Cardiff University Bar Society Constitution
The Bar Society will be affiliated to the Guild of Societies within Cardiff University Students’ Union and, as such, shall agree to the following…
[1] The Bar Society shall adhere to all rules of the University, the Students’ Union Constitution, and the Students’ Union Social Policy and Activities Laws, which can be found on cardiffstudents.com.
[2] Representatives from the Bar Society shall attend Societies Council, Societies Forums, the Cardiff University Students’ Union Annual General Meeting (AGM) and any other meetings called by the Students’ Union, as laid out by the Tier Structure.
[3] The Bar Society shall maintain an active student membership of no less than 20 student members.
[4] The Bar Society shall elect a new committee at the end of each academic year, normally via the online elections system.
[5] The Bar Society shall maintain a core committee of four members – a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.
[6] The Bar Society shall hold an Annual General Meeting at the end of each academic year.
[7] The Bar Society’s finances shall be kept in the assigned bank account in the Finance Office of the Students’ Union and managed by the Treasurer of the Bar Society.
[8] The Bar Society will seek advice and permission from the Students’ Union before entering into any contract or other legally binding arrangement.
To interpret this Constitution it must be considered in total and in relation to the Constitution of Cardiff University Students’ Union.
[1] TITLE
The Society shall be known as the Cardiff University Students’ Union Bar Society (BarSoc).
[2] AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives shall be:
[2.1] Achieve at least Bronze Tier, with the ambition of Platinum
[2.2] Enhance inclusivity and diversity
[2.3] Increase awareness of and engagement with the Bar and Bar-related events
[3] AFFILIATION
[3.1] The Bar Society will be affiliated to the Guild of Societies within Cardiff University Students’ Union.
[4] STUDENTS’ UNION
[4.1]The Bar Society shall form part of Cardiff University Students’ Union, and as such, will adhere to all the rules of the University, the Students’ Union Constitution, the Students’ Union Social Policy and Activities Laws, and rules laid down herein.
[4.2] Representatives from the Bar Society shall attend the following meetings:
- Societies Council
- Societies Forums
- Cardiff University Students’ Union Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Any other meeting called within the Students’ Union Constitution that requires the attendance of Society representatives, such as a General Meeting
The number of representatives required shall be outlined in the Guild of Societies Tier Structure.
[4.3] The Guild of Societies reserves the right to veto any activities of the Bar Society should they feel it contravenes any Students’ Union policy or places an undue risk on the individuals involved.
[5] MEMBERSHIP
[5.1] Membership may consist of any ordinary member of the Students’ Union wishing to participate in and further the aims and objectives of the Bar Society.
[5.2] At the discretion of the Bar Society committee, members of staff, alumni, and associate members of the Students’ Union may join the Society.
[5.3] The Bar Society shall maintain an active membership of no less than 20 ordinary members of the Students’ Union.
[5.4] An annual membership fee is required from all Society members of £2. The membership fee shall be determined by the Committee and approved by the Societies Team annually.
[5.5] All participants in society activity must be registered members of the Bar Society and the Guild of Societies or registered for specific events via Give it a Go or another Union Department. Activities which require registration are outlined in the Activities Laws.
[5.6] Members’ details will be held by the Students’ Union in line with the Data Protection Act and utilised in line with guidance in the Activities Laws.
[5.7] Student members are entitled to:
Join and participate in any activity organised by the Bar Society, subject to funding, skill, experience and availability.
Attend, address and vote at any general meeting of the Bar Society.
Attend any committee meeting of the Bar Society and, at the discretion of the committee, be granted speaking rights.
Hold a position on the committee of the Bar Society.
Vote to elect any committee members of the Bar Society.
[5.8] Non-student members are entitled to:
Join and participate in any activity organised by the Bar Society, subject to funding, skill, experience and availability.
Attend and address any general meetings of the Bar Society.
Attend any committee meeting of the Bar Society and, at the discretion of the committee, be granted speaking rights.
[5.9] The Bar Society will operate on a basis of inclusion; therefore, no member will be discriminated against in line with the Equal Opportunities Policy.
[6] THE COMMITTEE
[6.1] The committee is responsible for the day to day running of the Bar Society in accordance with the aims and objectives in [2].
[6.2] The committee shall collectively, along with their own job roles, ensure that the Bar Society abides by the Cardiff University Students’ Union’s policies and procedures.
[6.3] All committee members shall be elected democratically. Elections shall normally be carried out online at cardiffstudents.com.
[6.4] Committee nominations must be open to every student Society member, and all student Society members must have the opportunity to vote in the committee election. Non-student members will not be able to run or vote in committee elections.
[6.5] Committee positions must be held by members who are current students at Cardiff University.
[6.6] The Bar Society committee shall have a minimum of three roles, a President, Secretary and Treasurer, at any one time.
[6.7] The duties of each of the Committee members shall be as follows:
President: Acting as the principal officer, spokesperson for the Society and key contact with Cardiff University Students’ Union, the President leads and co-ordinates the Society, committee and members. They shall be responsible for the planning, organising and chairing of committee meetings and for protecting the interests of the Society in accordance with its aims and objectives.
Secretary: Responsible for the administration of the Society. They shall maintain accurate records and Society documents, take minutes of meetings, complete room bookings and risk assessments, and communicate with the committee and members.
Treasurer: Responsibilities including managing the Society’s finances, including budgeting, tracking income, spending, and fundraising, and ensuring compliance with SU financial procedures. They act as the Society’s contact with the SU Finance team for bank accounts, reimbursements, and grant applications.
[6.8] Additional committee members shall include:
Vice President: The responsibilities of the VP include presiding over meetings in the absence of the President, supporting and providing advice to the President and to support committee members organising events. They shall represent the Society at events, meetings and conferences whilst promoting the society and its events.
