Officer Reports
President’s Report
Jay Malpass-Clark
Report Summary
I know this is late but happy New Year/ February.
With the break over Christmas work on projects has halted with the university and it’s been an effort on
my part to re-energize the projects to running back up to the same speed as before Christmas. With that
being said most of my now main objectives are now starting to feel real and most of all quite possible.
The longlisting for the new VC has taken place and I’m pleased to say the candidates look promising
however that needs to be reassured by the informal face to face meeting I will have with each shortlisted
candidate.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
 Construct a Student Consultation Framework to help the university communicate better with their
ever growing student populous
 To maintain our ‘Beanbags & Teabags’ as a GOATing technique to talk to student about their
concerns and talking the SU’s visibility issues (Ongoing)
 To commit to 1 day a week of personal officer presence at Headingley Campus (Ongoing)
 Investigate Car Parking regulations at Headingley Campus and look at methods for cheaper parking
for long distance commuting learners
 Look into a partnership with Alumni, Events & Partnerships about collaborating and joint proposing
an end of year festival for Leeds Beckett students
 To work build a stronger social media presence online to address our partly our student
communication problems
 To write a quarterly personal message distributed though student emails, our subscribers to our
newsletter and social media about what we have been up to and celebrating our successes (Done)
 To take an agenda to the Board of Governors about a ‘Pennies 2 Pounds’ optimal staff fund to help
provide hardship funds for struggling students (Pretty much done)
 To re-write the Student Charter to actually be a living current document that Students, Staff &
Student Union can adhere to with Services for Students (Done)
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
I had 2 personal big goals in the beginning of this semester that I was looking to achieve. Although this may
seem small but in university processes I actually feel they have been done pretty quick. These are as
follows:
 Completed Student Charter (see items section)
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Discussed the idea of Student Bright Ideas as an initiative to all involved university departments.
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Agreed support for Pennies 2 Pounds
Represented students at all VC recruitment related meetings
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Attended the Board of Governors strategy day, ensuring a good vision is put in place for the
university over the next 5 years.
Attended NUS Locals so discuss potential obstacles to student opportunities and strategies for
General Elections
Finalised the report for the student employability strategy with Services for Students (Co-Author)
I now sit as the Student Representative on the Headingley Neighbourhood Planning Forum ensuring
student issues with the area are taken into consideration.
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What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
To publically announce the ‘Pennies 2 Pounds’ initiative to the student body.
To begin work and gain agreement from the appropriate university boards on Student Bright Ideas
To start writing the first sections of the Leeds Beckett: Student Consultation Framework
Secure a meeting with the appropriate university management to investigate Car Parking regulations at
Headingley Campus and look at methods for cheaper parking for long distance commuting learners.
Vice President Education
Saffron Rose
Report Summary
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General Election
Course Rep Conference
Update on Lecture Capture
Working with library
Personal Tutor Review
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
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Lecture Capture: I had a meeting two people from Panopto on November 28th (the software
providers we currently use that record lectures) alongside CLT, IMTS, E-Learning, LLI and Disability
Advice. The agenda for this meeting was the following: overview of the current installation/set up
at Leeds Beckett, overview of current staff uses at Leeds Beckett, the student perspective,
delivered by myself, perspective on inclusivity by disability services and the overview of licensing
timescales by IMTS. 200 members of staff currently use the software. I’m now waiting to hear the
outcome of the renewal of the licensing. I will, however, be presenting my case at the CLT
conference and the Course Leader conference in June.
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Course Reps: Hosted course rep 1-1 sessions before Christmas to catch up with course reps, check
on how they were progressing in their roles and help provide them with solutions to concerns they
may have.
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Planning of Course Rep conference is underway.
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General Election: Produced Leeds – wide student survey as part of Leeds Students’ Unions Working
Together.
Need to organise another meeting with the library.
Working with CLT to assess the personal tutor system.
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
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I have arranged the Course Rep conference. The conference will take place on March 18 th and will
include guest speakers, one of which being Jim Dickinson, Chief Exec from UEA SU.
I have also started planning The Golden Robes awards.
General Election : I hosted a stall at Refeshers where students were able to register onto the
electoral system. By the time this report is published, I would have visited Carlton Hill and Mill
Street, door knocking, encouraging the tenants to register to vote. There will have also been stalls
at both campuses for National Voter Registration Day (Feb 5th) which is a nation- wide campaign.
Conversation in regards to lecture capture
Meetings with the library to discuss their new online system. I have also been heavily involved in
the second stage of the refurb (the second floor which will commence this summer)
I am currently working with CLT to review the course rep system. They have used the data from my
personal tutor poll and I have also requested the faculty reps send out questions to the course rep
in their faculties which would help our report.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
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As a result of the ‘Leeds Working Together’ survey, we have a report with an array of statistics on
issues that affect students. On February 24th, myself and the other full time officers are going down
to Westminster to lobby the MPs from the constituencies our universities fall in Greg Mulholland
(Leeds North West) and Hilary Benn (Leeds Central)
Encouraging participation in the SU Elections
Encouraging voter registration in the General Election before the cut- off date of April 20th.
