Jazz Society: Welfare Officer

Hi I’m Suri! I’m running for Welfare Officer because I believe every society needs someone whose main priority is making sure everyone is doing okay. Rehearsals, gigs, deadlines, balancing uni, and life in general can get stressful sometimes, and I want to help make sure the society stays a place where music is actually fun and not just stressing you out even more. Jazz Society has been such a welcoming place, and I want to make sure everyone else feels included and supported too.

I'm a super easy person to talk to, and I'm ALWAYS here if you need someone to talk to about literally anything - whether that’s band stress, uni stress, life stress, or just needing to rant for five minutes before rehearsal. I will always be more than happy to listen to you whenever!!! 

I also know how nerve-wracking things like auditions and performances can feel. I helped with welfare during auditions, so I already have some experience making sure people feel comfortable during what can be a pretty scary process - which TRUST ME, I relate to. I will also absolutely be baking sweet treats to bring and share. I make insane cookies and banana bread btw;)

Overall I just want the society to feel like a place people genuinely enjoy being. cus jazz is cool:)

Hi, my name is Sei! For those who don't know me already, I am a first year Biomedical science student and joined Jazz society at the start of this year. I would like to stand for the role of Welfare officer because I love the positive and friendly atmosphere the Jazz society has created. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy being part of it so much, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to play a central role in maintaining and strengthening this welcoming environment.

I believe I am approachable and a good listener, and I would aim to be a supportive and reliable first point of contact for members of the band whenever needed.
I’m aware that this role involves helping maintain a safe and inclusive space, as well as signposting members to appropriate university welfare services when necessary. I would take that responsibility seriously and handle any concerns with sensitivity and respect. So I hope you can trust me into taking good care of everyone!

And finally, if you like football please come and talk to me. I’m always up for a good chat about some football. Thank you!

I am excited to apply to be Welfare Officer for UCL Jazz Society because I care about fostering a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for both members and those interested in joining.​

Jazz Society has been one of the highlights of my time at UCL, and I am keen to give back to this community. I hope to help create a space where people can unwind from their studies, improve musically, and feel included.

I have loved being part of Wednesday workshops, from small bands at the IOE to social events. Oportunities to develop improvisation have enhanced my active listening, communication between other band members and confidence; skills which are also important for the role as a Welfare Officer.

My volunteering with refugees, asylum seekers, and youth through my church has developed my ability to work with vulnerable populations and provided training in safeguarding and risk management. It also enhanced my empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. I understand confidentiality and when to escalate concerns.

Additionally, as a Student Ambassador, I have developed knowledge of UCL’s welfare services and support structures. I would feel confident to signpost individuals to relevant services when needed.

I seek to be a warm and friendly face at rehearsals and events, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring members are aware of support. I know that small actions like checking in before performances and encouraging space for feedback can go a long way.

I loved being in Jazz Society over the past 3 years, being involved in Big Band and going to (almost) every jazz night. I am exciting meeting new people and I think the community we have in Jazz society is what makes our society so fun and special. Being in the society so long, I feel I really understand how it works and really gives me the best ability to support people in Jazz, whether that be new members during freshers week or throughout the year from stress with auditioning processes, to managing commitment to the society and workload. I would really love to have this opportunity, not just to contribute to the society by organising events (as I did last year in my role as Social Sec), but as a person to be able to support all students in the society. Bringing forward my role as Social Sec last year, a highlight for me was the screening of Lala Land as a social for Jazz goes to the movies. Although not as high intensity as some of the other ones, I think it highlighted how valuable these more calm evens can be and would love to move forward this year as Welfare Officer to bring more of these into next year. I would organise termly non-drinking events (such as film screening or listening sessions on campus) to allow people to meet different members of Jazz society, not just in the individual bands but in a more chilled environment to build up a greater support system of Jazz society members, whilst being a main point of contact and supporting members through any problems.