Meet the Candidates

Want to learn more about the candidates running in the 2026 Elections? See all the candidates below, with their manifestos.

Voting opens 9am on the 11th March and closes at 1pm on the 12th March.

Click the candidates’ photos to read their manifestos, and read more about the Elections on our website.

President Candidates

Will Gaines

Jeevitha Baskar

Mahima Fiza Khan

Victor Ategbeshe

VP Education Candidates

Kelvin Ezema

Luis Martell Correia

Anirudh Ramisetti

Andy Chen

VP Student Life Candidates

Srijan Yadav

Abigail Hughes

Lisa Handley

Part-time Officer (Union Assembly) Candidates

Peter Davies (Non-Traditional Students’ Officer)

Kati-Leigh Newson (Sports Officer)

Jason-Ellis Platts (Access & Inclusion Officer)

Ankit Kumar (Global Majority & International Students’ Officer)

Voting opens at 9am on the 11th March! Check your student email for the link on the day.

Andy Chen - Manifesto

Education should empower every student to succeed, feel heard, and graduate with pride. If elected as your Vice President Education, I will champion an academic experience that is fair, inclusive, and genuinely student-led.

First, I will strengthen the Student Voice. Course reps and student leaders should feel confident and supported to create real change. I will ensure feedback is not only collected but acted upon, with transparent updates so you can see the difference your voice makes.

Second, I will push for fairness and consistency across all schools and campuses. Clear assessment briefs, timely feedback, accessible academic support, and transparent marking processes are essential. Every student deserves equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of course or level of study.

Third, I will prioritise postgraduate and underrepresented student representation. Your experience matters, and I will work to ensure you are visible in decision-making spaces and fully included in improvements to teaching, supervision, and academic community life.

Finally, I will work collaboratively with University departments and CSU staff to drive meaningful change – whether that’s improving communication, enhancing academic skills support, or strengthening professional development opportunities.

I am passionate, proactive, and committed to delivering results. This role is about action, accountability, and impact.

Vote for a Vice President Education who will listen, lead, and deliver – for every student.

Victor Ategbeshe - Manifesto

My name is Victor, am an MSc Advanced Cybersecurity student, and I am running for CSU
President because I believe students deserve a Union that focuses on the real challenges they face every day.

For many students, the biggest concern is not just completing theirdegree, but what happens after graduation? How to gain UK work experience, find
internships, build practical skills beyond lectures so they can leave Chester confident and job ready. I am standing to focus on practical solutions that improve opportunity, strengthen support, and ensure every student feels represented and prepared for the future.

My priorities are clear.
➢ I want to improve on internship by working with the CSU, university and partners to promote internships, support skills-focused events, and connect students with opportunities that prepare them for the UK job market.
➢ I want to support and improve awareness of available support and highlight issues such as accommodation and transport costs that affect participation in university life.
➢ I want to strengthen the student voice by improving communication, making CSU actions visible, and ensuring feedback leads to real outcomes.
➢ I want to help build a more connected student community where wellbeing support is visible, accessible, and inclusive.

The CSU should feel like a community built by students, for students. If elected, I will lead with honesty, energy and a genuine commitment to improving your experience at Chester.

Vote Victor Ategbeshe for President.
Your Voice. Your Union. Am the Action.

Mahima Fiza Khan - Manifesto

Mahima Fiza Khan – Candidate for President

Real leadership is not about titles — it is about impact, accountability, and action.

As your current Union Assembly Black, Asian, Arab & Minority Ethnic (BAAME) Students' Officer and Founder & President of the BAAME Society at the University of Chester, I have worked within CSU’s governance structures, represented students in key decision-making spaces, and built inclusive platforms from the ground up. I understand how this Union operates — and how to make it stronger, more transparent, and more effective for every student.

I am running for President because students deserve leadership that delivers results.

Throughout my time at Chester, I have engaged with students across campuses and communities and witnessed the realities of academic pressure, cost-of-living challenges, wellbeing concerns, and underrepresentation. As President, I will ensure your voice is not symbolic — it is influential and acted upon.

My Priorities:

Transparent & Accountable Leadership – Termly impact reports, open forums, and measurable progress.
Stronger Student Representation – Strategic advocacy in University Council, Senate, and senior committees.
An Inclusive & Connected CSU – Equal focus across all campuses, societies, sports, and liberation groups.
Real Support & Future Opportunity – Advancing accessible wellbeing services, fair academic policies, and stronger career development pathways.

Through volunteering, campaigning, and leadership, I have developed resilience, strategic thinking, and the confidence to challenge and collaborate when necessary.

Vote Mahima Fiza Khan for President — experienced, accountable, and ready to lead with purpose.

Lisa Handley - Manifesto

Student Life at Chester is shaped by the energy, creativity and leadership of students across every campus.

My name is Lisa Handley, and I am running to be your VP Student Life.

