How does Make A Change work?
Submit a proposal
When you submit your idea, you'll need to make sure that it answers a few key questions:
- What is your idea?
- Why is it relevant to students?
- What positive impact would this idea have?
Example Idea
Cash should be accepted as payment across campus Campus shops and catering outlets should accept cash as payment. Cash is still an accepted form of payment across the local area and is widely used for individuals in the service sector, with many international students relying on cash when they first move to the UK. The use of cash would make it more accessible for students access the outlets on campus, ensuring that they have access to food and drink throughout the days when they are on campus.
Get student backing
Other students can ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ your idea and leave comments. Your proposal needs at least 10 likes and 10 more likes than dislikes within six weeks to move forwar
Reviewed by the Executive Committee
If your idea reaches the threshold, it goes to the Executive Committee (SU Presidents + Forum Facilitators), who will sort it into:
- Actions – quick wins that can be implemented straight away.
- Beliefs – bigger ideas that need discussion and a student vote at Forum.
Actions are assigned to a President, student, or staff member to deliver. The three Beliefs with the most student backing go to the next Student Forum for discussion and voting.
The next step is Student Forum.
What happens to my proposal at Forum?
At Forum, you will be able to present your idea and students can discuss and vote on the next course of action for your idea. They may:
If your idea reaches Forum, you can present it. Students will then discuss and decide whether to:
- Pass the idea as a Union Prioirty or an Agreed Action
- Reject it
- Request more information before deciding
If passed, the Executive Committee will assign a lead and work with students to make it happen.
Union Priorities vs Agreed Actions: What’s the Difference?
Union Priorities (Tier 1)
These are the top six ideas chosen by students at Forum that the SU will focus on right now. They get dedicated officer time, campaign resources, and regular updates so you can see progress. Think of them as the main headline issues.
Agreed Actions (Tier 2)
These are ideas approved by students that the SU officially supports and will work towards when possible, but they aren’t in the current top six. They may be progressed alongside other work, raised in relevant meetings, or picked up as capacity allows. Think of them as on the list, but not the main focus this term.
Why use Make a Change?
Because it works. Past ideas have led to:
- Better study spaces for neurodiverse students
- Sustainable travel initiatives
- Inclusive campus facilities
Your voice really can – and will – make a change.
You can contact The SU team to find out more about how Make a Change works.