Students Association

Who we are

The Open University Students Association was established by the University Charter and is a registered charity. Its current membership is around 200,000 students spread across the UK, Europe and beyond. The overwhelming majority of our students study part time and at a distance. We are the recognised, credible voice of OU students and we seek to develop a vibrant student community for all.

Generally the Association is an organisation of students, run by students, operating through a democratic structure. It is headed by our Student President who chairs our Board of Trustees and our Central Executive Committee.

As a registered charity, ultimate authority and responsibility for all of the Association’s activities is vested in the Board of Trustees, which currently comprises 8 elected student positions and a further two external trustees.

The General Manager is a permanent member of staff appointed by the Board of Trustees and is responsible for advising the President, Board of Trustees and the Central Executive Committee. The General Manager is also responsible for managing the Association’s staff team and services.