I am committed to strengthening connection, wellbeing and meaningful involvement within student life.

My experience includes:

Society President
Student Voice Partner
Active Chester facilitator
SPS Digital Outreach
Student Leader of the Year 2025

I have worked across academic, social and sport spaces at Chester. I understand the everyday student experience and how student feedback shapes the spaces that support connection and wellbeing.

Student life should be a space where every student feels connected and valued. Research highlights that a strong sense of belonging and engagement is closely linked to student success. Connection builds confidence, wellbeing and resilience.

If elected I will:

Strengthen recognition of society and sport club committee roles, highlighting the leadership and teamwork skills students bring to campus life.

Support the effective implementation of society wellbeing officers, ensuring committees feel confident, connected and well equipped in their roles.

Expand cross campus collaborations connecting societies, sport clubs and departments through cultural heritage and community focused initiatives.

Champion accessible student life events that encourage participation from commuters, mature students and underrepresented groups, while strengthening links with the wider Chester community.

I will represent student life with integrity, collaboration and purpose.

I will listen, connect and represent your student life with clarity and commitment.

Vote Lisa Handley for VP Student Life

Will Gaines - Manifesto

I’m Will Gaines, your current VP Student Life, and I’m running to be your next President. Over the past year, I’ve represented you, listened to you, and worked to understand the real needs of our student body. I know how the Union works and more importantly, how to get things done.

Before representing you as an officer, I was Rugby Captain for three years. I understand the challenges of being on a committee, balancing work and study, and still trying to socialise and enjoy university life. That experience shaped my leadership: Fair and Student-led.

My Manifesto

YOUR VOICE, YOUR UNION – Ensure the Union represents YOUR VOICE and is held accountable to YOU.

STUDENT OWNED SPACES – Students across Chester, Warrington, and Birkenhead need dedicated spaces to study, socialise, and build community.

FUNDING AND FACILITIES – I will support societies and sports teams in securing funding, facilities, and equipment that meet their needs.

TIMETABLE – I’ll continue pushing for structured, student-focused timetables with fewer long gaps and earlier finishes to ensure students can have a life outside of lectures.

WELLBEING – I’ll build on current wellbeing initiatives, tackle the stigma of loneliness. Whilst ensuring there is a large-scale campaign supporting our female-identifying students.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMMUNITY - Despite our large international community, many students feel under-supported. I will advocate for clearer guidance, stronger integration, and better representation at all levels.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION – I am committed to improving disability support and inclusion across all campuses. Ensuring the sensory room is up to standard. Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Vote Will for President.

For Fair student-led Leadership,

you know what they say!

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way!

Ankit Kumar - Manifesto

Title: Stronger Support, Better Opportunities, One United Student Community

As an international postgraduate student, I understand the challenges many students face — from finding part-time work and understanding UK systems to building confidence and feeling truly included on campus. I am standing for International Students & Employability Officer to create practical, realistic improvements that directly support students’ academic and career success.

My priorities are:

Increase awareness of part-time job opportunities and campus roles
Work with the Careers Team to organise skill-building workshops (CV writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn optimisation)
Improve communication between international students and the Students’ Union
Promote networking events connecting students with local employers
Ensure international student concerns are clearly represented in decision-making

I believe representation should be action-based, not just promises. I will actively gather student feedback through surveys and conversations to ensure your voices are heard and reflected in initiatives.

University should not only be about studying — it should prepare us for life and careers. My goal is to help students feel supported, informed, and confident about their future in the UK and beyond.

Vote for practical change. Vote for opportunity. Vote for representation.
— Ankit

Abigail Hughes - Manifesto

Hello, I’m Abi and I’m campaigning to be your VP Student Life!

I have experienced student life from every angle: as a society committee member, as a Modern Languages student on a year abroad navigating a new country and someone who now supports students, just like you, as Front of House at CSU. I’ve worked in universities and international corporations so I’m confident in speaking up and representing you in formal spaces.

Student life should feel welcoming, safe and accessible to everyone.

My priorities:

Inclusive and accessible events: more sober socials and better communication about activities throughout the year, so everyone can build community in ways that suit them.
Visible wellbeing support: clearer signposting of support services, so no one slips under the radar when they’re struggling.
A Freshers’ Buddy Scheme: having experienced those first weeks both in Chester and abroad, I know how isolating they can feel. Pairing new and current students as mentors and organising regional group trips to create leadership and reduce isolation.
Student owned spaces across all three sites: improving and promoting well-equipped spaces where students can study, relax and connect between lectures.
Societies and Sports: advocating for improved funding, facilities and equipment through sponsorships and partnerships, including proper support for teams representing our university.
Women’s Safety: reviving Reclaim the Night and working together to make our streets feel safer for everyone.
Timetabling: support the VP Education in raising concerns affecting commuters and part-time workers.

