King’s College London Students’ Union (KCLSU) is more than just a union; it’s a collective where students can make new friends, gain new experiences, find opportunities, and create lasting, impactful change. If you’re keen to shape the Union and King’s, keep reading! 

Membership and Voting 

Every student at King’s College London (KCL) is automatically a member of KCLSU. Students are at the heart of the democratic process and decision-making. Your vote is crucial as it shapes the Union according to your preferences. Representatives at both the Union and University levels are elected by students.  

These elected representatives play a pivotal role in making high-level decisions, advocating for students, leading their communities, and voicing student concerns in important forums. 

KCLSU's Leadership Structure  

Board of Trustees   

As a charity, KCLSU is governed by a board of trustees, of which 10 are students. These 10 trustees are elected by the student body and include six officer team members and four student trustees. This ensures that student voices are central to the decision-making process at the highest level. 

Sabbatical Officers 

Sabbatical officers, often referred to as student officers or Vice Presidents/Presidents of KCLSU, take a year out of their studies or serve after graduation. They wear multiple hats: trustee, representative, KCLSU staff member, and campaigner. Representing the entire student body, they support change through their campaigns and manifesto priorities. They oversee the general direction of KCLSU and participate in the highest decision-making committees at King’s to ensure that student voices are heard. 

Student Trustees 

Student trustees are elected alongside student officers but hold voluntary positions that can be balanced with their studies. They serve on KCLSU’s board and sub-committees as company directors, ensuring that the Union’s strategic direction and impact align with the values and priorities of the student body. 

Other Representatives  

In addition to the board of trustees, there are other representatives elected by students who influence various aspects of the Union and the university. 

Academic Reps 

Academic reps are elected at the departmental or faculty level. They gather feedback and use students’ opinions to help shape departmental or faculty initiatives. They work closely with academic staff, KCLSU, and students, bringing agendas, issues, feedback, or ideas to the Student Staff Liaison Committee. 

Liberation Network Leads 

KCLSU has eight networks: Black Students, Disabled Students, Interfaith, International, First Generation, LGBT+ Students, People of Colour, and Women. These networks are representative platforms for marginalised communities to come together, collaborate, or campaign. Each network elects a chair who participates in forums at both the University and Union levels. 

Student Group Committees 

Elected by their respective members, committee members lead their societies or clubs. With training from KCLSU, they organise a wide range of events and competitions. While not directly involved in representation, they play a crucial role in the democratic process and lead change within their communities by campaigning and being the first point of contact for many students at King’s. 

Funding and Ratification Committee  

All student group committee members can vote or stand to be part of the Funding and Ratification Committee (FAR). This committee ratifies new student groups and allocates funding to student groups that apply at different points in the year. 

How to Get Involved 

Explore the activity groups and sports clubs available at KCLSU. Take it a step further and get involved with Student Media, Academic Associations, or Liberation Networks. 

Visit the KCLSU Make Change page to discover various ways to make a difference. Change doesn’t always require campaigning or running in an election – fundraising, volunteering, participating in widening participation outreach, or getting involved with the National Union of Students (NUS) are all valuable ways to contribute. 

By getting involved in representation at KCLSU, you can help shape the future of your Union and university, making a positive impact on the student experience at King’s