NUS Cymru Democracy

How Democracy will happen at NUS Cymru Assembly 2026

Purpose

The Assembly will give delegates a direct role in shaping the work of NUS Cymru through discussing key student issues and approaches to tackling them, understanding the role of NUS Cymru and developing national collective tactics, prioritisation of key issues and campaign tactics, and exploring how NUS Cymru can support campaign activity across Wales.  

The programme will combine sharing information, discussion, practical action, and decision making. 

 

Before the Assembly

1. Officer Networks 

We host University and College SU Officer Networks throughout the year which officers are invited to directly. Our first College Officer Network is due to take place early November. These network sessions allow us to discuss shared issues and priorities ahead of the Assembly. Information gathered at these networks will be shared back to all delegates during the Assembly to inform the campaign prioritisation process.

 

2. Working Groups  

From the Networks, we have established a series of working groups hosted on WhatsApp to begin working on the key issues currently identified. These working groups are open to all officers to join and currently include:

  • Health, Wellbeing, and Safety  

  • International Students 

  • Cost of living (inc. Tuition)  

  • Welsh Language 

These groups will be used to gather deeper insights into issues, begin developing campaign asks, targets and red lines, and consider collective tactics and actions. These groups may change, and we may add additional working groups, following campaign prioritisation at the Assembly. 

 

3. Sgwad Cymorth

We're bringing together a small group of officers from SUs across Wales who are keen to share insights, test ideas, provide honest feedback, and help influence the work of NUS Cymru and support Jen Taylor in her role as NUS Cymru President in 2026/27. We're calling this the Sgwad Cymorth / Support Squad. Think of it as a sounding board, advisory group, and opportunity to build a closer relationship with NUS Cymru and steer this year's work.

The Sgwad will have the chance to bring the perspectives of your SU and students, discuss emerging issues, and contribute to conversations that help shape what happens next. You can still sign up to join the Sgwad here Sign-up for Sgwad Cymorth. 

The Sgwad will work with Jen throughout the year, focusing on issues identified as priorities by delegates at the Assembly.

 

 4. What Students Think (WST) Survey 

Our What Students Think survey captures data from students on key themes including Cost of Living, Transport, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and International Students. In Wales we added questions on Tuition fees and the value of a degree (to support work on the HE Review), and Welsh Language. 

This data will be shared with delegates at the Assembly and will be used to inform discussions about campaign priorities. 

 

5. Campaign Afternoon

We are hosting an online Campaign Afternoon in October for SU officers to come together and discuss student issues in more detail ahead of NUS Cymru Assembly. Discussions at the campaign afternoon will inform the campaign prioritisation process at the Assembly. 

 

At the Assembly

We will share the insights and feedback gathered so far through surveys, discussions with member students unions, and student insights to inform discussions on student issues and decisions about priorities for national collective campaigns. 

Based on the information provided, delegates will discuss and make informed decisions on the five priority issues to campaign on. 

These agreed priorities will then become formal working groups facilitated by NUS Cymru which members can volunteer to join. These working groups will support campaign activity across the year.