Spotlight on... Jayne Flowers

What is your role and what does it involve?

I actually have two roles at Students’ Union UCL!  For three days a week I am the Equity and Inclusion Unit Coordinator. Here, I operationally support our wonderful Equity and Inclusion Officer on our Sabbatical team. I also support our Liberation Officers, which is a pleasure for me to do. I also administrate our regular internal equity and inclusion updates and a staff-student forum on Equity and Inclusion!

For two days a week I am the UCL East Volunteering Events Coordinator. This role requires me to strengthen our connection with the community partners we currently have in East London, as well as produce events to empower our students to get into volunteering!

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

I have now been at Students’ Union UCL for 1 year and 6 months! Before being here, I was a digital learning technician at the University of Westminster. So a very different role to what I have now.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

The unit produces monthly updates that collate the work of students and staff around Equity and Inclusion into one place. I’m so happy that part of my job is getting to shout about our work and the amazing work others do.

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

Right now, we’re working to make our student officers feel empowered and included. We’re doing this by improving their training, increasing our hands-on support, and liaising with other union departments to make it happen. 

If it’s not work related… it’s probably my Master’s Dissertation! When I’m not working, I’m studying full time. I’m thrilled to be producing a piece of work on how transphobia impacts and changes trans lives.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Film: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Album: Wasteland, baby! by Hozier

Novel: Thirteen Storeys by Jonny Simms

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

My favourite joke ever is The Monk Joke… but it’s too long to print here. Anyway, I couldn’t tell you... you’re not a monk.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac, Con O’Neil, Orville Peck and Hozier. I’d mostly love to see them all talk to each other. They’re all very funny!

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d probably give them this quote by C. N. Lester: “I have never regretted the decision to tell the truth about my gender. I cannot put a price on the wonder of being at peace with who I am, and of living my life as my whole, authentic self. I believe we all deserve a chance at that happiness.”

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I can play the autoharp! I’m otherwise not musically talented, but I love to twang out a tune. I’ve played since I was 17.

What is your favourite place?  

Probably Brighton, in the summer. I love going to sit near the pier to study, wander down the lanes and take in the queer culture there.