Forge Press sat down with Hannah Faure, who is running for the role of Education Officer in this year’s Student Union officer elections.
Hannah Faure’s route to running for Education Officer began with a nomination. “Someone in my department nominated me for the student voice stuff I’ve been doing, which made me think it was the next step of being an academic rep.” It’s a fitting origin story for a candidate whose entire campaign is rooted in listening. To students, to their frustrations, and to what they actually need from their university.
And frustrations, Hannah says, are running high. When asked about the main issue facing students right now, she doesn’t hesitate. “There’s so many, but I think the main thing is the dissatisfaction of the support and feedback from assessments that we’re receiving. Considering the amount we’re paying, I think everyone is frustrated.” It’s a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who has submitted work and waited weeks for feedback that barely scratches the surface.
Her manifesto tackles this head-on. Hannah wants to standardise consistent, in-depth feedback across all departments, alongside clearer guidance on marking criteria, so that students aren’t left guessing what’s expected of them. Hannah’s campaign also put disabled students and those with learning support plans at the heart, arguing that these students are too often an afterthought in how universities design their academic processes.
If elected, their first move would be to roll out video explanations for assessments university-wide. “This is already happening in the Psychology department, but I think it would be an easy thing we could standardise for all departments.” It’s the kind of practical, low-barrier change that could make a real difference, and it’s telling that Hannah already knows where to look for a model that works.
With an unlimited budget, she’d go straight for the disability and dyslexia support service. “I would employ more people so that we could have less waiting time and more support.” For students who are already navigating extra challenges, being stuck on a waiting list for support isn’t just inconvenient; it can be the difference between staying and leaving.
As for their campaign style, Hannah is refreshingly straightforward about the approach. “Find people and chat to them. I’m very friendly! I’m going to be all over campus talking to people.” It’s a strategy that reflects someone genuinely energised by human connection, and her favourite thing about university so far backs that up. “Meeting lots of different people. Even now campaigning, I’m getting to meet so many people with different views. I think that’s something uni has opened up for me.”
And if a celebrity were to play her in the film of her campaign? “The only person I can think of is Emma Watson. That would be amazing.” Friendly, focused, and already well-versed in student voice work, Hannah Faure is making the case that better education starts with actually being heard.
