The last round of this academic year’s Better Forums took place on Thursday 15 May.
This was an opportunity for students to present ideas that would improve student experience within the Union and the University, and to see in person which ideas would be implemented.
Thank you to everyone involved with the Better Forums and for making change happen!
See the results below.
Better University
Should LUU or the University create more inclusive, non-alcohol focused spaces that feel welcoming and event-friendly?
This idea was presented by Aditri Agrawal. The idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
The results were 16 for and 4 against.
“Currently, students at the University of Leeds and LUU have limited access to inclusive, event-friendly spaces that don’t revolve around alcohol. While spaces like Common Ground are welcoming, they are often busy and not available for private bookings. Other options, like Crossroads, are specialized for gaming, while Terrace and Old Bar allow bookings but serve alcohol.
Many available spaces, such as student common rooms or LUU Rooms, feel too formal (like seminar rooms) and lack the inviting, social atmosphere needed for student-led events. There is a clear need for more accessible, vibrant, and inclusive spaces where students or staff can host gatherings, workshops, or social events without the presence of alcohol, in an environment that feels welcoming rather than corporate or academic.
LUU or the University should create more inclusive, bookable event spaces designed for socialising without the presence of alcohol and without feeling like a seminar room. A dedicated multipurpose space with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a relaxed, vibrant feel would provide students with a more accessible and inclusive environment.” -Aditri.
Better Leeds
Should LUU host Medical Coordination Forums?
This idea was presented by Dr. Felix Ejesu Emotu. The idea did not reach a consensus.
The results were 12 for and 8 against.
“Student feedback has suggested that many struggle to navigate healthcare systems while at university. This is especially true for international students, disabled students, or those unfamiliar with the UK’s healthcare structure. Confusion often arises around when to access NHS services, charities, or private providers.
Compounding this issue are the multiple, disjointed systems for general health, dental care, and eye care. Long NHS wait times, complex referral processes, and unclear signposting leave students without the support they need. Furthermore, there is currently no clear feedback loop between students and local health providers, meaning student voices are not being heard in shaping services.
I proposed that Leeds University Union hosted an annual Medical Coordination Forum. This forum would have aimed to empower students to engage with healthcare systems more confidently and ensured providers are better informed about student needs.” -Felix.
Better Union
Should LUU do more to amplify the student voice through changes to its democratic engagement model
This idea was presented by Lucy Hart. The idea passed and has become LUU Policy for three years.
The results were 18 for and 2 against.
“In 2024/25 LUU undertook a comprehensive review of its democratic structures to understand how students engage with decision-making and to evaluate the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the current democratic structures. Students told us that LUU’s engagement model needed to change for greater transparency, stronger empowerment, more opportunities for meaningful agency – through a culture of organising, mobilising, and advocacy.
Over the years LUU’s democracy has centred on its Sabbatical Officer Team carrying the bulk of representation, campaigning and governance. Yet with ever expanding agendas—from housing and the cost of living to liberation and academic issues—the Officers’ capacity is stretched thin. Their efforts to maintain strategic relationships with various stakeholders who can make change often come at the expense of grassroots campaigning and direct student engagement.
Other student representational structures are inconsistent. Inconsistencies include paid vs voluntary roles, number of reps for each group and how they are recruited. For example Faculty Officers are appointed and paid a stipend, whereas the Activities Exec are elected volunteers. Complicated representation structures create confusion over who represents what, how decisions are made and where students make their voice heard.
The proposed change was to introduce a new democratic engagement model that will rebalance the focus of representation from a small number of elected officers, to a much broader, more accessible network of paid student representatives. It would mirror a community organising model, where students are brought together as a community to take action around their common concerns. It would rely upon paid organisers reaching out and listening, connecting and motivating people to build their collective power.” -Lucy.
Presenting an idea to a panel of students and a live audience is an incredible opportunity, but being on the panel is equally empowering. It’s a chance to lead discussions, share insights and vote on which ideas would benefit the student body the most.
Here’s what some of our panellists had to say:
“It’s great to know that other students are thinking about the same issues as you, and to know that you can propose ideas to LUU for a student vote. Also to know that the student vote matters in policies between LUU and the university.”
“The thinking patterns of people from different academic fields and cultural backgrounds are quite distinct, which is also an embodiment of inclusiveness.”
“I found the experience really informative.”
“It was so interesting to see behind the scenes of the LUU.”
“It was a very engaging, new experience.”
“A great opportunity to see the efforts people are putting into making our Uni experience better and express my own opinions on improvements that could be made.”
“Engaging with student democracy is a valuable part of the student experience.”
“It felt rewarding to have a say in major decisions voted on by the University Union.”
“Enjoyable and Informative.”
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
“Very engaging and interesting, really feel like you make a difference. Would recommend.”
“It was a good experience, and great to have a role in improving the university. A well organised and accessible event.”
If you have an idea for change or want to start a campaign, please get in touch with the Political Engagement Team [LUU.PET@leeds.ac.uk].
