► James Redfearn

James Redfearn
Vice-President Activities and Communications
2008/09 + 2009/10

Did you enjoy being a Sabbatical officer?

Yes – From campaigning to get elected right up until leaving two and a bit years later I had an amazing time. I made some fantastic friends and brilliant memories, and had great fun almost every day working in a vibrant place with great colleagues and students.

What experience can you take from being in office?

The experience you can from being a full-time Officer can vary hugely, it all depends on what you aims are for your year, what happens in the University and nationally during the year, and ultimately how much effort you put in to it. Having said that I can almost guarantee that you will find the experience hugely valuable - for your future career, whatever your plans (the skills developed are transferrable for any role), and for your own personal development (confidence, adaptability, dealing with different personalities, general outlook on life etc)

What would you do differently as a Sabb if you could go back and change anything?
It’s hard to say – there were probably things I could have spent more time on, or done in a different way for a better outcome, but ultimately I achieved a fair amount of what I set out to do on my manifesto. There were some tough situations to deal with at times, but ultimately they have provided great experience to build on in the future, so I wouldn’t change them either!

What was your most memorable moment being a Sabb?

I have a lot of great, fun memories from my time as a Sabbatical Officer, but I want to reflect on one related to the core purpose of elected officers; representing students. This was a student on a health-related course who had a disciplinary meeting with their course leader and Dean of the Faculty, and who was struggling with the procedures and getting quite stressed about being thrown off his course. In fact the student had only committed a minor offence, and just needed to be clear on his supervisor and School’s concerns, so I sat down with him before his meeting, and attended the meeting to support him. In the end he was able to continue with his course, and was quite happy with the outcome in terms of additional measures he needed to take. After the meeting he said thank you and that he would never forget the help I’d given him. What seemed like a fairly ‘small’ task for me in my working week, just 2.5 hours of my time, actually had a huge impact on the student’s future, and that’s what it’s all about. (Bit soppy I know – sorry!)
NB: Before you worry about the pressure of supporting students in this situation, don’t – UPSU provides great training and support for Officers throughout!

Do you think you need to know a lot about the UPSU before being Sabbatical Officer?

You don’t need to know the complete ins and outs of the constitution and democratic structures of the Students’ Union no, but it always helps to have been involved in clubs and societies and becoming a committee member (especially for VP Sports and VP Activities and Comms) or attended Student Parliament before running – it ensures you know what you’re letting yourself in for, plus will help you get votes!!

What qualities would be good for someone looking to do your role?
- Passionate about the work of the Students’ Union
- Outgoing and friendly
- Willing to go the extra mile – attending Societies/Volunteering events outside of work hours for example
- Lots of ideas and plans – but willing to take other people’s ideas on board and adapt

What do you miss about being a sabbatical officer?
The people, without a doubt. The students who pop in for a chat about their latest society event idea on their way home from lectures, and who are so passionate about their cause (from anti-racism campaigns to chess!), and of course the UPSU staff who are so inspiring to work with and willing to help (and great fun too – many a curry night has been enjoyed!)

Do you think being a sabbatical officer has benefited you to further your career?
Without a doubt – as I said above, the experience has been invaluable. But as a representative of students to the external community you are alsoinvited to events and activities that mean you meet some great contacts, from University Governors who have friends in high places, to the City’s Lord Mayor and Police Service… whilst you’re meeting these people on behalf of students it’s always worth keeping in touch about your future career, and if you’re an effective and polite officer people are generally happy to help.

What do you hope you have been remembered for as your time as a Sabb?
I hope people will remember me for making a difference and improving the Union, if only a small amount. The one big new thing I started was UPSU Radio – so perhaps that will be my ‘legacy’ (Hint to Marketing team: Maybe you could name it after me?!)

Would you recommend being a sabbatical officer to a friend?
Absolutely – and my enemies, and people I don’t know – it’s a fantastic experience, and a great opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives

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► James Redfearn