New Year, New Committees

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:41:22 +0100

Hey,

I’m back again and it’s the time of year where we welcome all the committee members into their new roles for the year ahead. Its not just sport, across the SU so many new academic reps, committee members and exec members have stepped into their roles and become Student Leaders.

Some committee members may be returning to their role and others will be joining a committee for the first time. I was a committee member myself before becoming Sport Officer in both societies and sport, so here are my top 5 tips to make the most of your year as well as being productive:

1. Communication is key

Whether it is between yourselves as a committee, with your members or with SU Staff, it is really important to be clear in your communication to each other. One of the best things you can do is to ensure you have regular committee meetings to discuss arising matters as well as who is responsible for delivering which message. It is also vital that as a group you monitor your inbox and reply to any important communications from SU staff.

2. Finance First

Whether you are a sport club with an allocated budget, or a society managing your funds keeping track of your finances is important. Whilst there is a system the SU uses to track your finances, it is important you keep your own track of your finances. This ensures you can spot any incorrect charges etc. Also remember to think about planning how you expect to spend your money to best support all of your members.

3. Utilise the learning curve

Stepping into a committee role might feel daunting, especially with all the initial communications you will receive in the coming weeks. Don’t forget to reach out if you have any questions to SU staff, they are here to support students in the running of student groups. If you think you have a silly question, you probably don’t, someone has definitely asked it before or a new committee member is also currently thinking about the same question. You are learning, you may get stuff wrong but that is a part of the process.

Did you know that the Skills and Training team in the SU run specific workshops targeted at Student Leaders which help you develop your skills. They are designed to help enhance your development, both professionally and personally. You can find more about the opportunities on the Student Trainer Workshops page on the SU Website. I am also sure the opportunities will be popping into your email inbox over the year as well.

4. Don’t miss out on the Bath Award

The Bath Award is a fantastic way to recognise and reflect on all the experience you gain through your role. Not only does it help you identify and articulate the skills you're developing, but I t also gives you something valuable to talk about in future job applications and interviews. You're already putting time and effort into your committee position, so make sure you're getting recognition for everything you're achieving. Taking part in the Bath Award can help you make the most of the experience and showcase your development beyond your degree. Find out more about Bath Award.

5. Enjoy the experience

Being a part of a committee is such a unique experience, you get to learn leadership skills, make a difference and meet so many new people through your role. Just a quick warning, your time as a student leader will fly by so make sure to make the most of every moment and enjoy the experience.

Good luck and enjoy the year ahead!

Emily

Becoming an Actual Adult? Maybe

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:05:56 +0100

The Physics BSc is done... Almost! I've moved into a new flat and had to buy furniture! And I have started my role as Sport Officer!

It has been almost a month since stepping into the role of Sport Officer fully, after two weeks of handover. There was so much to learn: from who is who in the university and The SU to the responsibilities of representing your voice as students. It has certainly been a busy time since stepping into role. I have big shoes to fill of former Sport Officer and now SU President Angus, and not just because he was tall. There has been so much to learn and information to absorb. Though the process has been such fun along the way, especially getting to know the new team.

So what have I been up to the last month? In short LOTS! But here is a quick breakdown:

Meetings with the Department Sport Development and Recreation Staff (or the STV Staff as you may know them) - It has been to great to meet so many new faces over in the STV who many of the sports club interact with throughout the year. I also had the opportunity to share some of my plans for year and put student voice on their agenda.
BUCS Conference - I spent a week up in Durham University at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Conference! It was a great week chatting to fellow Sport Officers around the country and the experiences of students in sport at diffrent institutions. There were also lots of workshops and key notes about everything from sport leadership to concussion guidance, sport culture to BUCS leaues and knockous, and regional meetings to the sport officer network. It was an exciting and inspirational week packed with information that I hope to use in my year ahead.
The Top 10 - the lenghty and in depth process has started to highlight the top 10 issues we as an officer team want to focus on this year. Though don't worry we still work on lots of projects that are not included each year to really represent the diverse student voice and needs we have at Bath.
Graduations - It has been great the past week to see so many students graduating in the beautiful Bath Abbey. It has been great to celebrate your acievements over the course of your time at Bath.
As well as lots of prep work on my manifesto!

I am super excited for the year ahead and start engaging with the new sport committees as they come into post on August 1st! And then before we know it all of our new freshers and undergraduates will be back on campus!

See ya all soon!

Emily :)

SU Sport Officer - Emily

New Year, New Committees

Becoming an Actual Adult? Maybe