It only seems like two minutes ago that I was in Blackpool running in the block election, however time has flown by.

Starting in NUS can be a daunting experience to say the least. From the outside it is sometimes difficult to see what a massive machine NUS is, the variety of activity it undertakes and the scope of work that it does. As July started we were thrown in at the deep end (as most sabbs are) with NEC induction, putting our fears aside, getting a grasp on the organisation, and boy am I excited about the year ahead. So a bit about me and what I believe in.

I believe in an NUS that defends and extends the rights of students on our campuses, campaigns and wins on the issues that effect our membership on a daily basis, and an NUS which strives to challenge and support unions to be hubs of best practice and deliver outstanding student experiences.

To deliver on this, I firmly believe that we need a strong national union built on collectivism and unity, an NUS that supports and delivers for its membership, an NUS that is honest, accountable and transparent in all that it does and an NUS that is ready to defend and extend the rights of students, through active campaigning up and down the country.

We as a movement we are very good at listening to the loudest voice in the room but the real challenge for NUS and students’ unions is to listen and deliver on those students that have been failed by the government, universities, us.

For two years I was the VP welfare and education at The University of Derby Students’ Union. Here I found a passion and love for student politics. When I got into difficulties during my time at university it was my students’ union which helped and supported me, guided me and helped fight for my rights, and in the end kept me on my course and at uni. It was this same union that developed and nurtured me as a sabbatical officer so that I defended and extended the rights for the students on my campus.

This year I am working on a number of projects which fall within my areas for responsibility. I have been given responsibility in the welfare and further education zones, am on the anti-fascism and anti-racism committee and have responsibility for nursing and will be liaising with the British Medical Association.

In the Welfare Zone, I am currently working on our sexual health campaign, responsible drinking campaign and working alongside Ama on our student in the community-focussed priority campaign. I am also looking at partnering up with unions to start looking at how we can ensure our sports teams stay safe while they tour.

Within the Further Education Zone, I am working on the national minimum wage campaign as part of citizen 16. Alongside Beth I am also looking to challenge the problem of further education in higher education, a vital yet untouched issue within NUS. As my own institution had a large number of further education students, I understand the challenges that connected unions face. Dealing with a membership that has diverse needs and priorities is often challenging, but ultimately something we must rise to, maximising our campaigning effectiveness and value to the membership

This is why I’m so passionate about our movement and why I want to help make our movement and NUS a better place. I want to help challenge the unchallenged and speak up for the many unions and students that feel that they have never had a voice in NUS.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to say a massive welcome and congratulations to all of the newly elected sabbatical officers across the country and in the nations, and congratulations to returning sabbaticals, who I look forward to working with. If you need anything during your time in NUS please feel free to get in contact – I am more than happy to help or ensure that you get the support that you need.

Here’s to a great and exciting year ahead

Ben xx
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