Debate

Whilst most people know us as simply "The Debate Society", our official name is actually "The University of Derby's Debate Society" which helps ensure we are different from other debate societies. We also go by "Derby Debate Society", which reflects our logo, but again this is not our official name.

We also have a set of values too - these are a set of principles that underpin what our society is and the actions of our committee too. Our values are also the most important feature in our constitution, and will often be referred to when big decisions are made. Our values are:

  1. Promoting an environment of free and competitive debate and speech
  2. Develop a social community of equality and the upholding of human rights
  3. Help members in developing their social skills needed for their futures
  4. To promote and uphold the values of democracy, tolerance and transparency
  5. Ensure that the value of the membership fee is of high quality

Every year, the Debate Society must hold an Annual General Meeting which gathers every member into a room to discuss the progress the society has made, any recommendations that members suggest and vote on them and it is also a chance for members to hear reports from each committee member.

The AGM, which is held in February, will be chaired by the President Speaker but organised by the Secretary of the Society. The Secretary will organise an agenda which will contain everything that will be talked about, and this will then be released to everyone a week before the meeting.

Where a member, even a committee member, proposes a change to the constitution then a process needs to be followed as set below:

  1. Before officially making a proposal, the individual may contact one of the Speakers for advice on how to write up their proposal. 
  2. Next, the individual must submit the proposal through the AGM Proposal Form which the President Speaker will then read.
  3. The President Speaker will then consult with the rest of the committee who will make recommendations to the proposer - these recommendations are not binding but can be enforced if legally necessary or if the Union places recommendations.
  4. The proposer then can accept or reject any of the recommendations, and then put the motion to the AGM which then gets voted on with a simple majority vote.