Epiphany JJCR Meeting 17-2-08

Opening prayer

Apologias for absence 
Henry Jones
Cranmer Hall

Minutes taken on a general aye

Reports

Becca – just got back from Brussels was away for a week.  Had a lovely time at presidents banquet – congratulations to Martin.  Finished paper for Vice Chancellor on alcohol and about to start one with Will on Just world Coffee shop.  Exciting week with formals etc.

Richard – had post grad meetings and learned about communication and committees.  No questions

Peter – CCR president elect is Richard – congratulations.  Got off a plane an hour and a half ago.  CCR exec and committee meeting. Cranmer finances are good at the moment so good as far as bishops are concerned.  Increased capacity but can’t attract enough students.  Had presidential elections.  Congratulations to Martin.  No questions.

Will – Not much happening.  Any further news on vac res?
BD – Sue is trying to get Cuths to take people and haven’t worked out a way of allocating that to people.  Becca has urged Campbell to come up with a solution.  Members fund is available if you have booked train tickets home.
NR – talked about storing things in the Bailey Room as a last resort. 
BD – seeing Campbell tomorrow so should have more info then.

Nick – Have had most of the talks.  Talk on self injury on 7th March which will be very different and interesting so do come.  7:30 in Wallace Room.

Martin – talked to Anthony Friswell and had accounts sorted.  TV is bust but looking into buying one rather than renting one.  Also, met with Richard Wildman to talk about John’s and Cranmer moving forward. No questions

Sammy – not a huge amount.  Gradually pushing new constitution through.  Everyone should vote in those elections.  Will be a prize for the college which casts the most votes.  Also, there has been John’s team vs Marys in university challenge teams.

Enoch – negotiating laundry service.  Will be a discussion later.  Come up with some points for why you want to be a services manager – including getting involved in freshers week and have a college project and serve under Martin. No questions.

Charlotte – This week is in the form of an email.  No questions.

Tom – Festival dinner and Epiphany ball. 
PG – if haven’t paid for epiphany ball should we give it to people giving out tickets?
PF – naughty man – yes!

Senior Bar officer – report written on slides.

Accounts 2008 – Martin

Sent to Campbell who said they are fine.  Going to resources committee.  Are up on the screen and if anyone wants to see them email Martin.  Not been approved by resources committee so will be on the website when this has happened.

Part I – up on composition fee and down on JJCR subs.  This is because the presidents decided less should be put into part I and didn’t give part II support to part I as it is doing so well.  Underspending specifically in societies.  Choir and orchestra didn’t take any of their money.  That’s about it for part I – had a surplus there.

Part II – revenue – break down of different areas – how much made compared to lost.  BTC up, services down partly due to Toastie bar being made health and safety conscious.  Services not as high as it would normally be.  Sometimes high and sometimes not.  SEC not down because treasurer is rubbish but because 2006 Bailey ball wasn’t paid until 2007 and cheques weren’t paid in until 2008 so only slightly a loss so it is not the end of the world and the events have been great.  JWS – slight issue regarding the loss – not that they haven’t been taking money – one fifth of the services income.  Due to expenditure on standing orders which come out no matter what even over the holidays.  Also was a lot of stock which went off over the holidays so had to be sold off at a loss.  Is it financially viable to make all the donations we do or should we cut some?  Freshers week looks like it made a loss but it hasn’t due to cheques being paid in.  Slight profit we didn’t mean to make but goes back in to benefit college.
EC – SMG paid in £1500 so not as bad as it may seem.
BA – worried about cutting charity donations as that is its point. 
MH – can’t run the shop at a loss – have standing orders to donate to certain charities even over holidays.
BA – can’t we just donate during term time?
MH – will look at that.  Would stop making expenditures during the hols so may be easier to just decrease donations rather than start and stop them.  If we end up making more than we thought then it gets given to the JWS organisers to donate to charity anyway.
PM – looking at surplus could we give charity donations from the bottom line anyway?
MH – a couple of things to consider.  Don’t do this every year.  2006 made £1800.  Would suggest that when we have a large surplus could write a motion to donate money to charity. 
PM - Would it be possible to write a motion to give 10% of whatever surplus we make through the year?
MH – yes.

No questions on expenditure.

Part II notes –

A couple of things – miscellaneous expenditure – gave a loan to the bar which is why it is a negative figure.  There was during this year in other expenditure, a lot of money gone out from the previous year due to estates cost – partly from Linton B and it is not college that pay for it – it is us so please keep an eye out for who did it. 

Approved by finance committee.

Accounts accepted on a general aye.

Becca thanked Martin.

Discussion on Cruddas Laundry

(Use slides)

CL – Option A – price guaranteed for 5 years.  Option B – same?
EC – we set the price.
MH – we generally set the price so we set the price of £1:40 to cover the rent.
EC – new option would be cheaper with the new options. 
PM – are there penalties for cancelling early?
EC – yes.
PM – why are we discussing this?
EC – contract is up so need a new one.
SL – Can they accept change of different amounts?
EC – yes.
JC – Service provider in Margarets?
EC – Circle laundry
JC – works very well
MH – same people that do 23.
Option A – 3
Option B – overwhelming
Abstientions – 5

Motions

Motion for spending on colours
Proposed Simon Greenway.

