Students' Unions are here to make students' lives better! Here at Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU), that's exactly our mission - to improve the student experience for everyone studying at Leeds Beckett University. We're a non-profit organisation that's led by and for students. We provide a space for students to come together, support each other and fight for change! Every year the student body elects leaders to represent the student voice not only within LBSU, but also in leadership spaces at the University, in Leeds and beyond. These leaders, made up of full-time and part-time Student Officers, form the Student Executive Committee. Together our Student Executive Committee, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees lead the organisation and guide our strategic direction. A big team of staff and students are working behind the scenes to deliver our missions and make sure we're giving you the best support we can!
How we work! 
Community organising is at the heart of what we do at LBSU. Each year our students vote for what campaigns they'd like us to focus on at our Student Assembly, and our leaders, staff and volunteers work together to deliver impactful campaigns to elevate your voice, bring the issues you voted for into the spotlight and make real change at Leeds Beckett. There's a whole team behind the scenes dedicated to supporting you and to delivering our goals! We work collaboratively to ensure that the student voice is heard at Beckett and beyond! If you're interested in getting involved with the Students' Union or with some of our campaigns, you can find out more here.
What we believe in!
Community organising is our central theory of change.We believe that you have the power to shape the world and your community around you. Through community organising we want to equip you with the skills to come together to hold those in power to account and to drive meaningful change whether that’s on campus, across Leeds or beyond. By working together, we’ll empower our students to build positive relationships and to use their collective voice to fight for their community.
We follow the 5 steps to social change:
- Organise: Build a team by bringing together diverse people from different backgrounds and organisations.
- Listen: Unite people around the issues that matter by listening to each other and our communities to find out what is putting pressure on students.
- Plan: Identify solutions and decide which actions to take to tackle the root cause of the problems facing our students on campus and across Leeds.
- Act: Take action to hold those responsible to account.
- Negotiate: Work with decision makers and partners, like Leeds City Council and Leeds Beckett University, to identify solutions together and make sure change is effective and sustainable.
By following these steps and bringing our students together, we can create lasting change on campus and beyond that will positively impact our members. To find out more about the force behind community organising, head over to the Citizens UK’s webpage here. We’ve teamed up with them to help train student leaders and members of staff to empower our community to take back power and make meaningful change.
Meet our Leadership Team!
Board of Trustees
Peter Shilton-Godwin
Chair of the Board
Peter has enjoyed success as a Chief Executive Officer in students’ unions for the last 23 years and this, taken together with 10 years at NUS and a range of voluntary roles will ensure he brings a broad range of organisational experience to the role of Trustee. At UCLan Students’ Union he demonstrated great determination to keep focus on the core role and purpose of the Union to represent and serve a diverse membership. He remains as committed as he was when he was Union President to the opportunities democratic student leadership provides for students to shape their own futures. In real life he plays a lot of tennis; swims, bikes and scuba dives, has an active role in local politics and grows lots of great stuff on his huge allotment.
Katherine Everest
Lay Trustee
Katherine is Associate Director in Library and Student Services at Leeds Beckett University. Graduating from the University of York and with an MA from Sheffield, she has worked at Leeds Beckett for many years in various roles in the Library. As well as finance and strategic planning, her current role has responsibility for the front-facing side of the Libraries (there’s so much that also goes on behind the scenes!), making sure that everything runs smoothly and develops in partnership with students. She loves working with students and seeing them progress and fulfil their potential.
Stephen Dowson
Lay Trustee
Stephen, also known as Dows, has worked in the charitable sector and Students' Unions for over 15 years, and for the last five years, he has been working in both the private and third sector helping to train and develop hundred's of people in skills around leadership, facilitation, public speaking and campaigning with his business Stand & Be Counted.
Louise Lapish
Lay Trustee
Louise Lapish is a highly experienced Leadership and Management Trainer and Career Coach working across a broad range of sectors and clients globally. She creates inclusive programmes that enable people to perform at their best and feel empowered. She has also been a Trustee and Chair of the trustee sin the charity sector for many years and is excited to be joining LBSU at such an important time.
