VOTE ASHLEIGH PINNOCK FOR PRESIDENT

Hey, I’m Ashleigh! You elected me as your Students’ Union (SU) Welfare Officer last year and I also took on the role of Interim President in December to ensure the SU was led by a student voice during such difficult and unpredictable times.

I’m a seasoned student at Leeds Beckett University. I completed my BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science in 2017 and my PGCE in Secondary Mathematics in 2021. I’m currently finishing my MA in Race, Education and Decolonial Thought. After going through some tough experiences myself during university, I vowed I would work to improve the university experience for all students, and I have done just that! From Global Majority Ambassador (2020-22) and Student Academic Representation Assistant of Carnegie School of Education (2021/22), it has been a privilege to empower the student voice and create change for students.

WHAT HAVE I DELIVERED SO FAR?

Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living crisis is at the forefront of my agenda and I ensured the university were proactive, leading to the first and most comprehensive package of support for students announced by any university in the UK! Including doubling the money in the hardship fund, free transport between Headingley and City Campus, hidden course costs reduced, subsidised, or removed.

Student Housing

There is a national housing crisis with limited affordable and safe options for students to live. Raising this issue to the Board of Governors, the highest decision making board of the university, resulted in Kirkstall Brewery Halls being reopened!

Improving Mental Health Support

I’ve been working on the University Mental Health Charter ensuring the university’s commitment to improving approaches to student and staff mental health. Creating significant changes takes time, so I created the Well-being Hub on the SU website to help signpost students to a range of support available.

Creating an equitable, inclusive, and diverse community

I’ve been working on the University Race Equality Charter to identify and reflect on the institutional and cultural barriers for Black and Global majority students and staff. I’ve also been working with students to improve the university’s current EDI objectives. I created a Cultural Competency project that will be delivered to all course reps and student staff.

Student safety

I’m working with Leeds City Council to address student safety in Beckett Park.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

With the cost of living crisis continuing to negatively impact so many students, I’ll continue to work on all the matters above and listen to what the student community wants and needs!

More money for students

I want to challenge the university to introduce more bursaries to support students. I want to create more student jobs within the SU and University. I’ll campaign with student officers across the nation to have the government increase student maintenance loans.

Creating a sense of belonging

I’ve been leading the SU focus on EDI and embedding it within the organisation. I’ll create more diverse and free events for students to socialise and have fun!