Most guidance (eg from NUS and professional service firms) points student unions towards registration as separate legal entities. In many cases this would require significant managerial input from those responsible for student services and student union liaison, finance, possibly property management and the clerk’s office. It is also likely to prompt requests from student unions for additional funding, given the greater autonomy in governance and management that would be required.
Within the next few years, all governing bodies will probably need to consider both an implementation report for the 'spin-off' of the student union, and revised communication and monitoring arrangements to clarify and inevitably formalise substantial aspects of the institution - student union relationship. Further advice is expected as the secondary legislation for this aspect proceeds.
The CUC and NUS have published a supplement to the CUC Guide covering the governing body's role in relation to its Student's Union.