Mooting Officer: Responsible for organising and facilitating mooting events and competitions. This includes selecting moot problems, setting competition dates and team recruitment. They shall help promote, and guide students to participate in, mooting competitions. They shall be responsible for training and guiding participating teams and arranging a panel of judges to provide constructive feedback to the participants. They shall ensure competitions are conducted fairly and that participants adhere to rules.
Postgraduate Representative: Ensure the Society’s activities cater to postgraduate law students. They act as the voice of postgraduate law students and help with engagement and inclusivity. Their role is to help arrange networking events and collaborate with different universities. They shall support and guide both postgraduate and undergraduate students and mentor members.
Careers Events Coordinators (2): The Coordinators are responsible for organising Bar-related careers events, ensuring they are well-organised, varied, and accessible. They shall communicate with members to ensure events are interesting and relevant. They shall promote events and conduct risk assessment and safety procedures.
Social Media Officer: They are responsible for communicating both internally and externally for the Society, ensuring members are informed about events and promote the society to a wider audience. Roles include social media management (such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp) and creating engaging content, posting updates, and responding to messages and comments. They shall ensure the Society’s social media and website is user-friendly and to take pictures during events to help promote and document events. They shall be responsible for liaising with media outlets and ensure brand management by maintaining a consistent and professional brand image: making sure material align with the Society’s values and identity.
Diversity & Welfare Officer: Their role is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the Society. They shall advocate for the representation and participation of individuals from all demographics and social, cultural, and personal backgrounds (including differences in gender, race, age, religion, ability, and other circumstances), and ensure events are accessible for all members, with a focus on underrepresented groups. They shall serve as a point of contact for members who may be facing welfare-related challenges and will provide support and resources when needed. They shall help run campaigns to raise awareness and may liaise with university support services.
Social Secretary: Responsibilities include building a strong sense of community by organising social events throughout the year, including gatherings, dinners, parties, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic events. They help promote a friendly, inclusive environment and collaborate with other societies to provide varied opportunities for members.
[6.9] A vote of ‘no confidence’ in a committee member must be submitted formally in writing by any member to the entire committee and the Guild of Societies. This is to be voted on in an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) called by the committee with at least two weeks’ notice. A minimum of half the Society’s membership must be present and the motion must be passed by two thirds of those present. The decision of this vote is subject to appeal by the committee member through the Societies Executive Committee.
[6.10] A change in committee roles must be passed at an EGM before nominations open.
[6.11] The committee shall have the power to appoint appropriate subcommittees.
[6.12] Committee members should always act in the best interests of their Society. Where a committee member has interests outside of the Society that could come into conflict, or could be perceived to come into conflict, these should be declared to the entire committee. It may be appropriate for them to abstain from the relevant decision-making processes.
[7] COMMITTEE MEETINGS
[7.1] Committee meetings shall be held regularly, as required.
[7.2] Quoracy for committee meetings is half of all committee members plus one OR three committee members, whichever is the greater.
[8] GENERAL MEETINGS
[8.1] General Meetings, to which all members are invited, shall be held as and when necessary.
[8.2] An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall normally be held during the Spring Semester.
[8.3] At least two weeks’ notice of a General Meeting shall be given by the Secretary to all members and Cardiff University Students’ Union.
[8.4] Constitutional amendments, which include changes in committee structure, can be passed at any General Meeting by two thirds of those present or by more than half of the membership, whichever is the lesser. Amendments will then require ratification by the Societies Team.
[9] FINANCE
[9.1] The Bar Society’s finances must be administered in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Guild of Societies and Cardiff University Students’ Union.
[9.2] In the event that the Bar Society is no longer able to carry out its activities, and thus folds, all assets and debts will revert back to Cardiff University Students’ Union.
[9.3] Under no circumstances will the Bar Society’s funds be distributed amongst members.
[9.4] Committee members shall not receive payment or any other kind of financial benefit from the Society. Only genuine out-of-pocket expenses will be authorised by the Societies Team.
[9.5] The Bar Society may not enter into any contract or other legally binding arrangement without the permission of Cardiff University Students’ Union.
[10] COMPLAINTS, DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS PROCEDURES
[10.1] Informal complaints against the Bar Society or any of its members or committee members shall be submitted to the Bar Society President. The committee shall consider the complaint and may uphold or dismiss the complaint and may be entitled to take suitable action.
[10.2] The Bar Society committee shall attempt to resolve complaints but shall contact the Guild of Societies for advice and further discussion.
[10.3] Reports of alleged misconduct or inappropriate behaviour of any members or committee members shall be submitted in writing to the Bar Society President or the Guild of Societies.
[10.4] The Guild of Societies may refer matters to the Students’ Union’s Complaints Policy, Discipline Policy or Disputes Between Members Procedures.
[10.5] The complaints procedures shall be clearly communicated to the alleged offender(s) to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities.
[10.6] The initial complaint or report of alleged misconduct should be forwarded to the Vice President Societies for consideration if:
The Bar Society Committee feel unable to consider the complaint without bias, OR
The complainant feels the complaint or report will not be considered without bias.
In this case, an appeal against the outcome of a decision shall be sent to the Students’ Union President.
[10.7] Actions from complaints and allegations, which are upheld, may include the following:
Verbal or written reprimand and/or;
Suspension of any or all membership privileges and/or;
Termination of membership of the Bar Society and/or;
Referral of complaint to the Students’ Union Complaints or Discipline Procedures and/or;
Other actions as outlined in the Activities Laws.
[10.8] Outcomes of a complaint or report of alleged misconduct are subject to appeal. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Vice President Societies, as outlined in the Activities Laws.
Ratification
This Constitution was passed at an Annual General Meeting of the Bar Society on 13/04/26, and ratified by Guild of Societies on 24/04/26.