Candidates for Students' Union President

Cherelle Rushforth

Changes today create a better tomorrow.

I want to give students a voice and a safe space to feel heard, make the small changes to everyone's journey through education and ensure it is a positive one.

I want to represent all students to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity at College and equal access to achieve their potential and feel valued.

If elected, I will change the way issues are approached and how student voice can help to change the college, not only for today, but for tomorrow, too.

If elected, I will work towards:

• Ensuring all students have a voice 

• Improving catering facilities and food choices

• Ensuring students have the best facilities and fair access to all College buildings, including the ATC

• Equal opportunities for all students 

• Improving college facilities and resources, e.g., IT equipment or equipment in classes

• Making safeguarding more accessible 

• Improving the safety of students inside and outside of college 
 

David Omrere

Built on trust, driven by students.

I am running for BCSU president because I’m a student just like you, and I understand the challenges we face at Bradford College. This might be feeling unheard, struggling with stress or mental health or having things going on at home. 

If I was elected, I want to be someone who students can approach and be able to have a chat with. I will listen to your ideas or issues at the college, such as bursary support, or not enough laptops in classes. 

I want to be able to improve the communication between students and staff so that you are being listened to, and the college is making changes. I want to push for better awareness about the support services at the college.

I will be honest and consistent and do what I say. My goal is to represent everyone and speak for those who feel that they are not being heard and also speak up if something is not right, and work hard to make student life better at Bradford College.

Candidates for Equality, 
Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Allissia-Jayne Fry

Empowering differences, creating opportunities for everyone.

Inclusivity is key. But as a College we need to do more. I will work to ensure all college related activity is accessible for everyone. This will be done by an increased focus upon advertising, for example, important information as a regular insert to tutorials. I will ensure that information is accessible to all students.

I would use surveys to gain feedback from students to identify any issues within EDI. I will be more than happy to speak on behalf of minority groups of students and vocalise any concerns that they have, and try and implement beneficial changes.

I would seek to establish study support clubs for each curriculum area’s independent study period. This would increase the accessibility and effectiveness of independent study periods.
 
I believe that I can bring energy and a “can do” attitude to this post. I have first-hand experience of having a disability and being from a minority background. My experience of being a course representative has also helped me further understand the student experience and how to create potential solutions to any issues. 

Eesaa Hussain

Empowering students, embracing diversity with pride.

Bradford College thrives when every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.

As your Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, my mission is to ensure that every voice, especially those from underrepresented groups including BAME students, women, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities, is not only heard but actively included in shaping our Students’ Union.

I will work to remove barriers that prevent students from engaging fully in college life, ensuring equal opportunities across all SU activities and services. 

Through regular feedback, open communication, and active listening, I will ensure your experiences directly influence positive change across the college.

With ongoing training and collaboration, I will work tirelessly to strengthen the Union’s impact and reputation. Together, we can build a college where every student belongs, participates and succeeds.

Kudrat Urfan

Different voices, one rhythm.

My plans focus on making diversity, inclusion, and equality a daily part of college life, not just a discussion topic. I'll prioritise listening to students' concerns and offering the best support. My goal is to improve communication between students and the college, ensuring everyone feels comfortable speaking up and knows where to find help. I understand that real change takes time, so I'll be realistic, consistent and collaborative, avoiding unfulfillable promises.

I want to represent because I believe in fairness, respect, and creating an environment where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their background. I would change things by making the bursary open to more people who need it. I will work to ensure the college can provide more laptops for students, more trips and other beneficial activities where everyone can join in so we are all seen as one community.

I'd promote change by educating myself and others about EDI, using posters and discussions to highlight its importance. I would improve the college food options with more diverse meals and work with students to ensure they have items they might need during lessons, such as fidgets. I’d make more accessibility for wheelchair users and place signs to make things more noticeable.

Sara Khan

Support, Trust, Understanding.

I promise to speak up for everyone. No matter what it takes. I want to help everyone around me. I want everyone’s concerns to go away and I also want them to be happy coming to college. 

If you, as a student, are worried about something, I want to help you speak out and solve it. I will listen to students carefully; I want them to know that I will do everything in my power to help them out and make changes. 

I want to help you by resolving issues like bursary access and laptop issues. I know that’s a big problem for me because some people can’t access laptops at home because they don’t have a bursary. 

I want to change things, for e.g., students to access laptops in college when they need it for any classes. I don’t think that the bursary team should get involved. I think people should have access to equipment regardless of having a bursary or not.

Urooj Faatimah

Fair accesses. Equal opportunity.

