Campaigning against apartheid brought Kent Union into the public eye in the 1980s. The pioneering union, which was set up in 1965 by student volunteers at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, also staged other high-profile social campaigns.

Kent Union is an independent charity, governed by a board of trustees that represents the university's students. It champions members through democratic representation, offers free independent advice and provides activities and opportunities to enhance the experience and employability of members.

The union facilitates more than 250 student groups that offer hours of volunteering opportunities, sporting activities and access to like-minded people in student-led spaces.

To support this work, Kent Union operates The Venue nightclub, the Library Cafe, Kent Clothing, two Co-op franchises and Woody's bar, which help to generate revenue. The surplus is used to support members.

The union recognises that, to remain successful, it must be an employer of choice for high-calibre, well-motivated staff, and offering flexible working is integral to that. It is reviewing its flexible working policy to make sure it finds ways to promote part-time working, particularly at senior level.

It is student led, so staff are expected to be experts on Kent students, their values and what matters to them. New staff are sent on a scavenger hunt around the campus to find out information about the union. In return for their commitment to the union, employees receive wellbeing days, access to an employee assistance programme, flexible rewards and external coaching.