Ness Garratt – Activities and Opportunities Officer

This week I have played various different roles as Full-time officers do. Alongside the usual planning of upcoming campaign projects, supporting societies and attending BUCS Wednesdays, I took part in the interview panel for the position of Student Communities Coordinator in our Activities Team. I attended Council, Foundations and Chaplaincy meeting, where discussions around the foundations of the University and how faith plays a role in the University.

I have also been away in London at Coole Insights Leading Well conference as an opportunity to network with other sabbatical officers, understand what it means to be an officer and how to look after her own mental well-being to lead an organisation well. 

Kit Boulting-Hodge – Education and Community Officer

This week I was very much engaged with the community side of my role, I held successful meetings with the Violence Against Women and Girls Group which brought together various groups like the police, charities such as GRASAC and discuss how to expand the meaning of VAWG to include intimidation and abuse and hold the nightlife around Gloucestershire to account.

I met with the School House Café where I have linked up lecturers with the School House going forward – this embeds students in the community and helps to generate a positive Culture around Park/FCH. I also participated in Leading Well which was an incredible event.

Bobola Ajibola – Welfare and Diversity Officer

This week, I focused on continuing my work on the Awarding Gap Campaign. During classroom visits, I engaged with students, explaining the awarding gap and discussing ways we can support students. These conversations have been insightful, with students using the opportunity to share additional feedback. Some expressed a desire for greater diversity among staff, including more diverse representation at reception areas and Student Centres.

I joined other Full-Time Officers at the Leading Well Conference at Westminster University. The conference aimed to equip officers with the skills and knowledge. It opened with a keynote speech by the Westminster Vice-Chancellor, followed by a reflection session on the year so far, led by Yemi Gbajobi.