UPSU LGBT Society

Danny Lyle, applying for Welfare Officer

I’m Danny Lyle and I am running for the position of Welfare Officer. I am a second year, studying BA Animation.

I don’t know where I would be without the LGBT, over the two years I’ve been with them I’ve shown up to almost every meeting and attended most events. I have gained confidence, met loads of new people and made a good group of friends along the way. I would welcome the opportunity to give something back and to help others have the same great experience I’ve had. I would also like the opportunity to have my say and to help shape the society for the future.

As a person I am non-judgmental and very open minded, also, once set on a task, I am determined to see it through. I have a strong ability to give advice and have had many opportunities to prove this to myself, mostly through helping friends. I have always been a sociable person, I find it easy to talk to new people and consider myself friendly, approachable and easy to talk to. I enjoy helping others and would be grateful for the opportunity to do so; I know I would get a lot out of it.

When at home, I am employed as a care worker. The job requires certain skills such as caring for others and putting their needs before mine. It also helps improve skills such as communication, patience, respect for others, understanding of others situations, respecting others privacy. I feel these skills that I’ve improved will aid me in the role of welfare officer. I have also developed skills through my course at university such as leadership and communication, which are required as I am currently the group leader of a big project.

There may be people out there who need someone to turn to for many different reasons, whether a part of, or outside the LGBT society. I believe it should be made clearer that there is help at the disposal of those who need it. I want to make a difference and make it known that there is always someone to turn to, whatever issues someone may be dealing with.

For the welfare positions, I feel not only is it important to have the ability to do the job, it is paramount to be the right sort of person. I believe I fill both of these criteria and can carry out and fulfill the position requirements.

Seconding statement by Richard Davies; Current Social Secretary and Vice President.

I met Danny in our first year, both of us new to the university and both finding the society to be a safe and comfortable environment to make friends, meet new people from different backgrounds and experiences, and a place where if we had any problems there were always people to talk to. The LGBT is at heart a welfare-society, as Social Secretary I have obviously had to think about our social events and nights out, yet the welfare of our members has always been, and should always be of paramount importance. Although all of the committee have the responsibility to ensure the happiness and inclusion of all members, the position of Welfare Officer is an important role. Providing members and non-members alike with someone who’s main drive on the committee is to promote and protect the welfare aspect of our society. The last two years have shown me that Danny is a caring, compassionate, committed and empathetic person, a guy who is perfect for the role of Welfare Officer.

Although, as Welfare Officer one has to be able to listen to or be there for our members, there is also another side to the role. As Welfare Officer they are also responsible to provide our members with information, education and understanding of the world they are a part of, as for most members coming to the meetings for the first time there is much to learn of how to be safe in both sexual and non-sexual situations. They need also to be informed of their rights and what can be perceived to be discriminatory against them to ensure it does not continue.

I think it is clear from Danny’s leadership and commitment skills he is more than up to the task of making sure that the role of the Welfare Officer is not one that should or is neglected, and that he will make the role his own, allowing our society to grow and prosper in the years to come.