Happens every year.
Gone down a lot this year.  Spending on ties and wine glasses for people who are awarded colours.
Ammended by finance committee to include Arts so gone from up to to approximately £500.

Motion taken on a general aye.

Motion for spending on lacrosse
Proposed Dan Martin-Thomas
Seconded Simon Greenway.

MH – finance committee released £300 to buy sticks but can have budget to buy the rest of the items and ref fees. 
Finance committee also mandated the captain to collect in all the sticks to ensure they don’t go missing.

Taken on a general aye.

Elections

BEC decs.
No candidates

BEC pubs
All the fun of SEC but on a smaller scale.
Ana Sharkey
Proposed Steph Hannah
Seconded James Rayner

Senior DSU rep

Rob Feakes.

 

-          I think it’s fair to say that I’m a rarity in Johns. I’m actually enthusiastic about the DSU. That, I think, is the most important thing you need to be a Senior DSU Rep.

-          Experience is something else that a DSU Rep needs. I’ve been a Junior Rep twice now, and I know the way that DSU politics works. I know most of the major figures in the DSU, and most notably I have worked with both candidates for President on campaigns in the past.

-          Why is the DSU relevant to John’s? John’s is a small college, and therefore we only have a small voice to the university and the country as a whole. On a whole range of issues, like the residence charge, tuition fees, relations with the town to mention just a few, we need to work with the DSU to be heard. I want to be the one that takes the Johns viewpoint to this higher level. I realise that the DSU hasn’t been hugely successful in its dealings with the University in recent times, but it is only by all of us lending our voice to the DSU that it carries any weight at all.

-          It is the campaigning role of the DSU that is my main interest, especially in terms of the campaigns on tuition fees. I think that it is so wrong that universities are looking to suck more and more money out of us, especially when at the same time they are cutting back teaching. I have been deeply involved in the planning stages of the Keep the Cap campaign, and some of you may have even been accosted by me at the Freshers Fair this year to try and get you on board.

-          This year I’ve also tried to push the campaign within Johns, by bringing JCR policy up to date and by writing to notable alumni. We are very lucky in this respect to have Cranmer here at Johns, as so many of them have gone on to be Bishops and get seats in the Lords; they are ripe for lobbying. Higher education funding is an issue that I would like to drive forward, especially having seen the recent Palatinate Article on the UCAS figures that show that whilst university applications have been rising, the number of applications from poorer students have been falling.

-          The DSU also has so many opportunities for us in terms of getting involved. It’s a chance to do things on a bigger scale than in Johns. It’s a chance to do something that you’re passionate about. It’s a chance to gain and develop new skills. And obviously none of us have ever thought this way, but it is a chance for a bit of shameless CV building.

-          I want to build on John’s record of participation in the DSU by really working to identify who wants to get involved. This can only be done by working with next year’s Junior Reps who will have a much better idea of the strengths and interests of their own years. I’d like to properly identify the positions up for election in advance and publicise them in emails, This Week, and by word of mouth. Also in terms of preparation, I would also like to try and give the JCR more of a chance to express its opinions. I realise that this is difficult, due to the timing of DSU Council meetings relative to JCR meetings, but I think that This Week entries and emails are enough to mention any contentious issues that are going to be raised.

-          I would like to try and work towards improving the efficiency of the DSU decision-making process. I haven’t missed a meeting since I started as a Junior Rep, and have attended what used to be known as DSU Exec twice as cover for Sammy, so I know the way that the DSU decision-making works. I would like to use the position of Senior Rep to put pressure on DSU officers to improve the clarity and quality of the policy they put to council.

-          And the biggest change I would like to make is in the way I work with the Junior Reps. They really need to know what’s going on within the DSU in order to do their jobs properly and to know what their talking about when specific issues come up at council. I would want to email them details of all that has gone on at the horrifically named new ‘Joint Committee of the DSU and JCRs’, and make those details available to all who ask for them. I also support and would continue with Sammy’s plans to record the votes made by John’s Council members, so that they can be made accountable for their decisions.

-          A last key issue is helping the CCR and MCR to get the most out of the DSU. Having spoken to the MCR President, himself an ex-DSU Rep, and the new CCR President, I’m afraid that none of us could come up with a definitive answer as to what those two common rooms want from the DSU. As I see it, the best thing that I could do is just try to keep the CCR and MCR in the loop, via email, and when an issue comes up that is specific to them I could deal with, and hopefully enthuse them, separately.

-          So those are my plans for what I would like to do with the role of Senior DSU Rep, I think I have the experience, enthusiasm and qualities to carry those changes through. I realise that most of them seem like quite dull organisational changes, but that’s what I think is needed to improve this JCR’s involvement in the DSU, which in the end gives us a stronger JCR and a better student experience.

Questions:

BD – Does the DSU only provide for rarities or are the rest of us mistaken for not participating?
RF – everything done by the JCR is done by the DSU on a larger scale so there is a lot to get enthusiastic in?
RK – Enthusiasm is low.  Do you have any ideas as to how to increase this?
RF – not specifically but will try to drag freshers to meetings.
MH – What do you think of the constitutional change?
RF – name change is a better reflection JCRs will still have the same input they did in the past.  There isn’t a great deal of change.
SH – What would you improve on but won’t ask that as have covered it.  Anacronym RF – theft but Do Something Useful.

