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It's that time again. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Student Officer Elections.

Student Officer Elections

The Student Officer Elections happen every year to decide who’ll take the place of your new Student Officer team.

This is an exciting chance to vote for who you think should lead The Union. Check out below how to get involved.

Run in the Elections
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What is a Student Officer?

All eligible Manchester Met students can stand in our annual election to become one of five Student Officers, and every student can vote to decide who they'll be.

  • Elected for one year into a full-time paid position, earning ~£25k. Please note, you'll need to seek permission from the trustee board to take on additional paid work if you become an elected officer
  • Work with The Union’s staff teams to deliver the strategy making sure every student can achieve personal success
  • Represent students at every level of decision-making in the University, the local community, and on national campaigns
  • Campaign for positive change on anything that affects student life
  • Accountable to their electorate (students)
  • Lead the political direction of The Union
  • Also, a trustee for The Union (we are a registered charity with 10 trustees). Many organisations actively seek out Students' Union officers for recruitment
  • From public speaking and chairing meetings to campaign planning and organising, there’ll be opportunities to gain unique work experience
  • Each Student Officer role is different, but all start with team building and training

Smiling student with dark shoulder length hair

I've loved building meaningful relationships during my time as Wellbeing Officer, with both students and the staff at The Union. It's been such a memorable year, which has been pivotal to my growth, both personally and professionally.

Iqra Iftikhar, Wellbeing Officer 2022-23

The roles

  • Leads the representation of student views and interests to the University, locally and nationally
  • Develops positive community relations, promoting student interests locally and nationally, and maintaining strong working relationships with community organisations via forums and community groups
  • Leads our public image and is a Governor at the University
  • Leads the representation of student views and interests to the University, locally and nationally
  • Leads the Course Rep system, working with staff and students to support around 2,000 students to represent their courses
  • Runs campaigns to ensure students are receiving a high quality academic experience
  • Represents issues affecting all aspects of non-academic student life, ensuring a sense of belonging
  • Represents students on accommodation issues, including halls, residences, and private landlords
  • Works with student volunteers and campaigners on areas of student life and wellbeing
  • Represents societies and student groups to the University, local and national organisations
  • Leads the promotion of social, cultural, educational, religious, and political activities in The Union
  • Works with student volunteers and campaigners to develop a strong organising culture within the Societies Council
  • Represents student sport to the University, local and national organisations
  • Responsible for the development of all sports sub-groups and their affiliate clubs, volunteer groups of collectives with associated training, campaigns, and support
  • Works with student volunteers and campaigners to develop a strong relationship with the Sports Council

Support during Ramadan

This year’s elections take place during Ramadan. We have consulted with students and EDI specialists to make sure the election is as inclusive as it can be.

Voting times are flexible, most key events are placed to avoid sunset, food will be available to break fast, rooms in the union will be dedicated as prayer spaces and we will have relax and reflection spaces available in the Union.

Please contact us if you have any concerns or further ideas of support.

Benefits of being an officer

  • Represent 44,000 students

  • Lead campaigns for change

  • Gain career-boosting skills

  • Work in a full time, paid role

Find out more benefits

Being an Officer - from start to finish

Stage 1: Run in the Elections

You have from 09:00 on 3 December until 12 noon on 6 February to run as a candidate in the Student Officer Elections.

The first stage of the process is to nominate yourself as a candidate for an Officer role and complete our eligibility checks.

Stage 2: Candidate training

Now candidates will receive training to help them run a fair and successful election campaign. 

Candidates will be able to attend sessions to help them meet other candidates.

Candidates are offered support in creating their ‘vision statement’.

Stage 3: Campaigning begins

Vision statements are confirmed and candidates are revealed on 18 February.

Candidates will start their campaigns around campus, convincing students that they’re the right person for the job.

A series of Q+As and candidate campaigns around campus show us what they are about and why they’re the right person for the job.

Stage 4: Voting period

Students vote from 23 - 26 February and elect a new Officer team. 

1 July – New Officers start

The newly elected Student Officers will take their position leading The Union.

A period of around 6 weeks of induction and training takes place. Please make sure you are available throughout July and early August.