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What does your job actually entail? What do you see as your main priorities?
The job entails being a point of reference for people who want to find out about what the Union is doing with regards to E&E issues. Also, organising campaigns and events to raise awareness of current issues e.g. climate change/ HIV/Aids, supporting the campaigns of E&E societies, and also encouraging the University to do their best with E&E issues.
What do you think the job demands in terms of personal attributes or skills?
I think more than anything you need enthusiasm for ethical and environmental issues. Also good people skills and persistence are very important.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
I enjoy the challenge of trying to make improvements within a large organisation, speaking to a variety of interesting people, and trying to encourage people to think about important issues.
What are the challenges/obstacles you face?
A large part of the role entails persuading people that the issues you are dealing with are important and persuading people to take action, and this is probably the greatest challenge you'll face. I have particularly encountered a lot of resistance from Senior management in the university.
What have you achieved since coming into your position?
Since being E&E officer I have organised a fundraiser for HIV/Aids, been involved in the Union's application for the Sound Impact Awards, had dialogue with University management about sevral ethical and environmental issues, helped to promote the University's fairtrade status, written articles for Gair Rhydd, and tried to help people with their campaigns and queries as best as I can.
What's next?
In the near future I will be assisting Jonny Cox with the Go Green week, and helping to promote Fairtrade Fortnight. However a lot of the goals i would like to achieve are likely to be very long term and will probably be continued by future E&E officers. For instance, at the moment I am trying to encourage the University to adopt an ethical investment policy, and also to employ a fulltime member of staff dedicated to environmental issues.
Would you recommend your role? If so, why?
I think the E&E role is as rewarding as you make it, and if you are enthusiastic and committed to it then it could potentially be a really good experience.
