imjon.com

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UBU

In November 2008, I took on another trustee position, this time at the University of Bristol Students’ Union (UBU). Here is an institution very close to my heart — I served there as a sabbatical officer in 1994-1995 — and one that is in some need of help.

Why is the Union a charity? The flippant answer is that its a charity because its parent body, the Unversity itself, is also a charity. But recent law changes mean that the union must apply for charity status of its own and thus appoint its own trustees. I’m honoured to have been selected as one of the first.

But again, why is the Union a charity and not simply a company? In my view, it is because of the fantastic work that union does for the students. It’s not about cheap beer, official sweatshirts and scarves, but about student development: about affording Bristol’s students a better opportunity in the workplace, through the clubs and societies, through RAG and SCA, through student media and through dedicated student training courses.

It’s a very laudable mission and I’m glad to be part of it.