Jamie Robertson (Voice and Advocacy Manager)
Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm the Voice and Advocacy Manager at Your Union. This means I oversee the operation of our excellent advice team to make sure we're best placed to help students when they need us, and also that we apply what we're learning from students' challenges to prevent them in the future. I've worked at Staffs since 2017, before which I worked at KeeleSU, SoT 6th Form College and in a self-employed capacity. Prior to this and my grey hair, I studied at Staffs and was also part of the Officer Team for two years. When I'm not Voice-ing and Advocating, you'll most likely find me walking my two collies with my family or enjoying a pint in a "proper" pub!
Diya Rattanpal (SU London Co-ordinator)
I'm Diya and I'm the Students' Union Co-ordinator based at Staffordshire University London. I joined the team in 2021 from De Montfort Students' Union and it's my role to provide advice and guidance to students in London alongside working with the Student Voice team on representation and the Student Engagement Team on events and activities. When I'm not working, you'll often find catch me playing PS5, binging elite tv shows (in my opinion at least), or geeking out about the MCU. And yes - Scarlet Witch is the most powerful Avenger.
Martin Edwards (Adviser)
Hi, I'm Martin and I have been an adviser for many years. My initial experience came from volunteering and later working for Citizens' Advice. It is through them I qualified in advice work. While working at Staffs Union I have updated my knowledge and skills through training from the Child Poverty Action Group, Citizen's Advice, NUS and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education. I am strongly motivated to help people to the best of my ability and I get great satisfaction from seeing students' interests being well served. When I am not at work, you will find me tinkering with various musical instruments, and running an electronic music night at my local bar.
Ralph Hayward (Adviser)
I'm Ralph. But you can call me anything you like. Within reason.
My Bachelor’s Degree in Theology isn’t really relevant to my work in terms of subject matter, but I use the transferrable and analytical skills and mind-set it provided every day. I became an Adviser in 1995 (yes, I'm that old); at first volunteering for Citizens' Advice and qualifying through their full advice training. Having specialised in disability benefits there (not an area in which I remain skilled), I started advising students in November 1997. I maintain my advice skills and knowledge through numerous trainings and meetings; especially valuing those on student funding provided by NUS and the Child Poverty Action Group plus sessions by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education on University-related matters.
I find it rewarding to try and empower people to take control of their own lives and situations. I try to find ways of unpacking often-complex regulations or systems such that people can navigate through them and manage problematic situations for themselves.
Away from work, I retain an academic interest in Reformation/Cranmerian liturgy coupled with thought on the impact of beliefs (and how we speak of those beliefs) on our ways of thinking and our wellbeing. I still occasionally roll polyhedral dice; dabbling in Runequest Glorantha.
Lisa Hough (Deputy CEO (Services))
I'm Lisa and I'm the senior manager responsible for the advice service at the Students' Union.