Anne Elliott

Chichester accept the Simpson King Staff Achievement Award on behalf of Anne Elliott

Chichester accept the Simpson King Staff Achievement Award on behalf of Anne Elliott

 

NEW-NUS-Awards-2014-winnerThe Simpson/King Staff Achievement Award

Anne Elliott, University of Chichester Students’ Union

“This year has been one of the most challenging that UCSU has seen in recent times. Unfortunately due to long term illness UCSU has been without a General Manager since last April as well as operating without a Marketing Manager or Representation and Democracy Coordinator. UCSU has also seen a record number of students’ seeking advice and guidance on an ever widening variety of welfare issues.

This time last year Anne was our part time Finance Manager. However due to the pressures facing UCSU Anne has stepped up and was asked by the trustee board to stand in as our Acting General Manager. Anne has taken to this task excellently and has prioritised two key areas during her time in the role, student engagement and developing our relationship with the University. The levels of students engaging with UCSU and the wider community have never been higher and our relationship with the university has never been better.

Anne successfully negotiated the requirement for refurbishment of our Bognor Union and ensured that the Student body had a voice in choosing how the refurbishment went from choosing the decoration on the walls to what type of furniture was installed. Anne has also played a vital role in ensuring the connectivity between campus is at an all time high, with an increase in the daily inter-campus bus service and the establishment of a highly successful evening safety bus service.

Anne is certainly one for the personal touch and takes great pride in seeing the various UCSU officers achieve success, as well as being there for support when things do not quite go to plan. Anne was pivotal in the recent RAG Race charity event ensuring that communication links with local government, the police and residents all led to a fantastic event building relationships and ensuring the students’ had a great experience whilst they and the community remained safe.

As a student and officer for the past three years, I had always been aware of who Anne is but had little contact with her. Everyone knew the ‘Bank of Anne’ was a very friendly face but I had little reason to get involved in any finances. This year, as a Sabbatical officer at UCSU, Anne has been a continuous support. Her nickname has changed from ‘Bank of Anne’ to ‘Queen Anne’, as it seems to be the only thing appropriate for someone who is so much admired by everyone in campus – Students, Union Staff and University Staff all appreciate the hard work Anne puts in every day. Seeing Anne’s office light on at 8am until 8pm, weekdays and weekends, is a sight seen too often, but is something she refuses to complain about. The students are her number 1 priority and the University of Chichester students are lucky to have someone so dedicated working tirelessly for them.

Every single one of our 4800 students matters. A couple of times I’ve even found her sitting on the floor chatting to students just so that she could make sure the student was comfortable and their problems were heard. She’s definitely had quite a few officers come crying to her, including a very stressed me on occasion, because everyone who knows Anne knows that she will listen to you and always offer support and normally a cup of tea. I even tried to put her down as my emergency contact when I was going on a trip and Anne had to point out that I should probably put my mum instead.

Anne’s impact on UCSU has been huge this year and it’s a struggle to fit all of the incredible stories I have about her in to 1000 words – like that time she was found mopping up the men’s toilets on a Saturday morning – so I’ve attached a document with quotes about Anne from University Staff, Union Staff and Students to show what an impact she has had on every area of the University of Chichester. Everyone was more than happy to give a few minutes of their time to write some kind words about Anne because everyone knows she would always make time for them.

I along with everyone I have spoken to really do believe that Anne deserves this recognition, with out her help, support and cheery smile we as Officers would have really struggled this year. Anne is an inspiration to all as well as a solid foundation that we know we can rely on when dealing with tricky or delicate issues. For me Anne has gone way beyond what anyone would have expected and I cannot thank her enough on behalf of all students at Chichester University for her hard work, dedication and commitment to us all.”

Nominated by Lizi Mutter, UCSU Vice President