Candidate Reveal for the Leadership Elections 2026

What are the Leadership Elections 2026?

The Leadership Elections are AUBSUs’ annual democratic exercise where you get to choose who makes up the Executive Committee for the 2026/2027 academic year. The Executive Committee leads Arts University Bournemouth Students Union, is the representative of student voice here at AUB and has control over our campaigns, events, policies and overall activity. 

What positions are on officer?

President Student Union – One half of our full time Sabbatical Officer duo, who is the main liaison with the University, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Student Governor. The President Student Union also leads on all of our equality, diversity and inclusion work.

President Student Experience – Our other full time Sabbatical Officer leading on our on the ground day to day work, from welfare campaigns to clubs and societies support to our events. 

Student Executive Officer x 4 – Unfortunately we had 0 nominations for this role this year (sad times) so we will fill this in October in our by-election. 

AUBSUs’ Leadership Elections 2026 Candidates

President Student Union

Achilles Smith

More Art. More Opportunity. More Student Voice.

The student experience should never feel like an afterthought, especially at a creative university. As President of Arts University Bournemouth Students’ Union, my goal is to ensure that students feel inspired, supported, and genuinely represented. I want the SU to be a place that amplifies student voices, and actively champions creativity in all its forms.

A core priority for me is creating more opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work. As artists and creatives, your work deserves to be seen and valued. I want to push for greater use of the incredible gallery spaces on campus and within the local community, alongside expanding online exhibitions that allow students to reach wider audiences. These opportunities should be accessible to students from all courses and years, regularly updated, and centred around engaging themes and prompts with a permanent online showcase that celebrates student work year-round.

Beyond exhibitions, I want the SU to play a stronger role in commissioning student artists and supporting professional opportunities. This includes advocating for paid commissions and showcasing student work in professional settings beyond campus. Creative work has real value, and the Students’ Union should reflect that by actively investing in student talent and helping students gain meaningful real-world experience while still studying.

Community sits at the heart of a positive student experience, and I want to help strengthen that sense of connection at AUB. I’d love to see more community led events, including the return of larger social events like a Winter Ball, alongside smaller, regular activities that give students a reason to come together. With hosting relaxed, low pressure socials, these moments help students feel welcome and connected. Events such as vinyl nights- where students can share music, discover new sounds, and unwind-  are the kind of creative and inclusive spaces that support student wellbeing and campus culture.

Practical support is just as important as social and creative opportunities. I am committed to continuing and strengthening cost of living support, including maintaining and improving the Cost of Living Fair. No student should have to choose between their basic needs and their education, and I will ensure the SU continues to advocate for accessible support and meaningful resources for students who need them.

Finally- merch. I’d love to explore AUB Students’ Union merch that actually feels wearable, creative, and student-designed. Our union should reflect the creativity of its students, and yes, that includes hoodies people actually want to wear. As President, I will listen to students, work closely my fellow officer, societies, course reps, and university staff, and make sure student voices are heard at every level. My aim is to lead a Students’ Union that is creative, supportive, inclusive, and genuinely fun- one that works with students, not just for them.

President Student Union

Max Oldridge

Make it More. Make it Max.

• Working with the BCP, School Board and Students to create an Art collective, to provide some measure of employment to artists nationwide, as well as resuscitate extinct art forms.

• Continuing the School’s Policy of working to provide basic necessities – at easy access – to our most disadvantaged Students.

• Making it much easier for students to profit from their labour at any time on campus as well as letting students peform theatre, concerts and more on the campus for cheap.

• Creating a counselling programme for Transgender individuals to properly discuss their journeys in a professional, safe environment.

President Student Experience

Lily Smith

Better community, better creativity

Bournemouth has always been my home; while studying illustration here I have seen the momentous impact that community engagement has on the cohort and the individual. 

I love the beaches and summers here; I also love giving myself challenges and chances to grow. I spent holidays working at summer camps in New York, leading the Art Department. I was constantly on my feet and the work was tiring, but seeing the kids’ confidence grow was worth it. My department quickly became a welcoming environment for everyone.

I learned key skills leading and organising projects, thinking quickly and confidently voicing my opinions. Community engagement is integral for a great experience, which is what my core goal will be as President of Student Experience.

I already have immersed myself into the community here at AUB! I sell at monthly art markets, allowing me to meet many amazing and creative individuals. I am the social secretary for AUB’s Volleyball society, where I plan fun and unique socials every week. I am also a course rep and have experience dealing with serious concerns and minor adjustments. 

The experience I have not only suits the role but has also allowed me to observe what areas of AUB work, and what parts I want to improve. I have 3 goals I will achieve with your help in improving the student experience at AUB:

Encouraging time on campus

A major area that would inspire community engagement is increasing the time students spend on campus. Cheaper food options available on campus would push people to stay longer on campus. Understanding what is available to students is also a key focus for me.

We have incredible resources like the print room, the book binding studio and the creative suite! I will improve awareness of the workshops they offer by showcasing mini workshops during art markets and placing posters/social media with information about workshops available.

Furthermore, I will increase the library opening hours during deadline weeks, or host study sessions so students don’t feel alone.

Improving our creativity

The art markets we hold are something I adore. I will expand this by collaborating with local companies like BU or Southcoast makers market and hosting art events with them.

Having themed days such as ‘Society Day’ as a way of encouraging collaboration between clubs and societies and giving them the opportunity to work with local charities in planning fundraisers.

I also aim to create a variety of competitions that all courses can engage with. Collaborating with the SEEGULL magazine, I aim to create monthly flyers that showcase opportunities and events occurring in the local area.

Becoming a more eco-conscious university

A big goal is ensuring a smoke/vape-free campus or specific areas around campus.

I also aim to start a gardening group with workshops for building homes for wildlife around campus and growing plants students can use to cook with.

I will also create a garden space which we can use to grow herbs/vegetables for the kitchen staff to use and cut down on cooking costs.

Voting opens tonight at 5pm so make sure you VOTE, check out the candidates campaigns for more information and come along to one of our voting stalls this week (prizes to be won)

You will be sent a direct link to vote from Choice Voting or you can click the link on our page.

Voting closes Thursday 5th March at 2pm. Results will be released Friday evening.