Hello everyone! I'm Jordan Lewis-Iles, a candidate running for the VP Welfare position within the Students’ Union. I am a graduate in psychology, currently finishing up my second degree for a master’s in clinical psychology. Alongside my studies, I have stood as your Student Voice Representative (SVR) for two years at USW, attending meetings, collaborating with students, and supporting course reps with their exciting roles! Before university, I stood as a sabbatical officer for further education learners for one year and have been a student rep for 3 years during college – so I have been representing students for 7 years now.
With this experience, and myself coming towards the end of my student journey, it would be an amazing opportunity if I stood as one of the highest representative roles for students at USW. I have chosen to run for VP Welfare specifically because I have a great passion for people’s health, safety, and wellbeing, especially from a psychological perspective. I believe that my experiences in psychology have put me in an advantageous position to better understand and appreciate the struggles that some go through. Life can be truly challenging sometimes, and the worse thing is, these negative experiences can go unnoticed to the public eye. As VP Welfare, enhancing and representing the health, safety, and wellbeing of all students across USW will be one of my top priorities. Below are a number of goals that I will aim to achieve during my stay:
1. To represent and enhance the health, safety, and wellbeing for all students across the University of South Wales (USW)
a. To bring in a stronger psychological perspective to the Students' Union to enhance the health, safety and wellbeing for students
b. I will actively continue to make myself and others aware of individual and cultural differences for all students and communities to better appreciate individual and cultural welfare needs - this will also include non-academic matters
2. To campaign several causes throughout the year
a. Such as, continuing to support local food banks, charities, and to continue to promote mental health, Black History Month, LGBTQIA+ History Month, and many more
b. To propose new campaign ideas based on current issues and causes
c. To work closely with external charities during campaigns
3. To increase and maintain the Students’ Unions recognition and relationships
a. To ensure students are aware of the Students’ Union, who we are, and what we do
b. Actively develop new methods of reaching out to students in a proactive manner, such as by running more pop-up stands, meet & greets, running promotions, and more
c. To continue to develop and maintain a healthy working relationship between the Students’ Union and the University of South Wales
4. To effectively carry out all the role responsibilities that fall under VP Welfare