Rep Con 2019 Programme

2019 WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 1-5PM

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Contents Welcome from Brooke Pilbeam

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Presenters’ backgrounds Pages 4-5 Elections are Coming Page 6 Plenary Page 8 Breakout A Page 9 Breakout B Page 1 Rep Recognition Scheme Pages 12-13 School Officers Page 14 Meet the Representation Team

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Thank you Page 18 Timetable page Page 20

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WELCOME TO

REP CON 2019!

Welcome to the Students’ Union’s annual Student Rep Conference, ‘RepCon’. The fourth conference of this kind that we have hosted, ‘RepCon’ is all about providing our reps, student leaders and the wider student body with an engaging afternoon of activity in order to enhance their overall experience at Bucks.

Following a number of discussions with students, in particular our student leaders, that couldn’t be more relevant this year. They have identified the need to further support their experience around their course programme. They highlighted that they were particularly confident and knowledgeable about their chosen subject but the same could not be said for key areas such as life and work-based skills. Therefore, this year’s RepCon looks to open up the discussion around better recognising and understanding these key skills and then providing you with examples of how you can put these into practice in your day-to-day lives both now and post-university.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking up a really significant student leadership position in the form of Student Rep and I’m really looking forward to working with so many of you throughout the course of the year. Your work is so important in keeping us informed on the happenings of your course so we can work with the University to help make the necessary improvements. The impact your role as a rep can be profound, not only helping to make those changes that improve the student experience but sometimes your future jobs prospects and the prospects of those around you, further supporting the theme of this year’s conference.

So without further ado, let’s get the conference underway and I hope you all have a brilliant afternoon.

Brooke Pilbeam Vice President Education and Welfare 3

SESSION PRESENTERS Brooke Pilbeam Brooke is the current Vice President Education and Welfare for the Students Union, having been elected into the role during the final year of her Dance and Performance degree. Brooke’s responsibilities include supporting the academic experience and helping to make positive change across the institution as well as the welfare of all the students here at Bucks. Brooke is very passionate about making sure students are looking after themselves whilst at University in order to enhance your well-being and get the most out of your time here.

Lisa Connell Lisa is a second year Nursing student and the chair of the Nursing Society. She has been the Student Representative for her class since her first year and has made a real difference in the representation system at the Uxbridge campus. This year, she is the School Officer for Nursing and Allied Health, where she supports student reps within the school and is the key liaison between students and staff. Lisa has a clear passion for the health and well-being of others and instigating positive change to help create a well-rounded student experiencing for our Nursing students.

Kath Dunn Kath has been Head of Careers at Bucks for five years, and previously worked with schools, colleges and community organisations across the Thames Valley supporting access to, and development of, excellent information, advice and guidance on learning and work issues. She says “The highlight for me is obviously celebrating with students when they get their first offer of employment or further study. It’s also a real privilege for me and my team to support students when you feel nervous about your plan, and unsure about what you can offer. Encouraging your confidence and supporting you to a point where you can make the best approach possible is our key role.”

Ian Mackey From Steel Fabricator to Managing Director, Ian now works with the local growth hub, Buckinghamshire Business First, to help business grow. Ian’s main focus is on helping individuals start their own businesses. After a near fatal industrial accident, Ian completed a degree in maths, became a Market Research Analyst, then Product Manager, Marketing Manager / Director and then Managing Director of Groupe Seb UK (better known for the brands Tefal, Rowenta, Moulinex and Krups). Ian has also been General Manager of a local brewery, and ran his own business assisting breweries. All of this experience has left Ian well placed to offer different perspectives on Self Employment and advise you as students how to access these opportunities.

Ellie Freeman Ellie is the Union’s Student Engagement Coordinator, and also a former Graphic Design student at Bucks. During her time at Bucks, she was a student rep throughout all three years and took on the role of School Officer for the School of Art, Design and Performance. Ellie is a real advocate for raising Mental Health awareness on campus, both as a student and now as staff. In her role as Student Engagement Coordinator, she leads on the student rep system at Uxbridge and also supports representation in High Wycombe, working closely with our 7 School Officers.

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Natasha Neal Natasha is a third year Psychology student who has been elected as a Student Representative and the School Officer for Human and Social Sciences, both roles in which she has had great success in improving and maximising the student experience for her and her peers as much as possible.

Natasha has also held the role of Treasurer for the Psychology Society for the last two years and was recently elected as a Student Trustee. Natasha also makes a strong and positive contribution to society, through volunteering for mental health charity MIND and working as a carer for the elderly.

