Candidate Profile

Tell us about yourself

My name is Catherine, I study Economics and Politics and I am from Newmarket in Suffolk.

I am Secretary of Durham Tenants’ Union, a society that helps students who have problems with their landlords, and I am the Secretary of Durham University Labour Club, having previously been Chair and Women’s Officer.

I have also been in Durham University Orchestral Society since my first year where I play cello, oboe and cor anglais!

Why is the role important to you?

I’ve loved my time at Durham, but I have faced barriers to my education. I want to pull down those barriers for others to enable your success.

It should come as no surprise that whilst many of the problems facing us are unique, we still share common challenges. A lack of clarity about support and advice, a stressful and distracting housing crisis, and the cost of learning. All eroding the quality of learning and, overall, a bad deal for students.

It doesn’t have to be like this, and I am passionate about solving it.

I will make education your priority. Fixing the broken extension form and SSO system so all students get consistent support, creating collaboration between JCRs and departments, working with other officers for a solution to the housing crisis, and working with marginalised groups and faculty reps to make sure nothing interferes with your learning.

Why should people vote for you?

After three years at Durham, I am all too aware of the problems within University education that students face. I have experience representing students and fighting for better conditions and will ensure issues in education are given the attention they deserve.

I have a breadth of experience organising within Durham, having organised housing protests and the CutTheRent campaign last year.

As Secretary of the Tenants’ Union, I am deeply familiar with the SU. I have spent much of my time at Durham helping students through student societies and will continue that work in this role.

If elected, what sort of officer would you be?

Above all, I will be approachable. The SU can feel at times like an unapproachable institution where students do not feel empowered to make change or know what the SU is doing for them. I will ensure that students are regularly updated on what I am doing and provide as many opportunities as possible for students to get involved.

Change should be made by those directly experiencing the issues and this requires creating an environment where wider student participation can flourish.

In one sentence, tell us what you imagine Durham could become

A University delivering a world-class education to every student, an SU breaking down the barriers that make it tough, and a vibrant community of students defining a thriving academic experience.