I’m proud to share how our student community has stepped into the academic year with renewed energy, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for every student at the University of Derby.
As President of the Union of Students, I’m proud to share how our student community has stepped into the academic year with renewed energy, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for every student at the University of Derby.
Guided by our new Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and rooted in our mission—Empowering students at the University of Derby to shape their own journey by providing opportunities, support, and a strong community where they can thrive. Our vision is simple yet powerful: Supporting you to make the most of your University of Derby experience.
This year, our work is driven by four connected priorities:
- Student Life – creating the foundations for wellbeing and support.
- Student Communities – building spaces where every student feels they belong.
- Student Voice – amplifying student perspectives to shape change.
- Student Employability – preparing students for success beyond university.
These priorities come to life through the officers shared guiding themes:
We remove barriers – Students can make the most of University life, no matter their background, beliefs, or identity.
We bring students together – Students are part of a community where they feel they belong.
We help students grow – Students are supported to develop and grow academically, professionally, and personally for their future.
Over this period, I have delivered a range of initiatives designed to strengthen cultural understanding, enhance student engagement, and reduce barriers to participation. Events such as the Diwali celebration—attended by over 35 students from varied backgrounds and regular Coffee Chat sessions created meaningful spaces for students to connect, share experiences, and access academic, personal, and professional support. In partnership with Sam, I also co-hosted Afromusic and Jollof Connect, which brought together around 120 students and showcased African culture through music and cuisine. This event not only exceeded attendance expectations but also fostered intercultural engagement, demonstrating the impact of inclusive community-building.
Alongside my work, the Officer Team has collectively contributed to improving student wellbeing, affordability, and access to support. Kaeda’s initiatives, including the Clothing Swap and Wobble Week, addressed key aspects of student welfare by offering practical support and normalising conversations around wellbeing, with hundreds of students engaging across both projects. Eleanor’s introduction of the Buddy Scheme has also created a more accessible pathway into student life, helping new and anxious students build confidence and form connections within our communities. Through close collaboration with Membership Managers and Union colleagues, we have championed major structural changes such as removing the Societies Pass fee, eliminating mandatory charges for several community categories, and transitioning to the new Communities model developments that have already encouraged the creation of diverse new groups.
To further enhance student voice and strengthen our relationship with the wider student body, the Officer Team has worked with the Voice Team to secure a new Voice Platform, providing a more transparent, accessible space for feedback, including dedicated areas for EDI and community engagement. Additionally, we have continued Thursday Thoughts, a weekly initiative designed to gather real-time student insights and ensure Union decision-making remains student-led. Collectively, these efforts reflect significant progress toward a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering student experience where all students can participate fully and see their identities valued.