HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENTS
President - Kolawole Samuel Olure
This year, I proudly represented UWE students on national and international platforms. I attended the first-ever NUS England Conference in Lincoln, where I connected with student leaders and contributed to discussions on increasing student funding, standing against far-right narratives, and championing international student campaigns. Alongside the VP Education, I joined the Portugal WONKHE trip to explore global student experiences. Supporting students has been a core priority — I secured increased funding for the Community Larder across all three campuses and launched the International Students’ Forum. I also co-managed Black History Month, focusing on ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ and amplifying black voices at UWE.
VP Education - Khadiza Hossain
This year, I’ve focused on advocating for students during the changes to the Reasonable Adjustments to Deadline policy, ensuring student voices were heard after a lack of initial consultation. I was a key voice in working groups assessing its impact. I also raised ongoing concerns about assessment feedback quality and timeliness at strategic UWE meetings, including Partnership Board and LTSEC, working with College Deans to push for consistency. As part of the Reimagining Representation project, I helped improve Student Rep training — leading to a 38% increase in trained reps — and relaunched the Student Rep Committee to better support student feedback and change.
VP Community and Welfare - Lubyna Gardezi
As VP Community and Welfare, I empowered student leadership by leading the Welfare Committee 24/25 and delivering campaigns on wellbeing, harm reduction, and healthy living. I co-developed a peer-led wellbeing video series with 8,000+ views, hosted inclusive events like the Vegan Cook-Off and May Day Picnic, and co-launched the International Students’ Forum. I championed equity and support through inclusive employment events. I advocated for policy change on Reasonable Adjustment to Deadlines, rent reform, and supported students facing financial hardship through flexible re-enrolment plans. I also took part in UWE’s citywide ‘We Are Here’ campaign on sexual violence awareness.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENTS
VP Societies and Communication - Umar Abbasi
Society membership has grown this year, reaching over 3,000 members — a 3% increase from last year. We’ve also welcomed 52 new societies across academic, cultural, and faith groups, such as the UWE Doctoral Society and Somali Society. Diversity day got bigger as we saw the event run for three days, spread across all 3 campuses with over 20 societies taking part; sharing food, traditional clothing and music. I hosted this year’s Societies Awards where for the first time ever the ‘Society Of The Year’ award included funding to support future projects.
VP Sports and Health - Muhammad Habib
This year, I collaborated with the UWE Centre for Sport to explore how facilities across all three campuses can be more inclusive and accessible. I attended the Include Summit to gain insight into improving diversity in sports leadership and addressing barriers to participation, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. I worked with the Opportunities team to deliver the third annual Varsity event against USW, securing our third consecutive win. I also hosted the annual Sports Awards, celebrating the achievements of sports clubs and their members, with a rise in nominations compared to last year - highlighting the growing impact of student sport.
ELECTING OUR FUTURE STUDENT LEADERS
The Students’ Union Elections saw a 29% increase in votes cast from last year, with over 32,000 votes from 4,623 individual voters. This equates to an average of seven votes per person, demonstrating increased awareness and engagement with all student leader roles. We introduced innovative initiatives to engage voters, such as a President Question Time, which was held in person and livestreamed, garnering 723 views.
REPRESENTING THE STUDENT VOICE
The ‘Reimagining Student Representation’ project, a two-year initiative by UWE Bristol and The Students’ Union, aims to invigorate the approach to student voice. The project addresses four key workstreams: ‘Representing Effectively’, ‘Setting Expectations’, ‘Strengthening the Evidence Base’ and ‘Nurturing Student Leaders’.
Representing Effectively
We trained 903 Student Reps this year, a 34% increase from 2023-24. The Students’ Union redrafted mandatory training and offered additional masterclasses on topics like sustainability and effective communication. This empowered more students to influence academic changes, contributing to an 82% satisfaction rate in “listening and responding to feedback” (up 3.6% in 2025).
