Candidate Manifestos!
Membership IDs will be verified for every vote.
All of the candidates' manifestos are below, sorted by position.
Voting can be accessed here and ends on on April 26th (11:59pm): https://forms.gle/od4Ra6GBrqUfrrLw6
Chair
Charlotte Inman
Hi, my name is Charlotte Inman and I’m running to be your Holdsworth Chair this year.
​
Currently, I act as the Holdsworth Treasurer and Law Netball Social Secretary. Working closely with the current Chair and Vice-Chair I have gained valuable insight into the running of the Holdsworth Club and this experience will prove invaluable in the role.
​
The club has had a successful year under the leadership of the current committee, in particular the successful law ball and networking extravaganza. As Chair, I would like to maintain these strong foundations, but also introduce new and different events, providing an even greater range of opportunities for our members. Our members are the most important thing in our society, and I’d like to see members have a more active role and have more say in the type of events we run, to make us a more inclusive society.
​
Holdsworth Sports is one of the most valuable and popular opportunities for our members. Working closely with the Vice-Chair, I would like to grow Holdsworth Sports even further, introducing more teams and possibly new sports.
As times are changing, I want the society to adapt alongside this, by introducing some new event options to our current and potential sponsors to grow the support that ensures the Holdsworth Club continues to thrive.
I look forward to working collaboratively with the Vice-chair and the rest of the committee to expand the Holdsworth Club, maintaining our long-held values whilst ensuring we adapt to remain successful in the future.
Ella Harris
Hi, I’m Ella, and I’m running for Chair of The Holdsworth Club for the next academic year. As Social Events Officer this past year, I’ve worked hard to make our events some of the best yet, building great relationships within the society and bringing energy, organisation, and positivity to my role. I’ve loved every moment, and now I’mready to take on the role of Chair.
As Chair, I will:
-
Strengthen academic support by improving tutoring sessions, rewarding tutors, and more study sessions.
-
Increase career opportunities with more collaborations with firms and further focus on barristers and careers outside of the legal practice.
-
Support our committee by meeting with members individually to ensure they feel confident and supported in their roles.
-
Create an anonymous feedback platform so members can share ideas and help shape the society’s future.
-
Expand collaborations with other societies, not just for events but also for sports, organising matches and increasing support for Holdsworth Club Sports.
-
Boost social media presence to better showcase our achievements, events, and teams.
I’m always open to new ideas and want to make our society the best it can be. I am so excited to implement my ideas and to continue to improve the society. Let’s build on our success!
Vice-Chair
Lola Booth
Hi, my name is Lola Booth and I'm running to be your Holdsworth Vice Chair this year.
​
Currently, I act as the Holdsworth Sports Officer and the Law Netball Social Secretary, roles that have allowed me to connect with so many of our members. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a strong understanding of what makes our society so special. I’m eager to contribute further as Vice Chair.
​
Moreover, I believe the most valuable part of our society is our members. Alongside the Chair, I will be dedicated to ensuring our members’ needs are met and that their achievements are celebrated. I plan to enhance our social media presence, particularly on Instagram, by introducing regular Q&As, highlighting individual and group successes, and engaging with alumni to reflect on their career journeys. I hope these initiatives will inspire members to continue to pursue their passion for law and provide insights into the professional world.
​
As Vice Chair, I would be committed to expanding Holdsworth Sports. I am passionate about encouraging more women to get involved in football and explore new avenues, such as potentially introducing a Law Hockey Team. It is important that Holdsworth Sports continues to be a fun, inclusive, and welcoming space for everyone.
​
Additionally, I’m eager to offer a fresh perspective and new ideas, working collaboratively with our committee to maintain the core values and aims of the Holdsworth Club. I look forward to working alongside the Chair to redefine the Holdsworth Club, ensuring it continues to provide opportunities for all members.
Secretary
Lucy Duffy
Hello, I’m Lucy, currently in my second year of LLB Law. I am excited to be running for the position of secretary.
​
I believe I would be well-suited for this role as I am a highly organised person and detail oriented. I have prior experience handling similar responsibilities, which has equipped me with the necessary skills to succeed in this role. During my gap year, I worked as an assistant in a law firm where I gained hands-on experience taking meeting minutes, co-ordinating meeting locations and handling communications.