This election will be a paper ballot due to problems with online voting.  Will be open tonight and Tuesday after communion.

Break – come and vote.

JHJCR Meeting

Motion
VP mandated to live in for 2 terms.  For this year only there is a motion to live out for the two terms.

Taken on a general aye.
Elections

VP – Steph Hannah

I must first admit to not being experienced in the field of public speaking, and apologise for that. In the light of this, I'll try to keep this a brief and to the point as possible. Hopefully some of you will have read my manifesto, and therefre already know about some of the experience and ideas I have.

Obviously, unlike the other exec positions, the position of VP is a new one, created with certain objectives in mind. The post is not merely intended, nor would I want it to be, to simply help the President in whatever way he may choose. Clearly, supporting the President, so that he can perform his duties as effectively as possible, is an important part of the role, but there is much more to it than that.

The primarty responsibility of organising the John's Hall exec. would fall to me, were I to be elected VP, allowing the President to focus on JJCR Exec. In fulfilling this role, I would seek to use my organisational abilities, as developed working on SEC and as Brownie Pack Leader. Facilitating communication between exec. members, and between exec. and other members of the JCR is essential if exec. is to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible, in order to enable all of us to get the most out of our JCR involvement. Bringing different ideas together so that knowledge and resources can be pooledfor all our benefit, would be a key objective of mine.  A prime example of this is the multitude of ways in which DUCK, SEC and BEC could work together on any number of events.  Between these bodies we have a wealth of experience at organising a range of events, and sharing that experience can only benefit the JCR as a whole.

To continue on the theme of bringing people together, I have developed some ideas as to how we could work together with other colleges, particularly Chad's, to put on events that we could all enjoy. As our neighbours on the Bailey and the only other independent college, we have more in common with Chad's that with any other college. My main idea would be for a wekk of sporting competition, in a whole range of sports, to take place in that glorious period after exams finish.  This week would culminate in a joint social event, and hopefully provide yet another opportunity for us to demonstrate our superiority over Chad's.

Another aspect of the VP's role, certainly in my eyes, is as a key contact in the welfare network. I feel I am well qualified for this element of the job, having been a Peer-to-Peer supporter at school, and having been trained in a range of welfare issues in my work with the Brownies and as a Student Associate teacher. I would like to think that as VP I would be another useful component of our already well developed welfare network here at John's.

Finally to return to a point made earlier, I would obviously seek to support Martinin whatever way works best. This may involve me acting as a sounding board for his ideas, acting as an interface between Martin and other exec. members, as well as representing the wider views of the JCR. The Presidency is, as we all know, a huge job, and sharing some of this worklaod, whilst pursuing separate ideas of my own, is, to my mind, what the Vice-Presidency is all about. I think I can do these things, and I hope you feel the same.

Thanks for listening.

Questions –
NR – how do you see the role fo VP interacting with welfare
SH – would like to get more welfare training as it is another welfare position.
WH – How do you think you will cope with the time commitment
SH – Will give up other things before going into melt down.  Have a lot to organise at the moment so used to balancing commitments.
AO – how much control would you seek to do for the JJCR not just JHJCR
SH – would be representing John’s Hall to those meetings. 
AO – how much control would you want outside John’s Hall
SH – not my positon.
CL – danger that both president and VP are doing the same job.
SH – I would be JHJCR so would have one-2-ones with them and report to Martin.  Don’t think there would be too much crossover.
BD – Will do a handover period with Martin and Becca so can work out dynamic and which meetings should be attended as it is a new role.

Estates officer – Ben Aisbitt

Hi, I am a second year working for a science degree and am a perfectionist. Notice things around college that annoy him such as the clock is wrong.  Alan hates it when Ben comes into his office with a list.  Decided to stand when working for the maintinance team.  Get on with the college officers and feel the college buildings should be perfect for the students as we have our own maintenance team.  Work on the bar, do a purple radio show.  John’s has given him a lot and has taken students round college and the looks on their faces when he shows them college is amazing.  Really got across how friendly John’s is.  As estates will be in charge of where freshers were accommodated.  One of the most scary things is knowing have to share with someone who they have never met before.  Wants to set up a forum for freshers to get to know the people they are sharing with so can solve problems before they arise so people know each other far better before they arrive.  Am an aprochable person and works for college 3 mornings a week doing horrible jobs such as clearing hair from drains.  Little things can make college much better such as sort heating.  The blue slips system does work but we can improve on it.  Want to find a way to get the students voice heard.  Lots of plans that will affect college for the next 100 years so don’t want to make mistakes now which will cost us in the future so good student representation is vital.

Estates officer – Larry Hegarty

When I first heard that the position of VP Estates was changing to just estates I wasn’t sure how it would affect the position. I thought about it some more and realized that it can only improve college. It now means that the Estates officer will be able to focus on their jobs rather than worry about having to do two jobs in one. This appeals to me especially at this exciting time when college is looking to the future and improvements are the way forward.

