Spotlight on... Josh Du Sautoy

What is your role and what does it involve? 

I’m a Senior Student Funding Officer, and work primarily on the management of US Loans disbursements and the Financial Assistance Fund. The Financial Assistance Fund provides students with emergency funding and aid if they are encountering financial hardship or have suffered through unexpected circumstances, which leaves them unable to afford things such as rent and living expenses. If a student is suffering financially, we are there to provide support and potential funds to alleviate their situation.  

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role? 

I started in January 2018, and before that I was the Student Funding Manager at St Mary’s University.  

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of? 

I’m proud of the work we do with the Financial Assistance Fund. Our aim is to make sure that no-one has to withdraw from their studies because of unexpected financial hardship. We’ve helped students find accommodation, afford food, and continue on their courses without the burden of financial worry.  

During 2019-20 we saw a 237% increase in applications due to the pandemic. Flights were cancelled, a lot of funding cut off, and many students were stranded without any means to get home. Dedicating our work to assessing and awarding funding applications, we were a much-needed safety net for over a thousand students.  

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list? 

I’m currently preparing the next disbursement of US loan funds, which means disbursing over $5m.  

What is your favourite album, film, and novel? 

Album – Unplugged in New York by Nirvana 

Film – The Godfather 

Novel – The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro 

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)? 

A man is driving down a country road when he spots a farmer standing in the middle of a field. Curious, he pulls the car over and walks out to the farmer. 

“Excuse me, but why are you standing there doing nothing?” 

The farmer says, “I’m trying to win a Nobel Prize.” 

“How?” 

“I heard they give it to people who are out standing in their fields.” 

Who would be your dream dinner guests? 

William Goldman and Paul Newman.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

The world belongs to proactive people. 

What would it surprise people to know about you? 

I have a master’s degree in Creative Writing and am currently writing a novel. 

What is your favourite place? 

Sitting in a cinema, just as the film starts.