Your Executive Officer Team

Each year we hold elections to vote in the students that will lead the Union. Any student can run for one of these positions – either by taking a year out of their studies if elected, or running in their final year to start after they graduate.

    Your 2026/27 Team

  • A photo of your Union President

    Union of Students President

    Kaeda Hipkiss they/them

    Oversees the Union and everything that it does

    One thing you'll learn about me is that I'm a huge nerd. I love board games, Warhammer, some trading card games, Dungeons & Dragons, anime, manga, and video games. If it's geeky, there's a good chance I'm into it! A fun fact about me is that my partner and I own over 120 different board games, so I am spoilt for choice.

    Also during my time as a student, I was on the Warhammer Committee for two years, which was my favourite part of being a student!

    I also love musicals. Some of my favourites are Heathers, Beetlejuice, In the Heights, and the songs from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. I think my favourite song from a musical currently is "I'd Rather be Me" from Mean Girls.

  • A photo of your Vice President (Education)

    Vice President (Education)

    Lucy Whitlock she/her

    All things education and academic or course based

    I am originally from South Wales, I moved to Derby to study BSc Civil Engineering. I am excited to get involved in delivering new Union projects, and to share positive changes with students.

    I was encouraged to run in the elections as I was nominated anonymously, and have discovered a passion for student voice.

    A personal goal this year is to pass my driving test!

  • A photo of your Vice President (Communities)

    Vice President (Communities)

    Nduka Akubuo he/him

    Student Communities and all they do

    In my definition, As an International Student, I defined this as Accessibility and Visibility which simply means to be present. Many students, particularly Freshers, may have limited or no knowledge of the Union, what we stand for, the services we provide, or how they can access our support. This is why the officers have committed to bringing the Union to the doorstep of every student, rather than expecting students to come to us.

    By increasing our presence across different campuses and student communities, we can make the Union more visible, accessible and approachable, helping more students feel connected, engage with our work and participate in the Union.

Officer Priorities

Every student has an affordable and safe commuting experience

"We want students to travel to and from university safely, affordably, and without barriers. No student should miss out on opportunities, support, or their education because of their commute."

— Kaeda

Students have equitable access to resources to succeed at university

"Every student comes to university with different circumstances, levels of financial support, living costs, and knowledge of how to manage their money. However, higher education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, course, identity, or personal circumstances. We want to ensure that all students have equitable access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed."

— Kaeda

Students have the skills, awareness and confidence to pursue their next steps

"We believe every student should leave university feeling confident, prepared, and excited about their future. Whether that's securing a job, starting a business, continuing their studies, or exploring new opportunities, we're committed to helping students build the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed."

— Nduka

Students have equitable access to mental health and wellbeing support no matter where they study

"This priority is particularly important because many students experience mental health challenges and stress, often made worse by lack of awareness of available support, or studying at different campus locations. We want to help ensure that every student knows where to access support, feels comfortable seeking help, and has equal opportunities to benefit from mental health and wellbeing services regardless of where they study."

— Nduka

Students affected by redundancies receive the experience they were sold

"I want every student to feel confident finding support and speaking up when they need to, whether that means raising concerns with their course rep, speaking to our advice team, or contacting the university directly. I also want students affected by university redundancies processes to have a better academic experience than last year and feel supported to succeed."

— Kaeda

Ensuring all Students have access to the Union no matter their location

"In my definition, As an International Student, I defined this as Accessibility and Visibility which simply means to be present. Many students, particularly Freshers, may have limited or no knowledge of the Union, what we stand for, the services we provide, or how they can access our support. This is why the officers have committed to bringing the Union to the doorstep of every student, rather than expecting students to come to us. By increasing our presence across different campuses and student communities, we can make the Union more visible, accessible and approachable, helping more students feel connected, engage with our work and participate in the Union."

— Nduka
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