I will hopefully know whether the university wish to renew the Panopto license. If so, I can further
lobby the university to implement lecture capture using testimonies from students within our
institution and other information from the HE sector.
I shall organise further meetings with the library to discuss the lending system manifesto aim of
mine.
Work further with CLT to assess the current personal tutor system
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Vice President Student Activities
Stephen Ross
Report Summary
A lot of progress has been made on my objectives so far as you can see below. Many of them have been
completed and am very happy with the progress that is being made for the majority of them. Most of my
time since my last report has been spent attending meetings and planning in regards to activities fest
which is a part of re-freshers this year. I am running or helping to run many events myself and I will be
attending as many as I can too.
After re-freshers elections will be in full swing so I will be helping out as much as I can during that period
too so it’s a very busy time of the year at the SU.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
Here is my current progress on my objectives.
Objective
We will improve our relationship
with the AU
We will ensure co-operation
between media, societies (also
between societies) and
volunteering
We will run an inter-societies night
to encourage society integration
and recruitment
Progress
We will look into filming some SU attempts this semester and we are
currently collaborating with senior university staff and the AU to tackle
Lad Culture.
Results have been better than I’d hoped for and there have already been
many examples of collaborations; in particular between individual
societies and media and societies.
Complete. Societies nights have been well attended and has encouraged
more of a crossover of society members. Feedback from students has
been positive.
We will have a successful societies
forum in place which will take
more responsibility
Complete. Forum in place and functioning well, attendances have risen
and many new societies have been ratified. Committee members have
performed really well and have helped out with training.
We will get media based courses
more involved
Lecture shout outs have been given to media related course sand the
media committee have done some themselves. We’ve had lots of signups but need to get them converted to involvement. Engagement with
Be Media is relatively low but output and engagement are gradually
improving. We are having a social during activities fest and we hope to
take advantage of re-freshers.
We will introduce all full time
officers through lecture shout outs
Complete. We didn’t do as many as we would have liked but
communication with the university was difficult.
Set up a student radio
Complete. Have a 24/7 radio station that plays student led shows. We
also have a mixcloud that allows people to listen back to shows. Societies
have started to do their own shows which is fantastic and the amount of
shows that we have is increasing all the time.
We will raise awareness of the
benefits of involvement in SU
Talked to a large number of students during freshers about activities, as
well as lecture shout outs and beanbags and tea bags. A societies video
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activities and what activities we
offer
will be put together during re-freshers. Engagement with societies has
increased somewhat and many new societies have been created. The
number of active volunteers has increased massively.
More micro-volunteering
opportunities for students
The volunteering team have done a really good job of ensuring there are
a wide variety of micro volunteering opportunities available and that
they’re occurring on a regular basis.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
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I took part in a house hunting campaign and I went around Kirkstall Brewery Hall door knocking to
give students advice about house hunting. Most of them were very appreciative.
Held meetings to plan how to set RAG back up
Planning re-freshers events has taken up a huge amount of time due to how many societies, media
and volunteering events there are going on. Especially as I have created many of the events myself
and am responsible for their running.
We have been collaborating with other unions from across Leeds to get students to fill out our
‘What Students’ Want Survey. The results of this will outline what issues students feel are most
important. We will be taking the results to our local MPs
The Saab team shot a Christmas video which illustrated what we’ve been getting up to for students
who don’t come to student council.
Vice President Welfare
Amy Waine
Report Summary
A lot of mental health awareness events/weeks planned and a lot of awareness weeks and campaigns to
come, how exciting!
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
Mental Health Awareness & Support
Rethink Support Group:
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Training for the students involved is well underway and the group are launching on the 18th
February and they will be holding their first support session on the 26 th February. My focus now will
be to promote the group and make sure students know about it.
University Mental Health Day
Working alongside the University to hold an event on University Mental Health Day (18 th February) up in
the Students’ Union. The event will comprise of stalls from mental health organisations such as Student
Minds, Rethink, and Community Links. Intouch will also be here giving free massage taster sessions.
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What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (w/c 23rd February)
I am working alongside the University and the Student Minds support group to put on events, guest
speakers, stalls and information around eating disorders to raise awareness and get people thinking about
their eating habits.
Halls to Houses
My house hunting guide has been printed and distributed at the Re-freshers/House Hunting Fair. The
remaining copies are going to be sent out to Halls.
BME Focus Groups
I am currently holding focus groups for BME students about their experiences at Leeds Beckett. This is
firstly to provide the University with information for their venture to achieve the Race Equality Charter
Mark. However I am also using this opportunity to find out how inclusive and approachable these students
find the Students’ Union.
Fit to Sit Policy
I and the advice team have completed the review and we have indicated the key areas in the policy that
need changing! We have decided that getting the University to do a 360 on the entire policy is not feasible
before I leave post so, instead, we are going to get the University to change these key areas to make the
policy fairer for students!
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
Sexual Health & Guidance Week (Beginning of March)
I will be working with James and Dorothy on having a week of events about sexual health. Also, I have
recently been in touch with “Skyline” a local organisation that focuses on young person’s sexual health,
especially BME. They are extremely interested in holding a workshop/talk during this week.
