Well, 2020 was a year like no other and I am so grateful to support the amazing staff and students for another year and reflecting on everything I have learnt along the way.

I am so proud to say that there has been great development and adaptation to an online student experience in all areas of my remit; Sports, Societies, Volunteering and Student Media.

UCLan has succeeded in being one of few universities to have a safe sport offer when possible, while also working collaboratively with the University to plan the Sports Strategy and securing free, new kit for all teams.

Societies have created innovative online activity and both the Sports and Societies Development Committees have welcomed in 13 new student groups with regular monthly meetings to reward grants. The new RAG (Raising and Giving) Community and student groups have raised over £1,000 for Lancashire Mind and Guide Dogs UK- their chosen charities of the year.

It is inspirational to work with students so passionate to help the community during such trying times and a pleasure to support their projects. Pulse, our Student Media, has hit the ground running with 20 radio shows and over 20 pieces of content being posted. A brilliant 98 (not 100 but it’s fine) volunteers have joined the Crew and are working on a range of amazing projects.

I also found the most brilliant University Challenge team who will be interviewed in the New Year and can’t wait to work more closely with the Medical Network of societies and support the new Medical FC group. Making time to support Union activity and have meetings with over half of the committees has been so rewarding.

I hope you all have a wonderful festive period and look forward to seeing you in the new year. Bring it on, 2021!

Sophie