Our college is certainly lovely the way it is, but I would love to help improve it. I have the following ideas I would like to investigate and propose. Firstly, I think everyone will agree the gazebo and benches on linton lawn are a great asset to college especially in the upcoming summer term. I think we could make more use of our outdoor space particularly on Cranmer lawn and Library lawn. Some more benches and possibly another gazebo could make these areas used more regularly and improve the look of college.
You will also probably all be aware of the issues with storing belongings during holidays and I would be keen to look into more storage and lockable cupboards in rooms to meet everybody’s needs.  This can involve simple things such as providing proper locks for lockable cupboards in rooms. I would also look into a new key system for the lock ups on corridors as the keys always seem to go missing! As well as these I will use my skills to persuade college staff that students really need and deserve Vac. Res.
Additionally, I will try to continue the review of formals, their time and day to see if there is any way we can improve the current system for everyone involved. I will also continue to use the new formal sign up system which has definitely worked well and ensures fairness.
Through my position of assistant estates I am now more aware of the day to day jobs which must be done efficiently and properly in order to underpin any bigger ideas. These are the jobs which keep college running smoothly and which I would also be glad to do. I love being around college and jobs such emptying the bins and helping tidy up the gardens do not put me off!
Obviously these jobs can take up quite a lot of time which is why I think living in college will be an asset to the position and am pleased the new constitution did not change this. Estates needs to be on hand as often as possible to see to problems and I think I’m the friendly approachable face to do the job.
I think I have certain qualities or characteristics that would not only make me a good candidate for estates but also as a good member of the Exec team. Due my science degree I have a large lecture load and alongside other commitments such as being football captain and being assistant estates I have practice of managing time and prioritising the most important jobs effectively. Next year my lecture load gets reduced so I will have more time to devote to the position. I have the variety of skills needed to fulfil this diverse role, I am happy to get my hands dirty and do manual work but am also more than capable of negotiating between students and staff and helping make formals look pretty.

This college means a lot to me and I feel that by taking on the responsibilities of the estates position I will become even more a part of this wonderful place which is like my second home. I want all of us to be proud of John’s facilities, gardens and buildings and be pleased to show them off to prospective students and their inquisitive parents. I promise that I would listen to your ideas and voice your concerns about how things in college are going and will be committed to the role and will do the job to the best of my ability.
I really want this position and would be grateful of your support.
Thank you!

Quesitons –
DM – Formals
LH – formals are now all on a Monday night.  Were willing to do Wednesdays so will talk to college to see if we can do Monday one week and Wednesday the next.
BA – important to get as many people there as possible so will do as much as possible to make sure as many people as possible can go and a day which will suit the most people.
BD – favourite member fo college staff?
BA – Howard as it took so long to get a decent word out of him but now managed it.
LH – Alison Bradshaw as have to work with her every week as she is really soft on the inside.
WF – how good is your relationsip with all the staff?
LH – Know catering staff well and Sue Hobson and getting to know the maintenance staff.
BA – Know all the maintenace staff, the cleaners, Sue, Pat, Lynn and know some of the catering staff, know the office staff and bursar.
WH – other than time and frequency of formals how would you improve them?
BA – hard not just to sign up but sign up on time.  Would like to see a system where you can bring guests more and where it is fairer.
LH – pay for formal but put that towards wine so if you have a late lecture or forget the wine is already there.
RH – why should people who don’t drink subsidise wine?
LH – could add it to your dietry requirements and buy soft drink.
BA – don’t want to see a formal like hatfield where you have to drink and guests do drink but weren’t offered any so have to have a balancer as they didn’t realise they had to bring it.
MH – what do you think you could bring to exec and the JJCR?
BA – have been working with the staff but have not been in these meetings very much and there are a lot of students that don’t come to these meetings so would like to persuade them to come.
LH – time management and organisation.  Have a large lecture load so have to be organised at all times.
RA – what single improvement would you make to Margaret’s?
LH – would like the Margaret’s shop to open.
BA – difficult as the Crossgate centre is being sold. Students should get a lot more say in what is going to happen.

Welfare – Helen Loxley

Hello, I’m Helen, a second year theologian and I’d like to tell you all why I would love to be elected to the position of JHJCR Welfare Officer.

There are many qualities needed when in the position of welfare officer; tact, diplomacy, good listening skills, approachability, empathy, dedication and creativity. I feel I possess these qualities but this is not simply the only reason I am standing for this position. I have a passion for John’s, and feel privileged to be a part of a community that is so willing to support its members and I want to further nurture the well oiled machine that is our excellent welfare system. I’ll fully admit that when I first joined the welfare team as a fresher I thought welfare was all about giving out sex supplies and providing people with the opportunity for a cup of tea and a natter. While tea is of course an important resource for any welfare rep I came to realise very quickly that welfare within our college is so much more. From my experience of working within the welfare team I am aware that the position of JHJCR welfare officer is a two sided role, involving the co-ordination of the welfare team to provide information regarding welfare services both within college and the university, raising awareness of important issues for students while on a more personal level providing people with a space to talk in a non judgemental supportive environment. This role of course requires a certain amount of experience and the ability to be well organised, this I believe I have. I held the position of Assistant female welfare officer during my third term of first year, and currently hold the position of Livers-Out officer giving me wide ranging experience of welfare issues relating to both livers-in and livers-out. I have attended numerous training sessions in areas such as listening skills, student finance, sexual health, Depression,  The Counselling and Advice service and confidentiality . Confidentiality is of course a major issue within the welfare system. Being a close-knit college brings with it many advantages; however, I am aware that a small environment such as this can in fact amplify difficulties some may face.  While holding these positions I have sat on several DSU committees, Livers-Out Committee and Welfare Exec on Nicks behalf, giving me an awareness of university wide welfare initiatives. This experience and training, has allowed me to build up a substantial bank of welfare related knowledge and skills. This knowledge isn’t just trivia; it will allow me to provide the correct support and information relating to welfare services when needed.  However I am fully aware that as a student welfare officer, I have limitations.  I am not a professional and would know if a particular issue went beyond the boundaries of my skills. However I would address a situation such of this within the boundaries of the confidentiality policy brought in last year, providing that person with as much guidance and information as I was able to.