Abigail Hughes - amplifying your voice.

Instagram: abihughes4studentlife

Hamanth Padala - Manifesto

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m Hemanth, a first year student of MSc in Banking and Finance. I am passionate about ensuring that the University of Chester doesn’t just talk about "going green" but leads the way in student-driven environmental action. I believe sustainability should be accessible, affordable, and integrated into every part of our student experience.

What I Will Achieve

If elected, I will focus on:

Revolutionizing Waste & Circularity

Expand the "Drop n' Swap" Scheme: Lobby to bring the Eco Box and Eco Cup systems to every single catering outlet across all sites, making zero-waste dining the default, not the exception.

The "Sustainability Shop" 2.0: Increase the visibility and stock of the community fridge and zero-waste initiatives to help students tackle food poverty and food waste simultaneously.

Empowering the Student Voice

Carbon Literacy for All: Work with the Sustainability Unit to ensure Carbon Literacy Training is advertised more widely and integrated into more diverse course modules.

Green Action Grants: Lobby the SU to create a small "Green Fund" for student-led projects, like community gardens or DIY repair workshops.

I don't just want to attend meetings; I want to be the bridge between the Sustainability Action Groups and the everyday student. I have the experience to ensure your ideas are heard at the highest levels of the University.

Jeevitha Baskar - Manifesto

Vote me for President
This year, as your Women’s Officer, I’ve sat across from students who felt unheard. I’ve listened to stories about choosing between essentials and food. I’ve heard frustration about slow responses, unclear decisions, and feeling like just another number.

When students told me period products weren’t accessible on campus. It was about being able to attend lectures without stress or embarrassment. I took that issue into meetings, pushed it consistently, and refused to let it be brushed aside.
Being an Womens officer i had a chance to be part representing Refreshers fair and meet a lot of new faces.

That experience changed me. It showed me how decisions are made at the University of Chester Students' Union.

As President, I want to be that pressure.
I want clearer feedback deadlines so you’re not left guessing about your grades. I want stronger cost-of-living support so students aren’t silently struggling. I want open forums where leadership answers to you honestly and directly. And I want every student, whether commuter, international, mature, or first-year, to feel like this university is built for them.

I’m not running to hold a title.
I’m running because I’ve seen what happens when students are ignored and I know we deserve better.
Let’s build a university that listens.

Luis Martell Correia - Manifesto

I am running for re‑election because meaningful change takes time, persistence and consistency. Over the past year, I have listened to students across all campuses, raised your concerns and begun work on issues that won’t be fixed overnight. I am standing again to continue what we have started together and ensure your voices remain at the centre of every decision.

TIMETABLE - Timetabling remains one of the biggest challenges students face. Unpredictable schedules make it difficult to work part‑time, commute, or manage personal responsibilities. I will continue pushing for more consistent, student‑friendly timetables, fewer long gaps, and earlier releases so you can plan your lives with confidence.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION – I am committed to improving disability support and inclusion across all campuses. Students with disabilities often face barriers that go unseen, and I will continue advocating for accessible teaching, timely adjustments, and better coordination between academic teams and support services. Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMMUNITY - Our university is home to a large international community, yet many students still feel under‑supported. I will keep advocating for clearer guidance, better integration support, and stronger representation for international students across all levels of the university.

STUDENT OWNED SPACES - Students at Chester, Warrington, and Birkenhead have all highlighted the need for more student owned spaces. I will continue campaigning for dedicated areas to study, socialise and build community spaces shaped by student feedback.

WELLBEING - I will continue tackling the stigma around loneliness, expanding wellbeing initiatives, and pushing for faster access to support.

Jason-Ellis Platts - Manifesto

Hello! I am Jason (he/they) and I am running for the role of Access and Inclusion Officer!

If elected, I will:

Advocate for the creation of accessible study rooms so that no student misses out
Create sensory friendly socials to ensure all students are included, both independently, and in collaboration with groups and societies
Ensure local and university support is easily available, so you're aware of what support you can access, such as assistance with inclusion plans, DSA, and local resources outside of the University
Monitor and ensure the campuses remain fully accessible, with regular walk/wheel arounds to assess whether they're meeting student needs

I have previous experience as the Disability and Inclusion representative of my college, as well as more recent volunteering within the University, which will lend me the skills necessary to create change and advocate for students like you!

If these are things you'd like to see, I'd really appreciate your vote, thank you!

If you want to find out more, email me at 2314830@chester.ac.uk, or find me on insta: jason_2314830

Srijan Yadav - Manifesto

ELECTION MANIFESTO
Vice President Student Life

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

I'm Srijan Yadav, and I'm running for Vice President Student Life because I believe every student deserves to feel heard, supported, and valued at Chester.

