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The Borwick Proposals came about as the indirect and unintended result of a conference held by the National Union of Students, (In accordance with the Centre for Excellence in leadership), on the 28th to the 30th November 2007 at Borwick Hall in northern Lancashire. Lasting three days, it was intended to foster 'Excellence in Leadership' by the socialisation of the Student Delegates into supporting the National Union of Students. Understandably, some Delegates were critical of this quite blatant propaganda exercise and the result of this was the creation of the Borwick Proposals.
The list was drawn up by a number of Delegates, (of whom the most prominent and most enthusiastic were Kyle Kennedy and Ian Bannon), and was instrumental in defining what students expect from their Student Union and how such criteria were to be met. The method of meeting these criteria was decided upon as being in the form of a Constitution, (Thenceforth known as the Borwick Constitution), which was to be applied in a number of Colleges. From there, it was expected that these Colleges would then join together as a Confederation, committed to upholding the 'Law of Liberal Democracy' and defending the rights of students, not merely as students but as citizens and individuals in their own right.
The List of Proposals, (though in no published format, as of yet), is as such;
-The creation of a constitutional text enshrining the principles of Freedom and Liberty.
-The creation and incorporation of a legal and judicial system into the running of Students Unions.
-The creation and incorporation of a formal legislative structure to ensure more participation in Student Governance.
-The complete reform of the structure of a Union Executive, with a Seal of Office and a system of Decree-making.
-The creation of a 'Collective Presidency', whereby rather than have one de facto head of government, a committee of three exists to ensure constant leadership and abuse of power.
-And above all, the assurance that principle be placed before politic; to ensure that the Duties of Office be not neglected, as well as to ensure that personal philosphies, (Of those who should know better, no less), do not influence or affect the running of a Students Union or indeed, the rights of its members. As has happened before.
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