My other relevant experience also includes the role of Just World Shop Co-Manager giving me experience of working within a team to provide a service to both our students and the public while raising awareness of the issue of Fair-trade. I am also currently involved with the Students Associates Scheme as a Classroom Assistant in a local secondary school. This role requires that I maintain a professional attitude while at the same time being personable and approachable enough for pupils to engage with.  As a Sheffield Diocesan children’s leader I was a member of the Parochial Church Council for my Parish Church. Here I learnt the communication and organisational skills which are required for a large committee, made up of many points of view, and the tact,  diplomacy and voice needed to work effectively to implement certain strategies.  

You are of course wondering  how I would utilise this experience in a way that is beneficial to our welfare system.   My current skills relating to welfare have given me the confidence to look for new ways of making our welfare system within college even stronger.  My approach to welfare would be non- gimmicky. I see no use in implementing ideas which are simply a novelty for one night only; welfare should be about getting people to think differently about important issues.  My vision is for a well rounded college welfare system that not only focuses on  a fresh approach  to important issues such as sexual health but aims to implement practical ways of maintaining the wellbeing and happiness of all members of college. I want everyone to feel that the welfare system is for them, whether they need sex supplies or not! This I feel can be achieved in a number of ways.

Workload and the stress that this brings, is I think something which can be said to effect most students and I know from experience how the demands of studying can affect ones wellbeing. Building on the success of the Indian head massage sessions provided recently I would like to organise frequent relaxation evenings , giving Johnians the practical skills to relax and keep stress free - something especially important during exam season. I also feel that self defence classes, especially for livers-out, would be greatly appreciated giving people the opportunity to learn more about personal safety.  Holding the position of Livers-Out Officer has made me aware of ways in which our provision of welfare in this area can be improved. I wish to provide a practical living out talk at the end of third term  which I feel  would calm any nerves regarding living –out during second year by offering a whole wealth of practical tips and information. An issue I feel strongly about is ensuring that there is access to the welfare system for those on a Year Abroad. I would like to make sure that despite the fact they are away from college, welfare information and resources are still publicised to them. I would also like to liaise with the Comms officer to set up a Newsletter or mailing list of some sort to keep those spending a year abroad in the loop of what is happening in Durham. As a college we have been without a Chaplain for a considerable amount of time. I would therefore like to reintegrate this role into the welfare system,  widely publicising the fact that our new Chaplain has a considerable amount of experience in a welfare capacity and is available to talk about any issue, faith related or not. In addition to this I am looking forward to working with our new Senior Tutor, Dr Ogden who I’m sure will be able to contribute a new perspective to our welfare system.  I would also like to try and strengthen welfare links with Cranmer Hall. While recognising that we have different welfare needs we must also see the benefit of sharing what information and resources are applicable to both halls. I would like to investigate the possibility of working with the Cranmer welfare rep to create a student 2 student support network of those in cranmer.  

The implementation of these new ideas will not mean neglecting the promotion of existing services, this will always be paramount, but a more comprehensive system which looks as fresh ways of approaching issues will only be beneficial to college.

 I don’t think my dedication to life in John’s can be doubted. Whether it be taking early morning trips to Tesco for smoothie ingredients in alcohol awareness week, being frozen to death in the Just World Shop, filling up the rickety old condom machines or fighting a weekly war with the fair-trade vending machine. You name it, I’ve done it and all because I want to contribute to this college. If you were to vote for me I would do all this and more to make our welfare system truly work for everyone. 

Thankyou

 Non  -gimicky-  ways to promote welfare in a interesting fun way without pointless expenditure

Questions –

MH – if there is a shortage of rooms and we need to move people around at the start of term how would you manage this?
HL – no point in saying just rub along for two more terms, encourage them to talk to each other?
BD – what flavour lube would you recommend?
HL – have heard caramel goes well with white wine but…strawberry.
CG – exam time is the most important for welfare so what would you do?
HL – regular relaxation sessions such as Indian head massage?
NR – living out is hard.  How would you make sure livers out are given a fair share of welfare pie?
HL – mostly through information such as talking to comms to get a livers out mailing list.
RG – been suggested that welfare passes people along the line and there isn’t productive input.
HL – acting as a signpost is not enough but don’t have enough training to give advice so it is your job to give them direction to the service they need.
BJ – It has been suggested that one’s faith may prevent people being able to deal with anyone of a different faith.
HL – my faith is my own and have to do the best for the person coming to you for help.  Would not push faith on others.

SEC – Joanna Crawford

Social events are crucial to bringing us together as a college. They allow us to party together, share experiences together and create memories. It is because of the value that I attach to these things that I am running for social secretary.   

