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As a Students' Union, our actions are led by students. That means you direct our work year on year.

Passed Student Policies

As a Students' Union, our actions are led by students. That means you direct our work year on year.

About Policy Proposals

One way of making change at LSE is by submitting a Policy Proposal. Any Proposals approved either by a Student Panel or via an all-student vote becomes a Union policy. 

Below is a list of our current policies. Why not come along to our next Student Town Hall to ask your officers about our progress on them?


PASSED policies from 2022-23

Should the LSESU work to increase student access to hot water and microwaves on campus?

This policy was passed in January 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

Anaëlle Thoreau, the Community and Welfare Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. She will be leading an SU project team this term to make it happen.

Should the LSESU work to increase student access to recreational space on campus that doesn't involve alcohol?

This policy was passed in January 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

Maarya Rabbani, the Education Officer and Romane Branthomme, the Activities and Development Officer, are responsible for implementing this policy. They will be leading an SU project team this term to make it happen.

Should the LSESU work to increase the accessibility of menstrual products in LSE spaces?

This policy was passed in January 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

Tilly Mason, the General Secretary, is responsible for implementing this policy. She will be leading an SU project team this term to make it happen.

Should the LSESU lobby LSE to get Wednesday afternoons off for all students?

This policy was passed in January 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

Romane Branthomme, the Activities and Development Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. She will be leading an SU project team this term to make it happen.

Should the LSESU lobby LSE to have mandatory trainings/workshops for all first-year students on human rights?

This policy was passed in January 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

Romane Branthomme, the Activities and Development Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. The Human Rights Policy group have begun work on initial ideas for implementing mandatory human rights training at LSE. The group suggested incorporating human rights content into the Fairness session of the LSE100 course, and exploring the development of online courses. They have also reached out to other Students' Unions with similar remits and are exploring running speaker events during Human Rights Week. The group are investigating the possibility of collating their research and resources on a webpage on the LSESU website and creating an online module/quiz that can be delivered to student leaders as a pilot. They will also consider ways to incorporate the training into the current Club and Society training program..

Should the LSESU lobby LSE to create an extenuating circumstance specifically regarding menstrual pain and period conditions?

This policy was passed in March 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

LSESU is currently assembling a project group to implement this policy, watch this space for updates on their progress.

Should the LSESU campaign for further support for LGBTQ+ students on campus, starting with a dedicated space as a support centre?

This policy was passed in March 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

LSESU is currently assembling a project group to implement this policy, watch this space for updates on their progress.

Should LSESU lobby the LSE to implement inclusive toilet/washroom facilities for international students?

This policy was passed in March 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

LSESU is currently assembling a project group to implement this policy, watch this space for updates on their progress.

Should the LSESU lobby LSE to immediately investigate and implement tangible action to improve the experience of black students, tackle racism both on and outside campus and have a working expansive EDI team?

This policy was passed in March 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

LSESU is currently assembling a project group to implement this policy, watch this space for updates on their progress.

Should the LSESU campaign for LSE to improve the opportunities and support available for disabled and neurodivergent students?

This policy was passed in March 2023.

You can read the policy brief here.

LSESU is currently assembling a project group to implement this policy, watch this space for updates on their progress.

This policy was passed in January 2023.

We will update this page as the Sabbatical Officers and SU staff make progress on this policy.


passed policies from 2021-22

Should LSESU's democracy be more accountable to, and more representative of, the LSE student body?

This motion was passed in June 2022. You can read the original motion document here.

Romane Branthomme, the Activities and Development Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. She has been working with SU staff this year on a comprehensive rebuild of the SU's democratic processes as outlined in last year's democracy review. You can see more about the Democracy Review here. The SU will be presenting a report on the new Democratic systems in place at the end of the 2022/23 academic year.

 

Should the LSE provide holistic support for postgraduate research students to improve their wellbeing?

This motion was passed in June 2022. You can read the original motion document here.

Tilly Mason, the General Secretary, is responsible for implementing this policy. Here is a summary of her work so far: Work over the past few months include efforts to establish contact and organize meetings with various individuals and groups related to PhD student welfare and support at the institution. A set of aims have been decided, which include putting on networking events, promoting the hardship fund and PhD action network, and campaigning for mental health and other issues. Efforts have been made to engage with the school and raise awareness of various funds and resources available to PhD students. Discussions with the PhD action network have resulted in prioritizing mental health, loneliness, caring responsibilities, cost of living, and a nursery campaign, which will be brought to the Directorate.

Should the LSESU commit to promoting a consent culture?

This motion was passed in June 2022. You can read the original motion document here.

