Why are you standing for the role? What qualities do you bring that would make you a great or effective student leader?

I am standing for Student Trustee because I believe that how the association is run has a substantial impact on student wellbeing and results

At the University of Edinburgh, I often felt like just one of many. The disconnect affected my results negatively, and there is a stark contrast between how I did then and how I am doing so far here. The Open University performs well in this aspect, you maintain individuality without feeling isolated. I aim to minimise any remaining disconnect I can between the students, their courses and the university, as it really can have an outsized effect

I have always enjoyed business, and I have worked on multiple ventures over the last few years. While they are small-scale and only involving myself, they have allowed me to gain experience with governance, compliance, mandatory filings and accounting. Through these ventures and personal projects, I have developed practical experience with technology and development. Wherever possible and appropriate, I would use my skills in this area to assist the association

I believe I would bring a valuable perspective to the association due to attending university both immediately after high school and later in life. Having experience of both an in-person and remote university allows me to relate to and represent that group of students well. As the Open University has a wide variety of students, including many traditional students and mature students, it is beneficial to have a wide range of views and perspectives within the association

I believe my friends would describe me as a loyal person and someone who cares about others. My philosophy in business centres around going out of my way for customers and ensuring staff are treated as people first and employees second. In the same sense, no student should feel like just a number.

If elected, I aim to ensure that the association is putting significant focus on the most critical issues. As a representative, I would place an emphasis on direct contact with students, ensuring they feel heard. Please feel free to get in touch about anything you would like raised, aidan.gribble@ou.ac.uk

With consideration to the role you are standing for, please describe an issue that you think is affecting students at The Open University

A major issue currently affecting students is the difficult economic conditions in the UK and wider Europe. Youth unemployment is at a decade high of 16%, and the cost of essentials such as food and rent has risen faster than the average wage. While none of us can fix the underlying issues alone, I aim to ensure the association is doing all it can to support students through these times. Specifically, I want to increase awareness of the funding available through scholarships and the OU Students Educational Trust. It is important that students feel confident applying for available funding. Students should not feel as if they are burdening anyone by using this support. These systems exist for that purpose

Many students are concerned about the large increase in first-class degrees over the past decade. According to the Office for Students, “In 2010-11, 15.5 per cent of students were awarded a first-class honours degree. The proportion of students awarded the top grade has since more than doubled, reaching 32.8 per cent of students in 2021-22”. Current research suggests that improvements in teaching cannot be responsible for the entire increase, leaving the issue open to discussion. If the trend continues unresolved and unexplained, degrees may begin to lose their value. This outcome would greatly affect students and would be unfair to those who receive a high-class degree on genuine merit

I would push for the association to provide guidance and support on this matter, and, where possible, contribute to insights and analysis on its current state within the Open University

If elected, I intend to use the position to improve awareness of key issues, drive the creation of insights to help students stay informed and boost student engagement with the association. If you would like more details about my ideas and plans, please visit aidangribble.com