Candidate Statements for ELECTION OF A MEMBER OF THE STAFF OTHER THAN THE ACADEMIC STAFF ELECTED FROM WITHIN THEIR OWN NUMBER

• Rob Bateson (Wolfson School of MEME)
• Cosmina Ciuperca (School of Science)
• Denise Coles (EDI)
• Priti Meredith (School of Science)
• Julie Turner (H&S/OD/SDCA)
• David Wilson (IT Services)
• Simon Wombwell (Loughborough Sport)

See below for statements from each candidate.

Candidates' Statements

ROB BATESON

My name is Rob Bateson, and I wish to tender my nomination for the vacant seat on the university council.

I have been at the University for 9 years now and have seen many changes during my time here. All universities have faced many challenges over this period such as the funding shortfalls and international events such as the covid pandemic that the university has had to respond to, and I would love to be involved with the process to both see and contribute to the decisions made that affect us all. In general, I believe the council to have made good decisions that have protected the university in some difficult circumstances, so involvement would be a valuable experience for me personally, and I feel I would be able to contribute positively towards the councils’ actions and decision making with a fairly unique point of view that may not be present currently on the council.

Alongside the EDI protected groups we are so passionate and committed to giving a voice in our university and the union I represent, I feel I would be also be a valuable voice to represent the views of non EDI protected underrepresented groups in lower grade roles and underprivileged backgrounds here at the university due to the work I do representing and engaging with these individuals through my union.

I wish all concerned all the best in the search for a council member who will uphold the values of the university and provide a meaningful contribution to the councils’ endeavours, alongside providing a valuable, intelligent and coherent voice for those not currently represented.

COSMINA CIUPERCA

My name is Cosmina Ciuperca, and I am a Postgraduate Research Officer in School of Science. I am dedicated to supporting and improving academic, student, and staff experience, and I believe I will bring unique and valuable perspectives to the Council. I have a keen interest in the higher education, having been involved in the sector both at University where I have held several different roles and through my previous NGO experience supporting early career researchers.

In addition to having first-hand experience utilising the Regulations and Codes of Conduct in the UG, PGT, and PGR areas, I have held voluntary roles and responsibilities that gave me a unique blend of experiences: from being a Wellbeing Champion and Representative within the School, reporting in the Operational Committee, being a member of the Harassment and Sexual Violence Working Group, and to being an active member of the wider community through co-created events with students, staff, and local volunteers. In addition, my knowledge and skills in service design gained through my studies inform my approaches.

Managing difficult conversations, dealing with students in distress, with complaints, and challenging where appropriate are experiences that will aid in sitting on the Council in a supportive and constructive advisory role, leading with openness, objectivity, and confidentiality. Throughout my career I have championed the Principles of Public Life including integrity, accountability, objectivity, highlighted by my long-standing commitment to the community and higher education governance.

If elected, I am confident that I will fulfil my commitment to holding accountable the operational management of the University, working together towards the success of the University and of those we serve.

DENISE COLES

I am writing to express my interest in the non-academic member position of the Loughborough University Council. I have significant skills and qualities that would make me an active and productive member of the university council.  I am the University’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager, an MSc apprentice, undertaking an apprenticeship in Strategic Leadership. Alongside this, I have important lived experience to bring to this role as a black woman, who grew up in an economically deprived area, making me an informed and productive council member.

I am drawn to be a council member as it provides opportunities to progress the University’s Strategy to promote inclusive policies, addressing systemic barriers that underlie limited progress. I work to foster social cohesion and work constructively with groups with different perspectives on decision-making from my worldview.  As the University’s EDI Manager, I advise colleagues on policies and practices to promote inclusion. There is often an understanding in institutions that EDI needs to be embedded into policies, etc. I can help the Council fulfil this intention.

My role is also data-driven. I provide expertise to address EDI data disparities, e.g., the Gender Pay gap. Data awareness allows me to Horizon Scan utilising trend data to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities to advise senior colleagues and key stakeholders demonstrating my suitability and capability for Council membership.

Other relevant skills are political astuteness, attention to detail, relationship skills, and enjoyment of teamwork. I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to serve on Loughborough University’s Council and to help the university achieve its strategic goals and outcomes.

PRITI MEREDITH

I am standing for the role of non-academic member of Council to bring a fresh, pragmatic, and inclusive voice to the table. I joined Loughborough in 2015 and currently work as a Centre Manager for the large-scale research Centre for Early Mathematics Learning in the School of Science, drawing on over a decade of experience across four other Universities in the Midlands and London.

