Portsmouth Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University. As a charity led by its values and guided by its students, the Union positively impacts students by providing wide-ranging services and learner support to the 20,000 + students of the University of Portsmouth. The Union is based in the centre of Portsmouth and turns over £1.7M per annum, employing approximately 35 career staff and a further 35 student staff. The organisation also works with over 1000 registered student volunteers and has close to 8000 members of sports clubs and societies.
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union’s primary function is to listen to students and help improve student experience. Through our Have Your Say programme every student can submit an ideas to get their voice heard and changes made. Every student can have a say on the Union and the University by attending and/or submitting an idea to one of our ‘Have your say’ Zones. These are regular meetings that allow students to discuss and vote on ideas that improve the student experience. There are five Faculty and seven Union Zones.
Our annual elections ensure Student and Sabbatical Officers are elected by over 20% of the student body. Each year five Sabbatical Officers are elected by students to make positive changes to student life in Portsmouth. Sabbs are paid to spend a year leading the Union and delivering their manifesto points. Similarly Course Representatives are elected by those who study on that course.
We also have an independent student Advice Centre located at the heart of our campus in the Union Building. Our team of trained advisors are on hand all year round to offer advice and support that students may need. The independent service works closely with the University of Portsmouth to resolve issues and ensure students are treated fairly. Our Advice Service offers confidential, impartial and non-judgemental support. We deliver a range of academic & non-academic, information, advice, and guidance to the students of the University of Portsmouth and partner institutions. The service also undertakes other activities and events throughout the year to promote health and wellbeing of students.
Apart from our support services, the Union offers a wide range of extracurricular pursuits. This gives students a chance to build up their CV with volunteer experience or meet new people through our various student groups. We support 190+ sports clubs, societies, media groups and volunteering opportunities that students are able to get involved in.
