Meet your new OUSA Representative for Ireland - Stephen Hughes

OUSA Area Representatives play an important role and help our students to have a genuine opportunity to influence some of the University's most important decisions.

Area Representatives have the primary responsibility of supporting the development of a student community in their area and representing the views of students.

The student voice is an integral part of ensuring learners receive an outstanding educational experience, and that students feel empowered to be active in either making curriculum or institution-wide change.

Stephen took on the role of official OUSA Area Representative for Ireland on 1 August. His main priority is to put you, the student, first and he will be looking to engage on the issues that matter most to you.

We sat down and had a chat to get to know our new area rep.

What has your OU study journey looked like?

I first studied with the OU back in 2007 when I was doing an IT related job and decided to begin studying ICT. This wasn’t for me and I returned to study in 2014 doing Criminology and Psychology. I graduated in 2020 and am currently studying my first post grad module in Public Service Leadership and Management. I studied Criminology because at the time I was working in Justice and it fit with my work.

Why did you choose to study with the OU?

Convenience and flexibility.

What do you do with your days?

Work full time in the Civil Service in the Food Standards Agency, trying to ensure our food is safe to eat and is what it says it is. I am married with two daughters, 16 and 20, the eldest studies Microbiology at Glasgow Uni, the younger about to start her 2^nd year of GCSEs. I volunteer with my rugby club, at Parkrun and as a school governor.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Coffee

What do you do when you aren’t working?

Sport and friends. Less playing sport these days and more spectating. I am often found on the terraces or in the stands of a rugby match somewhere in Ireland.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?

Sherlock Holmes. Hence the study of criminology.

If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?

A fully charged, fully stocked E-Reader, a Guinness tap and a years supply of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps (if you know, you know).

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try but never have?

An epic train journey as far and for as long as I could manage.

What does your role as OUSA rep entail?

There hasn’t been an Ireland Rep for a few years so my first priority will be to re-establish the role. Then, as my term continues, I want to build the role to look at my two main aims of increased accessibility and affordability.

Why did stand for the OUSA rep role?

I stood for the role because I have an interest in volunteering and am always keen to give something back.

What can students do to help you in the role?

The biggest thing students can do is simply engage.

What kind of feedback are you looking to get from students?

With there having been no Irish rep for a number of years my initial feedback from students will be to acknowledge that I exist. Then we can build from there.

How can students get in touch?

Email: Stephen.hughes@open.ac.uk or Twitter: @stevie_huge