How it all started...
Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) was founded in 1910. It is based on the beautiful 320 acre Whiteknights campus and is an essential voice for students within the University, the town and nationally.
Reading University Students' Union has been around for 70 years and was a key conduit for student opinion from the very beginning. RUSU also became a significant provider of services to students following the construction of the Union building in the late 1960's.
The Union went through a more difficult period during the 1980's and 90's with rocky finances and a poor relationship with the University. However, in recent times RUSU has once again become a successful Students' Union earning a strong reputation for innovation within the sector.
Equally, a productive working relationship with the University has led to joint initiatives like the volunteer accreditation program and a synergies project promoting joint work in key areas like advice work, childcare and sport.
The Union now provides representation at all levels within the University and whilst of course we can't always agree, this role is universally regarded as highly valuable.
The last ten years have also seen renewal and redevelopment of the RUSU building; most notably with the refurbishment of the 3sixty venue in 2001/2, The Hub construction in 2006/7 and a purpose built 94 Nursery which opened in September 2009.
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RUSU is always trying to improve its facilities and services as an on-going objective.
Future plans include:
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Looking at options to expand our retail offering in order to provide a wider selection of products
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Further development of The Lounge for use by RUSU student groups
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Introducing a new catering area in Upper 3sixty offering new menu options
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Acquiring a shared space on the London Road Campus
Other projects in the pipeline are:
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Charity Registration
To register as a charity by the end of the year (2010).
As of 11 February 2011, Reading University Students' Union is now a registered charity (Charity No. 1140375).
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Investors in People (IIP)
Investors in People is a framework that helps our organisation to improve performance and realise objectives through our people and their development. Some benefits of the IIP framework are, improved motivation and performance, improved quality, improved customer satisfaction and improved productivity and profitability. The framework also enables enhanced planning of future strategy and action plans as well as improving the effectiveness of training and development activities. We achieved accredication in February 2011, and continue to be assessed for future awards.
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Nursery Accreditation
Little Learners nursery is aiming to achieve the Pre School Learning Alliance quality accreditation award “Reflecting on Quality". This award is achieved by continuous improvement where the scheme supports the “observe, reflect, improve, review process”
In achieving Reflecting on Quality, Little Learners will be able to demonstrate to internal and external stakeholders that the service offered is of a consistently high standard and a service that truly cares about ensuring that children get the best start in life. With the competitive nature of day care recognition by accreditation, will also enable Little Learners to maintain a leading position in the market place.
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Student Advice Accreditation
The RUSU Student Advice Service is currently working towards the General Quality Mark (GQM). This is a nationally recognised quality standard for information, advice and specialist legal services. External assessors who undertake the GQM audit will review all the service standards and assess the quality of advice we provide.
The primary benefit of achieving the GQM is to improve and develop the provision of and access to good quality information and advice on legal rights and academic affairs for our membership and to demonstrate RUSU’s commitment to quality.
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SUEI 2
The Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative, or SUEI as it is more commonly known, is an assessment model aimed to question the in depth workings of a Students' Union. It concentrates on providing outcomes, increasing connections and measuring the impact on students. The model is endorsed by the National Union of Students, the Association of Managers in Students' Unions, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, the Equality Challenge Unit and the Scottish government. RUSU was awarded a Silver accreditation in 2009. The Union is delighted with this achievement and will continue to work hard for students and is currently working towards SUEI 2.
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