Rachel Lim

Here's what I've been up to!

Firstly, I’ve been working closely with our HCOs to evaluate our organisational structure with them and our relationship with Accommodation. Secondly, I helped write the Personal Tutor Policy effective 2026/27 that better defines strategic objectives for PTs and tutees, and ensure adequate time and support for PTs. Thirdly, I have been working on the E6 Sexual Harassment group to ensure students have adequate information and feel supported throughout their whole journey of reporting a case at UCL. Note: AL 23 Dec to Jan 15.

How have I communicated with students in the past fortnight?

1-2-1s with HCOs and students Will be having a Welfare Zone Dinner with all zone members invited next week.

My Priorities

Students can access quality and reassuring mental wellbeing services when they need support.

Apologies again- I'm really horrible with writing. Please get in contact with me [email protected] if you would like to discuss any aspect of my work, go for a coffee etc. Door is always open. This report should surmise what I've been doing since my last report.

1-2-1 Denise Long (Head of SSWS)
Asked how I could support her priorities for the year, which mainly involved support on ensuring the new PT framework ensures adequate holistic support instead of a focus on academics only.
Follow up meeting with Karen Barnard, Adam Waddingham and Denise Long on 17/1- Partnership committee within various student facing UCL departments such as Careers, SSWS, student welcome to be made to update on approaches to students, agreement that depts have worked too far in isolation when presenting to the student body. Action for me: work with Education Officer to contact faculty reps on a yearly basis (min) to evaluate efficacy of UCL efforts as the end-user, particularly about PT.

Vocalised Report and Support concerns to EDI. Discussion about the suitability of R+S resting in EDI and management.

Students are financially supported to meet their basic needs to succeed in their studies.

Vocalised to Accommodation the increase in fees but a dissimilar increase in the maintenance loan, which has been added to the Rent-Setting papers for the next academic year. A new suggestion of rising to meet % loan added as well.

Student Finance funding slow to open this year because of a volume of applications (ironic). Discussing with Advice Service the possibility of more detail in "rejection" applications as students migrate to Advice Service funding with similar rejections and are unable to understand, feeling dejected afterward. More attention for these students needed.

UCL offers students an accessible, supportive, and affordable living environment designed for their needs and to develop communities.

Many HCOs are vocalising inadequate living conditions. Accommodation response has been a denial of long query and report times, and no such evidence of lack of student support. Working in conjunction with Advice Service to soon present a seminar to students on knowing your rights as "licensees" of a room, and potentially how to claim money back. Debating leading a group claim- will follow up with HCOs.

Surgery with Ramsay Hall happening Jan 21.

Lobbying with MP and Parliament success (Jan 17)- new Renter's Rights Bill will ban landlords from demanding rent upfront + students are not locked into contracts more than 6 months beforehand.

Unease and disagreement about the efficacy of the new HCO system- after having the political aspect of their role having been stripped along with their incentive (rent discount)- HCO applications have been slow. Accommodation dislikes the previous representatory aspect- I personally believe that complaints will happen regardless. Working with Policy team to discuss the future of the HCOs and how expectations can be met from both sides. Updates soon.

Students find their community and discover new things that support their wellbeing.

Tasters programme developed- category defined between AEO and I as: "This is an initiative to encourage students to try out new activities with no financial barriers to entry or for very low costs. It is targeted for students that are currently not part of the club or society and are encouraged to join after their taster session.

Each week we will have a flagship event that will be advertised heavily to students. This will headline a series of taster sessions across the year with the intent of raising student wellbeing being increasing participation in our clubs and societies, whilst societies benefit from increased membership. They will be tagged under “Taster” sessions on the SU Website and promoted on the landing page.

This flagship event will be financed by the SU, open only to non-members of a club, and either eradicate/heavily subsidise high cost initial barriers of a society’s event or be a heavily niche event that would not occur otherwise e.g. free horseriding taster, or beekeeping soc going to visit a honey farm up north."

Meetings & Outcomes

Union meetings attended and main outcomes

Cultural Celebrations
International Festival clashing with CNY- suggested opening with CNY as it begins the year before and can draw a larger crowd.

SU Finance Committee
Asked the SU for a re-dedication to a halal meat offering. Will follow up about bank sustainability offering.

Sleeping Pod
Picked up this convo after a long history of welfare sabbs wanting to finish this and I am determined to end it. SPC asks and follow up reroute of emails about potential spaces. Reached out to Ian Dancy for help.

UCL meetings attended and main outcomes

EMAG

PT Policy
Drafted a new policy along with VPESE, HEDS and academic stakeholders which will be in the academic manual. Lobbied heavily for the name to remain Personal Tutors and not personal Academic Tutors, that

Student Partnership Committee
Suggested the conversion of low-use computer clusters to multi-purpose spaces for both teaching and society use, especially in light of quad closures (sucks)

Online Pharmacy Contraception Scheme- contraception mailed to your door free under NHS
Brought to Senior Management Meeting. UCL will be the first university in the UK to roll this out. Writing piece and marketing to be released soon.

E6 Single Source of Information Subgroup
Suggested that students would benefit for more information instead of just a list of resources, such as one line explanations of what these resources are. Helps with information overload.

PAT Pilot

Mitesh Vagadia
Agreed to regular catch-ups. Discussed the negative outcomes of strict UCL guidelines of sustainable buildings, enabling staff at accommodation to refuse heating until a temperature is reached. Students are cold! To follow up.
Discussed long term negative impact of accommodation not prioritising investment in equipment (big spend) instead of maintenance.

Sabbatical Officer Reports

Our Sabbatical Officers create a report every two weeks to inform our members. They believe that keeping everyone in the loop can foster a lively, supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate and share their ideas. These updates are a great way for them to share what's been happening, from their current projects to collaborations with different student groups, academic departments, and community organizations. 

In each report, you can expect to find insights into the challenges they are tackling, the solutions they are implementing, and the positive impacts these efforts have on student life. From supporting engaging events and workshops to launching new programs that promote well-being and academic success, their initiatives are designed to enhance the overall campus experience.

View Rachel's Reports Here

October: [No Report Submitted]

Welfare & Community Officer- November Report 

December: [No Report Submitted]

Welfare & Community Officer- January Report 

February: [No Report Submitted]

March: [No Report Submitted]

Voting Record

As democratic leaders, all Sabbatical Officers must maintain transparency in their work. Below is a record of the voting on policies introduced during the academic year 2024-2025 and how Rachel has voted. Please note that Sabbatical Officers do not participate in all Zones and, therefore, do not vote on every policy.

These voting records are up to date as of 03/03/25.

Meetings & Committees I Attend:

• Chair of Welfare and Community Zone.
• Union Executive.
• Board of Trustees and committees.
• Students' Union Leadership Team.
• UCL Work Health and Safety Committee.
• UCL Student Partnership Committee.
• UCL Information Risk Governance Committee.
• UCL Equality Monitoring and Advancement Group.
• University Mental Health Charter Oversight Group.