Here’s what I’ve done for you this year:
Secured SASHA Accreditation, I ensured mandatory consent training and active Active Bystander training for Clubs & Societies
Led Reclaim the Night to promote safer spaces.
Established the Liberation Student Committee and appointed 17 Network Leads to amplify marginalised voices.
Addressed barriers faced by disabled students through audits, student feedback, and structural improvements.
Collaborated with over 15 societies to address and resolve challenges, providing support and working together to find effective solutions.
Implemented a permanent clothing swap in Essentials
Now, as I run for Union Affairs and Communications, my goal is to continue amplifying student voices, improving transparency, and making the union more accessible and responsive to the needs of all students.
What I want to do next…
GET SHIT SORTED:
VAWG & Sexual Prevention
Safer nights out with better security & transport – Push for increased security presence around student areas, better-lit streets, and safer transport options like walk-home schemes and more frequent night buses.
Stronger reporting systems & real consequences for harassment – Make it easier for students to report harassment and assault, ensuring reports are taken seriously and lead to real action.
More funding for prevention & support services – Campaign for better access to counselling, self-defence workshops, and educational programs to tackle gender-based violence at its root.
Housing Crisis
Crackdown on dodgy landlords & unfair contracts – Push for stricter enforcement on landlords who exploit students with unsafe housing, high rent, and hidden fees.
More affordable student housing & emergency accommodation – Work with the university and local authorities to increase access to reasonably priced student accommodation.
Support for renters facing unfair treatment – Set up better legal and financial advice services to help students challenge unfair eviction, deposit theft, and unsafe living conditions.
Cost of Living Crisis
Hot food in Essentials to support students – Introduce affordable, ready-to-eat hot meals in the Essentials store, giving students a cheaper, convenient alternative to expensive takeaway options.
Better financial aid & emergency support – Expand hardship funds, improve access to financial advice, and provide dedicated funding to help students afford extracurricular activities, sports, and societies, ensuring no one misses out due to cost.
More part-time job opportunities – Work with the union and local businesses to increase flexible, student-friendly job opportunities and improve support for working students.
EMPOWER VOICES:
More transparency for students
Public budget reports – Release detailed, accessible reports on Union spending, making it clear how funds are allocated and how decisions are made.
Open decision-making processes – Ensure all Union decisions, including policies, spending, and key initiatives, are shared with students in a clear and digestible format, allowing them to track how decisions are made and who is responsible.
Open student feedback loops – Regularly publish student feedback results on Union ideas, surveys, and events, showcasing how student opinions are influencing decisions and leading to changes.
Improve democracy systems at the Union
Regular student feedback forums – Set up both in-person and online platforms for students to share concerns and suggestions directly with Union officers.
Campus-wide Referenda on Key Issues – Empower students to vote directly on significant decisions affecting the campus, such as changes to Union policies, campus services, or large funding allocations. This gives students a stronger voice in shaping the future of the Union.
Regular “Democracy Check-Ins” – Implement regular “check-ins” where students can assess the current state of Union democracy, evaluate the effectiveness of its processes, and suggest improvements for more equitable participation.
Create consistent spaces where you can have your voice heard
Monthly “Open Mic” Forums – Host regular forums (in person or online) where students can bring up any topic or concern, no matter how big or small. This ensures there's always a space for students to raise issues, ask questions, or propose ideas in an informal, accessible setting.
Student-Led Discussion Forums – Establish a platform where students can engage in open discussions on important issues, fostering a peer-driven space for dialogue and meaningful change.
Regular Student Town Halls – Organise Town Hall meetings where Union leadership provides updates and invites student input on important issues, ensuring open dialogue and equal opportunities for everyone to voice their concerns.
GET CONNECTED:
Reach Out to the City
Stronger City Partnerships – Work with local councils and businesses to improve student housing, safety, and public transport.
Student Representation in City Decisions – Push for student voices to be included in local government discussions that affect housing, nightlife, and community policies.
Better City Safety for Students – Collaborate with the city on initiatives like better-lit streets, safer transport options, and stronger protections in student areas.
Connect with other Unions to make change for students in Leeds
Leeds-Wide Student Union Collaboration – Work with other unions to campaign on issues affecting all students, from rent prices to public transport.
Bigger, United Student Campaigns – Join forces with student unions across Leeds to amplify student voices and demand real action on shared concerns.
Cross-University Networking & Support – Create student-led networks across universities to share ideas, resources, and support campaigns that improve student life city-wide.
Create more job opportunities and links for students
More Student Jobs on Campus – Push for more paid roles within the Union and university to give students flexible work that fits around studies.
Stronger Links with Local Employers – Partner with businesses to create more part-time job opportunities and paid internships for students.
Career-Boosting Networking Events – Organise job fairs, mentoring schemes, and skills workshops to help students connect with future employers.
