Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer? Perhaps you fancied your chances running or reckoned, like me, you never stood a chance? Throw into the mix what it might be like to be a female sabbatical officer and you'll start to understand the many challenges and power structure our female student leaders often have to encounter. On this episode, I chat to Beth Eaton (Leeds University Union), Megan Ball (Winchester Students' Union) and Eve Alcock (University of Bath Students' Union) about how they came to enter the student union movement, the imposter syndrome they overcame and the power structures and struggles they had to tackle. A truly inspiring listen when you think how they dug deep to challenge those with significant authority in order to advocate so well for their student body. Simply put, a pleasure to record. The Free Food, Free Drinks podcast was created by Rebecca O'Hare (University of Leeds) and Robert Young (UKCISA) to provide a platform for those working in student support roles to learn from others in the sector. It aims to provide free knowledge to those new in the field and where possible share best practice too. Tweet us: https://twitter.com/FreeFoodPod Emails us: Freefoodpod@gmail.com LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-food-free-drinks/?viewAsMember=true

Outside of the University bubble there is often additional work taking place with local stakeholders to ensure the impact of having a University on their doorstep is positive, fruitful and the best it can be. This is particularly true in large university cities where tensions can become strained in local neighbourhoods as long term residents and transient students learn to live side by side. In this episode, I speak with Cooper Healy from Manchester Student Homes and Amanda Jackson from the University of Leeds who take the time to share their many years of experience and knowledge gained. They also bust a few myths about town and gown relationships and how it isn't always the case that students are out to cause problems in their local communities. If you'd like to learn more about the work of Manchester Student Homes - please visit https://www.manchesterstudenthomes.com/Accommodation Free Food, Free Drinks is a podcast aimed at those working in the world of Student Affairs/Student Services, particularly those new to the field or early in their career. Originally created by Robert Young (from UKISA) and Rebecca O'Hare (University of Leeds) - this season sees Rebecca take the lead in producing the podcast. Follow us on social media: Twitter: @FreeFoodPod LinkedIn: Free Food Free Drinks - The Student Affairs/Services Podcast Got an idea? Fancy being on the pod? Email us via freefoodpod@gmail.com This episode was recorded on 25 May 2022

2021 has nearly come to an end and what a year it has been for those working in the world of Higher Education, Student Services and Student Affairs. The topic of Compassion Fatigue may be something you've never heard of or resonate with deeply and typically it is associated with those who work in healthcare professions. However, emerging research suggests that many working in the world of Higher Ed and in caring roles, will experience or have a tendency to experience Compassion Fatigue. In this episode, we chat with Sasha Masoomi, Assistant Director of Residence Life at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Sasha presented on the topic of Compassion Fatigue at the ACUHOI annual conference in 2019 and so we invited her to discuss how it can present itself in Student Services/Affairs professionals and the steps that can be taken to identify and mitigate it. In addition, Sasha shares with us how she implements training and discussions on Compassion Fatigue with early career professionals in the hope that it becomes less taboo. About the podcast: Robert Young & Rebecca O'Hare founded the Free Food, Free Drinks podcast in January 2020 as a means to share free and relevant content with professionals working in the world of Student Services/Affairs. Currently Robert serves as an Advice and Training officer with UKCISA, while Rebecca serves as the Assistant Director (Residence Life & Accommodation Office) at the University of Leeds. Feel free to connect with both Robert and Rebecca via LinkedIn, or alternatively via Twitter - @Rebecca_ResLife & @RobertYoungHE

This week Robert and Rebecca speak with Colum Cronin, the Senior International Officer at Dublin City University. Colum, who also spends some of his time as co-host of the Adventures in Advising podcast, spoke with us about the position and experiences of higher education in Ireland. It was a fascinating discussion about some of the unique challenges that the higher education sector experiences in Ireland compared to the UK, how the sector has changed over the past decade and what it might expect to see over the coming years as well. An episode that's interspersed with plenty or Irish-isms and lots of shared passion for student affairs, we hope that you enjoy our latest instalment! **Colum's podcasts** Adventures in Advising: https://adventuresinadvising.buzzsprout.com/ Irish NFL Show: https://www.irishnflshow.com/ About Rebecca & Robert Rebecca O'Hare & Robert Young are two Student Affairs professionals passionate about improving many elements of the student experience. More than that, they want to use this podcast to help other early career professionals hear about the work of others, gain new knowledge and hopefully apply it to their own practice. Follow Rebecca on Twitter via @Rebecca_ResLife and follow Robert on Twitter via @RobertYoungHE. If you have an idea for an episode, don't hesitate to drop us an email at freefoodpod@gmail.com

