Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

I am a second year English Literature student from Mid-Wales! In my college, I am involved with the Welfare Committee, crochet society, LGBTQ+ society, and more. I also sit on Communities Committee and the EDI board for my college but I want to take this work further and work more broadly for all Durham students.

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

Community Officer is not a role that one person can do on their own, and I will act as a line of communication between various parties to mediate conversations between the student body, the SU, and the university. I want to acknowledge the intimidating barrier between students and the university, ensuring that this institution is a comfortable place for everyone in its diverse student body.

I will encourage and prioritise requests from students regarding ways to keep the university accountable, and will do this by being a transparent and active officer even if it means having uncomfortable conversations.

Why is this role important to you?

Durham has a reputation, and in my first year I was scared of scrutiny for reasons including class, gender identity, and disability. However, I was lucky enough to find myself in incredibly supportive communities which inspired me and assisted me over the last few years. I want to pass this forward to those who feel the same. Finding people who experience the world in similar ways is INCREDIBLY motivating and I aim to put particular emphasis on marginalised communities in the student body, to ensure people are given a safe platform to campaign for change.

I also believe the SU can become a centralised hub for information and communication for JCRs and colleges, becoming a reliable resource for comfortability and security. The SU should not be competing with JCRs but facilitating communication between all students, especially concerning intercollegiate events and intercollegiate support systems.

What is your pitch to students?

For me, Community Officer will be a point of contact and support for all Durham students. I want to pass on the comfort and security that Durham has given me so far, while giving you a platform to speak and challenge the university (and its affiliates) where it falls short.