Frank Okyere
Student Trustee
Frank’s involvement in students’ activities covers a period of 24 years from his days in high school through university and beyond. He also has several years of experience in teaching and business consultancy. His wealth of professional experience and his forward-looking positive-thinking character make him inspire everyone he encounters to perform their best. He is delighted to serve on the Board and hopes to deliver his best to push forward the interests of students of Leeds Beckett University.
Paul is the Director of Treasury at Leeds Building Society after joining the Society in 1992 as a mortgage clerk and fulfilling a number of roles mainly in Treasury and Balance Sheet Management. Paul was appointed to Head of Treasury in 2000 and promoted to the Senior Management Team in 2009. In 2016, Paul was made Director of Treasury. His responsibilities include liquidity management, wholesale funding, capital management and balance sheet risk management.Paul has been a Trustee of the Society’s pension fund since 2008 and it’s Chair from 2018. Paul graduated with a BA Hons in Industrial Economics from Coventry University. He is an Associate Member of the Corporate Treasurers (AMCT) and has a Diploma in Retirement Provision (DRP).
Student Executive Committee
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Islam Elserougi
Full-time Undergraduate Officer
My name is Islam, a Computer Science student and the new elected Undergraduate Officer. I'm a tech nerd and I'm looking forward to implement my expertise in my role alongside fulfilling my manifesto.
Faisal Nihad Saleh Al-Sammarraie
Full-time Postgraduate Officer
I’m Faisal, an MSc Medical Biochemistry student. In my manifesto, I made clear commitments to improving part-time job opportunities, accommodation, and transportation for students. Now that you’ve elected me, it’s time to turn those promises into action. Let’s get to work—together.
Tanish Mahesh Sukhwani
Part-time School Officer (Built Environment, Engineering & Computing)
I’m Tanish Sukhwani, an Architectural Technology student at Leeds Beckett University. I’m a student leader passionate about bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and helping everyone feel welcome.
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Nam Trang Linh Vu
Part-time School Officer (Business)
Hi, I’m Linh, and I’m from Vietnam. I’m studying MSc Management at Leeds Beckett.
Before coming to the UK, I spent four years in the US, where I earned a BSc in Data
Science and an MSc in Business Analytics. I realised that I wanted to go beyond
working with numbers, so I came to Leeds to explore business management and
educational leadership. I’m passionate about education, love reading on the subject,
and enjoy volunteering work as well. I hope we can work together to make Leeds
Beckett a great place for learning and growth.
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Ethan Murphy
Part-time School Officer (Arts)
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Gerard Segovia
Part-time School Officer (Humanities & Social Sciences)
I currently study International Relations with Global developments, and have previously spent a decade studying architecture across three different countries. These studies led to opportunities designing flagship stores and retail windows for luxury brands.
I've trained to be a horse racing jockey, and in my free time I enjoy attending poetry open mic nights, and playing the violin and cello.
Erin Allen-Batters
Part-time School Officer (Law)
Hi, I’m Erin, a second-year Law student at Leeds Beckett, and I’m excited to represent
the Law School as this year’s School Officer! In this role, I will be working closely
with my peers and the Students’ Union to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard and
represented! I can’t wait to help improve the experiences for all students in the Law
School.
Student Community Organisers
I'm a student community organiser. I'm here to listen to any ideas or questions
you have so don't feel afraid to ask! I study Law and Professional Legal Practice
and I'm also involved with the Law PALS scheme so if you are new in the law community
and looking to get involved I can help! I have worked as a sales representative and
customer service before and now I'm here to work with fellow students. My best advice
for anyone just starting is to know you're not alone, you will be hit with a lot of
opportunities and scenarios but you will find what works for you, just take it slow
and grow from the experience you have gained so far. You got this!
