What has the staff member done beyond the call of duty and so deserve
recognition?

Rhys has changed the Students’ Union form one that concentrated on the commercial side, and duplicated some services that were available elsewhere in the University to a Union that focused more on the needs of students, and one that concentrated more on academic representation. By restructuring the union with new staff members, and new roles including the academic representation co-ordinator, and the course rep co-ordinator, the focus has changed for the benefit of students, and make sure that the union is relevant and in the for front on the student movements, not only in the area, but nationally. Rhys has driven these changes forward through hard work, and a critical understanding of the national context. The changes have been recognised nationally, with the Academic Representation Unit being opened by Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills in the Welsh Government, a worthy recognition of the changes that Rhys has brought to Bangor.

Who has benefited from their work and commitment?

Students - Because of the restructure there is more emphasis on representing them, to insure that their voices are heard and listened to at the University. They are given a platform and a say on how they want their education.
Officers - Rhys supports us in every way possible. He is a mentor and gives us enough freedom to think for ourselves, but also guiding us from the beginning of our term. He is readily available to give advice and has plenty of experience to draw from when we are in need of help.
Staff - The restructure meant that roles were changed and they not only have specific expertise but encouraged to receive training so their jobs are more diverse and cater more to the needs of students. For example reception staff are now trained in the finance office, so that the finance office is open longer hours for students. He sees the importance in a good work environment and encourages communication and development. For example all staff are involved in a weekly stand up meeting where all staff and officers share the events of the past and upcoming week, so that we work together in the best possible way. He also encouraged a staff social committee who are in charge of organizing work related development days, and social events, for staff to form a great relationship.
University - He’s created good links with the university, and established a good working relationship with them, where they work together for a better student experience.
The Union - The union is now a more structured, better work ethic and a better environment to work.

Have they been an inspiration to others, and in what way?

Yes. Rhys has inspired many across the union, these are some examples.
SABB’s and Staff- He has taught us the importance of our roles, the impact we can make on the lives of students. He has also shown us that there is always room for improvement, however good you are at the job. Encouraging us when things go well, but a keen mentor whenever we are in need of help. He makes us want to reach the highest possible standard because of the faith he puts in us to do well. Gives us confidence in our work, and teaches us a great work ethic. He also shows us how committed we should be to the job that we all love, and how to use our enthusiasm to benefit the students.
Students - Especially our clubs and society members, he gives them support in every way he can, to every students that requires it, and deals with every student with enthusiasm and guidance.

What impact have they made on the students’ union and the student population?

He has given the Union focus, drive and a purpose, which evokes a chain reaction of enthusiasm, from him, to the SABB’s, staff and students. He shows leadership, direction, and is a role model for SABB’s, which then promotes leadership amongst students.

How have they contributed to the work of the students’ union, its aims and objectives?

Rhys, along with former sabbatical officers, created a three year strategic plan in 2012, which was written alongside wide ranging consultation of our membership, to ensure that the goals met the needs of our current student body. This year Rhys, alongside officers, staff and the Board of Trustees, wrote an operational plan to put the strategic plan into action to make sure that the union is relevant, and a union which follows its values, objectives and aims. This, for the first time in history, clearly defines the actions that the Union needs to take to meet its aims and objectives, as well as initiating the use of KPI’s to embed this work with our staff. For example the Union has a bilingual policy, he understands the importance of this not only for the union, but for the relationship with the university and the community. And through the operational plan, he has given up clear focus on what we should do, and how we can promote the language and its culture through our day to day work. Rhys has also ensured that our goals for the future will continue to stretch and push the Union and its staff to improve the student experience in Bangor.