Officer Blogs

Development & Democracy Officer Blog

Hi I’m Sophie, your elected Development & Democracy Officer.

I came to Keele in 2020, from a little town called Solihull on the outskirts of Birmingham, to study a dual honours in Forensic Science and Psychology. However, at the end of my first year, I realised my heart was with forensics and so moved onto the Master's in Forensic and Analytical Sciences course. I first got involved in the Students' Union when I joined Craft, KRAP and American Football back in my second year, as my first year was spent in COVID.

I have been a part of 12 different clubs and societies during my time here. Outside of my role, I am interested in music, from Taylor Swift to Bring Me The Horizon, and a bit of musical theatre here and there.  I’m also obsessed with my baby boy, Gizmo, who is a tiny chihuahua who will sometimes come and visit me on campus in my lunch break or after work, in his bumblebee harness.  

One thing you wish you had known before you came to Keele

That you can get GU pots, Magnum ice-creams and a multitude of pastries all included in the Co-op's £4 member meal deal (Get your Co-op memberships!!!)

You can talk to me about:

  • Issues you're having around campus
  • Our Campaign Networks
  • Any SU or University suggestions
  • Democracy, elections and why we do what we do
  • Sustainability

Email me at su.uddofficer@keele.ac.uk 

December AGM 2025

Posted on Mon 01 Dec 2025 at 16:26

Hi everyone! I wanted to share an update on what I’ve been working on this year to strengthen student leadership, representation, and engagement across the university. If you have any questions or ideas about anything below, please feel free to get in touch- I’d love to hear from you!- I haven't been very well since freshers and so I've had to take some time off to recover, but here's a list of things I've done so far!

Chairing Key Meetings

· I have chaired and supported Deputy Chair duties for our Board meetings, helping to ensure discussions run smoothly and that student perspectives are at the heart of decision-making.

Strengthening Our Network Leads Team

· This year, I appointed 13 new Network Leads to help represent and advocate for the wide range of student communities across our campus.

Expanding the Ambassador Team

· I’ve also appointed 4 new Ambassadors who will play a key role in enhancing student engagement and supporting upcoming campaigns and initiatives.

Supporting Awareness and Community Campaigns

· I helped support the delivery of Hispanic Heritage Month and Movember, working alongside students and staff to celebrate culture, raise awareness, and encourage student wellbeing.

Facilitating Union Assembly

· I facilitated our Union Assembly- our core democratic and policy-making space- ensuring students can put forward ideas, debate issues, and shape the direction of the SU.

Meeting With Students

· I’ve met with a range of students to hear their ideas, offer guidance, and explore how I can best support them in bringing positive change to the university.

Appointing Voice Reps

· Working with the Voice Rep Panel, I’ve been involved in appointing hundreds of Voice Reps who will represent courses and schools across the university this year.

University Council Participation

· So far, I’ve attended two University Council meetings- the highest decision-making body in the institution, to make sure the student voice is heard at the top level.

Engaging With Senior Leadership

· I’ve had monthly one-to-one meetings with the Vice-Chancellor to discuss student priorities, raise concerns, and push for improvements across key areas of student life.