We've all experienced at one time in our life, a not so great boss. Or perhaps you aspire to be a leader or currently manage a large team of your own. Whatever your position or experience, we at the Free Food, Free Drinks pod believe there is a fundamental difference between a manager and a leader. Leaders inspire, motivate and develop individuals and teams to be their very best and so to discuss this topic in detail, we were delighted to chat to the passionate expert that is Mel Loizou. With 20 years experience in Higher Education herself, Mel understands the pressure and difficulties that comes with working in HigherEd and so we think, this particular episode will be useful one for all you aspiring Student Services leaders out there. **Resources** There are plenty of resources shared during our chat and link to everything discussed can be found below: Watch Mel's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ4TQtPD7oI Check out her website: https://www.fishclimbtrees.co.uk/ Find and connect with Mel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melloizou/ Connect on Twitter via @Mel_Loizou Get Mels book: http://www.fishclimbtrees.co.uk/#book-section Finally Rob mentioned a great careers podcast. Find out more here: http://www.amazingif.com/listen/ About Rebecca & Robert Rebecca O'Hare & Robert Young are two Student Affairs professionals passionate about improving many elements of the student experience. More than that, they want to use this podcast to help other early career professionals hear about the work of others, gain new knowledge and hopefully apply it to their own practice. Follow Rebecca on Twitter via @Rebecca_ResLife and follow Robert on Twitter via @RobertYoungHE. If you have an idea for an episode, don't hesitate to drop us an email at freefoodpod@gmail.com

For episode 17, Robert speaks with Sarah Cooper, a careers consultant at University of Bristol. Sarah specialises in careers support for Bristol's international students whilst also serving on the AGCAS Internationalisation Task Group, which develops and promotes good practise in careers support for international students across UK higher education institutions. She also acts as a committee member at UKCISA, helping to ensure international students and graduates have the best possible experience during their time in the UK. Sarah and Robert discuss how Sarah's role at Bristol works within the wider Careers context, the soon to be released Graduate route visa, and the impact of covid-19 on the service. We hope that you find this episode insightful! AGCAS International Students FAQ: https://www.agcas.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/Resources/ITG/Working_in_the_UK_-_Answers_to_International_Students'_FAQ_May_2021.pdf UKCISA International Student Employability Group Guide For Employers: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/uploads/files/1/Page/ISEG/Recruiting_International_Graduates-FINAL.pdf Keep up with all things Free Food, Free Drinks by subscribing to the podcast and following us on Twitter via @FreeFoodPod Got an idea for the show? Drop us a line at freefoodpod@gmail.com

Drugstraining.com was formed by Liam Watson in 1999 and is now one of the leading independent substance misuse training agencies in the U.K Liam has extensive experience in the drugs field and has been responsible for the development and implementation of a range of initiatives with drugs services, local authorities, police drugs squads, criminal justice, universities and commercial businesses. He was Chair of the Welsh Forum of Drug Specialists for five years and a Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Health and Social Care at the University of The West of England in Bristol. While working at the University of Wales College of Medicine Liam was the author of “Helping Patients Quit: Guidelines for GPs”. Previously he carried out research into the beliefs and perceptions of recreational Ecstasy users. The findings of the study, entitled “Coming Up On Ecstasy’ were presented at the International Public Health Conference, organised by the World Health Organisation. Liam has worked as a Consultant for DrugScope, Addaction, Lifeline, Welsh Government, Barnardos and various Police Forces. He previously sat on the ‘New Psychoactives’ sub group of APOSM and presented on the theme of online drugs marketplaces at the Club Health Conference in Prague. He has appeared on BBC, ITN and other news outlets over the years talking about substance misuse issues. Liam’s courses are always very highly evaluated. He is an engaging and dynamic trainer who is able to communicate ideas and information with clarity and humour. Discount: Liam is running his next online course 'STUDENTS: drugs, booze and smart pills in early May and has kindly offered a 20% discount to FreeFood, Free Drinks listeners - Simply quote 'FreeFood' to avail of a discount for you and your team. Keep up with all things Free Food, Free Drinks by subscribing to the podcast and following us on Twitter via @FreeFoodPod Got an idea for the show? Drop us a line at freefoodpod@gmail.com

