Board of Ten
Mouse-over an option to learn more.
- Function of the Board
Function of the Board
The Board is the governing body of the Union Debating Society. The Board consists primarily of 9 members elected each year at the AGM and the convenor, elected by the entire student body in the spring. There are also serveral appointments and honorary members. It meets every Wednesday during term time at 5pm, upstairs in the union. All are welcome to attend.
As you may notice, the board does not consist of 10 members.
- President & Convenor
President & Convenor
The Convenor is the president of the Board and Debates Officer on the SRC. They are responsible for the general oversee of the society and chairing board meetings. They also chair formal debates in Lower Parliament Hall and are responsible for organising and obtaining top quality speakers.
The current President, Mr Daniel Goldblatt, is a Semi reading History.
- Internal Secretary
Internal Secretary
The Internal Secretary is responsible for assisting the organisation of Lower Parliament Hall debates and organising our two internal competitions, the Inter-Res and Maidens.
Our current Internal Secretary is Mr Jack Whiteley, a Tertian reading English and International Relations. Jack is also the Deputy Convenor.
- Treasurer
Treasurer
As one would expect, the Treasurer is responsible for handling the society's accounts and overseeing finances. They are also in charge of sponsorship.
Currently our Treasurer is Mr Emmanuel Michelakakis, a Semi reading Economics.
- Inter-Varsity Secretary
Inter-Varsity Secretary
The Inter-Varsity Secretary is responsible for coordinating speakers and judges to attend external competitions both in the UK and abroad, sits on the SSDC, and convenes the St Andrews IV and Individual Speakers Competition.
The Inter-Varsity Sec. is currently Mr Ed Noel, a Tertian reading Philosophy.
- Schools Secretary
Schools Secretary
The Schools Secretary is responsible for organising society members to attend the Courier Junior Debating Competition, the International Competition of Young Debaters (ICYD), and running the St Andrews Senior Schools Debating Competition.
The current Schools Secretary is Miss Maureen MacIsaac, a Semi reading Economics.
- Serjeant-at-Arms
Serjeant-at-Arms
The Serjeant-at-Arms sits to the Convenor's right during formal debates and is charged with their safety and well-being. They are ably equipped for this, armed with the Union Debating Society's sword, Bessie. They are also responsible for alumni relations, the week's order papers, and the society's clothing orders.
The Serjeant-at-Arms is currently Mr Andrew Ratomski who is a Semi reading English and Classics.
- Clerk to the House
Clerk to the House
The Clerk is responsible for the minutes of both board and Public Debates. They type and submit these minutes to be recorded in our uninterrupted minute book stretching back to the founding of the society in 1794, which is available for inspection.
Our current clerk is Mr John Harper, a Tertian and a student of Philosophy.
- Steward to the House
Steward to the House
The Steward is responsible for the social side of the society. They plan numerous events and dinners throughout the year and serve port before Public Debates each week.
The current Steward, Miss Ekika Hektor, is a Tertian reading Economics and International Relations.
- Chief Whip
Chief Whip
The Chief Whip is responsible for the society's training programme for Inter-Varsity debaters as well as the public speaking programme for those who wish to speak in a Public Debate or wish to develop their public speaking skills.
Our current Chief Whip is Mr James Beadle, a Magistrand reading Philosophy.
- Communications Secretary
Communications Secretary
The Communications Secretary is responsible for promoting society events through posters and the weekly email linkup. They also work to maintain the website.
Currently the Communications Secretary is Miss Jocelyn Friday, a Semi reading Computer Science.
- Appointees & Honorary Positions
DoSDA: Mr Alastair Holmes
Association President: Mr Owen Wilton
Father of the House: Miss Madeleine Grieve
Honorary President: Mr Donald Findley QC, LLB, M.Phil.
Honorary Vice-President: Mr Abdur Rouf