If elected, I look forward to working with the Holdsworth Club and taking responsibility for the administrative aspects of the running of Holdsworth. I would also enjoy managing the weekly newsletter, which is key to keeping members informed of upcoming events, opportunities, and the organisations it collaborates with.
​
I have loved being a part of the Holdsworth Club and would enjoy contributing to the smooth-running of the club and its success by serving on next year’s committee.
Treasurer
Charlotte Phillips
My name is Charlotte Phillips, a second year, and I am running to be you Holdsworth Treasurer this year!
​
Currently, I act as the Holdsworth Barrister Careers Officer, and I have really valued my time on the committee. I am excited to apply for the position of Treasurer because I have a background in financial management and paired with a genuine interest in financial operations. My experience managing finances for small-scale charity events, such as book sales and bake sales in my community, has provided me with essential skills in budgeting, record-keeping, and financial transparency. These experiences have taught me the importance of accuracy, organisation, and maintaining clear financial records to support successful events.
Beyond charity events, I have experience working in a small business, where I regularly assist with budgeting tasks and investor communications via email. This role has strengthened my ability to handle financial responsibilities in a professional setting. It has provided me with an understanding of financial planning, cash flow management, and cost-effectiveness.
​
I am also a highly organised individual. I successfully balance working two jobs alongside my degree, demonstrating my ability to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently. My strong time management skills ensure that I can meet deadlines, prioritise tasks effectively, and remain detail-oriented under pressure.
Finally, I’m eager to apply for this role because I’d love to take a more hands-on approach in bringing fun and exciting events to our members, making sure there is something for everyone!
Cyma Jadayel
The Holdsworth Club has supported me greatly in my first year, which is why I would like to give back next year as treasurer. Through maintaining clear financial management, I aim to support the Holdsworth Club committee and provide the best possible experiences for our members.
​
I have previously had work experience involving the management of finances: I worked as a hostess selling tickets to customers, where I had to keep track of finances and the number of tickets sold, information I later had to organise and present to my manager. Because I was a main part of a larger team, I had to ensure I had great organisation skills and was able to work under time constraint. I also had to pay close attention and identify inconsistencies, allowing me to produce clear finances. Lastly, I had to learn to adapt to obstacles that may have affected the event (including late payments or budget changes), through contacting alternative sponsors and notifying my team promptly. Because of my experience, I believe I would be a good fit for treasurer at this committee.
​
I understand that part of my role as treasurer would also be to oversee the agreements with the club’s benefactors and coordinate to produce amazing events. With my previous experience managing finances and my adaptability, organisation, attention to detail, and multitasking skills, I will be able to work effectively to coordinate events and maintain great communication between the club and its sponsors and between myself and the committee.
Solicitor Careers Officer
Cariad Church
I am eager to apply for Solicitor Career Officer to support law students in their career journeys and strengthen links between Birmingham Law School, the Holdsworth Club, and the legal industry. This role is an exciting opportunity to enhance student employability, foster professional relationships, and create valuable opportunities for aspiring solicitors.
As an on-campus promotions multi-employer brand ambassador, I have built strong connections with multiple law firms and recruiters. This experience has given me direct industry insight, which I will use to secure exclusive opportunities for Holdsworth Club members.
If elected, I will:
1. Strengthen Industry Engagement
-
Expand networking opportunities through firm presentations, solicitor Q&As, and insight days.
-
Leverage my industry connections to increase employer-led events.
-
Promote career opportunities through targeted advertising and collaborations with sponsoring firms.
2. Enhance Career Development
-
Organise CV & Cover Letter Workshops, Mock Interviews, and Assessment Centres.
-
Deliver Commercial Awareness Sessions to keep students informed on legal trends.
-
Provide tailored employability guidance to support training contract applications.
3. Improve Digital Career Resources
-
Utilise LinkedIn & Social Media to share job opportunities and networking events.
-
Collaborate with CEPLER and the Careers Service to expand employability initiatives.
As the principal link between the Holdsworth Club and law firms, I will ensure a continuous stream of opportunities and work closely with CEPLER and the Careers Service to strengthen career prospects for all law students. My proactive approach, industry connections, and commitment to success make me an ideal candidate for this role.
