As we prepare for the new academic year, the newly elected Student Union team has been hard at work, completing an extensive training program throughout July and August. This training has equipped us with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively represent and serve our student community. Here’s a look back at our journey:

 

• July 9th: Laying the Foundation

We kicked off our training with a deep dive into Tuckman’s Model (1962), which outlines the stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Understanding these stages was crucial for building a strong, cohesive team. We also learned about the Student Union model and its role under the Education Act of 1994, which mandates the SU to operate both politically and non-politically, much like a charity. Additionally, we explored the different roles within the union, including rep, delegate, leader, and manager.

 

• July 10th: Democracy and Politics

On our second day, the focus shifted to the fundamentals of democracy and politics. We discussed different political spectrums — left-wing, centre, and right-wing—and the concept of consensus as a means of making inclusive decisions. These discussions are vital as we navigate the diverse political landscape within the student body.

 

• July 15th: Understanding Our Democracy

Our training on July 15th centred around the structure of our Student Union and its role within the broader college democracy. We examined the roles of LCCSU reps and delegates, how they interact with officers and students, and the workings of the College Parliament (MCPs). We also discussed the pros and cons of various communication tools, including surveys, interactive whiteboards, Google Chat, and social media.

 

• July 16th: Preparing for Professionalism

July 16th was all about readiness for work. We received practical advice on how to conduct ourselves in a professional environment, covering everything from speaking up and time management to dress code and the importance of setting an example. We also learned to distinguish between acting as staff or students and the importance of following the rules and knowing our responsibilities.

 

• July 17th: Teamwork and Leadership

On July 17th, we engaged in group training focused on working together and solving problems as a team. Later, we joined SU officers from Harrogate and Keighley, along with the Presidents of Leeds City College and Leeds Conservatoire, for board meeting training. This session was invaluable in understanding the purpose, structure, and our roles in these important meetings. We also had the opportunity to meet with key staff members, including student life management and coordinators, to discuss our goals for the upcoming year and how we can collaborate to enhance student engagement across campuses.

 

• August 14th: Introduction to Social Action

In August, we continued our training with a session on Social Action. We learned about its principles, key aspects, and the different types — Intervention, Lobbying, and Support — and when each is appropriate. This training was essential in preparing us to drive meaningful change within our community.

 

• August 21st: Safeguarding Essentials

Safeguarding is a critical aspect of our roles, and on August 21st, we received an induction with Ribecca Riley and Andrew Ottey. We learned what safeguarding is, what it means, and the 4 R’s of safeguarding: Recognize, Respond, Report, and Record. This knowledge is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

 

• August 28th: Public Speaking and EDI Training

On August 28th, we had a session with Dows from SABC, where we honed our public speaking skills, learning the key differences between a conversation and addressing an audience. Later, we had Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training with Lucy, where we explored the importance of EDI and what each of these concepts entails.

 

• August 30th: Team Building and First Exec Meeting

We wrapped up our training with a fun and challenging team building day on August 30th, where we played ‘Metropolis’— a game that took us across all LCC campuses, taking pictures from in front of all of them. To conclude the day, we held our first exec meeting, where we revisited our team values and discussed updates on our training, college developments, and our specific roles moving forward.

 

As we step into the new academic year, we’re more prepared than ever to serve you, our fellow students. Stay tuned for exciting initiatives and opportunities to get involved with your Student Union!