Sarah Jackson Sarah has been the HR & Development Manager at the Students’ Union for 5 years. With specific experience in learning and development, policy and recruitment, Sarah has implemented many policies and procedures to encourage positive employee well-being, continuous professional development and high performance workplace culture. As part of the Senior Management team, Sarah’s current responsibilities include day-to-day management of the HR service to career and student staff, the administration and delivery of the recreational and developmental activity as part of the Big Deal offer and the implementation of the Bucks Award and The Leadership Academy.

Tim Dixon Tim has been a Welfare Adviser at Bucks Students’ Union Advice Centre for over 6 years and has held a similar position elsewhere. A former student of Bucks, Tim was twice elected as the Vice President Education and Welfare. Tim has worked on financial capability matters related to students and through this he was a key member of the team that produced the National Student Money Week which looked at a variety of issues related to financial capability including Budgeting, Mental Health, Sustainability and Accommodation. Additionally, Tim has held the roles of Chairperson and Campaigns Coordinator for the National Association for Student Monday Advisers, London and South East region.

Jade Collis After having completed 3 years at Bucks, Jade has now gone on to become a full time member of staff here at Bucks Students’ Union. During Jade’s university time she held roles including Fresher’s helper, Head fresher’s helper, swans chair and secretary and society treasurer. Now in her role as Activities Coordinator (Volunteering and Charity Fundraising), Jade is responsible for all the aspects around volunteering through the union and supporting raise and give (RAG), as well as completing the GISU accreditation for the union and Fair-trade.

Kia Wing Kia Wing is a second year Creative Advertising student. Since joining Bucks last year, Kia has been very involved with the Students’ Union and is a very engaged student. Kia is the captain of the Cheerleading Squad, the Chairman of the Green society and has recently been elected Women’s Officer for 2019-2020. She is a very passionate activist in both sustainability and women’s rights.

Kia has many ideas on how to make small changes to become more sustainable and has some great campaign ideas to support all the women of Bucks.

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ELECTIONS ARE COMING After the Christmas break, nominations for the 2020/21 elections will open. There are many different student leadership positions on offer, so this could be your chance to get involved and make a real change.

Do you look like a leader? Think you’ve got what it takes to lead the Students’ Union? Then why not stand for one of our three Sabbatical Officer roles - President, Vice President Education and Welfare and Vice President Student Involvement. All of these roles offer an individual the opportunity to direct the work of the Students’ Union during their time in office meaning you can make the changes you want to see. It’s set to be a hotly contested election next year, so make sure you get your nominations in early in order not to miss out.

Whilst our Sabbatical Officer roles are probably the most high profile during the elections period, there are some other very important positions within the Students’ Union that are also up for election.

We have eight Executive Officer positions. These roles are filled by students who represent those ‘harder to reach’ groups and make sure that they benefit equally from the services of the Students’ Union. Four of the roles are self-defining. Only you can say if you should be running or voting in those elections on the basis that you are self-defining as: a woman, a student with a disability, as BAME or LGBT+. The other four roles, International (paying international student fees), Mature (starting your course at the age of 21 or above), Part-time and Postgraduate, are all based on your point of entry to the University. The Executive Officer roles are voluntary positions and are performed alongside your studies.

There are four Student Trustee positions available as all of our current Trustees are final year students and will be vacating their posts at the end of this academic year. The position of Student Trustee is a unique opportunity to part of the team driving the strategic direction of the Union. The Student Trustee roles are part time volunteers who fulfil the roles alongside their studies. Following our Constitutional Referendum vote held last month, one of these Student Trustee positions will be held specifically for an Uxbridge student.

Finally, we also have our Student Rep positions up for election. Student Reps are the Union’s eyes and ear at a course level. They act as the figurehead for their class or group and help us to get an understanding of the student experience as well as identifying if any changes need to be made or good practice needs to be highlighted. Want to help make the changes you and your peers want to see on your course? Are you an existing rep hoping to continue the role next year? Nominate yourself to be a rep for 2020/21.

Nominations will open on Monday 13th January 2020 and close on Friday 14th February 2020.

Make sure you submit your nomination to have your chance in shaping the future of your Students’ Union.

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SHAPE THE FACE OF YOUR UNION

Elections ‘Give it a Go’ Come to our elections – ‘Give it a Go’ week where you’ll be able to find out more about all of our available student leadership positions, how to write a manifesto, running a successful campaign and everything in-between.

