Contact Me

As one of your elected Officer Trustees I'm always happy to talk to students and help out where I can.

You can get hold of me through the following ways:

Jack McGuinness

Vice President (Welfare)

Hi, I'm Jack McGuinness, a newly graduated Marketing (PR and Advertising) student and the new VP (Welfare). Over the last 4 years, I’ve seen how different aspects of student life have negatively impacted students’ welfare and after my placement with the University of Derby, in the Student Engagement and Enhancement team, did I think I had the experience and knowledge to improve students’ experience and welfare.

After my placement, I put myself forward for and was elected to the Union as the LGBTQ+ Officer, which got me the experience I needed to push me to put myself forward for VP (Welfare) position when this years’ elections came around.

In my spare time I like to watch anime, play Dnd, and annoy my girlfriend by messing around with her Alexa. But my biggest hobby is gaming, I’m always happy to talk about the latest news, upcoming games etc if you want someone to talk to anything gaming about.

When people ask about my favourite game, I tend to struggle, because there’s so many titles that have had a positive influence on me. But as a whole, I would say the most prominent is Nier Automata. If you like action games that have an unexpected but prominent philosophical influence, I fully recommend you pick it up.

Officer News

Your Officers
Autistic Students' Experience Research

Fri 14 Mar 2025

A pair of glasses laid down on a notebook with writing in

Are you an autistic student? Share your experiences in this research.

 
Your Officers
Speak up for nature in Derbyshire

Fri 14 Mar 2025

Help the Derbyshire County Council with the development of their Local Nature Recovery Strategy

 
Your Officers
Three Things I Learnt From Running in the Elections

Thu 13 Mar 2025

Hi everyone, Union President Holly here to share the best three things I learnt from running in the Elections.

 
Your Officers
Three Top Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

Tue 04 Mar 2025

VP (Activities) Gabby handing out free pancakes

Hi, VP (Activities) Gabby here with my three top tips for writing a personal statement for nominating yourself in the Elections!

 
Your Officers
You Said, We Did – BUCS Takeover

Fri 21 Feb 2025

VP (Activities) Gabby giving a speech at the 2024 Sports Awards

At the Union of Students, we’re committed to making sports at Derby University bigger, better, and more visible for everyone.

 
Your Officers
You Said, We Did – Union on Tour

Mon 27 Jan 2025

The Union on Tour has been a fantastic way to bridge the gap between students and Union of Students.

 
Your Officers
BIG WIN - Renters' Rights Bill

Mon 20 Jan 2025

A row of houses

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a huge win for you as a student and a future graduate of the University and how it will improve your experience.

 
Your Officers
You Said, We Did - Apprentice Experience

Mon 06 Jan 2025

You said, 'As apprentices we don't feel connected with the Union', we 'Worked alongside SPA in improving the sports offering, increased our induction talks and created an apprentice experience campaign'.

 
Your Officers
You Said, We Did - Britannia Mill Study Space

Mon 06 Jan 2025

You said, 'we've had our library taken away', We 'worked alongside both students and the university to ensure a suitable alternative was provided'.

 
Your Officers
Term 1 Round Up - Vice President Education

Thu 19 Dec 2024

VP (Education) Pournami handing out tote bags at freshers fair

As Vice President (Education), my focus is on enhancing student representation, increasing the visibility of academic support services, and amplifying the voices of our student body to ensure their needs are met.

 
Your Officers
Term 1 Round Up - Vice President Activities

Thu 19 Dec 2024

VP (Activities) Gabby handing out free pancakes

As the first term of the academic year draws to a close, I am proud to reflect on the initiatives and achievements I have been working on. Here’s an overview of everything I have been working on so far, from creating new possibilities to promoting diversity and inclusion.

 
Your Officers
Term 1 Round Up - Vice President Welfare

Thu 19 Dec 2024

VP Welfare Jack on the Advice stand at freshers fair with Advisor Zoe

As the first term comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to share some of the work I’ve been doing across my manifesto and the wider VP (Welfare) remit.

 
Your Officers
Term 1 Round Up - Union President

Thu 19 Dec 2024

President Holly Lloyd leading a conga line at freshers fair

As I moved on from Vice President Education to President, this first term has been both bittersweet and exciting. I’m grateful for the experiences that prepared me for this role and thrilled to lead with a fantastic team dedicated to supporting and empowering our students.

 
Your Officers
Switch from BRP to eVisa

Tue 10 Dec 2024

International students if you don’t know the BRP is switching to eVisa, please read the below information.

 
Your Officers
British Sign Language (BSL): Past, Present, and Future

Thu 05 Dec 2024

Graffiti on a wall that depicts the British Sign Language spelling of BSL

By supporting BSL during Disability History Month, we can acknowledge the struggles of the past while building a more inclusive future for everyone.

 
 
 
 
 

Manifesto Pledges

During my time in office I pledge to:

Campaigns

Some of the campaigns I have been/will be working on this year.

  • TBC
  • Scrutiny Reports

    My reports from Scrutiny Panel and AGMs.