As a final-year student and Young Enterprise award winner, I understand the real challenges we face—balancing studies, wellbeing, and making the most of university life. I want to use my leadership experience to ensure every student has opportunities to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

WHAT I STAND FOR:

Thriving Sports & Societies
More funding, better facilities, and enhanced support for clubs and societies. I'll fight for additional sports opportunities, new society initiatives, and resources that help student-led groups flourish. Your passions deserve proper backing.

Outstanding Co-Curricular Life
University isn't just lectures—it's experiences, skills, and memories. I'll push for diverse events, workshops, networking opportunities, and activities that enhance your employability and personal growth. From competitions to cultural celebrations, let's make campus life unforgettable.

Student Wellbeing & Support
I'll champion campaigns addressing mental health, safety, belonging, and loneliness. More accessible counselling, safe spaces, and genuine support systems—because no student should feel alone.

Amplifying Your Voice
I'll represent YOU on university committees, listen to your concerns, and turn your ideas into action. Together, we'll strengthen our community and improve campus life for everyone.

YOUR VOTE = YOUR VOICE
Let's make student life better, together.
Vote Srijan for VP Student Life.

Anirudh Ramisetti - Manifesto

I am standing for Vice President Education to ensure that every student at the University of Chester receives not just a degree, but real value from their education.

As a postgraduate student, I understand the importance of clear communication, fair assessment processes, and career-focused learning. Education should prepare us for the real world, and student voices must shape how our academic experience evolves.

If elected, I will focus on three key priorities:

First, improving academic transparency. I will work with faculty to ensure clearer assessment guidelines, consistent feedback timelines, and better communication around marking and module expectations.

Second, strengthening career-focused learning. I will advocate for more practical workshops, industry guest sessions, and skills-based opportunities that help students feel confident and employable before graduation.

Third, amplifying the student voice. I will introduce structured feedback mechanisms and publish clear updates on actions taken, so students know their concerns are being heard and addressed.

Education should be empowering, inclusive, and forward-looking. My goal is to bridge the gap between students and academic leadership while promoting practical learning that supports future careers.

Together, we can build an education experience that truly prepares us for success.

Vote for clarity. Vote for opportunity. Vote for progress.

Kelvin Ezema - Manifesto

Vice President Education

Education for All. Opportunity for Everyone.

At the University of Chester, education should not feel confusing, unfair, or isolating. It should empower us.

I know what it feels like to work hard and still question feedback. I know the pressure international students face adapting to a new system. I understand the challenges disabled students experience accessing support. And I stand proudly with LGBTQ+ students and every society that makes our campus diverse and strong.

As your Vice President Education, I will fight for:

• Fair marking and clearer, timely feedback

• Stronger academic support and revision workshops

• Better transition support for international students

• Inclusive teaching practices and accessible learning for disabled students

• Real student voices shaping academic decisions

I will listen. I will represent. And I will act.

This is not just about policies — it’s about people. It’s about making sure every student, from every background, feels seen, supported, and capable of success.

Let’s build a university where no one feels left behind.

Vote Kelvin Ezema — Because your education matters.

Kati-Leigh Newson - Manifesto

I’m Kati, a Business Management and Marketing student with a strong passion for sport and student experience at Chester. Alongside studying, I’m actively involved in university sport through my role as Team Captain and Social Media Officer for Women’s Rugby Union, where I’ve worked closely with SportChester to develop the club and supported teammates on and off the pitch. Through this, I’ve seen first-hand how important accessible and well-organised sport is to student life, wellbeing, and community.

I believe I would make an excellent Sports Officer because I understand sport from both the participation and organisational side. I’m approachable, organised, and genuinely invested in improving opportunities for all students, whether they’re competitive athletes, social players, or completely new to sport. I want sport at Chester to feel inclusive, well-communicated, and worth getting involved in.

As Sports Officer, my aims are :
• Improve communication between students, clubs, and SportChester making opportunities, updates, and support clear and accessible
• Increase inclusivity and participation, particularly for beginners and students who may feel intimidated by university sport
• Support club committees with practical guidance, promotion, and development
• Enhance the student sport experience

I’m passionate about making sport at Chester something students are proud to be part of. If you want a Sports Officer who listens, represents you, and works hard to make real improvements, vote Kati.

Peter Davies - Manifesto

Hi, my name is Peter Davies, and I am running for the position of Non-Traditional Students’ Officer on Union Assembly.

I am a Postgraduate student studying Psychology

If I am elected, I will ensure that all commuting students have their voice heard. I am currently the Vice President of the Mature Student Society (Matsoc).

I am approachable and a good listener. I will listen to any concerns you have and try and get them resolved as quickly as possible.

I am a very proactive person and would ensure that your voice is heard and your concerns addressed.

Voting is on 11^th and 12^th March starting at 9am on 11^th.

So if you do nothing else vote Peter Davies for Non-Traditional Students’ Officer.

The Students’ Friend who listens