Things I said I’d do…and how I’ve done!
After two years, you’d expect me to have done some work, and you elected me two years running on a manifesto of promises…. here’s what I’ve done to deliver on these manifesto promises. (I’d also like to point out though that I’ve done a few other things too!)
The Knowledge: I wanted a more accessible paper, and more student leadership
What I did: In my first year in office we had a huge increase in writers, particularly from the Clubs and Societies, but ready for this year I created the position of Student Editor, a role which will no doubt develop over the years to push the paper forward!
Societies: I wanted more regular meetings with committees, and offer them more support
What I did: Throughout my term of office I have had an open door policy to societies’ committees, and have also offered open drop-in sessions for support. Furthermore myself and the VP Sports reformed the Societies Committee to make it more engaging and worthwhile. We have rewarded societies for their dedication and achievements through the new Societies & UPSU Awards
Feedback on Officers’ Work: I wanted more accessible information about what we the officers have been up to, and how we are working for you
What I did: Throughout the last two years we have tried a variety of different methods, but by now you should be able to reach officers through the sabbs office, Twitter, Facebook, upsu.com, mobiles, and by checking the sabbs noticeboard in the Union entrance area.
Re-start Cam:Cru: I wanted to get more students involved in the old photography society from several years ago – to get photos from nights out on to the website
What I did: I recruited students at Freshers’ Fairs, purchased a new camera and held a few meetings…however if I’m honest I haven’t been able to dedicate enough time to this project to make real progress – one for Abi next year!!
Extra Funding for Volunteering: Two years ago we were faced with a national cut in Higher Education Funding for Volunteering. I wanted to make sure our funding continued, and that we expanded our volunteering offer.
What I did: I can’t take all the glory in this, but I have supported the Volunteering department in all their work to seek extra funding. Last year this took the form of lobbying the University to ensure our funding continued (and we secured an uplift!). We also secured RELAYS funding and were able to employ two new staff. This year we also secured extra funding and were able to employ ANOTHER member of staff. I also helped write a bid to vinspired for our £10k grant supporting students with disabilities to get involved with Volunteering Projects.
Developing UPSU Media: I wanted to develop UPSU media, looking specifically at the idea of a student-led Radio station
What I did: This year has seen the most progress here. Over the summer I purchased a range of equipment and took over a room in the Union building. Since then I have worked on developing a podcast-based student radio station, working with the University and other Union radio stations to research best practice. I recruited a small team of volunteer students and together we have created some pilot podcasts (www.upsu.com/radio). This should be ready for full launch very quickly in the new academic year. (Another one for Abi!)
Informal Learning: I wanted more recognition from the University for students who have done work (and undertaken learning!) outside of their formal curriculum.
What I did: I supported University colleagues in pushing through proposals to support this, for this year the ‘Learning through Volunteering’ scheme, and ready for next year a wide-ranging award – the ‘Plymouth Award.’ This will be launched by the University in September for a trail year, and will be a great opportunity for students to gain extra recognition for extra-curricular activities.
I hope this pleases you…. but if you’d like to read about the other work I’ve been doing I can send you my annual reports (fun!) – just email me: vpactivities@upsu.com
Tags: Societies, upsu, Volunteering