Our latest episode is being released on University Mental Health Day 2021, an initiative run by Student Minds and UHMAN. The day is designed to inspire conversations and so we thought what better way to mark the day than to bring you this episode with Dr. Dominique Thompson. Dr. Dominique Thompson is an award winning GP, young people’s mental health expert, TEDx speaker, author and educator, with over 20 years of clinical experience caring for students, including as a police and expedition doctor, and as Director of Service at the University of Bristol Students’ Health Service. She was named Bristol Healthcare Professional of the Year 2017. In 2019 she was nominated as one of the Top 100 West Women of the Year. We are massively grateful to Dominique for sharing some of her precious time with us - we spend the episode discussing her professional journey, the state of student mental health in 2021, the impact that Covid-19 has had on students, parents and supporters and the challenges they face in supporting modern students and so much more. We really hope you enjoy this episode. Dr. Dominique Thompson’s website Books: buzzconsulting.co.uk/books Ted Talks: What I learned from 78,000 GP consultations with university students Understanding why: What young people wish we knew Follow Dr. Dominique Thompson on social media:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube Keep in touch with all things 'Free Food, Free Drinks' by following us on Twitter (@FreeFoodPod) or never miss a podcast episode by subscribing to the pod via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more

Zak Liddell is the Head of Student Experience and Education at UCL and is passionate about including student voices at the start of decision making and throughout any process or conversation where their experience may be impacted or improved upon. He has a wonderful philosophy of education generally, something we touch upon in this episode but he also explains wonderfully how student affairs professionals and academics can work together to generate positive student outcomes. He is a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University and holds an MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education.  During the podcast Zak references the research of Dr John Canning. More on his work can be found here: https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/persons/john-canning Keep in touch with all things 'Free Food, Free Drinks' by following us on Twitter (@FreeFoodPod) or never miss a podcast episode by subscribing to the pod via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.

Happy new year everyone! Our first episode of 2021 covers Robert's own research that was recently submitted as his thesis for the MA Student Affairs in Higher Education.  In this episode, Robert discusses forced migrant students and their experience in UK higher education. Robert has worked with forced migrants at many levels of study in UK education, both at FE and HE. Over his time in education Robert has seen how forced migrants often have a very different experience of studying in the UK compared to almost every other 'category' of student and was impassioned during his Masters to research how forced migrant students feel about what the higher education sector has been able to offer them.  Forced migration and displacement of individuals is a major worldwide crisis, with numbers of displaced individuals across the world rising rapidly every year. It is a challenge that is only going to become more and more prevalent, and Robert discusses how higher education can prove to be a critical sanctuary for individuals in the UK and worldwide. We hope that you enjoy this episode. Keen to be part of the Free Food, Free Drinks podcast? Know someone who might be? We love to hear from our listeners, so don't hesitate to tweet us @FreeFoodPod or drop us an email at freefoodpod@gmail.com You can also reach out to us on Twitter: Robert Young via @RobertYoungHE and Rebecca via @Rebecca_ResLife

This week our Rising Stars in Res Life series continues as we speak with Tom Truman, Res Life Manager at Coventry University. 2020 has not been an easy year for anyone working with and for students and Tom takes the time to share with us the behind the scenes work that goes on in ensuring students in living in accommodation at Coventry University have everything they need. We often talk about hosting virtual events and Res Life being the fun team, but the reality is often that working in Res Life requires a lot of physicial, emotional and mental labour. Often difficult to measure, Tom takes the time to share some stats about just how much he and his team have been working hard to remain in contact with their student residents. From creating video content, making 100s of phones and delivering 1000s of meals, Tom and his team have worked hard like many Res Life teams to keep students safe and ensure their wellbeing is of paramount importance. Free Food, Free Drinks is available on a range of podcast platforms including apple podcasts and spotify. You can follow us on Twitter by following @FreeFoodPod and stay in touch with co-founders and hosts, Rebecca O'Hare and Robert Young by following us on twitter via @Rebecca_ResLife and via @RobertYoungHE. We love to hear your feedback and ideas and should you wish to pitch an idea for an episode, you can email us via freefoodpod@gmail.com

