Information for Candidates

This page contains information you will find useful as a candidate in the Leadership Elections 2020. It is a useful resource during and after the elections and you're strongly encouraged to read before running. Everyone standing for a position will be required to indicate that they have read the rules of the election before being allowed to participate.  If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Team

On this page:

Candidates' Pack & Election Rules

Imperial College Union's elections are governed by rules that ensure fairness and accessibility while rewarding energy and enthusiasm. By nominating yourself for a role, you agree that you have read and understood all of the relevant rules and policies. 

Read Candidates' Pack 
Read Candidates' Brief presentation 

DRO Reports

The rules of the elections will be interpreted and enforced by the Returning Officer (RO) and Deputy Returning Officers (DROs). The DRO reports updates candidates on the latest DRO rulings and interpretations of the elections rules. 

Read the latest DRO Reports

Training & Support

Imperial College Union offers comprehensive training for elected representatives with tailored programmes for different positions. Officer Trustees (President and four Deputy Presidents) will have a two week induction in July just before assuming their new roles, receive a comprehensive handover from their predecessors, as well as attend a residential as part of their induction to the Board of Trustees. The Felix Editor and Constituent Union leaders will also benefit from an induction programme as well as support from their predessors. 

As our Wellbeing Representation Network will involve volunteers discussing sensitive issues such as stress and mental health, Wellbeing Representative Training is compulsory. Members of the Academic Representation Network will also be required to attend training, while CSP leaders receive tailored training through our year round Officer Academy, 

We will contact successful candidates with details of induction and or training sessions. We ask that all elected representatives attend training in order to understand Imperial College Union, meet fellow leaders, and learn how to be successful in their role.

As well as role-specific training, Imperial College Union also offers skills-based training, supporting our volunteers to develop skills such as public speaking, volunteer leadership, and time management. 

Nominations support 

The following training support will be available during the Nominations period to help you with your candidacy.

Online Hub:
The Union's Training Hub provides an opportunity for you to learn at your own convenience. There will be material available on the Hub during the elections which are specifically designed to help you with your candidacy. 

Writing Successful Manifestos
This will help you prepare your manifesto with information on how to craft your platform, as well as tips on language and persuasion. 
View this on the Training Hub  

Inclusive Campaigning:
This course will equip you with the tools to craft a campaign that reaches as many of your peers as possible with tips to help you connect with the whole Imperial community.
View this on the Training Hub

Campaigning support 

All candidates are required to read the rules of the elections before standing for a position. A Candidates' Brief will also be held just before the start of campaigning and all candidates for major positions are strongly encouraged to attend. There are very strict sanctions for breaching the election rules, many of which may not be obvious to candidates. Attending a session gives you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify rules and get useful information about the elections. Remember, ignorance of the rules is not a defence against breaches and sanctions will be applied to anyone who breaks them. the aim is to run a free and fair election that is as stress free as possible to all involved. If you are running for a role that is not a CSP Committee position and you are not able to attend the briefing, please let the Deputy Returning Officers know at elections@imperial.ac.uk.

Candidates' Briefing 
Wednesday 4 March, 12:15 – 13:00
City and Guilds Building, LT 200

Wellbeing Support

Elections is a stressful time and you will invest a lot of time and emotion into your campaigns, but the most important thing is to look after yourself! Remember to take time out, eat, sleep and be kind to yourself!

If you ever feel overwhelmed by the Elections, make sure you talk to someone! Your Advice Centre is always here to help. 

Wellbeing Contacts: 
Advice Centre: advice@imperial.ac.uk


Elections Team

The Leadership Elections 2020 are managed by a Working Group of Imperial College Union involving a cross-section of teams. The rules are governed by a Returning Officer, who is responsible for ensuring the elections are fair. The Returning Officer is someone selected from outside of Imperial College Union in order to ensure their independence. The Returning Officer will make the final and binding decision on any rule breaches or complex queries raised by candidates and members.

The Returning and Deputy Returning Officers can be contacted on elections@imperial.ac.uk.

Spend Declaration

All candidates must submit their spend declaration to elections@imperial.ac.uk by 19:00 on Thursday 12 March. Here's a step-by-step guide to submitting it:

  • Download the Spend Declaration Template
  • Review the Spend Declaration Sample to see a completed version
  • Complete the Spend Declaration with your name, username, position, and expenditures
  • Add your sort code and account number if you are running for a full-time or Constituent Union President position
  • Gather all of your paper receipts and take photos
  • Gather screenshots or attachable files of all electronic receipts
  • Ensure all receipt files have your name and the item type included in the file name - for example 'John Doe - Badges.jpg'
  • Send one email to elections@imperial.ac.uk with the subject line '<Your Name> <Your Role> - Spend Declaration' - for example 'John Doe - GSU President - Spend Declaration'
  • If you are running for more than one position, please complete one declaration template for each position
  • If you have spent no money on your campaign, please simply send an email telling us your expenditure was zero.
  • If receipts are not available, other evidence of cost will suffice
  • If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Team on elections@imperial.ac.uk

Publicity Banners 

All promotional material created by candidates - such as posters or websites - must include the publicity banner and hashtag, which saves you the task of adding basic information such as the voting period, hashtag and website.

Please align the hashtag to the top right of your poster.

Landscape Posters (click for example)

Full Colour

TLE17 - colour for portrait poster

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (black on white)

Download image: JPG

Monochrome (white on black)

Download image: JPG

Portrait Posters 

Full Colour

TLE17 - colour for portrait poster

Download image: JPG

Monochrome (black on white)

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (white on black)

Download image: JPG 

Tagline for posters 

To be added on the upper right hand side of your images. Download image: PNG