Governance & Policies
Cardiff Met Students’ Union is student-led and student-focused. This page explains how we’re run, how students can shape decisions, and links you to the key documents and policies that keep us accountable.
What is the SU?
We exist to represent students, support students, and create high-quality opportunities (activities, sport, societies, campaigns and events). We’re here to help make sure every student can get the most from their Cardiff Met experience.
We work in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University (including receiving a Block Grant from the university), but we are an independent organisation run for the benefit of our members. Our partnership is set out in our Relationship Agreement.
We are a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 1148990) and we are not-for-profit organisation, meaning and any income we generate from our commercial services goes straight back into providing services for students.
We are also company limited by guarantee (company number 07003324), and our Board of Trustees members are also the company Directors.
How we’re run
Students shape what we do through voting in elections, proposing and debating policy, taking part in forums and meetings, and holding elected leaders to account.
Elected student leaders lead on representing student views to the University, campaigning on what matters to students, and setting priorities and pushing for change.
Our Trustees are responsible for the SU’s long-term direction, making sure we operate legally and responsibly, by overseeing money, risk and reputation, and by employing and supervising the CEO who leads the staff team.
Our staff team deliver services, run projects, and keep things operating safely and professionally.
Student Democracy- How you can influence decisions
Elections- Students elect sabbatical and other student leadership roles through a free and fair secret ballot process.
Student Members’ Meeting (AGM)- Each academic year we hold at least one meeting where students can receive and scrutinise the latest annual accounts, review and approve external affiliations, and ask Trustees questions about the SU’s work.
Policy Forums- The SU Forum is a student space to guide how elected officers represent student views, set campaigning priorities, and hold representatives accountable.
Referenda- Students can vote in referenda to set SU policy, and in certain circumstances, remove an elected officer or Trustee
Our Board of Trustees
Our Articles of Association allow for up to 4 Sabbatical Officers, 4 Student Trustees, and 4 Lay (external) Trustees. This balance helps keep the SU student-led, while bringing additional skills and independence into governance.
Trustees approve strategy, budgets and major decisions, monitor performance and risk, make sure we comply with charity and company law, and ensure student democracy is properly resourced and protected.
In limited cases, Trustees may veto a Policy Forum or referendum decision if it would create a legal, financial or serious reputational risk for the SU. This exists to protect the whole membership and the charity.
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Financial Statements- Annual Report and Accounts
Each year we publish an Annual Report and Accounts, which are independently audited, and presented to members at the AGM. This is a key opportunity for students to scrutinise our work, examine our finances, and hold the Trustee Board to account. Our accounts are also filed with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
SU Annual Report
LINK- Annual Accounts
Governing Documents and Policies
Cardiff Met SU Articles of Assciation
This is the SU’s main governing document. It sets out our charitable purposes, who members are how decisions and meetings work, Trustee roles and responsibilities, and the framework for byelaws and rules
Code of Practice (Education Act 1994)
This sets out how the SU and University meet legal requirements around elections, membership and opt-out, finances and affiliations, and complaints.
Students' Union Relationship Agreement
This describes how the University and SU work together in partnership and respect SU independence.
Student Charter 2025-26
A shared statement of expectations and commitments across the student experience.
Student Group Policies (clubs, societies, sport, reps, campaigns)
Categories of Membership
Communications Policy - Student Groups
Essential Insurance Cover
Conduct, Disciplinary and Safety
Membership Code of Conduct
Membership Disciplinary Procedure
Restrictions to Service Procedure
Privacy Notices
Rep Privacy Notice
SU Privacy Notice
Trustee Privacy Notice
Advice and Support Service Privacy Notice
Native Advertise With Us Privacy Policy
Complaints
We always encourage you to try to resolve issues informally first where appropriate, but if you need to make a formal complaint, the process and form are below.
Complaints Procedure
Complaint Form
If you need any document in an alternative format, or you can’t access a file, email studentsunion@cardiffmet.ac.uk and we’ll help.