Hello!! I am Benjamin, and I am your elected Development and Democracy Officer.
I started my Studies here at Keele in 2024. I am a second-year Law student with my full degree title hopefully being; Law with Professional Legal Practice with a Placement Year with an Understanding of British Sign Language... A mouthful I know. I have been a student ambassador for my academic area and a Voice Rep for my Course. I also volunteered in Keele University's Legal Clinic as a student legal advisor.
Outside of my academics, I used to be a Dancer. I danced in a variety of styles, with a focus in competing across the country. In college I had stopped dancing due to work, but i was still interested in performing arts, here I volunteered in theatres and partook in my college’s reproduction of legally blonde the musical as a Technical Director and Lighting Designer. Quite possibly the best experience I have had in theatre. My interests are all over the place, every week I fixate on a niche subject and find myself learning everything about it.
My favourite part about campus is Keele woods. There is no place in Keele woods that I do not know. And my favourite fact is that co-op memberships cost £1 which goes directly back to the student union and gets you member prices on products!!!
You can talk to me about anything, however my role’s main focus are:
Campus Issues and getting to campus
Campaign Networks
Any suggestion/development regarding the SU and/or the University
Democracy, Voting, Elections and why we do what we do
Sustainability
I love helping people, cliche I know, but everything I do is in the interest in all students.
You can contact me at su.uddofficer@keele.ac.uk or you can find me in the chatterbox!
I look forward to working with you. Have a lovely day!!!
Posted on Wed 30 Oct 2024 at 15:34
CEO Recruitment and Induction: CEO Recruitment took up much of my working time over the last few months. Using NUS’ CEO Induction guidance, I have drafted up an induction calendar and put together an all-encompassing folder with many of the documents relevant to a CEO’s introduction. I am also now assisting with the CEO’s probation meetings.
Campus Faith Spaces: Previously I mentioned that I had written a paper, with student feedback and assistance from the chapel, around faith spaces on campus. I am happy to say this is a project, under the new head of estates, is reported to be currently undergoing a largescale prayer space review – one which will make spaces available in Chancellor’s, Keele Hall and elsewhere on campus.
New Chancellor Recruitment: The process for another chancellor has begun and I have been part of the Nominations and Governance Council Sub-Committee to help decide who it should be.
Simplifying and streamlining the SU: A priority of mine this year is simplifying the SU and its processes for the benefit of students. This has begun with merging the four officer Instagram accounts into one joint account; this allows for consistent branding, prevents duplication of efforts and centralises information for students.
Student Voice Manager Interviews: I sat as part of the panel who was presiding over the appointment of the new student voice manager. I am happy to say the candidate is now in the new role.
Warmer Winter Campaign Application: similar to last year, I have been granted principle funding and put in an application for £1500 from Staffordshire County Council’s climate action fund. I should hear back from the council in mid November.