The Course Survey is a vital student voice mechanism, through supporting the work of the Student Voice and Academic Policy Team (SVAP), collectively we boosted Course Survey response rate by 6% to 28%. We leverage these results at university boards to celebrate successes, ensure discussions, and address concerns, championing academic improvements. Students value practical learning, engaging content, grasping knowledge, and collaboration; areas for improvement include teaching methods (e.g. passive delivery, long lectures), timetabling, and quality feedback.
We also enhanced Postgraduate Research (PGR) representation by recruiting a paid PGR Rep (with Doctoral College and SVAP), who attends key academic and PGR committees, establishing future representation. Student satisfaction with feedback opportunities increased from 79% (2023) to 81% (2024) in the PTES survey, and knowing who to approach with degree program concerns in the PRES survey rose 4% to 75% (2025).
Setting Expectations
Shared representation commitments were renewed by redrafting inclusive ‘Principles of Academic Representation’ following staff and student consultation. A design thinking workshop with the VCE explored new student representation models.
Strengthening the Evidence Base
Utilising NSS and Course Survey results with Business Intelligence (BI) produced data packs for Lead School Reps to drive change and course survey results are promptly shared for summer planning conversations. The Student Consultation Panel, in partnership with SVAP, expanded to over 450 students, whose feedback via surveys, focus groups, and events supported 49 initiatives (e.g. Blackboard Ultra launch, election engagement, IT service testing), underscoring our commitment to academic enhancement. Academic Societies, including Economics, Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, Psychology, Aero, CTF Falcons (Cybersecurity), Criminology, and Robotics, engaged in a pilot research project assessing links between their involvement and NSS results.
Nurturing Student Leaders
We implemented a revamped reward and recognition scheme for student reps. LSR Meet Ups engaged approximately 150 Student Reps, with their feedback informing key meetings. Recruitment for LSR 2025/26 commenced early to attract high-quality candidates and the Presidents induction programme and PartTime Officer training has been reconceptualised. The Student Experience Awards received over 340 high-quality nominations, celebrating the significant dedication to improving the academic experience by both students and staff.
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol has achieved an outstanding 99.8% in the externally audited SOS-UK Green Impact Accreditation. For the ninth consecutive year, we’ve maintained our ‘Excellent’ ranking, scoring an impressive 402/403.
This achievement makes us the highest-scoring Students’ Union in the programme, a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability. This recognition not only celebrates our past efforts but also fuels our determination to continue fostering sustainable change alongside our students. We’ve been actively advancing sustainable change through several impactful initiatives:
Period Poverty: Sustainable Products
Through our Sustainable Period Trial, we distributed 287 sustainable period products, saving students over £5,125. We’ve also boosted accessibility by increasing toilet product provision to 91 locations (a 21% increase). This year alone, we estimate saving 4,752g of plastic, with a potential 23,076g saved over five years. Furthermore, we provided 45,804 single-use plastic-free period products across UWE’s campus sites, a 53% increase from last year.
Placement Uniform Swap Shop at Glenside
This initiative saved 381 students a total of £7,358.56 on healthcare uniforms, averaging £19.30 per student. As one student shared, “You have made me feel more comfortable and confident in my placement, I really valued the service!”
Green Fortnight
Our festival featured 58 sustainability events, attracting over 1,300 student attendees. Feedback highlighted the events as “very inspiring and motivating” and “great fun.”
Reaccreditation: Responsible Futures
Ten UWE students audited our Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) work, passing us on all 50 criteria. We also hosted a Student Sustainability Symposium, offering students globally the opportunity to learn about Green Skills and share their work.
Sustainable Food: Introducing Carbon Labelling
Our commercial outlets now feature carbon labelling on meals, empowering students to make informed choices. This has already led to an increase in lowemission meal sales and a decrease in high-carbon E-rated meals.
The Sustainability Officer, in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee, led a ‘War on Waste’ food campaign engaging over 100 students in a Food Waste Fair with different stallholders talking about food saving processes such as fermentation, composting and growing your own.
