Find out what happened at the last Better Staffs Forum.
Advertising gambling on the TV screens in bars
The company that provides the TV screens that are in Ember Lounge and The Lounge show a variety of adverts from national companies, which blend in to adverts the Union produces and music videos that are shown. A student complained that one such advert was of an online casino website and called for the company to be compelled to review their ethical policy.
After much discussion the proposal became that the Union write to SUBTV and ask them to set up an ethics committee to ensure all their advertising is appropriate. The proposer has been asked to draft text for the referendum so that we can get it online.
Men's network
A student wants to look at formally setting up a Men's network along the lines of the Women's Network and enshrined within the constitution. The chair of the Women's Network wants to work with him and supports the new proposal. Following a very long debate that covered all areas of concern, the panel voted 4-3 against the motion. It was felt that this was not a decisive vote so the issue will go to a referendum too.
The Union will meet with them both and the FTOs to look at how we move forward with publishing the referendum. It has since been agreed that the referendum will be held as part of Leadership Race voting to help encourage participation.
Other issues raised:
• Concerns expressed at the news (from a student) that they were losing the Cadman student space and that Costa was moving in to the library
• Security on campus, car parking and drink spiking (Tom Hope talked about campaign and random testing) were all areas of concern
• Not being able to use cashless card in the Art shop.
• Discussed date of next forum which is on Monday March 2nd 6pm in Stafford and Stoke students requested that we try to get return transport arranged.