Monday 3 February - Friday 7 February

#BSUElections 7

Plenary (1.05 - 2pm) Panel Q&A – How could Higher Education Institutions better support their students with practical life skills alongside their academic experience? – Hosted by Mark Sweeney We recognise the need to better support and develop our members into more well-rounded individuals during their time at university in order to effectively prepare them for life after it. This panel, guest featuring Julie McLeod, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) for Bucks New University, Brooke Pilbeam, Vice President Education and Welfare for Bucks Students’ Union, Tristan Tipping, CEO for Bucks Students’ Union and Erica Ramos - Vice President Union Development from the National Union of Students will be discussing how they think more can be done by our institution as well as nationally to further support student success outside of the academic experience. What opportunities are currently in place for students to develop these skills? How can students access them? What else would you like to see more of? This is your opportunity to find out so be sure to come armed with plenty of questions!

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Breakout A (2.05 - 3.05pm) Self-Care – Brooke Pilbeam and Lisa Connell (N2.10) What is self-care? Self-care is looking after yourself - it’s personal, unique and doesn’t always have to be done alone. There is no right or wrong way to practice self-care, it can be done using easily available things and it’s easy to fit into your daily life. This session aims to show students why developing good self-care habits now will contribute to your future success post-university, as well as facilitate discussion around what self-care means to you.

Work Ready Graduates – Sarah Jackson (N4.10) Exciting new initiative from the Students’ Union to develop work ready graduates, the Bucks Award encourages participation with all strands of the unique Big Deal offer ensuring graduate attributes are achieved and members are gaining as many transferable skills as possible. Reflective sessions help students to effectively articulate skills and experiences so they are relevant to employers, making our graduates more employable and more ‘work ready’.

My Bucks Career – Kath Dunn (N3.08) Do you want to improve your personal brand? Are you application ready? Discover new tools for improving your approach. This interactive workshop will support you in using the university’s career platform and LinkedIn to best effect. You will explore the new CV360 tool and find out more about the PlacementPlus Sprint. By the end of the workshop you will have increased confidence in using the resources, and know more about when and how to promote yourself and your skills, as well as conviction in promoting the resources to students across the university.

Public Speaking (N3. 05) Make sure you’re always ready to speak in front of an audience! Attending this workshop will provide you with practical tips and advice on public speaking and presenting. This session will help to develop confidence, address nerves and deliver engaging speeches in a friendly environment that will enable you to try out techniques and develop your own personal style. Whether you will be speaking in front of a lecture theatre, as an election candidate, or you are an experienced public speaker looking to refresh your skills, this session is a must.

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Breakout B (3.30 - 4.30pm) Understanding Mental Health – Natasha Neal and Ellie Freeman (N4.03) Mental Health problems are very common, with one in four students struggling with their Mental Health during their time at University. Whilst we are working hard to minimise the stigma around Mental Health conditions, there are still a number of stereotypes and myths surrounding them. This session aims to tackle these stereotypes and myths around conditions such as: Depression, OCD, Bipolar, BPD, Schizophrenia, PTSD and many more.

Money Advice – Tim Dixon (N4.13) According to the Save the Student National Student Money Survey 2019, 79% of students worry about making ends meet and 1 in 6 students surveyed said that they had never budgeted. The session with Tim will cover the main areas that students come to see the Advice Centre about as well as asking you what your money concerns are. The purpose of the session is to give you the knowledge and the skills to allow you to take control or your money.

Setting up your own Business – Ian Mackey (N3.13) In this session you’ll be able to understand some of the key elements of setting up a successful business. How to plan, what are the key actions and what do you need to know. You’ll also be able to hear what help is available to you to assist you setting up on your own. Self-employment is suitable to many soon-to-be graduates, but this session is open to all those attending the conference, whether you are seriously interested or just curious...

A Sustainable Students’ Union – Jade Collis and Kia Wing (N4.14) Sustainability has become a global issue due to the current climate situation. This session will be an introduction in to what the union has done previously to be more sustainable and reduce our C02 emission, as well as outlining our plans for this year to maintain and improve sustainability across the University. Reducing our plastic use and educating students on sustainability is another key focus of this session with real life examples of how to do so.

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ADVICE CENTRE MONEY

YOUR PERSONAL LIFE

LEGAL ISSUES

ACCOMMODATION

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ISSUES

COURSE ISSUES

Opening Hours High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm Fri: 9am-4.30pm Tel: 01494 603 016

Uxbridge Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm Fri: 9am-4.30pm Tel: 01494 605 180

Evening appointments are available outside of standard opening hours at High Wycombe, Monday to Thursday: 5pm-7pm.