As a British Asian Indian woman and part-time working mother of two young children, I bring lived experiences that reflect the diversity of our community. In 2023, I founded a professional services network for staff managing and supporting research centres and large-scale programmes and projects - predominantly women on fixed-term contracts. This initiative supports career development, fosters collaboration, and actively contributes to reducing the gender pay gap.

My career has equipped me with a deep understanding of institutional strategy, governance, and operational delivery. I regularly contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and performance monitoring. I have also worked collaboratively with academics to secure external funding and achieved this successfully through my experience and ability to be honest and empathetic, which are important attributes for Council.

I believe good governance is the foundation of a thriving institution. I am passionate about contributing to Council’s work, offering a professional services perspective while also being able to represent academic colleague’s views and experiences. I bring a unique blend of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership - qualities that will help shape a stronger, more representative future for Loughborough.

JULIE TURNER

I am honoured to put myself forward for consideration for nomination to Loughborough University Council. Having worked at Loughborough University since 2011, I am deeply committed to its strategy, values, and long-term success. I bring both an internal perspective and a genuine desire to help guide the University through strategic challenges and opportunities, ensuring it continues to thrive as a world-leading institution. I am passionate about positive leadership and creating positive impact on everything I try to do.

My current role, Strategic Scientific Technical Lead and Interim Head of Operations of SDCA has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the University’s culture, operations, and ambitions. I have collaborated with colleagues across Services and Schools and contributed to Uni wide initiatives. This experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the complexities of university governance and the importance of sound, inclusive decision-making. I led the covid testing centres during Covid supporting both students and staff during the pandemic. I have led the launch of a new career pathway for technicians to allow for transparency and visibility across roles and established technical apprentices.

Beyond the University, I serve as President of AURPO, a national leadership role that reflects my professional commitment to advancing safety, compliance, and best practice across the UK higher education. This role has strengthened my governance skills and given me valuable experience in representing the interests of diverse institutions and stakeholders at a strategic level.

I am confident that my professional integrity, collaborative nature, and strategic awareness would enable me to make a valuable contribution to Council discussions.

DAVID WILSON

I am standing for Council to move the future of Loughborough in a more ethical direction. I have been part of the University for 25 years, and I want it to be the best version of itself it can be. For us, and for generations to come. Council membership historically reflects an over-admiration for corporations that exploit workers and the planet, and threaten the future of our families and our civilisation through climate change and end-stage capitalism. That sounds dramatic, but it’s the reality we see around us.

Through my roles within UCU, one of our recognised unions, I have been shaping policy and practice to defend the rights and conditions of staff for over 10 years, and I am currently Branch Chair. I have also lead EDI projects and staff networks over a similar period, for which I have been nominated for two VC awards. This has included making improvements to your working conditions, such as a more flexible sickness policy, ensuring the dress code allows self-expression, and introducing gender-neutral toilets. I have campaigned and taken strike action to successfully defend our pensions. As a case worker I have supported colleagues through the scariest moments of their careers.

Last year I took a leading role in campaigning against plans to open a campus in Saudi Arabia, a country in which I, and many of our staff, would be subject to torture or execution for our practices and beliefs. More recently, I have been involved in work to try and persuade the University to distance itself from organisations implicated in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

I do these things because I want Loughborough to succeed for the long term, by focussing on sustainable development, and maintaining a positive international reputation by being on the right side of history.

SIMON WOMBWELL

Over 15 years’ experience of working within the University across professional services, I believe I am well positioned to represent the staff family and contribute effectively to the University’s governance and strategic direction.

For the past 12 years I have led our Wellbeing, Education and Development Service within Loughborough Sport. In this role I aim to drive a global sector leading service. Interdisciplinary working and strategic performance planning are fundamental. I have specialist responsibilities and experience within safeguarding and people development. I have forged national and international level partnerships with HE institutions, wider organisations and companies to enhance our offer.

Alongside my primary role, I have worked to enhance our student residential experience. Initially within the Community Warden Team and then between 2015-2024 as Warden (Falk Egg Hall), Student Services. Achieving UK Hall of the Year for the first time in 2017 (Student Crowd) and again in 2019 (The Times). This achievement is testament to the cohesive work with the Hall Management team, SAC and Estates & FM.

In 2024, I was seconded to establish and lead the Student Life team within Student Services as Head of Student Life. This role included leading on the residential student experience offer, international student experience and management of the Hall Warden team. This role required me to act at speed to develop and confirm essential strategic business change.

I have been fortunate enough to connect with colleagues from nearly every professional service, school and department within the University. I will bring rounded operational, managerial and strategic leadership experience and provide an innovative solution-focused approach to advancing meaningful change.