This month has been full of planning exciting projects, attending key meetings, and embracing opportunities to make connections. I particularly enjoyed Freshers where I had an opportunity to connect with students, attend cultural events. Much of my focus this month has been on advancing employability initiatives following feedback from students.
Every step I take in this role is about making sure student voices are represented and acted on.
Leadership Roles
This month, I officially began my responsibilities as:
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Chair of Strategic Funding & Risk Committee - Oversees funding strategy, reserves, investment, and risk management. Ensures financial stability and proactive risk mitigation.
These roles give me the platform to make sure student priorities are at the centre of both Union and University decisions and strategy.
Achievements and Key Work
Employability and Part-Time Opportunities
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One of my top objectives has been to create more opportunities for students to work alongside their studies. I am glad to share that, based on feedback from student surveys, we have launched off-campus part-time job opportunities, with information on UNION OF BRUNEL STUDENTS website where students can apply. I will continue to refine and expand this in the coming weeks.
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I am also collaborating with the Professional Development Centre (PDC) to deliver this year’s Careers Fair a week-long event. I have shared my inputs on planning, and together with PDC, we are also working on building stronger links with employers to create more opportunities for Brunel students.
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I attended the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Delegate Conference, where MPs from India and representatives from West London businesses were present. I highlighted issues of student employability and life in the UK and also explored possible collaborations to create external opportunities for Brunel students.
Student Support and Representation
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I took part in Mind the GAP, the introductory session for Disabled students, where we shared how the Union supports them. I also joined the welcome sessions for Brunel Pathway students to ensure they know about Union services.
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We held our first Student Assembly of the year, where food on campus was raised as a major issue. I am now working closely with teams to improve campus food facilities, while also pushing for societies-led events to be allowed to bring in food from external caterers (with health and safety checks), so cultural and traditional events feel more authentic.
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I attended Community organising training, so I have the skills and knowledge to support you make it happen. Community organising is about bringing people together to win change. This means building community-led solutions to big and small problems, that work for everyone.
Sports and Community Engagement
Last year, some sporting events couldn’t be screened in LOCOS due to subscription issues. I made sure this was resolved, and now we have a wide range of screenings happening especially Cricket, along with Football, Rugby, F1, and Golf. Students are loving the experience in LOCOS, as it creates a lively atmosphere and gives everyone more chances to come together and engage socially.
Freshers Week and Student Engagement
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I was actively involved in the Annual Freshers Fair at IAC, where I joined our local MP, met student societies (both academic and cultural), and discussed with external partners about future collaborations particularly around employability campaigns.
Cultural and Community Events
Looking Ahead
As we move into October, my priorities will continue to be:
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Supporting and training our academic reps to ensure student feedback is fed directly into university decision-making.
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Strengthening employability initiatives by expanding off-campus job opportunities and preparing for the Careers Fair.
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Continuing work on improving food options on campus and supporting societies to bring authentic food to their cultural events.
Supporting Students
Beyond events and campaigns, I have taken the time to direct students to the right support. With the help of our Union Advice Team, I have supported students navigate academic issues, admissions queries, immigration hiccups, and accommodation concerns. The Union Advice Service is an incredible free service available to all Brunel Students and is completely confidential.
Stay Connected
Your feedback shapes my work. If you have a concern, idea or suggestion, please get in touch:
Thank you for trusting me to represent your interests. I look forward to sharing more progress in next month’s update.”
Warm regards,
Abhishek Ghawate
Education President, Brunel University