I'm currently completing a Masters' degree in Information Technology and also work as a Course Representative. Previously I've worked in technical support and customer service roles and in my free time I love cooking, painting and crafting, anything creative that helps me unwind!
Misan is currently doing a PhD researching gender diversity and is the PGR representative for the Carnegie School of Sports. An accomplished professional with experience in the oil and gas industry, Misan has also worked as the lead organiser for the Postgraduate Research Conference, has managed the Nigerian Pavilion at multiple Gas Conferences and has been awarded the NGA Outstanding Award for Dedication in 2024.
I'm currently studying Biomedical Sciences, and in my free time I enjoy boxing and MMA - I've earned gold medals in these sports and now coach professionally to young people in South Leeds. I'm passionate about using sport to inspire and empower young people.
Hi everyone, I’m Luke, a final year Creative Writing Student and returning SCO! I enjoy reading, scriptwriting, and comedy in all forms. I’m looking forward to returning to my role in the SU this year and hope to meet as many students as possible!
I currently study Criminology with Psychology and in my free time I enjoy photography, sports (pilates, tennis and the gym) and collect print media (specifically vintage Vogue!).
I've been involved in societies such as ACS and the Black Women's Project, and have also been involved in hosting three shows for Leeds Student Radio (covering music and a show focusing on cultural identity and student life).
Hi, I'm Ari (they/them), Counselling and Mental health student and Student Community organiser. In the past I have worked with the refugees, specifically Ukrainians in North Yorkshire area, studies Nursing for a bit of time and now my area of interest is neurodivergence and social inclusion for students as well as mental health awareness. In my free time I enjoy crocheting, spending time with family and playing with my dog and cats.
Senior Management Team
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Jacqui Short
Director of Resources & Operations
Jacqui Short is the Director of Resources & Operations at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union. She leads on key areas like Finance, HR, Governance and Digital, making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly so students and staff can thrive. Jacqui has a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Leeds and has spent much of her career in the education and non-profit sectors, where she’s developed a strong passion for supporting people and creating inclusive, empowering environments. Having lived in Leeds as a student, she’s proud to be part of a community that champions student voice and innovation. Outside of work, Jacqui loves being outdoors, skiing whenever she gets the chance, and spending time with her dog.
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Joanne Azam
Director of Business Development and Communications
I am the Director of Business Development and Communications, and I am also the Deputy Chief Executive and I have worked for Leeds Beckett Students’ Union for 17 years and part of my role as Director of Business Development and Communications is Managing the Head of Venues, Head of Business Development and Head of Marketing and Communications. Within my directorate, I oversee all income generation, our food and drinks offer, our gigs, our merchandise as well as all our marketing and comms. I am also a member of the Senior Management Team and I deputise for the CEO when he is on leave. I was a student at Leeds Beckett in 1997-2000 so it is lovely to now be working here and trying to make students lives better!
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Neil Mackenzie
Chief Executive
Neil is the Chief Exec of the SU, he leads the staff team and works with the elected officers and the Board of Trustees to set the SU strategy, manage our finances, and lead the SU staff team. Neil joined LBSU in 2022 and has previously worked in Students’ Unions across the region, starting his career as an elected officer at Leeds University Union. He has a BA (hons) in Politics & Parliamentary Studies and an MA in Activism & Social Change, both from the University of Leeds. He is committed to improving the lives of students and building social capital within and beyond our University. Outside of work you can find him running the streets, footpaths and canals of Wakefield and Leeds, and following Sunderland AFC.
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John Goodwin
Director of Organising & Influencing, Interim CEO
John has over 20 years’ experience in Students’ Union leadership, having been Students’ Union President at Huddersfield University, where he graduated, and has been at Leeds Beckett as a Senior Manager and Director for the last 11 years. Outside work, John has also been involved in local politics and has volunteered as a Trustee at Bradford College Students’ Union. As a result of the community organising work that John has led on introducing to the Students’ Union, he is also on the Leadership Team for the West Yorkshire Chapter of Citizens UK.