How we work
Here at SMSU we aim to stay true to our Vision, Mission and Values to ensure that we always do our best for students at St Mary’s University.
Our vision, mission and values
Our Vision
A university experience where every student gets the best out of their time at St Mary’s and beyond.
Our Mission
SMSU will be at the heart of a growing inclusive, empowering and supportive community at St Mary’s.
Our values
Inclusive
We’ll go above and beyond for our diverse membership, rallying to enhance the voices of under-represented and disadvantaged groups.
Empowering
We’ll be led by our members and enable them to reach their full potential.
Informed
We’ll have our finger on the pulse of student opinion and use robust and innovative approaches to tackle the issues our students are facing.
Collaborative
We’ll work closely with our members and stakeholders to build a strong community at St Mary’s.
Our Strategy 2022-25
In Summer 2022 we embarked on a brand-new three year strategy, based on your feedback.
Between now and 2025, we have four key priorities:
- 1
Priority one
Growing student representation so that we are on the pulse of student opinion, enabling students to shape their experience whilst realising their full potential
- 2
Priority two
Building our student communities so that every student can make meaningful connections throughout their university experience
- 3
Priority three
Supporting student wellbeing so that all students have access to the right support whenever they need it
- 4
Priority four
Being a proactive partner of the University ensuring that the student experience is always put first by being a critical friend of the University
Our new strategy
Our new strategy is coming soon. Check back here to read it once it has been announced.
Our Trustee Board
Our Trustee Board is made up of two officer trustees, two lay (external) trustees, one university nominated trustee and two student trustees. The Chair of the Board of Trustees is the Student Life President.
The trustee board meets five times a year and is there to make key decisions and to guide the direction of the charity, in line with its charity objects, strategy and vision, mission and values.
Our Trustees
Matilda Copley
Student Life President, Officer Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees
Jasmine Hardwick
Education President, Officer Trustee
Rachel Ho
Lay Trustee
Laura Quinn
Lay Trustee
Joseph Flood
Student Trustee
Fin Hainsworth
Student Trustee
Trustee Board dates 2026/27
29 September 2026, 8 December 2026, 21 January 2027, 25 March 2027 and 10 June 2027. All meetings start at 4.00pm.
Our Annual Reviews
In May 2023, we launched our Annual Review to look back at our first year of our strategy.
In May 2024, we launched our Annual Review to look back at the second year of our strategy.
Policies and procedures
Governance
As a charitable company, we are governed by our constitution which sets out our charitable aims and our key operating information. Our bye-laws then provide the detail about how the constitution should be implemented.
Policies
Finance
Our financial information can be found on the Charity Commission website. St Mary’s Students’ Union is registered charity number 1173502.