Jessica Mehew
My name is Jessica Mehew and I am applying for the role of Solicitors Careers officer. Throughout my time at university I have had to navigate my own way into securing work experience to build up my CV gradually. This has helped me this year to secure vacation scheme offers from both Slaughter and May and Macfarlanes. This year I have also been assisting the academic officer through delivering tutoring sessions to students, but I now want to help other students to build their CVs, in a similar way, as I believe this has been very beneficial to me in securing my vacation scheme.
As Solicitors Careers Officer I want to help to support students in seeking out work experience to build their CVs for when applying to law firms, not only through networking with law firms themselves, but also through potential avenues of volunteering. These opportunities are something which made the bulk of my CV, and I want to help students gain regular experience at various outlets based on the legal areas they are interested in. Currently, there is also a huge focus on solicitor routes into commercial law, however through my tutoring experience I have spoken to students who would like more guidance into other legal areas, and this is something I want to provide more opportunities for, so that students are able to display on their CVs not only a wide range of skills but also areas of law that they have engaged with outside of their studies.
I want to help to reduce the stress that students suffer over building their CV whilst studying a law degree, by giving personal career support and any other guidance I can give.
Alternative Careers Officer
Sam Ameri
Hello, my name is Sam Ameri, and I will be a third year law student at the University of Birmingham. Since joining the Holdsworth Club, I have been inspired by its role in bringing law students together, providing invaluable insights and opportunities, and fostering a strong legal community within the University.
I am running for alternative career advisor because I am passionate about helping students explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. I believe that a law degree opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, and I want to support my peers in discovering alternative careers that align with their skills and interests.
​
As alternative career advisor, I will promote diverse career paths by highlighting opportunities outside the traditional legal field. I will organize events, workshops, and panels featuring professionals in alternative careers, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. Additionally, I will advertise job openings, internships, and resources through social media and university platforms, ensuring students have access to the latest opportunities that align with their interests and skills. This will give my peers an opportunity to see the vast array of careers that a law degree can lead them to, aside from becoming a solicitor or barrister.
Barrister Careers Officer
Aditeya Monga
I am applying for the role of Barrister Careers Officer because I want to pursue a career at the Bar, and I know how important early exposure and guidance can be. The process can feel daunting, and I would like to help make it more approachable for everyone in Holdsworth.
​
One of the events I would love to introduce is a Barrister Social in which I would organise an informal meal with practising barristers where students can ask questions, glean unfiltered guidance, and build connections in a relaxed environment. It would be a setting which instills open and meaningful conversations compared to traditional panels.
​
Alongside new ideas, I plan to improve existing events, like the Mini-Pupillage Application Workshop. Sessions like these provide practical help and clarity when you need it most, especially when applying for competitive opportunities. What do I bring to the role? I am organised, reliable, and I care about making a difference. I’m someone who follows through, listens to what students are looking for, and wants to create events that are actually useful and not just for CVs, but for building confidence and knowledge.
​
I am not applying for this role just for a title but also because of my faith in the cause and the abilities that I possess play a key role in being a barrister representative. I want to help others explore the path to the Bar with support and direction, and I’d be proud to serve the Holdsworth community in this position.
Mudassar Shaban
As Barrister's Careers Officer for the Holdsworth Club, I will actively cultivate employability opportunities by leveraging my extensive network within the Bar. My firsthand experience as a Gray's Inn City of London Scholar – a distinction held by only four nationally in my cohort (2023) and as the first male recipient – provides unique insights into securing valuable Inn resources and connections. My completion of six mini-pupillages, including an exceptional first-year placement, demonstrates proactive engagement with chambers, relationships I will utilize to identify potential openings and mentorship possibilities for our members.
I am well-equipped to address barrister career enquiries with informed and practical advice. My guidance draws not only from these diverse personal experiences but also from the direct knowledge shared by numerous barristers I've learned from. Having mentored many individuals, including graduates on applications (references available on my LinkedIn), towards success at the Bar, I understand the specific challenges and effective strategies for aspiring barristers.
