My Experience: 

I am, at present, a sitting member of the Student Council, where I have questioned the present executive on their programmes to ensure that you are earning the greatest value out of your tuition fees despite the currently undemocratic nature of my seat.  

I also have experience in Industry through my ongoing placement at Western Gateway which has granted me understanding of the complex procedures of integrated public service in the transport sector.  

These experiences have granted me intricate knowledge of the present governing systems, granting me the capability to understand the failures within the existing Student Union government and allowing me to present the right solutions. 

My Vision: 

This Student’s Union has a limited democratic system with the only true democratic processes being the small executive team that are directly elected. Our Student Council is unrepresentative of the vast majority of students due to its woefully undemocratic design. The present council, despite the efforts of many committed members, suffers from attendance crises which render it unable to even vote on the issues it was designed to address. 

I intend to put right this travesty by immediately proposing a new democratic system that will allow all students to have their say in the running of our Students Union.  

My Plan for a New Democracy: 

• I will propose a parliamentary system with roughly 64 elected members, which will over double the present number of Student Council members 

• The proposed parliament will meet monthly during the term-time instead of only three times a year to improve the accountability of the executive 

• The proposed parliament will take over the present responsibilities of the Student Council 

• The proposed parliament will be elected in October with students being able to run for their resident constituency 

• The proposed parliament will elect shadow officers to work with the existing executive and keep them accountable between parliament meetings 

• The proposed parliament will allow members to send substitutes in their stead if they cannot attend parliament but will have members removed from office and by-elections triggered for complete absence. This will ensure everyone is represented at all meetings 

• The proposed parliament will grant the right of recall to all students, allowing the removal of members by their constituents by petition 

• I will also propose two new elected positions to improve communication; these will be the Vice President for Engagement and Feedback and the Online Communications Officer