Hello, my name is Ricardo P. Carvalho and I am currently studying in the first year of the BSc Psychology. I am standing for the position of Student Council member because I want to improve the student experience and wellbeing.

As a mature student and part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I realised that representation is key when it comes to be the face of others. My experience enabled me to have a better insight into specific issues that, alongside my personal life, make me an ideal candidate to act upon such issues.

• As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to raise awareness and be an advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Not just within the community, but outside as well, by erasing stigma and ignorance.
  • Events, such as, discussion forums and seminars, focusing on different issues concerning the community, throughout the year and not only during the LGBTQIA+ History Month.
  • Induction talks in the beginning of the school year regarding, for example, the use of pronouns, the role of the ally, gender identity, etc.
     
• As a mature student, I relate to the difficulties that many other mature students might also encounter. I want to be able to help them reach their full potential by minimising their struggle and celebrating their skills.
  • Improved access to information regarding support provided by the University and the government
  • More flexibility in resits and mitigating circumstances

As a previous student representative in another institution, I developed leadership and communication skills that are necessary for this role.

• I voiced the student feedback in official Committee Board meetings held frequently and reported back to the students the decision made by the executive members.  
• I was also the representative for the Postgraduate students during the curriculum revision, which allowed me to connect with external educational and governmental organisations and understand how these bodies relate to each other.    

I believe that comprehending the functioning of outer organisations greatly benefits the understanding on the internal operations of the university.

With these experiences, I became passionate about representing the student community and being a voice that works towards the students’ welfare at London Metropolitan University.
I believe I am in a good position to mediate and improve the communication between both parts by bringing responsibility, insight and perspective. 

Thank you for reading my manifesto and feel free to get in contact with me to ask me any further questions at rjp0078@my.londonmet.ac.uk