LSE Students' Union - Governance

Governance

The governance of LSESU has changed little in its history, run by a 12-strong directly elected 'cabinet', known as the Executive Committee ('Exec') who are also the Trustees of the union.

Five of these positions (General Secretary, Education, Welfare & Community, Activities & Development and Postgraduate) are full-time positions, known as Sabbatical Officers or 'Sabbs'. These are LSE students who have either completed their degree and elected to stay on another year, or students taking a year out from their studies to fulfil the role. Unusually, the Postgraduate sabbatical officers work part-time, but are paid for their work. A salary of £27,000 per academic session is paid for each of these roles. A recent UGM motion reduced their salaries after criticism that their pay was too high, however it remains the highest in the country compared to other students' unions. In theory Sabbs hold no more constitutional weight on the Exec than the part-time officers.

The remaining seven positions on the 'Exec' comprise part-time, unpaid positions.

Until 2010, the 'Exec' (except AU President and Returning Officer), were all trustees of the LSESU, and legally represented the Union, entering into contracts and representing the organisation in court. These trustees were all individually legally responsible for the Union's activities: they ensure the Union is compliant with legislation, they oversee its financial management, and they prioritise its resources on behalf of all the members. As of June 2010, a new separate trustee board, elected from students, has taken over this role compliant with new charity law.