I’m running for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer because I want every student to feel safe, respected, and represented within our college community. As a student here, I understand that college brings together people from many different backgrounds, identities, and experiences and that inclusion doesn’t always happen automatically.

If elected, my priority will be listening to students and making sure their voices are heard, especially those who may feel overlooked or underrepresented. I want to work closely with students and staff to promote awareness around equality, accessibility, mental health and discrimination and to ensure all students are aware of and able to access the support available to them.

I plan to support inclusive events, encourage open conversations and help ensure college policies and activities reflect the needs of all students, not only say they do.

I am approachable, open-minded and committed to fairness. You should vote for me if you want an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer who genuinely cares about students’ voices being heard and who wants college to be a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Wadiya Rehman

Hand in hand, across the land.

I want to represent you because I believe our college serves a diverse community, yet many students experience social isolation on their own campus. I am running because I believe representation isn't just about a seat at the table. It’s about ensuring every voice actually changes the College environment. I want to establish administrative procedures which respond to student needs because I believe belonging should exist as an important right across our campus.

My Big Plans & Realistic Changes: I won’t promise a total change of the campus overnight, but I will deliver these tangible improvements:

• Listen First: Host "Human Library" where we talk as humans, not just students, making sure every voice is heard and making a better change in College.

• Work with students to integrate mandatory peer-led EDI feedback sessions for all student leaders to ensure our social spaces are safe and welcoming.

• Accessible Resources: Audit and improve the resources and equipment available to students, the availability and visibility of multi-faith rooms, gender-neutral facilities and friendly quiet zones.

I’m here to ensure the college environment evolves to meet your needs. Let’s build a campus that doesn’t just tolerate diversity but thrives because of it.

Candidates for Education & Welfare
Officer for Further Education

Daniel Ghadiri

Here to Listen, Here to Help.

If elected, I will take action to solve real student problems, from accessing support and equipment to everyday college challenges. I will ask for more trips and opportunities that make student life more enjoyable and connected.

My goal is simple: every Bradford College student feels supported, heard and never left behind.

As an FE student, I understand the pressures, stress and challenges that many of us face every day, from exams and deadlines to personal worries. Having experienced adapting to a new environment myself, I know how difficult it can be to adjust, ask for help and feel supported.

I genuinely want to support students and make their voices heard. If elected as your welfare officer, I will be someone you can approach, talk to and trust. I will listen to students’ concerns, help them access the right support services, and represent their needs effectively to the college and the Students’ Union. 

Many students are not aware of the support available or may feel unsure about asking for help. I want to change this by making support clearer, more approachable and easier to access. 

Vote Daniel Ghadiri – Here to Help.

Muhammad Ismail

Empowering students every step of the way.

I want to be your FE officer because I can help make Bradford College a better place for everyone.

I believe students should be heard and supported in their learning. However, I will do this by listening to your concerns and using my voice to make sure you are heard. This includes course resources and academic support, such as extra help for those students who may need it. 

I also want to help build a strong community within our college, a community where no one feels stressed, isolated or left behind. 

I will ensure that student voice is heard by the senior leadership team and attend any meetings to do this. I will get feedback through surveys to gather diverse opinions and make changes at the college. 

Kimia Hakimi

Stronger welfare, stronger communities, brighter future.

I am currently a course rep, and this academic year I have been advocating on behalf of students. I have gathered feedback from students and made changes, such as improving the canteen facilities and improving security presence.

Students at college struggle with their mental health and I want to create a safe space for students who have mental health issues, a wellbeing room where they can take a break. I also want to create workshops to raise awareness around mental health because mental health impacts us all.

There are many students who come to college who come from abroad and struggle with adjusting to UK life. I want to be the person to speak out for students from abroad to adjust to UK life and ensure the college provides a service to help them navigate through college and life in general. 

Kristaps Lepa

Better support, Better welfare, Better college. 

Further Education students deserve support that is practical, visible, and shaped by real experiences. As your Education and Welfare Officer, I want to make sure every student feels heard, valued, and able to succeed.

My priority is to strengthen communication between students and the college, making it easier for you to raise concerns and see real action taken. I will work to improve access to wellbeing services, ensuring students know where to go for help and receive support quickly when they need it. 

I want to push for clearer guidance around academic expectations, deadlines, and available resources, so no one feels left behind. I will also advocate for better study spaces and more flexibility in how support is delivered, especially for students balancing college with work or personal commitments. 