Please contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.

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REP RECOGNITION SCHEME REP RECOGNITION SCHEME Bronze (100 points) Silver (200 points) Gold (300 points) POINTS FOR COMPLETION

REP ESSENTIALS Attend rep training in person OR complete online returning rep training Complete online rep training (campus learners) Complete online rep training (distance learners) Attend first coffee session Attend first ‘Meet the Rep Team’ session Attend PCM 1 and Complete Post PCM feedback (OR submitted apologies form) Attend Rep Conference Attend second coffee session Attend second ‘Meet the Rep Team’ session Attend PCM 2 and Complete Post PCM feedback (OR submitted apologies form) Involvement with the ‘It Starts With You’ campaign

10 5 10 10 10 15 10 10 10 15 10

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY Attended Union Council meetings Presented at Union Council Validation student panel member Run session at Rep Conference Co-Chair a PCM

5 per meeting 10 20 20 20

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Registered to vote in local area (Home/ Uni) Attended 12 hours of volunteering Raised money for charity three times

20 (For every 12 hours, Max. 36 hours) 20 30

MEDIA Join School Facebook group Create course group chat Share 5 Students’ Union posts on Facebook Write two articles for website/newspaper about rep issues Tweet 10 times over one term about rep issues Take part in one radio show about rep issues

5 5 5 10 10 10

CAMPAIGNS Actively participate in two local campaigns Actively participate in one national campaign Run one campaign

20 30 40

RESEARCH Complete the End of Year Rep Survey Attend one focus group feedback session

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NOMINATIONS Get 10 ELT nominations filled out by other students Get 10 Union Awards nominations filled out by other students Nominate a member of University staff and a student for an award

10 10 10

IT’S A BIG DEAL Attend three sports for fun sessions Attend three recreational activities sessions Attend three additional skills sessions

10 10 10

MAKE YOUR OWN WAY Agree your own goal with representation team

Negotiated value

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REP RECOGNITION SCHEME CONTINUED

On the page opposite is the breakdown of how you, as student reps, can earn the Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels of recognition from the Rep Recognition Scheme. Every student rep should complete the ‘Rep Essentials’ section over the course of the academic year which would then result in you being recognised as a Bronze level rep. The ‘Rep Essentials’ section is also linked to your rep reward payment and so if you don’t complete parts of the work, you’re losing out on some easy money.

As our eyes and ears at a course level, we really value you and the work that you do. Your efforts help makes the changes you and your peers want to see and the Rep Recognition Scheme was created so that our student reps get the recognition they deserve.

This year, we are introducing an online system to log your Rep Recognition Scheme points. This can be found on our website (bucksstudentsunion.org) under the Support tab > Representation > Student Rep > Rep Recognition. You must be logged in so as to access this and record all of the work you’ve been undertaking both as part of your rep role and winder contribution. You can return and update your points throughout the year!

If you manage to become recognised as a Gold level rep before the Easter break, then you’ll be presented with a certificate at the Annual Union Awards from the Vice Chancellor of the University.

Make sure you start collecting those points as you don’t want to miss out on what will be a day to remember.

As part of our Student Rep Newsletter updates, we’ll be informing all reps with details of who has reached which level since the last newsletter. Another great way to be recognised for all of your hard work. Once you believe you have completed enough points to gain the next level of recognition, make sure you drop into Students’ Union office and just show a member of the Representation Team your evidence to support the work you have carried out. For more information on collecting evidence to support your rep related work, please just email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk. We can then explain in detail each of the areas and inform you of what evidence you’ll need to bring in.

At the very bottom of the Rep Recognition Scheme, you will see there is a section listed ‘Make your own way’. This sections allows you to decide on an activity that you believe is a good addition and has a positive impact on the student experience. This goal and the points total must be discussed with either Brooke Mark or Ellie from the Representation team. Once agreed, you’ll be able to get underway with this part of the Rep Recognition Scheme.

If you’d like to find out more information about the Rep Recognition Scheme or discuss any of the areas from it, please contact one of the Representation team using the details provided at the back of the programme. Alternatively, please email surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk.

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2019/20 SCHOOL OFFICERS

Becky Thick

Josh Bimpong

Art, Design and Performance

Aviation and Security

Rianna Williamson

Stephanie Webb

Business, Law and Computing

Health Care and Social Work

Natasha Neal

Scarlett Thomas

Human and Social Sciences

Media and Creative Industries

Lisa Connell

2020/21 School Officer

Nursing and Allied Health

Could this be you?

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Leadership Academy Are you a future leader?

