With nominations for our Leadership Elections open now, you might be wondering what the roles entail and whether you'd be a good fit. Hear from our current Community Officers and see what they have to say about their experiences.
With nominations for our Leadership Elections open now, you might be wondering what the roles entail and whether you'd be a good fit. Hear from our current Community Officers and see what they have to say about their experiences.
Olivia Davies, Women Students Community Officer
My name is Olivia (she/her), and I am the Women Students Community Officer for this academic year 2023/24. I nominated myself because I wanted the opportunity to help make the University better for women students. Running for this position was quite easy, all you have to do is nominate yourself and then write a small manifesto about you and any ideas you have about what you wish to achieve and that's it.
I have loved every second of being the Women Students Community Officer. I have been able to be at the forefront of so many amazing things for example being a part of the NeverOk campaign and helping to deliver consent and active bystander training to societies and sports on campus and I am currently helping Nisha (VP of wellbeing) plan Women's History Month. I am so proud of my social media campaign ‘Women of the Month’ I love having the opportunity to highlight the amazing women at Royal Holloway.
I think the one piece of advice I would give to my past self and anyone thinking about running in the Leadership Elections would be to just do it. I had so many worries that were stopping me from nominating myself, but I am so glad that I just did it. You are constantly supported throughout your time as a Community Officer, and you are never alone. You have an amazing team at the SU, the Sabbs and your fellow Community Officers. I could not recommend this role enough.
Alana Penney, Disabled Students Community Officer
Running for the Disabled Students Community Officer role last year was one of the best decisions I have made at RHUL. I went for this role as I felt the lack of disability visibility and community was really impacting my own student life. So far, the work I am most proud of is an ongoing investigation into the disabled student experience on campus. Receiving student feedback has provided really good direction for the work I will be engaged in for the rest of the year, and what areas future COs may like to consider in their work.
Looking back on the election period, I would stress the importance of considering the long-term campaigns you will be leading. What issues matter most to those around you? Always pursue the most impactful campaign first as this will take the longest.
Ideally, you want the matter you are most concerned with changing or advocating for to front your election campaign, as this will be your primary focus throughout the year. You will be asked all the time, ‘So, what do you actually do as a CO?’ - be prepared and think ahead about what you want to achieve and how you may do this. Most importantly, be prepared to challenge existing services and new policies that may negatively impact the experiences of people within your community. Sometimes people just need reminding, that’s what you are elected to do.
Running in Community Officer elections is one of the best things you can do to make a difference at university. Be confident, and good luck!
Nominate yourself
If you're interested in running to represent a Community in the upcoming elections, head over to our Leadership Elections minisite to nominate yourself.
Student Communities
- Black Students
- Disabled Students
- International Students
- LGBT+ Students
- Mature, Carer & Parent Students
- Students of Faith
- Women Students
- Commuting Students
- PGR Students
Don't forget nominations close on 4 February!