I am new to blogging so forgive me if my language is a bit formal! It’s been a hectic time since July 1st - I can’t quite believe it’s nearly three months now.

So far the work I’ve been doing has varied from visits to students’ unions, to summer training to preparing for the Welfare Campaigns this year.

Summer training was fantastic - I did both the Support and Represent Courses and it was great to meet so many enthusiastic officers. I look forward to getting to know you all better throughout the year and working with you on welfare campaigns.

Much of the work I’ve been doing thus far this year has been on the issue of housing. I’ve been working with a number of unions who expect to have halls of residence ready late this term to plan in advance, and this year there’s a Late Delivery Action Pack for those unions who need to prepare for late halls. I’ve also been working on the Code of Standards NUS is producing jointly with UNIPOL, to accredit private halls of residence.

The Housing Bill has also been a key priority so far - the Housing Bill lobbying packs went out to unions about a week ago, and I’m in the process of trying to convince the relevant government minister to meet with me.

Unions should also have received an order form for materials to promote discounts on prescription costs to students.

I’ll update on other campaign work in my next Blog, and in the next addition of Welfare News, which is being designed at the moment.

Here’s a run-down of some the meetings I’ve been to since I started…

NEC meetings, Regional Receptions, Portman Group, internal Welfare Unit meetings, Convention, HIV Campaign planning meetings, Support and Represent (twice!), National Pensioners Coalition, Unite, UNIAID, Equal Opps Team, Welfare Team, Leeds Uni Union Campaigns Network Day, Co-Op Housing meeting, BUGS visit, Plymouth Uni visit, Mature Students Cttee, Terrence Higgins Trust, Trans Steering Group, Big Welsh Weekend, NACRO Seminar, BUGS Freshers Speech.

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