The Leadership Academy is a bespoke development programme for talented students to gain specific skills for routes through the Union into leadership roles. It’s a series of training, courses and opportunities to enhance employability and build leadership traits - all free of charge courtesy of The Big Deal.

There are many routes into leadership roles within the Union and beyond your University life and depending on your interest or ability, your choice of route may be individual to you. Each route will have tailored development sessions to help you reach your goal and development activities will be sympathetic to studies and manageable for students at all levels.

If you are interested in applying for the Leadership Academy 2020, please email sutraining@bucks.ac.uk Visit our website: bucksstudentsunion.org/leadershipacademy or call into the High Wycombe Students’ Union offices for more information.

IN THE

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REP SOCIAL (5 - 7pm) Today you will have had the opportunity to get to know some of your fellow reps.

Why not carry on the conversation at our Rep Social following the conference? Hear and learn more from each other’s experiences all over a slice of FREE Domino’s pizza and some refreshments. What works well on your course? Could this be implemented on other courses? Discuss further some of the challenges on your course. You may find these or similar ones could be happening across the institution. You never know, your fellow reps might have the answer to help you tackle any concerns.

We have an amazing network of reps here at Bucks so make yourself known to each other and keep the conversations going at this social event and in the future.

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MEET THE REP TEAM

Brooke Pilbeam

Matthew Kitching

Vice President Education & Welfare brooke.pilbeam@bucks.ac.uk

Deputy CEO matthew.kitching@bucks.ac.uk

Mark Sweeney

Ellie Freeman

Student Experience Manager mark.sweeney@bucks.ac.uk

Student Engagement Coordinator ellie.freeman@bucks.ac.uk

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THANK YOU! First and foremost, thank you to our Union staff who have organised today’s event. The University staff and external presenters who have delivered some great sessions and made today possible.

Without these sessions, there would be no Rep Conference.

Thanks must also go to today’s guest panel. We really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to come and discuss some interesting topics and answer some questions directly from our student reps.

Last but by no means least, thank you to you our student reps. You work tirelessly in order to improve the student experience and make the changes you and your peers want to see. We really appreciate all of your efforts. Thank you for attending today and making this a successful event. We hope you enjoyed your sessions, learned a lot and started the discussion that will see changes take place in 2019/20 and beyond. We also hope that some of you will even be inspired to run a session next year.

Remember to stay engaged with the Rep Recognition Scheme and log everything you are doing for your chance to be presented with a certificate by the Vice Chancellor at this year’s Union Awards.

Finally, don’t forget to vote once elections open at 10am Monday 4 March.

The Representation Team

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The Categories ∙ Excellence and Innovation in Student Learning Support ∙ Demonstrating Excellence in Academic Leadership ∙ Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Practice The Criteria 1. Enhancing the student learning experience. For example: by arousing curiosity to stimulate and inspire learning, organising and presenting resources cogently and imaginatively, recognising and supporting diversity of student learning needs, drawing on relevant research, scholarship and professional practice and engaging with and contributing to established literature or building your own evidence base for future publication.

2. Raising the profile of excellence and support for student learning within the University and beyond if appropriate. For example: by contributing to the development and leadership of colleagues in promoting student learning contribution to departmental/faculty/University/national initiatives to facilitate student learning, and/or support towards meaningful and positive change with respect to pedagogic practice, policy and/or procedure.

3. Developing excellence – the nominees’ commitment to their ongoing professional development with the regard to teaching and learning and/or learning supporting. For example: evidence of the ongoing review and enhancement of individual practice, the inclusion and promotion of sustainability within the curriculum, engagement in scholarly activity and professional development activities, the review and enhancement of individual practice and contribution to improvements in the student learning, teaching and assessment experience.

2018/19 Winners Excellence and Innovation in Student Learning Support - Fran Carter Demonstrating Excellence in Academic Leadership - Russel Stone Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Practice - Sophia Ayranova

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TIMETABLE 1-1.05pm Welcome from Brooke Pilbeam VPEW (Gateway Lecture Theatre) 1.05-2pm Plenary: Panel Q&A 5 minutes to get to Breakout A 2.05-3.05pm Breakout A (North wing rooms) 5 minutes to get to room for break 3.05-3.25pm BREAK 5 minutes to get to Breakout B 3.30-4.30pm Breakout B (North wing rooms) 5 minutes to return to Gateway Lecture Theatre 4.35-5pm Thank you and close (Gateway Lecture Theatre) 5-7pm Rep Social in The Lounge with FREE Refreshments

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