This week the interview mic is turned towards one half of our podcast co founders Rebecca O'Hare as she discusses her recent Masters thesis research. Her research focus drew her to the world of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) where she has spent half of her career, and to the challenging roles of Accommodation Manager and Deputy Accommodation Manager. In particular, given the rise of PBSA development in the UK, Rebecca chose to explore if and how individuals undertaking these roles are adequately inducted in to the student accommodation sector especially as many transfer from the world of hospitality.  In this episode, Rebecca discusses key facts pertaining to PBSA development, how research currently available is undertaken and written with investors in mind, how PBSA roles are advertised and how generally, the UK understands little about whether PBSA positively or negatively contributes to the wider student experience. Keen to provide a voice to a cohort of people not often heard from or discussed in the sector,  her research saw her interview 9 Accommodation Managers with experience working for 11 UK operators. The qualitative data gathered was vast, a statement to the eagerness of those keen to share their experiences and while the thesis word count prevented Rebecca from discussing all themes identified, she choose to explore and discuss in this episode the 5 key themes of 'Student Mental Health', 'Conflict Management and Threatening Behaviour', 'Cultural Awareness and Understanding', 'Critical Incident Management' and 'University Partnerships'.  The intention of this research and episode is to start a conversation about how best we can improve the initial induction and subsequent training provided to Accommodation Managers and their deputies and if you work in student accommodation, we hope this episode sparks a conversation in you too. Keen to be part of the Free Food, Free Drinks podcast? Know someone who might be? We love to hear from our listeners, so don't hesitate to tweet us @FreeFoodPod or drop us an email at freefoodpod@gmail.com  You can also reach out to Robert Young via @RobertYoungHE or to Rebecca via @Rebecca_ResLife

We've reached episode 10! A mini milestone we're very proud of. This month we've taken the time to identify and interview some Rising Stars and had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Illana Flora, Resident Life Coordinator from the University of Essex. In this episode we talked at length and in depth about topics of interest and passion to Illana including the impact of increased screen time on both students and staff, the myth of the digital native and why it should not be confused with digital literacy, we chat about resilience and the role of universities in developing the holistic individual. Given that Illana is in the early stages of her career we were amazed at her level of knowledge and loved her passion for reflecting on the work that she does and how small changes can often lead to great results.

On this episode of Free Food Free Drinks we're extremely happy to have spoken with Anne-Marie Graham, Chief Executive of UKCISA. Anne-Marie kindly gave up an hour of her time to talk to us about the major topics in international education and what UKCISA do as an organisation. We discuss the *busy* first year that Anne-Marie has had in her role at UKCISA and the work that they do, the impact of COVID-19 on the sector, Brexit and the new immigration rules we're due to see from January 2021, and UKCISA's new policy position paper. This newly released paper outlines 15 key asks from UKCISA, written in collaboration with UKCISA members and other sector bodies, with a view to making the UK the world's most attractive destination for international students. Take a look at their paper here: UKCISA Policy Paper. For more information on UKCISA and what they do, take a look at their website.  A big thank you to Anne-Marie for taking the time out of her hectic schedule to talk to us, we hope that you enjoy this episode! If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing freefoodpod@gmail.com or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod. Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE) Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

In this episode, Robert and Rebecca interview Ian Munton, Director of Library and Student Services at Staffordshire University. We continue the discussion about sexual violence on campus from last episode, moving away from the research side and into the practicalities of supporting survivors on campus. Ian speaks on the importance of approaching the topic holistically within an institution, and how collaborating with stakeholders leads to successful implementation of support mechanisms for students. We discuss the “behind the scenes” side of student support and Ian’s experience of addressing sexual violence and providing effective support, working effectively with student unions, running campaigns, and the difficulties of tackling major topics in a modern student affairs environment. We thoroughly enjoyed our chat with Ian, and we hope you do too. If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing freefoodpod@gmail.com or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod. Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE) Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