Stress-less week planning
Mental Health First Aid one off event/workshop
Faculty Officer (AET)
James Starnes
Report Summary
Since the last meeting (including the Break) has been a bit of a slow period, however I have kept in touch
with Associate Directors for Services for Students and facilitated their attendance at Faculty Forums which
have been invaluable all round. The material shop finally has a supplier and an order placed! (yes it’s
FINALLY happening!). A full compliment of school meetings and faculty forums have taken place. In
addition I also attended a dinner with Vice Chancellors and other high ranking University staff from other
universities where I represented Leeds Beckett and the Student view in the context of “Student
Satisfaction and Experience”.
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Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
● Digital Module Elective System
○ An online method of obtaining the requests from students as to which Elective Module they
wish to be assigned.
○ Currently – paper or emailed documents.
● Enhanced Feedback quality
● Demonstrating and Exhibiting Students’ Work
○ Re-Running the Photography Competition
○ Arcade machines with Students from Games Designs’ work
○ More to be announced...
● Establishing A Material Shop for AET students in Broadcast Place
○ Currently work in progress
○ Essential supplies required by students in AAD in BPA and BPB
● Greater Visibility of Services for Students provisions – Careers Advice, CV writing, interview skills,
etc.
○ Currently developing partnership to further this goal.
● (Cheaper Printing)
● (Off-Site resources)
● (Longer opening hours – BPB)
*Items in brackets are ones where the specific focus in manifesto has been resolved or partially resolved
prior to taking office.
Aims from previous report:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sit on the first available StART committee meetings.
Interact directly with the Supplier to try and realise the Material Shop goal.
Work to boost adoption of MyVoice on courses within AET
Ensure the CAGD version of MyVoice is fully operational.
Meet with CLs from specific courses that nest with the ‘Arcade Machine’ Project, and further press
colleagues from other courses in relation to exhibiting work.
6. Continue discussions with ADs within Services for Students to provide a comprehensively better
presence and feedback for services under E&P and Student Life.
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
● Sit on the first available StART committee meetings and raise the views expressed above.
● Interact directly with the Supplier to try and realise the Material Shop goal.
○ Supplier has been approved
○ Order placed
○ It’s happening people!
● Work to boost adoption of MyVoice on courses within AET
○ Worked with a number of Course Leaders to gain further use through the faculty
● Ensure the CAGD version of MyVoice is fully operational.
○ Active as of Semester 2
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● Meet with CLs from specific courses that nest with the ‘Arcade Machine’ Project, and further press
colleagues from other courses in relation to exhibiting work.
○ Meeting with CL from Games Design and in discussions with others.
○ Bringing an external company onboard to support with additional placement opportunities,
mentoring and advice.
● Continue discussions with ADs within Services for Students to provide a comprehensively better
presence and feedback for services under E&P and Student Life.
○ Employability (specifically Careers) are now attending all AET Faculty Forums and are
looking to expand to other faculties after seeing the good that has been done for AET.
○ Disability Advice send a representative to Forums to show greater visibility and point of
contact for AET Course Reps for any queries.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
By the next Student Council Meeting:
1. Work with other Faculty Officers to attend forums and improve performance of AET Faculty Forums
2. Launch Material Shop
3. Establish Project Group for Arcade Machine
a. Ideally get one build by end of February!
4. Work towards Module Elective System
5. Start furthering the goal of enhancing the provision for Placements and Graduate Employability for
AET Students
Faculty Officer (Carnegie)
Jonny Clegg
OFFICER ON LONG TERM SICK LEAVE
Faculty Officer (Health & Social Sciences)
Nick Davies
Report Summary
I have been quiet over Christmas due to all deadlines and events during this period and have not received
any issues from students, which have meant I have had little to act on. Despite this my term has been
going well and I am looking forward to the next few weeks to continue to support students.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
Manifesto points were mainly to engage with students.
Develop a good relationship with my course reps.
Increase student turnout to faculty forums.
Organise more social events for course reps.
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What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
Since being back I have met with my faculty rep and we have been organising our calendars for faculty
forums and university meetings. We are currently booking the first forum back after Christmas.
In our first faculty forum back we will be looking at the students view on feedback and deadlines from the
first semester and any mitigation issues as well as encouraging students to get involved with elections.
Had good engagement form faculty board and heads of school they are looking forward to feedback from
students about deadlines and feedback of tutors.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
Hold my next faculty forum on the 17th February.
Some mentions of certain courses having issues which I am going to be looking into over the coming few
weeks.
Working well with the university on feedback and going to be investigating how feedback has been given.
This will be to try and improve feedback for students and gage how changes from learning teaching and
enhancement have improved students learning.
Faculty Officer (FBL)
Sam Baines
Report Summary
This report lays out the aims and objectives for my remaining time as Faculty Officer for Business and Law;
the additional elements that I want to be involved with, for example working alongside societies or local
businesses.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
During my election campaign I had 4 main manifesto points which had been brought up by students:
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Feedback- the lack of and the quality of it.
More plug sockets in the library.