​
Furthermore, as a multiple-time champion mooter, and as a founding member and the Master of the Moots at Legist Lab, I have a proven ability to develop crucial advocacy skills, directly enhancing employability. I will proactively liaise with any sponsoring barristers, ensuring a strong connection between the Holdsworth Club and the practicing Bar, facilitating potential talks, workshops, and networking events that directly translate into career advancement for our members. My passion and practical experience make me dedicated to empowering your journey to the Bar. Vote Mudassar for Barrister Careers Officer to get the support you want with the Bar!
Mooting and Advocacy Officer
Cayman Flynn
Advocacy is an essential skill for every law student, yet many miss out due to lack of access or experience. As your officer, I will ensure structured support, high-quality training and expanded opportunities so that every student can develop their advocacy skills, regardless of their background.
My Plans:
1. Introduce New Competitions
-
A Mock Trial & Cross-Examination Competition to develop hands-on courtroom advocacy.
-
A Commercial Awareness Challenge to combine legal argument with strategic business insight.
2. Expand Opportunities
-
Increase access to internal and external competitions, ensuring fair selection processes.
3. Deliver Expert Training
-
Regular workshops, strategy sessions and mentoring from experienced mooters and barristers.
4. Improve Organisation
-
A clear competition calendar and streamlined sign-ups to avoid confusion.
5. Boost Visibility
-
Better promotion of events, deadlines and resources so no student misses out.
6. Strengthen Mentorship
-
Tailored coaching to help students refine their style, from beginners to competition-level advocates.
My Experience:
-
Winner of CEPLER’s 2025 Camm Cup Mooting Competition & 2024 Negotiation Competition
-
Participation in national negotiation and mooting competitions
-
Mentored students in advocacy technique and legal argumentation
I will ensure that advocacy and mooting are inclusive, well-supported and rewarding for all.
Vote Cayman Flynn—Dedicated to Your Success in Advocacy!
Paris Williams
My name is Paris Williams, I am a passionate and confident advocate, eager to serve as your Advocacy and Mooting Officer for 2025/26!​
I am committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming and thriving environment for every member of the Holdsworth Club, whilst upholding the club’s traditions and expanding opportunities for all.​
Advocacy and mooting are not just for seasoned speakers, they are for everyone. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to enhance your skills, I am here to support you!​
Want to stand out to future employers? My goal is to ensure that you gain invaluable experiences that will develop your legal research, critical thinking and public speaking skills – setting you apart from the rest!
With experience in both internal and external mooting and debating through competitions and practice sessions, I hope to bring the enjoyment and accessibility of advocacy to everyone!
​
I plan to enhance Holdsworth’s advocacy and mooting environment through three key initiatives:
1. Broadening Opportunities
-
Organising more internal and external mooting competitions.
-
Introducing Holdsworth mooting and advocacy contests.
2. Providing Training and Skill Workshops
-
Hosting advocacy workshops and training sessions.
-
Collaborating with other law societies to provide these sessions.
3. Strengthening Engagement with Other Societies
-
Co-hosting competitions with other societies.
-
Partnering with other societies to broaden learning experiences.
Do you want to strengthen your voice and build your confidence? Vote for Paris Williams as your Advocacy and Mooting Officer for 2025/26.
​
**ADVOCATE. MOOT. SUCCEED.**
Sara Kaslikar
As an individual with a passion for mooting and advocacy, I believe I have the capacity, drive and ambition to do the role of Advocacy & Mooting Officer justice. From those with little mooting experience to those with accomplishments, I believe everyone has something to gain, which is why I want to be the conduit making this happen for our members.
​
My experience spans across event organisation, legal competitions, and academic research, equipping me with a well-rounded perspective on what makes academic activities truly impactful. In addition, having participated in moot court competitions such as the Alumni Cup, where I was a finalist this year, has honed my skills and knowledge necessary to enhance our existing mooting opportunities whilst creating new ones for members to develop their advocacy skills.
​
I intend to implement introductory workshops for mooting, host guest lectures on improving oral advocacy as well as cultivate greater participation in national and international mooting competitions. These would help mooters feel more prepared and confident. Further, such exposure to guest speakers could be capitalised on to host internal competitions judged by the same professionals. I aim to complement these events with collaborations with other societies and build a resource library containing inter alia, past skeleton arguments, for members to learn from.
