Xiaohongshu
Expression of interest: Expression of interest closed
Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
You will lead the Mature, Part-time & Carers Students' Network and oversee the development of an engaging, dynamic and rewarding community of mature, part-time and students with caring responsibilities and represent their interests and needs to the Union. Working with the Welfare & Community Officer, represent these collective interests to UCL and beyond.
To nominate yourself or vote for this position you must be a student with caring responsibilities OR a part-time student OR a student who began an undergraduate course after the age of 21, or a postgraduate course after the age of 24.
Category
Candidates
I am an experienced and empathetic advocate, perfectly placed to represent our interests. I have represented the views of others as a tax advisor, an asylum law caseworker, and most recently as a competitive mooter for UCL at LSE. This has equipped me with the precise skills needed to lobby the SU and Government effectively, to ensure we are considered in all decisions. Crucially, I also bring the lived experience of juggling hidden responsibilities. This combination of professional expertise and genuine empathy will make me a formidable and understanding representative for our community.
I want to shift UCL from a reactive to a proactive support model for us. I'll achieve this by: 1) Creating and publicising welcome events specifically for mature, part-time, and carer students to build connections early. 2) Developing clear, simple guides to navigate UCL's existing support systems. 3) Advocating for greater support to recognise the unique challenges faced by this network, both within UCL and national Government. My goal is to build a system where support and connection is provided to students without the need to look for it.
Vote for me if you want a representative who will work hard to generate effective and lasting changes, who isn't afraid of cutting through the beaurocracy and calling out inefficiency, and is strongly empathetic of the unique challenges faced by this network.
I started PhD in economits at UCL at 30, after working in the financial industry for 6 years. When starting I was considering all options - whether to do it full-time, part-time, sooner or later, and am aware of this kind of rules and issues. I got an email that position is empty so if there is no one better I'm happy to contribute! Would also be open to job-share.
Better conditions for Mature, Part-time, Parents and Carers
Better conditions for Mature, Part-time, Parents and Carers
As a part-time MSc student who began studying at 28 and a secondary carer for my younger brother with special needs, I understand the pressures mature, part-time and carers students face. Balancing a major financial commitment with earning enough to survive in London, finding flexible work, prioritising study, and feeling isolated as the only part-time student on my course has been challenging. Through teaching, community research and support roles, I have developed strong communication, advocacy and community-building skills which I would bring to this role.
If elected, I want to build a stronger sense of community for mature, part-time and carers students at UCL through accessible social, networking and wellbeing events. I want students balancing work, caring responsibilities or financial pressures to feel visible, supported and included within university life. I would work with the Welfare & Community Officer to improve awareness of support services, represent students’ concerns to UCL, and advocate for more flexible and inclusive approaches that reflect the realities of students with responsibilities beyond university.
Students should vote for me because I combine lived experience with a strong background in advocacy, education and community support. As a part-time MSc student, secondary carer, teacher and community researcher, I understand the pressures of balancing study with work, finances and caring responsibilities. I will work to ensure mature, part-time and carers students feel heard, represented and included through practical support, stronger community networks and inclusive campaigning within UCL and the Students’ Union.