Students' Union president — Daisy Watson-Rumbold

Daisy is studying the BA Global Sustainable Development at The University of Sheffield but has taken some time out to work as president of the Students' Union. She'll return to her degree when the post comes to an end

Why did you decide to run for election as SU president?

It was such a multifaceted decision. My experience at university has been extremely varied - from taking a leave of absence and moving courses, to experiencing the effects of the cost of living crisis, housing insecurity, and the impact of mental health on my day-to-day life.

Despite these challenges, I found myself in a vibrant, compassionate community filled with people who genuinely care about our world. I met fantastic individuals who uplifted me and gave me the space to explore who I want to be, what I want to do, and where I see myself in the future. Amongst all this, I developed a growing desire to give back to that community and to Sheffield.

The role of president appealed to me the most because it is embedded in advocating for the voice and rights of the student community. I spend hours in university boardrooms, helping facilitate safe protests, offering a listening ear and working on broad projects. All these elements of the role aligned with my interests and goals, so it felt like the natural choice.

What did running for election involve?

It was quite a long-term process for me. I knew early in the year I wanted to run for president, so my prior months were spent brainstorming, coming up with slogans (and subsequently deciding they weren't 'the one') and figuring out the policies that aligned most with what I stood for. It requires a lot of personal introspection, and I constantly considered where my values and ideas fit in the SU landscape. It taught me a lot about myself and my priorities.

I was lucky to have an amazing support system. I had a campaign team of close friends who helped me soundboard policies, obsess over tiny details in Canva designs, and keep an eye on me throughout the process. They made a world of difference to my election campaign, and I am not sure I could have won without them.

Following the planning stages - where I landed on my slogan 'Join the Daisy Chain' - it was time to jump to action. Everything happens very quickly with elections. I had briefings about election rules, met other candidates for all the roles and worked on the material elements of my campaign. Banners, posters, and hundreds of cut-out daisies were created during this time. It was fun, and a lovely community formed around all the candidates in our creative space.

Campaigning started, and voting opened. I spent a lot of time outside on campus with big boxes of chalk, encouraging people to 'Chalk and Talk'. I spoke to hundreds of people while we drew giant daisies all over campus. It was a huge success for my campaign and kept me grounded during the process. I heard amazing stories and great ideas that have stayed with me since.

I also attended forums to speak to students about prominent issues, ran a social media campaign, and worked with other candidates to produce content.

Elections are essentially a lot of moving parts working together, but they do provide a fantastic opportunity. They teach you so much about yourself and the skills you gain are worth their weight in gold. I found that elections look different for everyone, and no one campaign is better than another. If you're more introverted, let your campaign reflect that, and vice versa.

What are your main duties as SU president?

As SU president, I have several key responsibilities. I support and lead the officer team, ensuring we fulfil our objectives and work to represent students to the best of our ability. This involves coordinating team meetings, integrating our work into SU strategy, and implementing team goals effectively. It also includes liaising with SU staff members to ensure the smooth delivery of services and activities and temperature-checking our status as a team in the organisation.

In my role, I oversee student voices and interests at the university, locally and nationally. I work to engage external and internal stakeholders in our campaigns and policies, organising and facilitating conversations about making significant positive changes to the student experience. This can include being a voice in University Executive Board meetings, conversing with MPs and councillors, and working with other SUs nationwide. Similarly, the president helps liaise with community groups and diversify our local connections so students feel integrated into our city.

This also includes promoting democracy. I aid the organisation of elections and referendums, implement and uphold policy, and help facilitate democratic spaces. Additionally, I oversee discipline and complaints processes within the SU.

Lastly, I am chair of the Trustee Board, a group responsible for the SU's governance, financial, and strategic management.

What kinds of clubs and societies are on offer at Sheffield SU?

The SU offers over 350 societies and clubs, providing hundreds of ways to meet new people, try new things and make a change, which is probably one of the reasons why it's consistently voted best SU in the UK by students.

Each club and society is run by a committee of students who work together to deliver affordable and accessible events and activities their members want. And if you can't find something you like, students are always encouraged to start their own society or club.

What are the benefits of participating in extra-curricular activities at university?

They can enhance your university experience beyond belief. Before running for this role, I was heavily involved in various groups across campus, ranging from working groups to academic societies and volunteering opportunities.

I developed many new skills, met new people, and explored interests outside of academia. It fostered a lot of personal growth and significantly aided my sense of community.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love the opportunity to make a tangible difference in students' lives. Whether through policy changes, organising events, or simply listening to students' concerns. I love knowing that my efforts contribute to a better university experience for everyone. The connections I've made and the stories I've heard have been incredibly rewarding and inspiring. I feel very lucky to have this job.

What tips can you pass on to someone considering running for student election?

• Be authentic to yourself and who you are. It's so easy to get lost in what other people are doing, saying or promising, and while many of those ideas will be amazing, so are yours. Authenticity resonates with people; they will see your passion, experience, and personality. Who you are is your best campaign tool, so remember that.
• Do your research. Higher education is a complicated landscape, and student unions bear the brunt of many of the present issues. What is your SU or university doing well? What are they falling behind in? It sounds simple, but make sure you understand the context of the place you are running to represent before finalising policies. Also, look into what other SUs have been doing; they are a treasure trove of ideas.
• Be kind to others. Use the election period as a time to meet like-minded people who care about student wellbeing as much as you. I met some of my closest friends through elections, and I found approaching the process much more enjoyable that way.
• Have fun. It sounds cliché, but student elections are a fantastic opportunity to learn, discuss and have a great time. Find fun in the process and assure yourself that whatever the result, you've taken something away from the experience.

Find out more

• Learn about running for student elections.
• Discover the importance of extra-curricular activities.
• Explore The University of Sheffield's Students' Union.