These achievements reflect the dedication of our students and The Students’ Union’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
IMPACT ON WELFARE AND WELLBEING
The Students’ Union, in strong partnership with the University, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus where every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Championing Wellbeing and Welfare: Our Impactful Initiatives:
Anti-Sexual Violence Campaign
This year-long campaign reached approximately 5,000 students online and inperson. It encompassed Anti-Sexual Violence Awareness Week, research into supporting sex workers, and education on healthy relationships. Crucially, our collaboration with city-wide partners such as NUS, Rape Crisis Centres, Police, Bristol City Council created our ‘We’re Here’ awareness campaign, which led to direct referrals to UWE’s Sexual Violence Service.
Drugs and Alcohol Harm Reduction
Students are at the forefront of our harm reduction efforts. A newly established Student Steering Group provides vital feedback and ideas for our campaigns, including a targeted Ketamine Campaign launched with UWE’s Drug and Alcohol Practitioner and UWE’s Student Communications Team. Our strong partnership working is building towards achieving re-accreditation for the national Drugs and Alcohol Impact Award (2026). We’ve proactively rolled out the refreshed harm reduction policy to university leadership, College and School Execs to ensure we are operationalising our approach across the University.
We have equipped 98 sports clubs and societies (350 students) with Active Bystander and Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Training, fostering a culture of intervention and support.
Sexual Health
In partnership with Bristol City Council, we’ve dramatically increased condom provision. Since May 2024, we’ve distributed over 12,000 free condoms across all UWE campuses, including 800 during our ‘Late Night Do It Right’ welcome event. This represents a staggering 360% increase from last year, saving students an estimated £11,000.
These initiatives are not just numbers; they represent a compelling story of partnership, proactive engagement, and a deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of UWE students. We believe that by providing students with the right tools and knowledge, we empower them to navigate their university experience with confidence and agency.
EMPOWERING OUR DIVERSE STUDENT COMMUNITY
The Students’ Union at UWE are incredibly proud of our commitment to empower our diverse student community. Working together with our Liberation student groups and Officers, we’re fostering an inclusive campus where every student feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
Supporting Gender Expression
We are grateful for the relationship with the LGBTQ+ and Trans Welfare Officers, who have driven sector-leading campaigns, creating tangible positive change for our trans and non-binary students.
Our Gender Expression Fund, a student-led initiative, has helped 74 trans and non-binary students access gender-affirming items, saving them a total of £3,700. This direct support significantly impacts mental well-being, as one student shared: “I have wanted a binder for the longest time but haven’t been able to afford it, so thankful and grateful to the SU supporting Trans Youth.” We hosted an inclusive makeup workshop for 50 students during LGBT History Month, providing a safe and gender-free space to explore self-expression.
Celebrating Diversity and Culture
Our annual Diversity Day continues to grow in impact. The ‘Taste of Culture Fair’ brought together 300 students as nine societies showcased their heritage through food, music, and dance, creating an incredible buzz of cultural exchange. Students enjoyed performances by the K-pop and Afro-dance societies, the unveiling of the ‘No More Silence’ magazine, and a student fashion showcase.
Global Citizenship and International Student Support
Our International Students’ Officer has championed Fairtrade, engaging in 30 meaningful conversations with students about ethical consumption, contributing to strong Fairtrade sales of over £4,000 during Fairtrade Fortnight. The launch of the new International Students’ Forum provides a platform for regular dialogue between students and UWE, ensuring we address the specific challenges faced by our international students and provide tangible solutions.
Inclusive Spaces and Societies
Our societies are integral to enhancing the student experience and celebrating culture. They’ve played a vital role in Liberation Campaigns, such as Women’s History Month and created inclusive spaces, examples include:
• Esports: Running Women and Non-Binary Sessions.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Support: Therapeutic Arts sessions, Rock and Metal Society craft sessions for mental health discussions, and Psychology Speed Friending.
• Cultural Celebrations reaching 210 students: Ukrainian Society Summit, Diwali, Myanmar DaSaungTaing, Chinese Society Spring Temple Fair, and Japanese Society New Year Celebration.
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
JobShop: Empowering Students Through Part-Time Employment
The Students’ Union at UWE’s JobShop service significantly enhances the student experience by providing crucial employment opportunities. Part-time work not only offers vital financial support but also develops essential skills for future careers, directly contributing to student retention, well-being, and employabilityall key university priorities.