I’ve been on SEC for two years and thus, have seen how social secretaries function - I know what works and what doesn’t. It is this experience that makes me confident that I can fulfil this role well.

I think we all know that the Social Secretary’s main job is to organise the great social events that you, the JCR, want. Doing this goes far beyond dreams, ideas and a love of parties. It’s about knowing what’s possible within the confines of strict budget and time limitations. Crucial to this is good relations with college staff - I get on very well with Alan and Sue and I hope they are able to trust me and have faith that I won’t destroy their college while we’re all having fun. The social secretary needs to have immense organisational skills, a quality that I know I would bring to the role. All of this makes me confident in my ability to do this job.

Even superwoman couldn’t do all this alone. For the social secretary to have any chance of success, they must motivate and lead their committee. The SEC works best when every member contributes ideas and skills and then, as a team can produce amazing events. I know from my experience that being on SEC can be a lot of hard work. The job of the social secretary is to make sure that everyone has the end goal in sight and like me, can gain satisfaction from an event that is a success. I know first-hand the variety of different skills needed on SEC. In particular, the forward-planning and organisation needed by the Ents officers and the immense creativity needed by the Decs officers, having done these roles myself. This valuable combination of skills and experience means that I know the jobs the team members will have to do and I will know how to help them out if they need support. Obviously working in a close-knit team, there will always be the potential for some friction. I know that as social secretary I will have to deal with this and I believe I will do this by always being calm, friendly and open. Should you elect me, I know that I can lead a happy and productive SEC. 

Another important element of the role of social secretary is their position on the JCR Exec. I know that I can also bring skills and insight to this part of the job. Since I arrived at John’s, I have been heavily involved in college life, getting up at the crack of dawn to row, working the toastie bar and being an open day and interview rep among other things. All of this has given me a wide-ranging appreciation of the diversity of college life. I will bring a clear and enthusiastic voice to the Exec. I am open-minded and unbiased and will happily contribute, as well as support, ideas and discussions.

I’d like to give you a quick insight into a few of the many ideas that I have been thinking about. I’d like to build on existing events, as well as creating new ones.
? A Great Pimm’s-fuelled summer garden party on the lawns.
? Some more chilled out events - a Coffee and Jazz Café in Leech Hall - when people are stressed out with work, would be nice just to have something chilled out to help them relax.
? Expanding on our superformals - perhaps bringing back the bop or having some form of ‘ent’ afterwards, then free entry into Loveshack or Klute.

In addition, I have some other ideas that I think would be valuable to the role.
? I would hope to work closely with the president to ensure that our centenary is an unforgettable event for all those involved.
? I’d like to integrate events for all three common rooms, particularly with regard to our centenary celebrations.
? I would endeavour to establish better links with the social secretaries of other colleges, allowing us to pool resources for mutual benefit.
? I would seek committee affiliation within John’s eg. DUCK and Bar Events Committee.
? I would work for value for money - using increased sponsorship to achieve this, working on the basis that we established this year with the creation of SEC sponsorship officer.
? Finally, on a more practical point I’d like to organise the SEC basement - it would be a lot easier for everyone if we knew what was there, also if pooling resources with other colleges, easier if we know exactly what we have.

Having heard all this, I hope you have a greater idea of what I’d like to do. I value input from everyone and would like to hear all your ideas.
 
I’d like to finish by saying that I don’t want to do this just because of my experience. I want to be your social secretary because after two terms on SEC, my enthusiasm has flourished, not diminished. My vision has grown bolder and clearer and my urge to do this, believe it or not, has never been stronger. It is this passion, combined with my experience, that leads me to ask for your vote to be the JCR Social Secretary.

SEC – Alex Davis

Hello! I’m Alex – you may have seen me on my knees painting johns day banners in the bailey room, decorating and feeding you chocolate at the Bailey ball or Cava at different formals, but I hope many of you have sat on the ‘social chair’ in the Bailey room, which is what I hope to be (….the ‘social chair’ that is, not ‘sat on’…)
 
I’ve been a dedicated member of SEC for the last year, never minding the prospect of hard work for little, i.e. no pay!, and I have therefore a working and practical knowledge of how all aspects of SEC, college and its staff work, and I’ve loved bringing them closer to each other and helping everything run smoothly between them, and it is an honour to be able to call much of the college staff my ‘friends’.

I’m an English student and can therefore fully commit my time to this role, which I feel passionately about; it will be my priority over the next year. I will also be living in college, so I will be able to communicate closely with both staff and students to allow all to get what they need from the events that we organise with the staff, on behalf of the students.

I know I have the enthusiasm and drive to make the most of my experiences, that I can bring to this role. I spent time on my gap year working in the industry itself in London, working events for clients such as Cliff Richard and Versace, (sorry for the shameless name-dropping!) and the Red Cross charity Ball 2 years running, with 4000 guests, giving me an invaluable insight into the professional world of event management.

I have also had further university committee experience on the exec of the Bailey Theatre Company this past year, heading publicity, culminating the art of delegation, teamwork and the ability to draw a crowd.