More interaction with local businesses regarding placement opportunities for the Faculty of
Business and Law.
More support for students with dependents.
Since the last Student Council there have obviously been major changes to the reps system, and the new
Mature, PostGrad, Part-time and Students with dependents reps will work alongside my manifesto aims for
supporting students in these groups. I will also continue to work with relevant societies to further engage
student.
So for my remaining time I will be focusing on interacting with local businesses and try and create more
opportunities for the Faculty of Business and Law
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
Because of the Christmas break, I have not really achieved anything new since the last report, although I
am speaking to students regarding the Student Union elections and the new Officer position, new reps,
etc.
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The faculty forums have been fairly well attended and any issues that are being brought forward are luckily
small and resolved promptly.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
I will be carrying on with the plans mentioned above; the intention is that these ideas will enhance the
student experience for both students with dependents and also students who will be on placement next
year. Alongside my Faculty Rep I will also be putting in place regular faculty forum meetings, to help
increase the student participation through attendance from course reps and their interaction with their
course colleagues.
Finally, I will be aiming to increase the general awareness of the Student Union amongst the student
population.
International Students’ Officer
Meher Dhingra
Report Summary
My report tells in detail how I am going to set up a society called International student association (ISA)
which will be of great help for next years international student rep. The second thing that I am going to do
is the International Week that is being explained in the objectives. And one more issue that I am going to
start my research on is the employability and international student.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
My first objective is to set up an international society by the end of mid February. I have a few people in
mind who have been currently working to organise events for international students, who can effectively
be a part of the community in principal.
My second objective is to organise the international week in March which will include the following:
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Cuisines by different countries that will be provided by different national societies that are a part of
the LBSU.
A Rangoli event
A Fashion Show
A movie night- I have a few movies in mind (eg, American History X)
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
Due to certain circumstances, I couldn’t focus a lot on my job and I would like to sincerely apologise for my
absence and really look forward to do my work in this semester.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
My plans, that I hope will take place soon in the near future, are to set up a society, make my international
week successful in the coming month and also want to look in the matters of employability concerning
international students.
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Women’s Officer
Dorothy Loraine
Report Summary
My report details the ways I’ve interacted with students and Student’s Union staff since the last meeting to
make my manifesto aims and reality. It also expresses my hopes for the following months with my own
campaign, societies and helping the aims of other officers.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
In my manifesto I mentioned aims such as dealing with sex education in a more inclusive and broad sense. I
also wanted to set up a feminist film group and work alongside a feminist society which did not currently
exist at Leeds Beckett. Most importantly I wanted to meet with the women of Leeds Beckett to see what
they wanted from me as a women’s officer and move forwards from there to help them in any way I can.
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
Since the last report I have worked alongside members of the Socialist Student society in order to set up a
consent campaign. I was involved in planning who we will deliver seminars to who we’ll first involve and
which faculties to first contact about lecture spots. I’ve also been making use of the NUS women’s network
to speak to other women’s officers for advice regarding ways to reach women on campus. I’ve had
students get in touch with me regarding ways to get involved with societies and have helped them find
places relevant to their interests to they can find new friends within the university.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
Before the next meeting I hope to make the consent campaign a reality. I’m also hoping to help make
Leeds Beckett FemSoc an official society with the cooperation of the members. I’ve also held meetings
regarding some ways I can work with the other officers in areas that our specialities overlap so I hope to be
doing that over the coming months.
Black & Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer
Guilaine Brutus
Report Summary
This has been an eventful end of year. I have been very busy in SU as well as university. The attainment gap
has become my top priority. I have recommended that we form a working group after we’ve completed
the Race Charter Mark, to address the issues of attainment. I have highlighted a few issues to address and I
am very happy that they are being considered. My attending several conferences this last part of the year
has shed much needed light of the issues and campaigns being done by other BME officers throughout the
country. It has also allowed me the opportunity to share what we are doing here at LBU. I am confident
that 2015 will continue to be a productive year. My participation on boards within the university has also
benefited my position as BME officer allowing me to bring to the top the problems and issues that are
affecting us.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
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 Address the issues that have continued to keep us divided as student body: To do this I have used
my position on groups such as the Equality and Diversity Forum, Race and Equality Committee as
well as my access to my faculty tutors to bring attention to the inequality in our teaching material
and resources both recommended and those available in the Library.
 My intention is to work alongside all offers and see how our work overlap and try to make the
Student Union a cohesive body aimed at not only making University life enjoyable but fulfilling
academically: It was difficult to reach and link my activities with those of other officers. One reason
is my schedule as a third year student but I have been lucky to work alongside Amy Waine on the
BME focus groups.
 Dealing with LGBT in the BME community or the Problems faced by International BME students: I
have been able to speak to many BME internationals students and incorporated their concerns into
the issues I have accumulated.
 I am hoping that I set the stage for future officers to work on the entire experience of university
allowing students to graduate with a better understanding of each other and the world around
them: through my movie nights and debates I hope that the students have gained if not perhaps
many have learnt from my hectic schedule not to run for office in your third year.