Anaëlle Thoreau, the Community and Welfare Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. Here is a summary of her work so far: Consent Ed attendance has dropped, but more sessions are planned. The policy needs new staff leads and more resources. LSESU has included a part-time coordinator salary in its grant application. An external provider will offer a free refresher session, and LSE is discussing making online training mandatory. Facilitators have received better training and there were sessions for survivors only. LSESU is waiting for the CEO to return to start hiring for admin support. LSE is rebranding the online training and has secured more funding. Hiring has started for two Senior Consent.Ed Student Facilitators.

Should the LSESU update its byelaws to increase transparency and accessibility for students?

This motion was passed in June 2022. You can read the original motion document here.

This policy was delivered by SU staff in November 2022. You can see the updated Byelaws here

 

Should LSE expand and streamline its anti-sexual violence provisions in a way that promotes the well-being of students, victims, and survivors from all backgrounds?

This motion was passed in March 2022. You can read the original motion document here.

Anaëlle Thoreau, the Community and Welfare Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. Here is a summary of her work so far: The LSESU has successfully gotten LSE to sign the no NDA pledge and cross-referenced their policy with Anaëlle's priorities. There's a meeting scheduled with Student Services to discuss progress on wellbeing. However, a lot of their aims are blocked/hard to progress with due to EDI being understaffed. The issue around sexual violence support was raised during a liaison meeting between LSE and the LSESU, but nothing has been set in stone. Joanne Hay will discuss with Community and Welfare a proposal to SMC to make the Anti-Harassment Support Advisor a permanent post and change title/job description. This motion was an agenda item for the liaison meeting between LSE and LSESU sabbatical officers on Wednesday 15th of Feb. The LSESU has created a website page to promote the Anti-Harassment Support Advisor position so students can easily contact them.

passed policies from 2020-21

Should LSESU Introduce a Part-Time Neurodiversity Officer?

We have introduced a Part-Time Neurodivergent Students' Officer. This role was elected for the first time in Lent Term 2021, and you can find out more about the role and the current Officer here

You can read the original motion document here.

Should the LSE be Apartheid-Free?

This motion was passed in June 2021.

You can read the original motion document here.

Anaëlle Thoreau, the Education Officer, is responsible for implementing this policy. Here is a summary of her work so far: Maarya is leading the Divestment Alliance between PalSoc, Sustainable Futures, the Beaver, and the E&EO PTO to identify ways to implement change from different angles while keeping intersectionality at the core. She is also working closely with Palestine Society to streamline their events and fundraise for skatepal, lobbying the divestment subcommittee to divest from companies complicit in Israeli apartheid. Maarya has included the Environment and Ethics officer in this priority to amplify student voice and continues to advocate for anti-apartheid measures. They plan to bring this priority up at Academic Board and discuss a concrete game plan for lobbying the school. An open letter has been written and sent to the policy proposer, and a brainstorming lunch will be held to strategize campaign ideas. Maarya will bring up their demands in the Free Speech Working Group.

passed policies from 2019-20

Should the LSE change and improve its sexual harassment and abuse support provision?

 

  • Met with academics to create a thorough proposal for implementation of this motion
  • Presented a list of recommendations for LSE to change, centring around the need for an independent sexual violence advisor and for a reporting student to only disclose once. Joanne Hay, Deputy COO, responded with a written response committing to a working group and took on board most of the points raised.
  • The SU has submitted a response to the Office for Students consultation on proposed regulation on this issue.
  • The Task and Finish group has met regularly since Lent Term 2019, and has undertaken a functional review of the issue with LimeCulture.
  • The Group has agreed to fund an anti-harassment advisor and has commissioned training for all key decision-makers working on related disciplinary cases.
  • The role has been advertised and filled.

 

You can read the original motion document here.

LSESU should declare and lobby the LSE to declare a Climate Emergency and Ecological Crisis

 

  •  
  • The campaign is working with the Sustainability Division to maximise responses to their piece of consultation on a new Sustainability Division strategy which consists of a) a survey b) three workshops that will feed into the strategy. This strategy relates to the campaign because it will mostly like ask for more resource allocation which will aid a 2030 net zero target. The Sustainability Division also said that the School will be certified carbon neutral by the end of the year, which is a different standard from carbon net zero.
  • The campaign have agreed to work on note-takers to send to the workshops to ensure their comments are adequately reflected in the final strategy.
  • Andrew Young, the COO, was asked if student representation will be permitted at Senior Management Committee where the strategy will be adopted. This was denied, as well as to the request for an observer at the Sustainability Strategy Advisory Board
  • The sabbatical officers released a statement of support on the website
  • The Societies sponsorship policy has been updated to reflect that no sponsorships from armament companies and fossil fuel companies should be accepted.
  • LSESU supported the Youth Climate Strikes by photographing the demo and releasing the pictures to the campaign for social media
  • After investigating whether the SU pension plan could be changed to one that doesn't invest in fossil fuels, it was decided that individual employees will be given the option to switch to a different plan
  • After investigation, the SU bank account (Natwest/ RBS) cannot be moved because the more sustainable option (Triodos) still uses RBS as a clearing bank.
  • The LSESU policy on working with stakeholders who invest in fossil fuels has been updated.