Trigger Warning: This episode as you may have gathered from it's title discusses the topic of sexual violence amongst the student body. While we do not discuss in detail any particular case, we broadly discuss the topics of assault, consent, rape and the negative impact sexual violence has had on the lives of survivors who have experienced it. We also discuss in detail research in the area and campaigns which university teams and accommodation providers can undertake to raise awareness about sexual violence and how it is #NeverOK Episode Details: In this episode, Robert and Rebecca interview Claire Slater, Deputy Director (Residence Life & Wellbeing) from the University of Bristol. Claire, a recent graduate of the MA Student Affairs in Higher Education chose to undertake qualitative research and interview a number of survivors about the positive role a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) made in assisting them. Claire shares in detail the literature review she undertook and the information currently available in the UK, comparing it to the US and the vast range of research available there. She also shares with us the important role of the SVLO and the appropriate staffing model universities can and should adopt in order to effectively support any student who experiences sexual violence when at university. She also provides insight on a number of campaigns she was part of while working at Keele University and also at the University of Bristol and shares how off campus PBSA operators can work with university teams to raise awareness and deliver effective programs.  During this episode, Claire listed and recommended a resources for those keen to learn more and do better in this space. They are as follows: Why Women Are Blamed For Everything - Dr Jessica Taylor (available here https://victimfocus-resources.com/products/why-women-are-blamed-for-everything-exploring-victim-blaming-of-women-subjected-to-violence-and-trauma-by-dr-jessica-eaton) Addressing Student Sexual Violence in Higher Education - A Good Practice Guide - Clariss Humphreys and Graham Towl (available here https://books.emeraldinsight.com/page/detail/Addressing-Student-Sexual-Violence-in-Higher-Education/?K=9781838671419&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ace_humphries-towl_20200429) Tackling Sexual Violence at Universities - An International Perspective - Graham Towl & Tammi Walker (available here https://www.routledge.com/Tackling-Sexual-Violence-at-Universities-An-International-Perspective/Towl-Walker/p/book/9780815385288)

Rebecca and Robert would like to note that this episode was recorded before the killing of George Floyd in the United States, and the subsequent protests that have occurred across the world. The Black Lives Matter movement is of critical importance to the social fabric of the world, and we stand in solidarity against racism in all forms. We are discussing how best we, as two privileged white content creators, can best provide a platform for the voice of our black colleagues in Higher Education across the world. On this episode of Free Food Free Drinks we speak to Erk Gunce (@erkgunce; pronouns: he/his/him) from King's College London. Erk is currently working at King's as a Diversity & Inclusion Project Intern and came onto the Free Food Free Drinks podcast to chat about everything equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). With professional experience from various universities, the NHS, the Office for Students, and the Mental Health Foundation, Erk had a lot to share on EDI in Higher Education. We discussed language and its importance in EDI, the Equality Act, pedagogy, and much more. We hope you enjoy this episode! If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing freefoodpod@gmail.com or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod. Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE) Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

If like Robert and I you're keen to learn more about the topic of widening participation, then who better to hear from then Dr. Paula Dalziel, Head of Student Support, Wellbeing and Inclusion at Staffordshire University in the UK. A well known and popular figure in the Student Services and Residence Life space, this episode covers a broad range of topics including inclusion and access, covid challenges, adaptability, peer support and mentors, academic support, university values, connection and connectivity, the thrive models, digital poverty and planning for September. What was clear throughout the episode was Paula's pride for her teams and the work they all undertake at Staffordshire University. An episode we think you will enjoy and no doubt, learn plenty from. If you're enjoying the Free Food Free Drinks podcast (and we love making it!) don't forget to subscribe to wherever you get your podcasts from and give us a cheeky follow on Twitter @FreeFoodPod. Start an online conversation via Twitter about what you've learned, share with your colleagues and friends and if you're interested in us covering a topic or better still, wish to be on the podcast we'd love to hear from you. You can email us via freefoodpod@gmail.com.

Join us in Episode 4, where Robert and Rebecca speak with Cheryl Hutton and Christopher Tucker from the University of Edinburgh on the topic of 'Students As Staff'. They share with us some tips and insight into recruiting Resident Assistants, they training they provide and how the support of the wider University enables them to do great work within their department. An insightful episode and useful for those working in Residential Life teams, Student Unions' or for those aiming to improve their knowledge around supporting student staff roles. Keen to be part of the Free Drinks, Free Food podcast? Don't hesitate to tweet us @FreeFoodPod or drop us an email at freefoodpod@gmail.com

On this episode of Free Food Free Drinks we speak to Jo Bloxham, of Kynfolk! Jo has worked for more than 20 years as an intercultural trainer helping people enhance their intercultural competence, and has worked extensively with the HE sector during that time! She spoke with us about her personal experiences in becoming an intercultural trainer, Chinese culture, Chinese students in the UK, and she even had time for an impromptu Mandarin lesson. Which we aced, obviously. No editing trickery was used. Honest. Enjoy! If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing freefoodpod@gmail.com or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod. Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE) Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)