 Addressing the issues that affects us as a group: By the discussions, movies and events: This has
been the most successful part of my campaign. I have gained great friendships with the Chagos
islanders in Manchester and continue to keep in touch, while I visited them for a ceremony they
held for their anniversary.
People both at the university as well as in the wider community were impressed and excited about
the October 25th cultural even at the West Indian centre and they were hoping that this will
continue as a yearly event. I have also made great links and contacts as volunteering in the wider
Leeds community with the Leeds Carnival committee, The West Indian Centre, Leeds Asylum
Seekers Network and Just Yorkshire.
 I have started to address the issue of “other indigenous struggles” on my year “Black History is
World history: by not only giving a historical perspective of events through a movie, but also
bringing members of that particular community to the students. My intension is to do more of
these events where students will have a first-hand look at issues affecting the global community.
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
On the 21st of November there was a movie in line with BHWH and the other indigenous struggles. I hosted
a showing of the American Indian story, sometimes forgotten. We look into stories that require our
attention in the 21st century as we fight for
equality and freedoms; we will not succeed
if we don’t address the issues of those who
were first affected by imperialism.
The turn out again was not as expected but
those who cam loved the show and stayed
around for 30minutes discussing the movie.
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It was only one of the DVDs and I hope later on the year to show the rest of the story.
On the 29th I chaired a panel discussion called “The politics of language”. My guess speaker was Paul
Blackledge from the school of Politics and Ethics. He gave a historical account of language and the
evolution and change in words and their meaning. I also had Moses a PhD student come in to speak about
the role language played in the Rwandan genocide. Dume Senda spoke of languages in poetry and the
spoken word and how this can influence our awareness. I had a presentation on reality vs perception.
This gave students the opportunity to learn about the history of vocabulary as well as the politics in the
language we use which continues to divide us. It was a great turn out and great discussion after I was very
proud of this event.
My December events were cancelled due to student’s availability and my attendance at two different
conferences held by NUS.
NUS Black students conference
I attended my second Black Student conference in December. It was well attended and the lines up of
speakers were amazing. I had an opportunity to speak to the conference about the events I’ve held and the
yearlong BHM event I started. Many were interested in doing the same and from this we have created a
Yorkshire BME group in hopes of teaming up and sharing ideas while supporting each other.
I am grateful to have gone to this conference and will be happy to share what I’ve learn with the BME
society and the new Equality and Diversity reps this coming election.
NUS women Conference
This was my first meeting and I was disappointed at the events and workshops. I felt that we should have
had more successful women from all different groups to give first-hand experience of their struggles in
society. I did leave with many contacts and made new friends.
Equality and Diversity Committee
As a member of this committee I have used the platform to speak up on the issues of BME students at the
university as well as the attainment gap and solutions to addressing it. Because of my campaign on our
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curriculum and resources in our respective faculties; I was given the opportunity to make a list of books
that I feel should be on reading list and in the library. I am well on my way with this.
I feel that what we read, hear and the people who teach us have an important effect on our perception of
ourselves, our value and our attainment. I was very happy that this was taken into consideration by the
board. The university also took on board my year round campaign of BHM. This in correlation with
changing our resources and addressing the color of our curriculum would perhaps someday eliminate the
end for the divisive celebration of a month of history. The aim instead is the have all the information
(correct) readily available to everyone and reflective of everyone.
Race and Equality Charter Mark
Here I was selected with Amy Waine to come up with questions and organise focus groups so that the
university can collect the necessary data from the BME students. This will ensure that we are and will work
towards being a truly inclusive institution. We have been very successful so far with the sign ups to the
forums and hope that all goes smoothly and we collect the information that will be crucial for our way
forward.
February
I will have a discussion with Kofi Klu on Pan Africanism. He is a pan African specialist and is a regular
speaker at NUS Black student conferences.
Pan-Africanism in today with a close look at Nigeria and Zimbabwe
The movie this month will be: Sarafina
It is the story of student protest and change in Soweto South Africa.
March
I will invite a well-known Business guru to speak to women and the independence of entrepreneurship.
She has workshops that are attended by top independent business person.
NUS Conference 2015 from 21/4/20015 to 23/04/2015
Here I hope to take my attainment gap campaign to a wider platform.
I am also a member of Just Yorkshire where the general election and BME participation is of great
importance
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Students’ with Disabilities Officer
Robin Kaye
Report Summary
Since the last report I have started a disability focused, employment centred work group to help the
university support disabled students into employment. I have been working with multiple services and
attending forums/meetings to gain more knowledge about the experiences of disabled students. I am
working with private halls to promote Leeds Beckett Students and to clarify what it means to be a disabled
student and advertise the services available to disabled students. Attending the refreshers fair, I helped to
promote that disabled students should stand in the elections either as disabilities rep or in another role.
I will be working towards expanding the work group, engaging with more students, reviews of library
equipment/resources and I plan to review accessibility of both campuses with the help of students.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
Additional to my manifesto aims (which were outlined in my last student council report), specific and
important matters have been brought to my attention. Additional to my original aims I aim to:
- Set up a specific employability focused work group for the university to support disabled students.
