The permanent staff cohort unanimously nominates Tashi Thornley to be Student Union officer of the year:

Tashi has been VP Education for 2 years, in that time she has established the proper consideration of students’ views on education within the University at all levels and across all Faculties and schools. She has been responsible for the renewed efforts and innovations in partnership with many University colleagues, creating imaginative, forward-looking projects that put students on an equal footing with the institution as partners in education. Her sheer drive and perfectionism allied to a will to deliver the best results inspires all her colleagues across Union and University. During her term of office we’ve observed a marked increase in student-leadership at course level with students’ views being influential and achieving significant impact on issues ranging from resources, assessment, timetabling and communication.

For most officers, this would be enough for a decent year, for Tashi this is merely the start – All Union staff cite the myriad ways that Tashi has participated in volunteering events, promoted course-linked societies, and encouraged a number of candidates to stand in the Union’s elections.

Tashi’s energy is infectious – she is regarded highly even by the SU Advice service staff (not an easy group to impress) who value her reporting back from formal University meetings. As well as this Tashi has created regular invitations and inclusion at some of these as well as a number of in formal discussions around crucial aspects of University regulations and how they impact on students’ experience. In doing this, she gains the best out of our limited resource base and gives herself the very best chance to maximise the influence of the Union. Of course when asked to acknowledge this, her modesty prevents her from accepting the exceptional talent she possesses.

It is worth noting that Leeds Met SU is not awash with vast resources, that unlike some of her peers at other institutions she is required to roll her sleeves up and get ‘a bit operational’. Not one of her colleagues can recall a time when she has shirked from this side of sabb-life. If we are to be completely truthful, she is the leader of our executive team when it comes to listening to members. One of the lasting outcomes of her initiatives was the long-overdue installation of water fountains in the libraries on both main campuses (open 24/7). This had been a long held point of irritation with students and one that is now resolved.

Tashi has ensured that the Leeds Met SU caught up with our peers and in part overtake them. She has established an annual conference for our course reps which will be a permanent fixture in the events calendar. Similarly this year sees our inaugural student-led teaching awards (The Golden Robes) which has already been accepted as a permanent fixture by all stakeholders. But her most lasting legacy will be a new web-based system that will enable course-level representatives to communicate effectively with their peers and for their cohort to be able to hold them to account. None of this would have happened without the drive and commitment from Tashi and her insistence that the core principles of students’ unions are upheld.

In summary here are the significant stand-out achievements Tashi is responsible for:

Course representatives’ conferences – featuring support and speakers from the University’s senior management team, UCU Officials, NUS, BPP. These events will only get stronger due to the sound basis they have started from.

Bespoke Tablet devices for students – Currently at ‘pilot stage’ but a programme that has attracted support and interest at a national level from NUS, Higher Education Academy and other parties. This forward looking approach is a feature of Tashi’s work.

Talk to Tashi – dedicated time for the VP Education to actively go to every corner of the Leeds Metropolitan University’s estate and actively engage with students on their terms and asking them one simple question, “what can the SU do to make your time here even better?”

Water-fountains in both main Libraries – Tashi identified the issue and got resolution within 5 months (not bad for University-wide problem solving)

Rep-online – A bespoke system, embedded within the University’s student portal that allows students to see what their reps (at every level within the University) are doing for them right now. It will regulate all the elections for course reps for every course and communicate what’s being done on their behalf to every student.

Golden Robes – whilst not a ‘new’ idea, it’s Tashi who has ensured this has happened and with massive buy-in from every element of the University. 312 nominations in the inaugural year including cleaning and security staff augurs well for the future of this project.

In closing we submit two quotes to encompass the range of her influence,

“Tashi is an active and passionate member of our student union executive. She has led a number of student facing initiatives, participated in student and institutional led project groups and committees, and is also on our Board of Governors. Her input to debates and discussions is always incisive, based on good research and a real understanding of her constituents’ needs.

I have no hesitation in supporting Tashi’s nomination. She is a credit to the Union, a conscientious member of our student executive and a sincere and powerful advocate of the student voice.”

University Deputy-Vice Chancellor

“Tashi has not only been an inspiration to me but a mentor and a friend too. She was there when I first became involved with the uni, encouraging to get involved and deliver a key note speech alongside her. She then continued to encourage and support me in my progression through academic representation roles, ensuring that she was always available to advise me and a friendly face to which I can approach for help. Tashi has dominated student union elections and ran many an innovative campaign inspiring me attempt these also.”

3rd year Course rep