identity.

No, travel, food and accommodation is funded by the SU for all elected delegates.

NUS Conference is an incredible opportunity to meet new people, learn lots about the issues that matter to students across the country, and shape how you are represented nationally. Some delegates may choose to get involved in fringe event It can also be confusing and intense, with lots of socialising and new information. Cambridge SU will make sure you have the training and support you need to make the most of the conference, including explaining how conference works and helping you get to grips with some of the more confusing aspects of the event.

To run to be an NUS delegate, nominate yourself by 8^th November. You’re able to campaign from 11^th November, and voting closes on 17^th November with the results announced soon afterwards. Cambridge SU staff will brief you on the elections process, rules and campaigning prior to the election.