- Ensure accessibility of campus is as good as it can be, and highlight issues (around timetabling also) to the
relevant departments.
- Ensure that students residing in private halls are receiving high quality and up to date information around
disability/mental health related services within the university so they can access this support. (I later
intend to work with relevant departments to find a way to send information to students living at home or
in private housing/residences).
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
Since my last report I have achieved multiple goals, including building upon relationships with staff in
multiple departments throughout the university, I have also succeeded in creating an employability
focused work group specifically for assisting the university in understanding issues which will assist
university departments to understand the issues facing disabled students and help disabled students to be
employed upon their graduation.
I have also been able to arrange an event with student volunteering around sight awareness. This will take
place on February 2nd 2015.
After issues around students in private halls are engaging less with student services, I am trying to make
relationships with private halls to advertise for services and engage with Leeds Beckett Students so they
have more of an awareness around what classes as a disability and how they can engage with services.
I am continuing my efforts to work with Estates in order to update accessibility on campus.
I have been attending relative forums and meetings to identify potential problems facing students – from
faculty/department experience. This has allowed me to feed information back to disability services which
has allowed for questions to be answered, and suggestions to be made.
I have been continuing my work in assisting with the HEFCE review, to ensure that I can gain understanding
of issues facing students with specific learning difficulties and apply these to helping in supporting disabled
students.
I have attended the refreshers fair to engage with students and encourage disabled students to nominate
themselves for the role of 'disabilities rep' in the elections, as well as for other roles which they feel they
can stand in.
When attending faculty meetings, timetabling was an issues brought up around accessibility. Whilst issues
around improving the accessibility of Northern Terrace have been difficult to address, faculty timetabling
teams do not appear to be fully aware of the nature of the accessibility requirements of students on
courses, and thus inappropriate timetabling issues occur. I have spoken with disability services to address
this.
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What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
To continue and expand the work group to get faculties and services for students to be more aware of the
issues facing disabled students and graduates, surrounding their employability.
I intend to make meetings with library staff to review the equipment/resources in place for disabled
students, and how this benefits them.
I intend to do an accessibility review of city campus (as Headingly has recently been reviewed) I will also
engage with students to find out the positives and negatives about accessibility at both campuses.
After issues around some late dates for reading lists being released was brought to my attention – around
students with specific learning problems being behind when it comes to reading – I am planning to gain
some student feedback about this and work with relevant departments/people within the university to
ensure that this is resolved where it is an issue.
I intend to talk with the relevant departments about finding a way in which information about student
support services (related particularly to disability/mental health) are sent to students living at home or in
private housing.
LGBTQ Officer
James Smith
Report Summary
Organised in collaboration with the LGBT* Society and different groups, a full range of events to help show
case and celebrate LGBT* History Month at Leeds Beckett University:
Monday 9th Feb
LoveLiberation?-6pm-8:30pm
-Discussion on:
No Going Back- Leeds Beckett Volunteers- charity fundraising
Creating a student lead Activist workshops
Looking at doing a video of "Why Liberation is Important?"
Alternative Fresher’s Fair for Liberation, Welfare and Campaign societies for September.
Yorkshire Equality and Diversity Network
Wednesday 11th Feb
LoveEquality?-6pm-8pm
-First official meeting of Leeds Beckett Gender Equality Society! The first meeting focus will be around
aiming to engage students with what is Gender Equality?
Thursday 12th Feb
LoveDiversity-6pm-8pm
-Discussion around what is Queer? How do we define it? What does it actually mean to identify within it?
This will also encompass a discussion around how we can reflect diversity within our LGBTQ* community,
especially in making sure its openly inclusive (BME, Trans*, Non Binary etc.)
Friday 13th Feb
LoveChange?
-Discussion about whether we should change our LGBT* society and LGBTQ officer role names to Gender
and Sexual Diversities? If there is enough interest we will then draft a motion to implement this or any
necessary changes before the end of this academic year.
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Monday 16th Feb
LoveTechnology-6pm-10:30
-Sarah Prager, who is the creator of http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/about/ will be doing a talk at our
University, regarding the importance of LGBT* History Month. This event has been organised by York
Universities LGBTQ and supported by us and Bradford LGBTQ. We will also be doing an after social at
Wharf Chambers.
Tuesday 17th Feb
Label-Less-5:30pm-7:30pm
-A Support group, which aims to be run regularly and provide an alternative space for students who
identify within the Gender and Sexual Diversities spectrum. Chance to relax, socialise and discuss issues in
a safe and included space.
Wednesday 18th Feb
Love80’s-6pm
-Film session examine the Liberation movement in the USA, during the 1980’s particularly in looking at the
changing attitudes within the Democrats towards representing LGBT* rights, also the reaction to the
discovery of AIDS and the impact this had on societies, including the media’s, social attitudes towards the
gay community. This will be followed with a presentation on HIV Awareness, by our LGBT* societies
Diversity and Welfare Officer, including a discussion. This event will also be 80's fancy dress themed with a
relaxing social afterwards to help you unwind and relax.
Thursday 19th
LoveTrans – 6pm-8pm
Explores Trans inclusivity within University and society, examining and being educated on the social,
political, health and cultural attitudes and challenges and to look at what more can we do to help show
solidarity towards the Trans Community.
