UBU Council Chair
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The Chair of Council is a Trustee of UBU, and responsible for representing students in matters relating to the Union itself. They are to chair the Union’s Council meetings, in which they do not have a voting right unless the current vote is a tie (they then have discretion and need not adhere to the status quo, but when they have no opinion or no desire to express an opinion, they should vote to maintain the status quo.) As well as this, our Chair of Council is also a member of the Union Trustee Board.
GIFT TSENZUGHUL
Seif Ilyas
IMTASAL NAWAZ
MANIFESTOS
Dear esteemed members of the University of Bradford.
As a lawyer and master's student at this prestigious institution, I am writing to express my enthusiastic candidacy for the position of Chair of Council. With my unique blend of academic, professional, and leadership experience, I am confident that I possess the skills, passion, and dedication required to excel in this critical role.
Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, leadership, and community service. As a master's student, I have had the privilege of engaging with a diverse range of students, academics, and professionals, broadening my understanding of the complexities and challenges facing our institution. My experiences have not only deepened my knowledge but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for the importance of effective governance, strategic leadership, and collaborative decision-making.
As a lawyer, I bring a distinct set of skills to the table. My professional training has equipped me with exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, allowing me to handle complex issues, facilitate constructive dialogue, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. My expertise in dispute resolution, contract negotiation, and policy analysis will enable me to provide informed guidance and oversight, ensuring that the Council's decisions are well-reasoned, lawful, and in the best interests of the University.
As Chair of Council, my primary objective will be to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the Council is responsive to the needs and concerns of all stakeholders, including students, staff, and faculty members. I will promote a collaborative approach to decision-making, encouraging active listening, constructive debate, and respectful disagreement.
Furthermore, I will prioritize strategic planning, working closely with the University's leadership to develop and implement policies that drive academic excellence, innovation, and sustainability. I will also champion initiatives that promote student well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that these values are essential to creating a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive academic community.
In conclusion, I believe that my unique blend of academic, professional, and leadership experience makes me an ideal candidate for the position of Chair of Council. I am passionate about serving the University of Bradford community and contributing my skills and expertise to promote excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with you further and discuss how I can serve our institution with integrity, dedication, and vision.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Yours Faithfully,
Gift Beneditha Tsenzughul
Hey, I'm Seif Ilyas—a proud Bradford lad through and through, born and bred in the heart of Yorkshire! I’m a Software Engineering student with a strong passion in advocating for young people and those who often go unheard. I’ve taken interest in running for the position of Chair of UBU Council because I believe students deserve a clear, inclusive, and effective voice within the Union. My experience as a Deputy Chair of my school council, a Youth Officer for a local political party, and my ongoing dedication to advocacy make me a strong candidate to represent you.
During my time in secondary school and sixth form, I was actively involved in pushing for positive changes that made the school environment more inclusive and accessible. One of my key achievements was leading a campaign for a more flexible uniform policy for female students. By working closely with school heads, I helped introduce a policy that allowed students to feel comfortable while still representing their school in sports. This change not only improved student well-being but also encouraged greater participation in school activities.
As a Youth Officer for a local political party, I gained valuable experience in representing young people’s concerns and ensuring their voices were heard at a higher level. This role taught me the importance of clear communication, transparency, and accountability skills which I will bring to the role of Chair of UBU Council.
For too long, the sabbatical officers have gone unaccounted for. As Chair, I will ensure that the sabs are held accountable for their actions and decisions. I will work to ensure the sabbatical officers are transparent in their work and truly represent the student body.
I will work to make UBU Council a welcoming space where every student feels empowered to share their views. I will make certain that students are fully informed about how decisions are made and how they can get involved. I’ll work to simplify Union processes and make it easier for students to understand how they can influence the Union’s direction. As Chair, I will uphold the Council’s rules to ensure everyone has a fair chance to speak and discuss important issues. I’ll be available to support representatives and use my experience to guide the Council effectively. I will focus on increasing student involvement in UBU Council by promoting meetings. I’ll work with the elections team to find ways to increase voter turnout and ensure the Union truly reflects the student body.
My diverse background, from school council to youth politics, has given me the skills needed to chair UBU Council effectively. I’m passionate about representation, inclusivity, and advocating for real change. I understand the importance of student led decision making and will work hard to ensure your voices are heard.
As your Chair, I will bring dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to fairness. Together, we can build a Union that truly represents and serves all students.
Vote Seif Ilyas for Chair of UBU Council - Your Voice, Your Union, Your Future.
Personal Statement – Chair of Council Application:
My time at the University of Bradford has been defined by a strong commitment to student representation, advocacy, and leadership. As Deputy Chair of the Council and a Course Representative, I have worked to ensure student voices are heard and that meaningful changes are made within the University of Bradford Union (UBU). My leadership experience, passion for governance, and ability to uphold democratic values make me a strong candidate for the role of Chair of Council.
Commitment to Student Representation:
From my first year, I have been dedicated to improving the student experience. As a Course Representative, I have actively engaged with students and faculty to address academic concerns, advocate for policy changes, and enhance student welfare. Through my role, I have built strong relationships with both students and staff, ensuring that the concerns of my peers are effectively communicated and addressed.
My role as Deputy Chair of the Council has allowed me to expand my impact, supporting student representatives in navigating policy discussions and ensuring that Council meetings are efficient and inclusive. I have played a key role in refining governance procedures, strengthening communication between students and UBU leadership, and promoting accountability within the Council. These experiences have provided me with the skills necessary to lead effectively as Chair.
Leadership and Decision-Making:
A strong Chair must be an effective leader, a skilled communicator, and a decisive problem solver. My experience as Deputy Chair has given me valuable insight into the responsibilities of this position, including chairing discussions, ensuring fair representation of opinions, and upholding the democratic integrity of UBU. I have facilitated debates on key student issues, ensuring that all voices are heard while maintaining focus on actionable solutions.
Beyond my roles in UBU, my leadership extends to my academic journey. I was honored with the Academic Excellence Award in my first year, demonstrating my dedication to high achievement and continuous improvement. Balancing my academic responsibilities with leadership roles has strengthened my ability to manage time effectively, work under pressure, and prioritize tasks strategically.
Vision for the Role:
As Chair of Council, my primary focus will be on strengthening engagement, increasing transparency in decision-making, and ensuring that student representatives are empowered to advocate effectively. I will work to improve communication between UBU and the wider student body, ensuring that the policies we implement truly reflect student concerns. Additionally, I will champion initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity within Council discussions, ensuring that all voices are valued.
I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, accountability, and representation. My experience as Deputy Chair has prepared me to take on this leadership role, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute further to UBU. With my passion for student advocacy and governance, I am ready to lead the Council in making a meaningful impact on student life at the University of Bradford.
- The University of Bradford Students' Union is a unincorporated association registered with the charity commission, charity No. 1148622