​
Being committed to our members’ personal growth in the form of being more confident, persuasive and prepared for the real legal landscape is an endeavour I find very meaningful and it is why I hope to take on this role.
Academic Officer
Finlay Cunnison
As an active member of the Law Society, I am aware that my values align with other committee members in that everybody strives for a better experience at law school through helping our peers and giving back to younger students. I am keen to deliver the academic support sessions that help first years settle into university, allowing me to contribute to a programme that I have personally benefited from.
My experience teaching swimming and other part time jobs has given me strong communication skills and the ability to break down complex concepts effectively; both skills are vital for the role of Education Officer. I am also accustomed to providing the patience to support learners at all levels, fostering the optimal learning environment. Additionally, working as part of a team has taught me the value of collaboration and adaptability, other key attributes that I will bring to this position.
​
As a former sports captain, I have developed strong leadership and organisational skills which will help me efficiently coordinate educational activities. I understand the pressures that first-year students face and want to be helpful for their transition to university study. Furthermore, when helping second years choose their modules, I propose a dedicated session, similar to a careers fair, that will feature videos from each module lead to help students make informed decisions for their degree and later career
​
Vote for me to ensure a hardworking and quality driven student is behind your educational needs for the Holdsworth Club this year.
Grace Drummond
Having had the privilege of serving as your Academic Officer this year, I am eager to continue building on the progress we have made in enhancing the academic opportunities provided by the Holdsworth Club. My focus this year has been on increasing the accessibility of the academic support offered to Holdsworth Club members.
​
One of my key achievements this year was increasing regular first-year attendance at tutoring sessions in semester 1 by 600%. I did this by making sessions more accessible—structuring them around first-year timetables for tutees and second-year timetables for tutors. This ensured that students could attend without conflicts, leading to greater engagement and academic success.
​
Initiatives I plan to introduce:
Module in the Spotlight Weeks - Third-year students will create short, insightful day in the life videos about their modules, shared on the Holdsworth Club Instagram, to help second year students make informed choices about what modules they want to select.
Application Tip Sessions - Sessions to aid with application writing, building on the careers events the club already runs. These sessions will also be supported by students who have been successful in securing vacation schemes and training contracts.
Fortnightly Study Sessions - Study sessions structured using different revision techniques for members to try, e.g. the Pomodoro method.
Tutoring for Second-Years - Expanding the successful first-year tutoring scheme to second-year students
Holdsworth Podcast with Alumni - Engaging discussions with alumni who have pursued various legal careers, offering insights and inspiration for students considering their next steps.
Mia Stevens
I am applying for the role of Academic Officer.
​
I am applying for the role because the transition to law school can be very overwhelming and grappling with the complexity and the quantity of the content can be daunting. Having attended the Holdsworth tutorial sessions myself, I recognise how they are a useful tool to aid understanding of the modules and to provide support for revision.
​
As a tutor for GCSE and A-Level students, I appreciate the importance of a student to student relationship and the support from students who are a year ahead in their studies. Additionally, extra support in module selection choices will be of great assistance to penultimate year students. Having been mentored previously and given guidance on my A-Level and degree choices, I, alongside other students, value having some supplementary knowledge and insight into what these module choices can lead onto.
​
My plans for the forthcoming year include:
-
Planning taster sessions for penultimate year students on third year modules in order for them to gain an understanding of the content taught
-
Using polls on the Holdsworth Instagram to determine which topics are in high demand to be covered that week in order to target revision and learning
-
Ensuring there is a focus on assessment support alongside content just before the exam period starts, to ensure exam skills and technique, including how to best approach take home exams, is also addressed
Riddhima Gupta
Throughout my journey, from mentoring students to representing India at the International Chief Justices Conference I have learned that academic success thrives not just on knowledge, but on community, access, and empathy.
​
Drawing from my legal internships at the High Court in Delhi, project leadership with Conde Nast, and mentoring through Legal Cheek and the Law School, I have built a foundation in communication, organisation, and academic empowerment.
​
As your Academic Officer, I will work to make academic support dynamic, inclusive, and truly student led. If elected, I will introduce:
-
Interactive Tutorial Circles – Peer-led sessions for your toughest modules, encouraging discussion over passive listening.