Friday 20th
LoveRelationships-6pm-8pm
-This aims to explore and educate around the diversity of relationships within the LGBT* community
including Same Sex, to Bisexual, Pansexual, Polysexual, Asexual, Skoliasexual and Polyamerous
relationships. We will also have a speaker from O.P.E.N discuss further about what a Polyamerous
relationship is.
Saturday 21st Feb
LoveHistory-12am
-Exploration of Leeds Liberation past including places that were significant to the LGBT* Movement, such
as where the first gay pub was opened outside of London, but also where the first Trans Conference was
held.
Monday Feb 23rd
LoveLiterature-6pm-8pm
-Examines sexuality and liberation from a BME Perspective in literature and poetry. We’ll be reading
through 3 pieces and then having a discussion around them, followed by a workshop in helping to prepare
and then present your own literature pieces.
Tuesday 24th Feb
LoveDemocracy-6pm-8pm
- Meeting to discuss NUS LGBT* Elections
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- General Elections (Gender Recognition Act, LGBT* Representation and engagement for what each party is
campaigning on regarding LGBT* equality. (Politically neutral)
- Discussing Organising a Gender and Sexual Diversities Conference, including caucuses to allow people to
discuss more critical issues affect. E.g. Asexuality both within University and Society etc.
Wednesday 25th Feb
LoveBisexuality – 6pm-8pm
-Joint collaboration with Leeds Bi Group in discussing the distinction between Bisexuality, Bi Curious, Demi
Sexuality, Pan sexuality and Polysexuality and also how to change social perceptions and beat the
stereotype.
Thursday 26th Feb
LoveSterotypes?-6pm-8pm
-Body image issues in the LGBT* Community, Sexual and Gender Stereotypes and examining when people
use labeling like “Straight Acting”, discussing whether it reflects the diversity or hinders our aims to be
accepted who we are.
Friday 27th Feb
LoveAllies – 6pm-8pm
-Aims to engage people who do not identify within the LGBTQ* spectrum, but are keen to support and
promote greater equality and understanding around Sexuality and Gender Identity. Also to discuss plans to
help celebrate and show case IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia).

Created a Yorkshire Equality and Diversity Network, bringing together Liberation and Welfare
Representatives from the different Yorkshire Universities and Colleges. At the first meeting we
had 16 Representatives from 4 Universities and 1 college and it was really successful with
everyone engaging and sharing ideas and campaigns we were all doing. As a result we have also
created an online group with the core aims of what we’re planning to collaborate on which is:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Domestic violence and training support (e.g. Consent Campaign)
Mental Health Awareness.
Equality and Diversity training and support- (e.g. Trans. Asexuality, BME Awareness).
Greater campaign, activism support and collaboration between Universities (e.g. DSA)
.
Focus on wider issues and sharing research, information and feedback on events or campaigns (E.g.
Why is my curriculum white?)
6. Building closer networks between different liberation groups in our Universities (e.g. Yorkshire
Feminist Network)
.
7. Aiming to support and create more joint events together (e.g. External speakers and a joint PRIDE
SCREENING!!!!).
The next meeting is set for March 12th and will aim to be an even bigger event!

I’ve been helping support the creation of two new Liberation groups:
1. Leeds Beckett Gender Equality Society- aims at promoting greater awareness and understanding
around the diversity of different Genders including Intersex, Trans and Non Binary Genders. This is
in collaboration with our SU Woman’s Officer
2. Leeds Beckett Unity Society- aims to promote forum for discussion around issues affecting our
society, such as Culture, Faith, Race and to promote the values of Human Rights and Equality for all.
This is in collaboration with our International and BME Officer.
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
Aiming to work with our Welfare and Woman’s Officer to help promote sexual health program
during SHAG week that is as inclusive to all Sexualities and Genders.

To organise a Gender and Sexual Diversities Conference in April, including a Masquerade Ball with
our Woman’s Officer. This will focus around leading topics to debate and discuss, as well as
encompassing caucus discussions sessions in providing a forum to discuss and educate on different
Sexualities and Gender Identities.

To work with our VP Welfare Officer and Student with Disabilities Officer to help create a student
lead Bereavement group. This I feel is essential, as the impact of losing a loved one particularly
during critical periods of the academic year can be quite damaging on the academic attainability of
students. So having a group like this aims to provide a space for students to share their experiences,
particularly in regards to experiences around mitigation and to help show they are not along in
going through these processes or loss at University.
Objectives and/or Manifesto Aims
Tackle Discrimination in Student Accommodation based on Sexuality and Gender Identity- on going- I’m in
the process of organising a meeting with Student Accommodation to discuss the possibility of setting up
a zero tolerance policy, as well as looking at the creation of Sexuality and Gender Diversity Reps.
Organise Drop in Sessions to help support LGBTQ* Students at both City and Headingly Campus(Achieved)- I’m aiming to hold regular drop in sessions with my first being at Headingley Campus
November 19th with the second being scheduled for the following week at City Campus.
