The role of Representation and Resources Officer has been on my radar for the last few years. Guild democracy has been overhauled recently with the implementation of the ‘Your Ideas’ portal and the demise of Guild Council. I am proud to have been a part of the movement that made the Guild more representative and democratic, the ‘Guild clique’ no longer dominates discussion with political ideologies of little meaning to students. Whilst the student movement is very important this role incorporates the resources of the Guild and how they can be better used for the benefits of students.
I have four main ideas for my manifesto. Firstly, I have two policies which will improve the student experience of the Guild. I want to introduce E-tickets for FAB ‘n’ Fresh allowing students to purchase tickets from the comfort of their homes on a Sunday. Releasing more tickets online and weekly, as opposed to termly, will prevent the mad rush for tickets that occurs on a Sunday and Monday. The ideal is to have QR codes sent to students and scan their smartphones on entry. Secondly, the Joes+ card is highly undervalued by the student community. Having worked in the Venues Department for three years I have observed that students do not know how much money they can save with a Joes+ card. I would like to Change the Joes+ Card into a flat percentage discount on all purchases in addition to providing a points system based on the amount spent, similar to Nectar, Boots and other loyalty cards. After a certain spend students would be able to cash in and have a free pizza or FAB ticket.
My third policy is to create Office Hours for Officers. Although, officers have an open door policy, inevitably they have meetings and commitments. My proposal is to have one or two hours a week where there is nothing scheduled for them and students are free to visit. These times ideally will change week on week and will be publicised through social media and the Guild of Students website. Lastly, the Guild Finances should be more transparent, students have the right to know where the money that the guild has has come from and where it is spent. I would like reports published openly so students have access to the information regarding the costs of running the Guild and where the profit are reinvested. This will provide students with more knowledge and understanding and encourage their participation.
I am committed to changing the Guild and improving the experience that students have. The Guild can offer so much more and be run much more efficiently. I have the experience and skills from five years of involvement; as student staff, Open-Place Guild Councillor, Postgraduate Assessment Group Place and society committees. I know the Guild well enough to spot its failings and will relish the opportunity to improve it. So vote Joe ‘The Hungry Hippo’ Harrison #1 Representation and Resources Officer.