Liberation Officers

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Liberation Officers are regular students across UCB who volunteer their time to represent the views of people who share similar lived experiences. Liberation Reps help ensure the Guild champions the diversity of our student body and create an inclusive culture for all students.

The Guild works with the following Liberation Officer positions:

  • LGBTQAI+
  • Trans & Non-Binary
  • Women’s
  • BAME
  • International
  • Disability and Wellbeing
  • Widening Participation
  • Sustainability & Climate Justice

Your Elected Officers

Earlier in October, we invited students across UCB to come forwards and promote themselves to be a part of the Liberation Assembly and for students to vote on who they wanted representing their experiences. Here’s your 2024-25 Liberation Officer team:

Mercury Belcher (Trans & Non-Binary Rep)

I have a lot of experience in trans and non binary spaces, and as someone who’s presentation doesn’t always match people’s perception I feel I have a special insight.

Mohammad Imran Samir (International Students’ Rep)

Hello everyone! I’m running for this position because I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all international students at our university. I believe that every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered on campus. Unfortunately, there are still barriers that many of us face, from gender bias to a lack of representation in leadership, and I am committed to breaking these down.

My goal is to be a voice for all international students, ensuring that your concerns are heard and acted upon. Together, we can build a campus culture that celebrates and empowers international students. Vote for me, and I will work tirelessly to create real change that uplifts and supports every student here. Let’s make our university a place where international students can thrive, lead, and achieve without limitations.

Harley White (Widening Participation Rep)

Hello, I’m Harley, and I come from a disadvantaged background. ‘Disadvantaged background’ – two words that have stopped thousands of students like you and me from reaching their dream career path or academic course. But times are changing. The number of ‘disadvantaged’ students completing their courses is increasing; admissions are rising, and programmes from the top UK universities and employers provide visibility to us all. An opportunity like this would allow me to support and educate you and myself in our journeys to the places we have always aspired to go. Don’t let circumstances and situations prevent you from showing who you truly are.
Being a young carer for my mother since the age of 12, I have seen first-hand the effect home life can have on someone’s academic life. But I am no less passionate than anyone else; I have the same ambitions and dreams. But life isn’t linear, and we live in a world where we are fortunate enough to have multiple paths to the places we want to go, but we often need help and support on our way to finding these opportunities.

If I were fortunate enough to fill this position, I’d aim to grow and learn alongside you and support every student who feels less involved or feels like circumstances have placed them at a disadvantage. I’d ensure every student is seen equally, has equal opportunity, and no one is left behind to fend for themselves.

Lauren Crossan (Disability and Wellbeing Rep)

As a mature disabled student, I understand the struggles that disabled students go through day to day at university and outside university, whether that be stress related or physically. I plan to organise more visits from therapy dogs, coffee mornings and mindfulness activities. Let’s make our lives at university as stress free and accessible as possible.

Laiyba Zahir (Women’s Rep)

I will be a strong advocate for creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all women on campus. I believe it’s important that every woman feels confident in voicing her concerns and is provided with the right resources to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I am deeply committed to listening to the unique challenges women face, and I’ll work hard to ensure your needs are met. Whether it’s promoting well-being, organizing events that bring women together, or addressing concerns related to safety and inclusivity, I will be there every step of the way.

By voting for me, you’re choosing someone who genuinely cares about empowering women and is dedicated to making sure that we all feel heard, respected, and supported.

What is a Liberation Officer?

These are student volunteers who work with the Guild for a period of one year or more as a part-time Officer. If the Guild is working on an inclusivity-related campaign, or if the University is seeking input into changes that affect particular segments of the student body, our Liberation Officers are a key group to be consulted.

The role involves the following key activities:

  • Networking with students and gathering their views on issues affecting them, especially issues that relate to shared lived experiences
  • Being an active member of the Guild’s Liberation Assembly, sharing students’ views and developing plans to address them
  • Working with the full-time Equalities Officer to escalate important issues when needed, and to co-deliver relevant events or community-building activities
  • Meeting with UCB staff, when appropriate, to share students’ views and opportunities to develop greater inclusion at UCB
  • Attending UCB’s EDI Forum to raise student views with UCB’s staff network leaders and senior managers.

If you care about championing the views of students’ lived experiences and want to campaign for a more inclusive university/college experience, becoming a Liberation Officer could be a great opportunity for you.

How much time will it take?

The role is voluntary, and it is generally expected that it will take a few hours every month. If you put yourself forward, you will be a course rep for that academic year.

What does the Election Involve?

Liberation Officers are democratically elected in October. During the elections, we’ll ask you to write a manifesto, which is a short summary of the key issues you care about, your commitments if elected, and what you hope to achieve in the role. We’ll also invite you to campaign online and/or in person to encourage students to vote for you and engage in the elections. As part of running in the election, we’ll provide training and support.

How does voting work?

Students will vote for their preferred candidate in any role using single transferrable vote (STV). This means that they will rank their candidates in order of preference so that their vote can be reallocated to another candidate if their top choice isn’t elected.

Voting will be open to any students who are a part of the group represented by the Liberation Officer. This will be based on self-identification and made clear on the voting page.

Will I receive support in this role?

Yes! The Guild will put on a number of training sessions to make sure you feel like you are able to make the most of your role. A lot of the skills will be transferrable, ranging from policy writing to public speaking, and will no doubt be useful in whatever career you choose to pursue in the future.

I would like more information before I put myself forward?

If you would like to ask any questions please feel free to pop down to the Guild office in Moss House and ask for Hamza or Kunal. Alternatively, you can email kunal@ucbguild.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.