-
AMA (Ask Me Anything) Weeks – Anonymous Q&A forums with upper-years, alumni, and professors.
-
Module Match-Ups – Connect with mentors to guide your module choices and planning.
-
Academic SOS Desk – Monthly drop-in space for study support, essay feedback, or simply a check-in.
-
Law in Layers Series – Bitesize explainers of tough legal concepts online and in person.
-
“One-Pager” Project – Student-created revision summaries, reviewed and shared for all.
-
Briefed & Beyond Podcast – Peer-led episodes on legal careers, academic tips, and wellbeing.
-
Wellbeing Days – Bi-weekly socials to build confidence and connection in informal spaces.
Academic success should not feel intimidating or lonely. I want Holdsworth to be a space where students feel empowered, informed, and supported no matter their background or goals.
Diversity Officer
Divya Rajora
My name is Divya Rajora, and I am applying to be Holdsworth’s next Diversity Officer. With a strong background in event management and a passion for cultural inclusivity, I believe I’d be an excellent candidate for this position.
​
As Pledge Officer on Duty in highschool, I successfully organised the Annual Cultural Day, bringing together 100+ students to foster inclusion and cross-cultural understanding. Growing up in the UAE, a country where diverse traditions not only coexist but thrive, I learnt to celebrate differences and value diverse backgrounds.
As an international student in the UK, I’ve also experienced the challenges of navigating cultural barriers and adapting to a new society—an experience that has deepened my appreciation for inclusivity and representation. This has shaped my international mindset and cultivated my ability to communicate effectively across diverse members.
​
I aim to build on the society’s strong legacy of diverse events like the Family Scheme and Iftar by introducing an impactful initiative.
​
Know Your Rights Workshop:
A panel discussion with experts in employment and human rights law, empowering students with vital knowledge on workplace discrimination, disability rights, LGBTQIA+ protections, and international student legal rights. This workshop ensures students from all backgrounds understand their legal rights, creating a space where diverse perspectives are heard and valued.
My aim as Diversity Officer would not only be to promote professional development but create a space where members feel empowered in their cultural identities and backgrounds to pursue law and make their impact in the legal world!
Vote Divya4Diversity!
Halima Kasim
The Holdsworth Club Society helped me have a meaningful transition to the law school as it pushed me to step out of my box and truly submerge myself in a new experience. Being surrounded by people who have the same goals and who truly support each other through them, fosters a positive environment in which we could all thrive in. I am applying for Diversity Officer because I know how it feels to be unseen and have your voice ignored. We live in a society where certain groups are marginalised and have unfair advantages in social contexts. Firstly, I would like to promote diversity within the society and committee itself by making sure events are inclusive in the first place, by gaining insight from unique and diverse perspectives. I want the Holdsworth Club to continue to grow as a society that makes it a safe place for everyone no matter your gender, race, culture, religion, or disability. I also want to showcase different lifestyles within the Holdsworth Club to show we are all different but should be able to still enjoy social experiences equally. Lastly, I would love to promote more career and networking opportunities that specifically focus on applicants of marginalised backgrounds who are usually at more of a disadvantage. I feel it is important to apply for the role of Diversity Officer not just to acknowledge these marginalised groups but also include their voices in conversations in operations of the club and implementing action from these conversations.
Mahmoud Seddik
-
I’m excited to apply for this role to become the Diversity Officer of the Holdsworth Club.
-
The legal field has become a highly diverse field both in the UK and internationally, thus it is important that we embrace our diverse cultural backgrounds and learn to utilise them to our advantage.
-
As the Diversity Officer I would ensure that the Holdsworth club is a space where diversity is embraced in our community, meetings, events and opportunities.
-
I aim to collaborate with the events officers to host several events in collaboration with other societies as well as our sponsor firms throughout the year to provide our members with opportunities to embrace their cultures and discover new ones.
-
Furthermore, I aim to plan events and discussions in collaboration with industry experts and speakers to discuss matters like the benefits of diversity within the legal field and dealing with issues like discrimination.