Building on these skills, I would like to put my ideas into practice.
I am really keen on increasing inclusion from the rest of college, and I would seek to head a committee, an SEC, that represents you, and what you want. I want to effectively liaise between different college committees such as Duck, Bar Events Committee and the JCR exec, and I would also like the SEC to assist with and build upon existing events organized by other college committees and sports teams, such as the Bar’s acoustic night, and the Pimms garden party.

Although I have a wide range of my own ideas which I want to see happen, (for those, see my manifesto), especially day trips to the coasts or city, and transport for Newcastle nights out, I genuinely want to hear and work with all your ideas and enlarge those of other committees also.

The social sec needs to provide a cohesive voice to the JCR, and I am eager to take this active role within the exec.
I am looking forward to exploiting the presence of the newly-founded Vice-President, to allow the increased interaction of different college committees, allowing SEC itself to be a representative of the whole.

I am really keen on increasing the connections between the social committees of the different colleges, so we can all benefit from this enlarged pool of resources, equipment and ideas, and sharing information as to the best companies to run our own events with.

I have already been in discussions with Social Sec. candidates of other colleges, and I have close links especially to Chad’s social committee. They are also really keen to occasionally combine the resources of our two social committees, particularly in creating a Jazz and cocktail evening, and other joint college events to enlarge our social calendars.

There are a few issues of SEC’s management itself I am also really keen on addressing, as they most directly affect each student here.

The first of these is the case of budget. This past year and a meeting with PF have led me to a few areas that I feel SEC could improve, which would allow us to have more money to spend on balls and other social events. This includes a tightening on admin and an increased focus on sponsorship this coming year…
To allow us more freedom to either subsidise the price of ball tickets for you, and increase the quality of our ents.

Secondly…
I really want to improve our bops, and resolve the issue of speakers. After talking with Mark Stennett of Cranmer Hall, I believe that if we can liaise closely with Cranmer the sound system just newly installed in Leech Hall may be utilised for our needs as well as theirs.
But I also want to make bops more fun, and I would like to introduce themed bops, negotiate with bar committee for a bottle bar,  and introduce the concept of live bands to the stage, to put the ‘bop’ back into ‘bop’, and make them ‘legendary’ once again!

This Centenary year is going to be an exciting one for Johns. I know I have the passion and the commitment to be your representative on the Centenary Committee, assisting college plan the celebrations for February ‘09.

Last week, I had a meeting with Lois Stuckenbruck, the alumni development officer, who is running the college centenary celebrations. We had a productive discussion concerning college’s plans for next year; Although she is coordinating the events, she told me how she wants the input of the social secretary and the rest of college at this exciting time.
 I would be proud to continue to be your representative on her centenary committee, and ensure that we have our say in the plans which do not only concern us, but also alumni, the college, the SCR and the ‘Friends’ of St Johns. I have already foreseen many opportunities and discussed with her prospects for increased Johns student involvement next year, and I would like to see more students ideas mixed in with those of colleges’. 

There will hopefully be many opportunities for us to share resources and, potentially, even part of the centenary budget, in the social life of Johns Hall as it reflects the centenary year.

I really hope you will grant me this opportunity, I would love to put the ‘social’ back into ‘secretary…’!

Thank you for listening!

Questions –

MH – this year £1500 has been allocated to social events.  How would you like to split this – balls you have to pay for or social events you don’t.
JC – would like to investigate sponsorship before deciding how to split it up.  Would like to reduce cost of ticketed events but it is important that the events that are free stay free.
AD – sponsorship is key with the new sponsorship rep.  Can decrease our losses and reduce costs and don’t want to make anything cost which was free.  Regarding ticketed events a little from each person goes a long way.
HS – Best moment and worse moment on SEC
AD – Bailey ball – how it all paid off was the best, worst would be John’s day getting pied by exec.
JC – Bailey ball was the best – spent so long thinking and planning it and then seeing everything coming together and everyone enjoy it made it so enjoyable.  Worst moment cleaning up sick or finding burgers in the basement from John’s day a couple of days ago.
TP-F –
JC – leadership meaning that workload is distributed and everyone feels valued is really important and would want to work on that.  Also improve communication.
AD – sometimes more communication would be better to remove the back stabbing that was occurring at points this year.
CG – what would be the one thing you would like for the centenary?
AD – an event that brings Cranmer, JHJCR and MCR together.
JC – would like a huge garden party on a large scale with afternoon to evening event for all 3 halls and former students for all to integrate in a friendly atmosphere.
AS – bops were legendary, do you need to develop them or should the money be spent on other things?
JC – important to gage support from college but we heard so much about them and bops don’t need to be expensive so if there is enough interest and awareness of when they are happening they could be really good.
AD – gaging input from college of what they want and people really want to see them back in action as people want to get together more often and they could work and the speaker issue will be resolved so getting live music and a bottle bar may liven it up.
BD – Black tie means a full length gown – would you inforce dress codes?
AD – Affording a long ball gown is expensive so would push out some people and there are too many welfare issues so above the knee would be banned but no further than that.
JC – Welfare is too big an issue to enforce it but having a dress code is important so agree with Alex.