Support our Liberation and Welfare Societies and Groups- (Achieved)- I’m attending regular meeting for
our LGBT*, Yorkshire Equality and Diversity Network etc.
Aim to make sure all LGBTQ* students including Post-Grad, Mature and International Feel Represented(On-going)- Working on extending the support networks to include and engage more Mature, International
and BME students.
Working with our Equality and Diversity Officers to organise a support group to discuss mental health and
sexuality. (Achieved)- Be-YoU- Gender and Sexuality support group will be hosting its first event in late
February, including 5 Coordinators who will direct the support group and support students. To improve
on diversity one of the Coordinators will identify as Trans, Intersex, Non Gender Binary whilst another
will identify as BME, as these have been shown to be the two most challenging areas in engaging LGBT*
students who identify as Trans or BME.
Organise awareness campaigns and fundraisers to help support LGBT* Organisations such as Action for
Trans Health and National Aids Trust- (Achieved.)
Organise a big debate in bringing students together to discuss issues such as “Labelling our Sexuality”,
“Liberation and Politics”. (Achieved)
Organise Leeds Beckett's first Liberation fresher’s fair- (on-going)- This will be discuss in more detail at our
first LGBT* History Month Event (LoveLiberation)
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Change the role name of LGBTQ Officer- (on-going)- over this year I will be aiming to work to change the
role title to Sexuality and Gender Diversity Rep for Student council, in order to provide a neutral and
inclusive role for LGBTQ+ students.
[Please detail what you have achieved for students / contributed to since you started (for the first report)
or since the previous report (for subsequent reports). Please provide a short explanation as to how you’re
achievements or what you have contributed to enhance students’ experiences and how it makes a positive
impact on their lives]
This will be our largest LGBT* History Month contribution since in the introduction of the LGBTQ Officer
role. The main benefit will be providing greater awareness, but also education in focusing around key
issues such as Biphobia, discussion around annoying stereotypes relating to Sexuality and Gender, such as
“Straight Acting”. Just as equally important the chance to help actively shape the LGBTQ liberation
movement within our University through discussions, but also to look at how we can make it more
inclusive to provide greater support to BME, Genderqueer, Trans, Bisexual etc and with the election this
year in what they would like to see our Leeds MP candidates to promote if their elected to office in May.
The creation of the Yorkshire Equality and Diversity Network provides support for students who are
interested in getting involved with activism particular in organising campaign or event in seeing how other
Universities have approached it and whether anything can be learned or developed through a joint
collaboration. It also provides the chance for who ever takes over our Liberation roles to carry on in
organising more collaborative events, ensuring Liberation issues have more of an impact being reflected
not just by one university but across the region.
The creation of the Be-YoU support group will help to fill an essential gap currently within our University in
firstly providing a space for students to discuss issues relating to their sexuality or gender identity. But also
to act as network bridge to support groups in Leeds, for example the Trans Support Network or the Bayard
Project, which aims to support BME LGBTQ* identifying people.
What have you achieved since the last report / since you started?
This will be our largest LGBT* History Month contribution since in the introduction of the LGBTQ Officer
role. The main benefit will be providing greater awareness, but also education in focusing around key
issues such as Biphobia, discussion around annoying stereotypes relating to Sexuality and Gender, such as
“Straight Acting”. Just as equally important the chance to help actively shape the LGBTQ liberation
movement within our University through discussions, but also to look at how we can make it more
inclusive to provide greater support to BME, Genderqueer, Trans, Bisexual etc and with the election this
year in what they would like to see our Leeds MP candidates to promote if their elected to office in May.
The creation of the Yorkshire Equality and Diversity Network provides support for students who are
interested in getting involved with activism particular in organising campaign or event in seeing how other
Universities have approached it and whether anything can be learned or developed through a joint
collaboration. It also provides the chance for who ever takes over our Liberation roles to carry on in
organising more collaborative events, ensuring Liberation issues have more of an impact being reflected
not just by one university but across the region.
The creation of the Be-YoU support group will help to fill an essential gap currently within our University in
firstly providing a space for students to discuss issues relating to their sexuality or gender identity. But also
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to act as network bridge to support groups in Leeds, for example the Trans Support Network or the Bayard
Project, which aims to support BME LGBTQ* identifying people.
What are your plans between now and the next meeting / the end of your Term of office?
To advertise and aim to run LGBT* History at our University collaboratively with all other groups invovled.
To continue to work with our LGBT* Staff and Student Forum, in helping to develop stronger network links,
particularly around LGBT* issues that impact on students.
To work with our Woman’s Officer and anyone else who is interested in helping to create Leeds Beckett’s
first ever Gender and Sexual Diversities Conference in April.
To work with our students who are involved in creating our first Leeds Beckett Gender Equality Society and
provide the same support and assistance including offering of training and to attend meetings to provide a
support where I can and to represent the SU.
To work with our BME and International Officer to help create a Leeds Beckett Unity Society.
To work with our VP Welfare to help create a student led Bereavement support group.
Ethics & Environment Officer
Ashleigh-Marie Stevenson
NO REPORT SUBMITTED BY DEADLINE
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