It is easy to win the votes of those who already believe in me; they know my experience, my track record, and my criticisms of and aspirations for this Students’ Union. So this manifesto is me, speaking personally to you who do not yet know me.
I am Francis Blincoe, a third-year war studies student. Since my arrival at the university, I have served and led two societies, and have worked hard to represent the diverse community at the University wherever I can within the student voice system. Coming from a senior position at a HE institution with a strong and active SU at Worcester, I have been a vocal proponent of SU reform here at the University of Wolverhampton. I am acutely aware of the social disconnect between students and their Union, and will continue my work with societies to increase the presence of the Union in the social lives of the student community here. As the representative for societies on the Student Council, I will not only champion our societies, but promote and lobby for extra-curricular student experience in all its forms.
Having seen and experienced first-hand the positive ways in which engaged societies can benefit individual students, I truly believe that it is not only the role but the duty of a students’ union to use societies and student groups to benefit all those who elected it. Whilst I cannot promise to revolutionise your student experience here, I will make a promise to each and every one of you that I will do my very best to make changes for the better. For this union to carry on into the future and thrive, it needs active student engagement, and that starts with societies. Thank you for your vote of confidence.