Student Governor Role for Mark

Mark Brashier has been elected Student Governor at SERC.

No stranger to the workings of the Student’s Union, Mark (18) from Dundonald, got involved as Class Representative when he progressed to SERC from school following his GCSEs. Mark said, “I wasn’t sure what pathway I was going to take after my GCSEs. I did think about A-Levels but found out about the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services course at SERC and, after speaking with the course coordinator, Irwin Pryce, decided to enrol. 

“You learn a lot about the workings of Government and the democratic process through the course, and I guess that inspired me to get involved in the Students’ Union as a Class Rep. After that I ran for an SU Officer role and was elected International Students’ Officer, then Campus President for the Bangor Campus and this year I have secured the role of Student Governor.   I have been to two Board of Governors’ meetings already.   There is a great sense of responsibility when you go along to the meetings but there is a positive and welcoming atmosphere in that everyone is there to support the college as a whole and recognition that I am there for the interests of the student body.”

The Student Governor is the prime representative of the Students’ Union at SERC. Mark’s position in this role means he is part of the Governing Body and senior decision-making body of SERC. He is a nominee rather than a student representative and therefore has equal powers to the other board members. This is a paid position with remuneration for Board of Governor duties, including travel expenses.  

The role requires significant dedication and commitment as it includes training to prepare for duties; attendance at all Governing Body meetings and committees; working closely with the Student Engagement Manager to inform the strategic development of the Students’ Union at SERC; and attendance at all internal and external events including leading delegations to NUS USI conferences.

The young man who is currently completing a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business Studies said, “My ambition is to work in the business side of the services or charity sector when I complete my course at SERC.”

Beside his voluntary role with the Students’ Union, Mark also volunteers with St John Ambulance as a First Aider and is involved in the #iWill Movement which is concerned with youth voice and youth social action.  He said, “Volunteering is great way to get out and meet people and get involved in your local community and national issues.”  

He added, “My opinion on student leadership has changed since I came to SERC. Initially, I thought it was some small, irrelevant programme to keep some students busy and help with upskilling but now, coming onto my third year in the college and involvement with the Students’ Union, I understand how student leaders can impact a variety of places, to promote positive change, including Parliament in London. “I have had the privilege to see many achievements for students at SERC, from external collaborations such as with Ulster University SU on their Charter on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls to representing students in the Belfast Pride Parade for the first time ever, to supporting new and returning Students’ Union Officers and Class Reps.”

Mark concluded, “It is an exciting time to be a student and to be part of the Students’ Union movement.   We all have a voice and it a privilege for me to use mine to represent the student body here in SERC.”