In the past year, the JobShop could have helped UWE students earn an impressive £1,053,841.41 through various part-time roles. Additionally, The Students’ Union itself is a major employer of UWE students, paying £372,000 in wages to our own student staff. These flexible, on-campus roles provide invaluable experience and transferable skills.
Our JobShop success stems from strong employer relationships, having engaged with 696 organisations in the last year to expand student opportunities. The JobShop alleviates financial pressures and equips students with practical, realworld experience, enhancing their competitiveness in the graduate job market.
Nurturing Futures: The Impact of Halley Nursery
Halley Nursery provides a vital resource providing high-quality childcare and education. We prioritise places for the children of UWE students and staff, welcoming ages from three months to five years, either year-round or during term time. Currently, 106 children are enrolled, with a daily maximum of 45, ensuring a nurturing environment. This year, we’re supporting seven student parents, a number set to grow significantly.
Halley Nursery’s impact extends beyond childcare. We actively create employment opportunities for UWE students, offering flexible casual work that complements their studies and provides invaluable practical experience. We proudly mentor an average of two Early Years Teacher (EYT) students annually, with one recent graduate even joining our permanent staff. 12 education or early years students are gaining crucial skills and provide essential support for children with Special Educational Needs.
Powering Student Life and Growth: Our Commercial Outlets
The Students’ Union runs retail and café outlets across all three main UWE campus sites, providing convenient spaces for students to connect, refuel and socialise. We support students to organise their own events, whether from one of our many sports clubs or societies, or from events-based courses. Working with an external promoter, we deliver an exciting programme of nighttime events, including the popular Summer Ball.
Beyond community building, our Commercial Services are deeply committed to sustainability, evidenced by our participation in the national Sustainable Students’ Union Charter. We also prioritise harm reduction, achieving the prestigious ‘Best Bar None’ Gold Award, and were recognised as the highest-scoring Students’ Union in our venue category. This accreditation, supported by the Home Office, highlights our excellence in venue management, staff training, and customer safety.
Crucially, our operations are powered by 80 student staff. Many students progress from assistants to supervisors, with some even joining our permanent team, gaining essential skills and building promising careers.
AFTERWORD
FROM OUR CEO
As CEO of The Students’ Union at UWE, I am proud to present this Impact Report, which reflects our ongoing commitment to our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and our core values: putting students first, driving change, prioritising sustainability, and embracing inclusivity and diversity.
Several successes have been highlighted in previous pages; I’d like to share some of my personal highlights from this year:
The Presidents team achieved national success, attending the NUS National Lobby Day at the Houses of Parliament and meeting local MPs. Their advocacy on key issues such as the rising cost of living and renters’ rights helped prevent landlords from demanding multiple months’ rent upfront and stopped long-term rental contracts exceeding six months.
Our ongoing collaboration with the University continues to lead to tangible results. We actively supported the review of changes to Reasonable Adjustments to Deadlines, which resulted in the creation of positive, proactive solutions and the formation of a dedicated task and finish group. This collaborative working demonstrates our shared commitment to enhancing the student experience. The community larder has been a great success, providing vital support to students by distributing over £10,000 worth of free goods across all campuses. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to practical, impactful support for our student community.
The sheer commitment, effort, and energy that our students put into enriching the experiences of their fellow students is something I find truly inspiring, and this is rightly celebrated in our Awards Season. The Student Experience Awards this year was a truly memorable evening, and the venue of The Mount Without was spectacular.
I’m delighted that our nursery team’s hard work has been recognised in the latest Nursery Ofsted report. It’s wonderful to see the dedication and passion of our Halley Nursery staff acknowledged and celebrated.
Looking ahead, 2025/26 promises to be an exciting year as we continue to advance our strategic plan. We will also be undertaking a Democracy and Governance review to ensure we remain fully fit for purpose and deliver maximum benefits to our members. We are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring we are always evolving to meet the needs of our diverse student body.
Tim Benford