-
Additionally, the family scheme has been a great opportunity provided by our previous Diversity Officer to seek mentorship, a scheme I plan on progressing and advancing to provide a sense of belonging for all our members.
-
Therefore, If you value inclusivity and the embracing of our diverse backgrounds assist me in making the Holdsworth Club the centre of diversity and inclusivity by electing me as your Diversity Officer for the next year.
Varun Iriyagolle
Dear Holdsworth Club Members,
​
As a brown international student, I’ve grown up balancing culture, community, and identity across borders. These experiences drive my passion for creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and represented.
​
I currently serve as the International and Diversity Officer for the Business Society, where I’ve led initiatives promoting inclusion and access. I’m also Secretary of the Sri Lankan Society, where I’ve helped connect communities through cultural events. One of our most popular was “Cultural Comedy Night”, an evening of shared laughter and connection across backgrounds.
​
If elected, I’ll bring that same energy and intention to the Holdsworth Club. I plan to launch Diaspora Dialogues: monthly meetings where students can share personal stories of migration, heritage, and identity in Law school. I’ll also introduce events like cultural socials and Food with Faith Nights, blending celebration with reflection.
​
I aim to work closely with our partner law firms to spotlight their diversity initiatives and help students access networks, mentors, and opportunities that reflect a wide range of backgrounds. Having gone through several application processes myself, I’ve seen how identity can be used as a strength, and I want to share that perspective with others.
​
I’ll make sure major cultural and religious events are acknowledged and celebrated and collaborate with other student societies to open the Club to new voices. Diversity isn’t a checkbox, it’s a source of strength, creativity, and change.
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Varun Iriyagolle
Yusuf Uddin
I'm Danyal, a first year LLB student, applying for Diversity Officer as I know my experience and passion in this field will make an impact on the Holdsworth Club, making it a more inclusive and engaging environment. Since being a member of the Holdsworth club, I have been able to take advantage of the vast opportunities the club has had to offer. From playing football for the Holdsworth football team to attending social and networking events, I have been able to make friendships and connections, and I know how valuable a club like the Holdsworth club can be to new university students. |feel I would be an ideal choice to be on the Holdsworth Club's Committee as Diversity Officer, eager to make the same positive impact on future members that the current committee and club have had on me.
​
As Diversity Officer for the Holdsworth Club, I could draw from past experiences of roles I have had, where diversity and inclusivity have been crucial. An example of this was in implementing a school prayer room and organising the first ever iftar during the month of Ramadan in my sixth form. As a practicing Muslim student, I know how important finding a place to pray is. The prayer room was able to accommodate Muslim students and offered a place of rest during lunch while students were fasting. The Iftar inspired a change in the school to accommodate its diverse students and is something that has continued since myself and my peers first organised it.
​
I plan to bring new ideas surrounding inclusion and diversity to the Holdsworth Club such as collaborations with societies representing various minority groups, inviting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds as well as focusing on celebrating cultural and religious diversity. Coming from a mixed race and ethnicity background I am aware of the struggles many minorities face in relation to careers typically dominated by a singular group. I will recognise these struggles and aim to push past these obstacles as Diversity Officer.
​
Thank you for your consideration.
Welfare Officer
Aaron Cusack
Law school can be demanding, but your law society will be here to support you. I am running for Welfare Officer to emphasise an inclusive, balanced and supportive society. My focus is on providing academic support, well-being and making your overall journey a success and amazing while at UOB!
So, what do I plan to achieve in next year’s committee?
-
Academic wellbeing support – support through academic study sessions, study drop-in sessions and support managing workload
-
Work-life balance and mental wellbeing – balancing your studies alongside part-time work, organisation and productivity skills
-
Communication with the Law School – ensuring communication if you feel more could be done within Holdsworth and the Law school for support, signposting for support
-
Mentorship opportunities – opportunities for a buddy or to become a buddy for another student
-
Non-academic support/sessions – promoting wellness and non-academic socials to build community and opportunities to relax outside studies
-
All-round amazing experience – promoting exciting events and networking within the law society to create a fabulous uni experience
Vote for me, and let’s make Holdsworth an inclusive and amazing environment!
Farrel Akhtar Firdaus
As law students, we face great academic pressure, and I believe that Holdsworth has the potential to provide more support for its members, and I would love to lead this change as Head of Welfare.
