Lou Robinson

Open University Students Association

I feel proud of my achievements during my two-year term as Vice President Engagement at the Open University (OU) Students Association. Going above and beyond, whilst studying full-time, working as a tutor, and squeezing in the odd fossil hunting and museum trip, I have inspired change, and my leadership has prompted deeper commitment to sustainability from staff, volunteers, and students.

Harnessing the power of the OU student voice to advocate for greater transparency, I have supported student volunteers including 8 working group volunteers and can often be seen dressed as a banana whilst hosting events – including Sustainability Panels and the ‘How Bad are Bananas?’ game session, enabling over 200 students and staff to connect with academics and key sustainability concepts at more than 10 events.

As co-Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Working Group, I have developed and implemented an Environmental Sustainability action plan for the Association and have advocated for sustainability become a key strategic objective. I was also the student lead on the recent Responsible Futures Audit.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Student voice should be at the heart of decision making and has the power to make change.
2. Students value honesty, transparency, and openness.
3. It is vital to have fun, build networks and collaborate.