Consultation Framework
I am in the process of developing a ‘Consultation framework’ to be used by the College and the Union when seeking to consult with students. The idea is that this framework will promote and standardise student consultation in order to legitimise decision-making and ultimately produce better outcomes.
It will enable the user to produce a series of consultation methods to be completed as a guideline, related to the potential impacts of the decision being made. The level of consultation the platform recommends will be standardised according to balanced input from consultations with numerous members of staff and students across the College. If completed, the Union will award the consultation a Mark of Approval. It is important to stress that this will not be approval for the decision made, but rather for the process of consultation which was used to reach the decision.
In tandem with a working group I have produced a plan for the development and implementation of this framework. I have completed the first draft and am in the process of meeting with members of College staff for early feedback. I have around 12 meetings planned for the next month and will be planning a new round after integrating the feedback.
Anti-Immigration Bill Campaign
Read more about the campaign here https://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/your-union/campaigns/dont-shut-door...
The bill has been delayed and will not reach the House of Lords for a little while longer. When it does I will be meeting with Lord Winston to discuss how to procede. We approached College about the matter and they have chosen not to take a stance on the issue as they do not feel it would be effective. Rather they are working with Universities UK and the Russell Group to try and affect the bill. Lord Darzi has decided that he would prefer not to co-sign an open letter from us to the Lords associated with the College but is keen to speak out against the bill and to liaise with us further.
Meeting with the Constituent Union Presidents
I met with the Constituent Union Presidents before the end of the last term and we decided that it would be useful for us to have a meeting together each month in order to discuss how things are going, how the Union can better help them and to share best practice.
Residential Experience Review
Marissa and I will be sitting on board to review the residential experience at Imperial College with a particular focus on the first year experience of undergraduates along with some representatives from the College and some external members. The aim is to consider evidence, including current policies and procedures, and to make recommendations on good practice, areas for change and enhancement. Kieron (Deputy President Finance and Services at the Union) will be presenting to the board a submission of evidence from the Union.
Rent Guarantor Scheme for International Students
This is regarding implementing a scheme by which the College would act as a rent guarantor for international students- therefore an international student studying at the College would not need to pay 6-12 months rent up front when renting from a private landlord (due to lacking a UK based guarantor). After initially receiving a negative response from College management I sent them the proposal LSE Students’ Union made to their University. I highlighted how the scheme was working well at a few Universities - College management are now very keen on this being implemented at Imperial College. We have decided to make this a part of the Residential Experience Review- I will be writing a submission to the Review Board (of which I am a part) detailing evidence of this guarantor scheme and the benefit it would have for our international students.