Most importantly, I’m standing because I believe in fairness. Every student no matter their background should have the same opportunities to thrive. If elected, I will be a consistent, approachable representative who listens carefully and works collaboratively to create positive change. 

Together, we can build a college environment where students feel supported, respected, and confident in their future. 

Phoebe Wood

Your Welfare, My Priority. 

When I’m elected to be your education and welfare officer, I will have two main priorities. The first one is to LISTEN, and I mean, really listen. I want to hear about what your needs are. I want to understand how everyone feels and how everyone can be supported. I will then use this information to make positive changes throughout the college which will promote your independence, your way of learning and how you will be able to succeed in all you do. 

My second priority is for better and more improved COMMUNICATION. I can make your voice heard, and I want you to be included in decisions that are being made on behalf of students. Everyone matters and everyone is equally important. I will make sure you are with me every step of the way and I will keep you all informed of where we are in achieving our goals and aspirations 

I want you to know that what you feel and what you believe is important to not only me but the wider college community. If we can do this together, we can only thrive during our time at Bradford College. 

Sebastian Danco

Support for Your Career. 

As a candidate, my primary goal is to create a better environment for everyone. My plans are honest and realistic, ensuring that I don’t make promises I can’t keep. If elected, I will prioritise improving the campus environment where every person feels valued.

I will actively seek and consider your opinions on various matters to make the campus a great place for everyone, example from my experience at the ATC building a year ago the main issue for me was that the cafeteria food wasn’t adequate because there weren’t hot meals provided, no social space to chill, so I would speak with the college about the concerns and address it forward in meetings. Another example that we are experiencing up at Trinity is that we don’t have enough sport equipment that students need.

I would love to help students all across the campuses to have their best time at our campuses while studying. I believe in open communication and collaboration to achieve positive changes. I want to present students because I am committed to making a difference.  

Vote for me because I am dedicated to making our campus a better place for all. 

Sophie Hunter

Your voice, your wellbeing, your future. 

College should be a place where students feel supported, heard and respected both in and out of the classroom. As your education and welfare officer, I will make sure student wellbeing and education are always a priority. 

I know college can be stressful, especially when exams come up whether its academic pressure, mental health, or feeling like your concerns aren’t taken seriously. I want to be someone that you can approach easily, who listens without judgement and takes action when it matters. 

I will work to improve access to welfare and mental health support, ensure student voices are represented in decisions, and push for fairness around workload, deadlines, and learning support. Every student deserves equal opportunities and understanding. 

I’m committed, approachable and genuinely care about improving the college experience for everyone. I won’t just promise change, I’ll actively work to make it happen. 

If you want a representative who listens, supports and stands up for students, vote for me as your education and welfare officer. 

Candidates for Education & Welfare
Officer for Higher Education

Adilah Ahmed

Your Education, Your Welfare, My priority.

Hi, my name is Adilah. If you pick me as your Welfare and Education officer, I will ensure everyone’s voice is heard and I want to advocate for better support within our sector as sometimes I believe as a sector, we go unnoticed.

I will also promote mental health as this is something I strongly believe in. Mental health affects so many of us and I want to ensure that everyone feels supported through raising awareness of the help that is available, so no student struggles alone.
 
Another thing I will be advocating for is academic support across all HE courses. It is important that all HE students have access to some kind of academic support as these courses are degree level and I understand that students may be struggling to complete their assignments. I will ensure that feedback surveys are done to see where support is needed to help students with their courses and assignments so they can succeed. Your voice matters. I will actively gather student feedback to ensure your concerns are represented.
 
I want to help create and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported, and able to reach their full potential. Your Education, Your Welfare, My priority.

Ruqaiyah Bibi

Students Deserve Better.

My name is Ruqaiyah and I am studying primary education here at Bradford College. I am running to be your student union officer because I want to represent students and push for real improvements to our college experience. 

Students deserve a college environment that is clean, supportive, and organised. However, many of us deal with everyday issues such as dirty or broken toilets and facilities that are not properly maintained. These are basic standards that every student should expect. 

The canteen is another concern many students raise. Food on campus should be affordable and offer more variety so students can eat properly without spending too much money throughout the day. 

Organisation and communication also need improvement. Last minute timetable changes, cancelled sessions, and unclear information can create unnecessary stress for students trying to focus on the studies. 

Student well-being is equally as important college can be challenging, and students should have access to support and spaces where they feel comfortable speaking up. 

As your student’s union officer, I will listen to students, raise your concerns, and work to make sure student voices are heard so we can create a better college experience for everyone. 

Vote Ruqaiyah for a stronger student voice.