Treasurer – James Rayner

Questions -

MH – Has been said that the love of money is the root of all evel, how corruptible are you?
JR – good woman and glass of wine – very but not my money so couldn’t.
JR – What would you feel like an assistant treasurer, especially without a services manager?
JR – Could be spread throughout the exec if services is not appointed.  Would be a bigger job but wouldn’t be a huge issue.
NR – services – should be subsidised or make money for the JCR?
JR – stash is important and we should look the best so if this means we have to subsidise it then so be it.
MH – has been suggested that Boat club should be part of JCR negatives and positives?  Part I or Part II?
JR – Part I as is the larger pot. Positives - would increase accountability and have a lot of sponsorship.  Bring respect to college.  Negatives – are very independent more than SEC or something but accountability would be a positive.
BA – How would you make presenting the budget more exciting?
JR – is there a way of getting round it?  It is not exciting – perhaps dress up or something.

Comms – Dani O’Hagan

Hi all, I’m Dani, and I’d like to let you know why I would love to be your Comms officer.
Firstly, and I think this is the most important point, in a way – I have the fundamental sort of personality that would relish this role. I’m a little bit geeky, I’ve genuinely always loved organising, filing, writing, typing (when I was little I wanted to be a typist when I grew up), and all the sorts of things that Comms is responsible for. Also, words are what I do – in my various roles in John’s, I’ve had lots of cause to send round messages and email people, and I genuinely have to stop myself from doing it too much. I like to keep people feeling informed and involved in what’s going on, and there’s always a sense of achievement from using my skills to represent other people (as the residents of Margaret’s will know, from my fiercely defensive email to Hector last term, on their behalf!).
I’ve already had lots of experience of working within John’s, which I know will help me if I take that representation to a higher level, as part of the exec. I run the Just World Shop with Helen, and have learned so much from doing this – it’s all about time management, interacting with the public, and being patient and persuading external companies to send your order on time! I also know how to be professional and diplomatic, and I’ve sat on behalf of John’s JWS on the city of Durham Fairtrade steering group, which was pretty cool. I’ve also represented college on our Library committee and on House committee as Margaret’s rep, putting your views across and reporting back to you. I also hold the assistant communications position at the minute, and so have had invaluable experience of the role already, standing in for Charlotte at bar committee, exec meetings and Chair’s committee. I know how to take detailed minutes (I’m a fast typer) and I know the level of commitment expected from the Comms officer. I’m aware that the position is a hugely responsible one, in that they are there to ensure complete clarity and openness with regard to how college works behind the scenes, and the decisions being made that will affect the whole of the JCR. I am dedicated and really eager to make sure that everyone is kept fully aware of what’s going on – I love the whole JCR system and I think it’s really cool that we all have the opportunity to be involved in and consulted about such important decisions about college, so I’d obviously work hard to encourage as much participation in that as possible.

I’ve also got lots of ideas that I’d like to bring to the role. I know that some of the new president’s main ideas were to do with bringing the college website up to date and looking gorgeous, and I’m really keen to be involved with that as much as I can. The website could be a fantastic resource for John’s, as a goldmine of information, both for current and prospective students. And I’d make it look pretty, obviously.
I also really think that a lot could be benefited from having clearer job descriptions readily available, for all the roles on offer within the JCR. From personal experience I know that exactly what’s expected of you when you take on a role is by no means always clear at the moment, and I think that if this information was more accessible, it could encourage a lot more participation in college.
I’ve also had a lot of input from the current livers out officer (since I live with her!) about how useful a livers-out mailing list would be, so I’d aim to set that up if possible, and I’d also like to investigate greater communication with those on their years abroad. By liasing with welfare, I plan to make sure that they still feel fully involved and considered when it comes to college life and any decisions that we make as a whole.
Finally, I want to make This Week even more awesome. I love the weekly timetable that Char implemented, and would definitely keep that up. I’d encourage more occasional entries from those with non-exec roles in college, like toastie bar, environment and house reps, and sports teams and so on, and let people know that they can use it to get information across to the whole of college. I’d also like to have a large colour copy of This Week displayed on a prominent noticeboard in college, kept updated every week, so that people can check it out in passing, and so that the information is always there even when the copies in the dining room have all been spilled on or stolen, or you’ve deleted the email, or whatever.

To sum up, basically, I’m organised, devoted to John’s and all its workings, enthusiastic, committed, and properly good at spelling. Therefore I’d love it if you would vote me for Comms officer. Yay.

CR – POI – Dani has been going to a lot of my meetings and minuting for me and has been absolutely amazing.  I often get minutes emailed to me before I even realise the meeting has happened.  Every time I ask her to minute something for me she jumps at the chance even when they are long and, it could be said, boring meetings!  Question – how would you get the cretins that are the rest of exec to give you This Week entries?
DO’H – Have no problem being insistant and it is in their interest.
MH – writing This Week entries can often be done last minute – how would you make sure they make sense?
DO’H – spelling lesson but would not mind going through them and making sure that they are all spelt and worded properly.
RG – would sending paper copies of this week really be worth while? Or should they be scrapped? They usually arrive about Wednesday.
CR – POI – if entries are in on time it is possible for them to arrive on Monday.
DO’H – It is important to have a link to college and with entries in on time it is possible to get it out earlier.
LW – is there scope for it to be more than exec saying have done nothing this week.
DO’H – Yes, there is and I would make it look pretty and put things in for more minor positions and thus improve awareness on what is going on around college.
BA – How would you improve awareness between common rooms?
DO’H – notice board possibly or something in This Week

End of meeting