Preparing to be a FTO Candidate in the Bristol SU Elections
Nominations for our 2025 Elections close at 9pm tomorrow, 20 February!!
Well done if you have taken that first step and have nominated yourself for a role – you’ve got an exciting time ahead of you.
However, you may still have a few teeny tiny questions you want answered – so here’s how you can prepare for being a candidate or if you still want to nominate yourself!
What roles are available?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d like to do that,” then look no further. All our roles are listed here.
If you are tired of hearing people moaning about what could be improved about your course, then why not do something about it and run to be Course Rep?
Perhaps you’re in a leadership role in your student group, who loves to build community and action – then a Full-Time Officer role could be the one for you. Not only are you getting the chance to lead the SU on your campaigns, but you get paid for it too!
Already nominated yourself for an FTO Role? How can you prepare?
What’s on offer for FTO candidates?
- End of Election Celebration Night
- A Candidate Campaign Kit (including a banner, cardboard, and various craft materials).
- Banner-making workshop
- Marketing Support and Guidance
- Candidate Briefings during Vote Week
- Exclusive Series of Candidate Academy Sessions
- Budget for Specific Candidate Expenses
Are there any time commitments?
You will need to attend our Rules Briefing on Sunday 2nd March, 11am - 2pm. This is a compulsory session meaning you won’t be able to run in the election if you miss it! We also have a professional photographer coming towards the end of the sessions so you will have a chance to have your very own headshot taken – you’ll have the best-looking LinkedIn page at the university!
What is currently planned for Candidates to help them prepare?
To help you be the best FTO candidate you can, we’ve got loads on offer and, you will have full support from the SU staff who will be around to answer all your questions.
The week before Vote Week, we'll be holding our final Candidate Academy sessions – 4 days of important sessions, which will be vital in finding out what you can do as a candidate and how you can gain voter support. This includes finding out what Bristol students care about, how to write a personal statement, and creating a brand for you to run your campaign behind!
You can find out what's planned for you right here!
What support is there for candidates?
Getting an extension
If you are running for a Full-Time Officer role and have a coursework deadline in the week of the elections, then this will normally be deemed an acceptable reason for a short extension of up to seven days. Please liaise with your school in advance about this if you require an extension.
1-2-1 calls with Bristol SU staff
If you have any questions at all about elections, our full-time team are here to help you with anything, whether it is asking ‘What is a full-time officer?’ or ‘How can this help me with my future career plans?’
Email us at bristolsu-elections@bristol.ac.uk with any questions, or pop up to the 5th Floor of Senate House and ask to speak to someone!
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement (known in previous Bristol SU elections as a manifesto) outlines what you intend to do, and why students should vote for you. Essentially, your personal statement needs to say why you think you would be a good, elected representative, and what you would do if elected. We require a 300-word statement alongside a 50-word summary.
When can you start campaigning?
Voting week runs from Monday 10 March to Thursday 13 March, and this is when you can officially start campaigning. We highly recommend using this time to get out on campus and speak to students. As a FTO you’ll be giving student voices a platform, campaigning for student rights and making positive changes to student life. Telling students exactly what you hope to do will increase your chances of gaining their vote and winning the election.
Campaigning isn’t just as simple as handing out leaflets though! Successful candidates will take the time to listen and speak to students, find out their concerns and current issues, and then persuade voters with ideas and enthusiasm.
Even though you can’t officially start campaigning until 10 March, and once you’ve attending your rules briefing, you can start getting your campaign team together, planning out your strategy, and making your material.
As an FTO you can spend £65 maximum, so get creative!
For any more questions on elections please email us at: bristolsu-elections@bristol.ac.uk
