Monday 07-04-2025 - 14:09

 

The elected Education Officer for the 2025/2026 academic year, Niamh McAuley has resigned from her elected position. 

 

Following Niamh’s resignation, LUSU will be holding a by-election to fill the vacant role of Education Officer. 

The post became vacant when Niamh McAuley, who was recently elected to serve as Education Officer for the 2025/26 academic year, announced that she would not be taking up her role. Niamh said: 

 

“Withdrawing from the role of education officer hasn’t been an easy decision, but as it stands there are far too many negatives surrounding the role which out weigh the positives.

“Over the campaigning period a toxic environment was shown, whereby students have free rein to make unchecked comments and remarks without consequence.

“This attitude and behaviour extend further into the student population with full-time officers seen as “fair game”.

Cerys’ resignation from her role as President came as deeply upsetting and confirmed to me the many negatives which the role of being a Full-Time Officer holds. Cerys spoke about the continued harassment and bullying she has experienced by students while in her role - this is not something I wish to experience.

“I gained nearly 80% of the vote. So many people recognised what I was campaigning for and saw that I could undertake this role to my very best. I am humbled by such solid support amongst the university community. However, I must put my wellbeing first.”

 

The Education Officer is a crucial voice for Lancaster students within the University, Higher Education sector, and local area. Their role is to advocate for the academic interests of all Lancaster students and work collaboratively with the University to secure the best possible teaching, resources, research support, and academic opportunities for all students at Lancaster. 

The Education Officer oversees the work of our fantastic 400+ Student Academic Reps in their work to improve the experience of students within their Departmental decision-making spaces.  
The candidate who wins the election will be responsible for listening to the student body, engaging with representatives from the University, LUSU’s Trustee Board, and beyond at the highest level, raising the concerns of their fellow students across a range of educational issues. A full role description can be found here.
 
The timeline for electing a new Education officer is as follows: 
Week 22: Monday 28th April: Notice of Election 
Week 23: Monday 5th May, 10am: Nominations Open 
Week 25: Friday 23rd May, 6pm: Nominations Deadline 
Week 27: Friday 6th June: Campaigning Opens & Candidates Announced 
Week 28: Tuesday 10th June, 10am: Voting Opens 
Week 28: Thursday 12th June, 6pm: Voting Closes 
Week 28: Friday 13th June: Results Announced 

Officer Induction starts on Monday 23 June with a Handover Week with the out-going officers. Formal induction starts on Monday 30 June. 
 
The details about nominations for the vacant position and key dates for the by-election will also be published shortly on our website. If you are interested position, and would like more information, please email lancastersuelections@lancaster.ac.uk.
 

Edited 7th April to include a statement from Niamh McAuley.