 

You can read the original motion document here.

Should the LSE improve their provisions for mental health support and change the university culture to better the collective wellbeing of our community?

We have been supporting the campaign to undertake research and run events for LSE students.

LSESU have also been undertaking research into the cultural competency of LSE's mental health services.

We have also been working on the launch of the Support Map, which should be launching in the 21/22 academic year.

You can read the original motion document here.

Banning Beef at LSE

 

  • The SU met with LSE Sustainability Team and decided to collaborate on calculating the carbon reduction of replacing beef with tasty alternatives
  • Planning to develop an information campaign about said carbon impact and other arguments against beef.
  • The SU is looking at how the results of the Sustainability Division Strategy Consultation can inform how plant-based food will be introduced.
  • Met internally to discuss the impact of introducing plant-based food in LSESU catering, and to work to write a document with information for the Trustee Board meeting in June, however this was paused due to the impact of the pandemic.
  • Since the reopening of the Denning Learning Cafe in MT 2021, beef has been removed from the menu.

     

    You can read the original motion document here.

Drug Policy Reform

Raised the motion at a LSE/LSESU Liaison meeting (chaired by Dilly Fung, Pro Director Education) Made contact with Louise Nadal, School Secretary, about the next steps for reviewing the School's drug policy and requesting funding for drug testing kits. Awaiting a response from the school's legal team. The school are looking at providing a drug and alcohol counsellor who will operate via Zoom. Additionally, the school is working with the SU to look into the possibility of substance free housing for first years. The Three Tuns is now providing anti-spiking materials to ensure student safety. LSESU are looking into providing drug testing kits.

You can read the original motion document here.

We have a microwave situation

This motion was passed in March 2020. You can read the original motion document here.

Should LSE and LSESU make it a strategic priority to alleviate homelessness in the local area?

1) Launch a Sustainable Strategic Partnership: The LSE Homelessness Partnership (LSEHP) has been created between LSE, LSESU & St. Mungo's. The partnership is scheduled to last at least 3 years with the option to be dissolved after 1 year. The partnership includes an annual £40k donation to St. Mungo's. The LSEHP is governed by a steering group, with 5 autonomous streams underneath it (research; volunteering; fundraising; security; communication) which aim to jointly deliver the LSEHP's mission: "The LSEHP’s mission is to lead and empower the LSE Community to play a meaningful, active and leading role in: (i) Alleviating homelessness in the local community (ii) Efforts to end homelessness in society" Each stream has two leads who jointly oversee the activity within that stream - one lead from LSE; another lead from LSESU. 2) Skills & Careers Fair for Rough Sleepers: An informal agreement is in place to deliver this fair once every term with St. Mungo's. Unfortunately the pandemic and associated restrictions mean that it is not currently safe nor feasible to do so. Whilst not yet agreed, it is likely that the implementation of this Motion Action will eventaully fall under the LSEHP's Volunteering stream.

This motion was passed in March 2020. You can read the original motion document here.

Should LSESU act in solidarity with LSE cleaners?

J4C has become an SU campaign, and has undergone extensive campaigns training. The campaign has create a strategy for working with relevant stakeholders with three proposed goals: Have United Voices of the World recognised as the cleaners’ union Improve pay and conditions for cleaners, especially in the context of better PPE and more breaks for cleaners in the wake of a global pandemic Hold LSE's Directorate to account for its promises to cleaners. The campaign has published a series on their instagram which tells the story of the cleaners' struggles over the last five years, which will be posted as a blog on the website.

This motion was passed in March 2020. You can read the original motion document here.

passed policies from 2018/19

Should LSESU begin an initiative to provide free menstrual products for students in the Saw Swee Hock building?

We are providing tampons and sanitary towels throughout the SSH building.

You can read the original motion document here.

Should LSESU have a new approach to a transparent student democracy?

The Students' Union has taken steps, such as creating this webpage, to improve how it reports on the implementation of motions passed at Student Members' Meetings. We will also be undertaking a democracy review in the 21/22 academic year which address the concerns and questions raised in this motion. We are planning to create a joint student voice/communications strategy within the SU, and have improved the amount to which LSE promotes democratic opportunities within the SU.

You can read the original motion document here.

Should LSE hold a Summer Ball?

A Summer Ball was planned for Summer 2020 had to be postponed. Update October 2020 - event likely to be postponed in 2021, unless Covid-19 safety measures significantly change. Pandemic and online teaching for rest of 2020/21 means there will not be a Summer Ball in 2021.

You can read the original motion document here.


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