Trans Welfare Officer

HARPER LEIGH (SHE/HER)

Harper's Manifesto

• Staff Training: I’ll ensure all UWE staff are trained to create and maintain Trans-inclusive environments, not just in classrooms but also in spaces like accommodation and field trips.

• Financial Support: I’ll campaign for funding to help Trans students afford gender-affirming items like binders and tuck underwear.

• Mental Health Support: I’ll push for LGBTQ+ drop-in counselling sessions to give Trans students easier access to mental health support.

• Access to Care: Produce free resources to help Trans students find and access local gender-affirming healthcare services.

Trans Welfare Officer Purpose of Post:

1. To represent and campaign on issues related to trans mental health, wellbeing and welfare.
2. To work with The Students’ Union and its initiatives that have a focus on trans mental health, wellbeing and welfare; providing strategic insight and offering operational support where possible.
3. To communicate and liaise with The Students’ Union Executive Team.
4. To work alongside societies at UWE Bristol who represent the interests of trans students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To be a member of, attend and regularly engage with The Students’ Union Executive (8 times a year).
• To represent issues on trans mental health, wellbeing and welfare at The Students’ Union Executive, in the wider Student’s Union and to the University.
• To champion and work on national trans mental health, wellbeing and welfare campaigns (e.g. Race for Life, period poverty)
• To regularly obtain feedback from students via GOATing (Go Out And Talk) sessions and present this to ensure The Students’ Union accurately reflects the needs and wants of its members.
• To hold office/digital hours (normally one hour a week) - you can utilise the desk space in any of The Students’ Union Offices on any campus or we can book you a space.
• To maintain your personal and official email account for The Students’ Union, replying to emails and queries as and when they come in within a reasonable time.
• To actively promote yourself via social media and promote the work of The Students’ Union to encourage students to engage and maximise the opportunities available to them.
• To encourage other students to be involved with the democratic processes of The Students’ Union.
• To ensure Student Ideas are taken forward and actioned wherever possible. 
• To support activities such as Open Days, Freshers’ events and other events run by The Students’ Union.
• To uphold the core values of The Students’ Union and be an ambassador for The Students’ Union.
• To build a community of trans students though running events or engaging with trans students however else you deem appropriate.
• (Optional) To attend the NUS Liberation Conference.

Benefits of the Role:

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the workings of The Students’ Union and University.
• Training and personal development opportunities tailored to the individual role.
• Gain experience of leading, developing and supporting campaigns for change.
• Bid into the campaigns budget to gain financial and resource support for your campaign ideas.
• Meetings and 1-2-1 support with The Students’ Union staff.
• Practical real-life experience.
• Develop leadership skills and gain experience of leading an organisation.
• Documented on your HEAR.
• A reference for future employers.