Ever wondered what happens when your SU Officers get grilled with questions like “So, how’s that campaign going then?” or “Didn’t you say you’d fix that last term?” Welcome to the wonderful world of the Accountability Panel (AP) — where democracy meets discussion (and maybe a little polite chaos).

Huddersfield Students' Union is all about improving your student experience. A big part of that is making sure your elected Officers are doing exactly what they promised to do. The Accountability Panel keeps your SU transparent, your voice heard, and your Officers on top of their game.

what is the accountability panel?

Think of it as the Students’ Union’s built-in fact check. It’s a team of students and one external member who make sure your SU President, Education Officer, Equity Officer, and Activities Officer are delivering on their promises and representing students effectively.

They’re not here to ambush anyone — just to keep things fair, open, and student-focused. It’s a friendly but firm check-in to make sure your SU is genuinely working for you (and not just drinking all the free coffee in the office).

what does the panel actually do?

The Accountability Panel has three main missions — and none of them involve capes (though maybe they should):

• Holding Officers Accountable: The panel reviews what each Officer has achieved, asks questions about progress, and makes sure they’re keeping their manifestos alive and well.
• Ensuring Inclusivity: They check that every type of student — commuter, international, postgraduate, or someone who lives in the library — is being represented fairly.
• Providing Constructive Feedback: The panel gives honest, balanced feedback, celebrating wins and suggesting ways to improve.

Basically, it’s like a friendly performance review… but with more students and fewer awkward silences.

who’s on the panel?

It’s not a secret society (sadly, no mysterious cloaks or candlelight). The panel is made up of:

• Engaged Students: Society members, course reps, and network leads who know what’s happening around campus.
• External Member: Someone completely independent of the SU Officers, to keep things fair and objective.
• Chairperson: The one who keeps everyone in line — steering the conversation, preventing chaos, and keeping things on track.

why it matters

You might be thinking, “Cool, but why should I care?” — fair question. The Accountability Panel helps keep the Students’ Union transparent, responsible, and student-led.

If something’s been bugging you — like the state of the microwaves, Wi-Fi woes, or the eternal campus seating shortage — this is your chance to get answers straight from the Officers themselves.

got a question for the officers?

If there’s something you want to ask your SU Officers, this is your moment. Whether it’s a big idea or a burning question, your input helps make sure the SU is tackling the things students actually care about.

example questions you could ask:

• “What are your plans to improve student engagement in extracurricular activities?”
• “How are you making the SU more inclusive and accessible?”
• “Will there be more microwaves around campus? (Asking for a hungry friend.)”
• “What’s been your biggest achievement this term?”
• “What’s next for your manifesto goals?”

final thoughts

The Accountability Panel might sound serious, but it’s one of the most important (and underrated) parts of how your Students’ Union works. It’s where promises meet progress — and where students make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.

So next time you see the word “accountability”, don’t scroll past — get involved! Submit a question, have your say, and help shape how your SU supports you.

Because at the end of the day, the Accountability Panel isn’t about catching anyone out — it’s about keeping everyone in check and making sure your SU stays exactly what it’s meant to be: run by students, for students.