​
During high school, I spent two years as a member and head of the Welfare-Religion, and we were tasked to increase student morale and support their studies by creating events that not only helped them relieve stress but also create a safe space. These events can range from batch-specific minigames, quizzes to address issues such as mental health and burnout before exam season, to fun and informative multi-faith activities for tolerance-building. That experience developed my organisation and creativity skills, but more importantly, it helped with my empathy and compassion for others, which is detrimental for this role.
​
My vision is to make the Holdsworth community inclusive and welcoming, and to reduce the intimidation the club has. We can create workshops and meetings that are specifically for stress or mental health concerns that students have, because students might feel too overwhelmed to join academic-focused meetings. I would also establish peer-support groups, so that students can expand their network and also have a space made to help them feel less alone academically, and help them maintain balanced relationships with their existing friends, without feeling the burden of being too much.
​
I am incredibly invested in making Holdsworth a club that can help students both academically and emotionally, and I would love this opportunity as Head of Welfare.
Mary McKay
Compassion and empathy are two of my prominent characteristics. Supporting individuals is something I have constantly strived for and learnt to do throughout my life, extending from caring for elderly relatives to the people of my parish community. My experience studying so far at Birmingham Law School and as a member of the Holdsworth Club has been primarily enjoyable; however, in some academic and social circumstances, it has also been challenging. My main priority and responsibility as the Welfare Officer will be the safety and comfort of all the Holdsworth members, an example would be to employ a proactive approach to incorporate an efficient complaint and advice system. People often feel like an issue must be pressing before they seek help or advice, in providing a relaxed environment without judgement, I aim to create a place where people can reach out in any circumstance not just academic issues (i.e., social events). Socialising is a crucial part of university life, in which issues can arise, therefore creating an environment allowing people to discuss comfortably and bring up issues that may have occurred would be a great addition. Looking out for first years will be another one of my main concerns as this adjustment can be difficult, having someone support you with access to external help can highly benefit the life of a student. Dually understanding the pressures of studying law, I aim to organise well-being events which will prove beneficial to students (i.e., organising welfare events).
Tania Makh
As law students, prioritising welfare can be difficult amidst the pressures of a heavy
workload, deadlines and trying to enjoy personal life, which is why I am running for welfare officer: to make wellbeing more accessible and to be a consistent, approachable support.
Welfare is about creating a community where people feel supported, safe, and seen. When I volunteered with the Sikh Society to help serve at “Langar on Campus”, I witnessed the power of compassion in action: people from different backgrounds sitting together, eating together, and being treated as equals. It was a simple act, but a deeply meaningful one.
As a Sikh, I carry with me the belief in “Seva” (selfless service), and the principle that
everyone deserves dignity, no matter their background or circumstance. These values shape how I approach welfare: with empathy, action, and a strong sense of responsibility.
​
If elected, I will:
• Create a safe and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable reaching out for help, whether that be online or in-person forums
• Work closely with the committee to ensure all events keeps wellbeing at the heart of planning.
• Host inclusive events, such as breakfast socials or games nights, to give students a
chance to take a break
​
Studying law is demanding, but no one should feel like they’re facing it alone. Whether it's personal struggles, academic stress, or just needing someone to talk to, my role as welfare officer will ensure that support will be present and that students are heard.
Social Events Officers
Alex Cubillo
I’m applying to the role of events officer for next year because it suits my skillset well, as I am communicative and well-organised, and given that the role is shared among two people, I also look forward to collaborating with someone to organise really enjoyable events. I would be particularly excited to set up an incredible law ball, and although I am aware expectations are high given the last law ball’s success, I am confident that I can exceed the level set by the previous events team. I am also really enthusiastic about working alongside a great group of people on the committee next year.
​
One of my priorities next year would be organising a variety of types of event, with inclusivity in mind, so that everyone has opportunities to socialise within the society in an environment which makes them comfortable. One of the ways I plan to achieve this, is to work closely with the member engagement officer, and with all members of the Holdsworth Club to get as much input as possible from lots of members and I will use that input to inform what types of events we run and how.
This will result in more tailored events so that you can get the most out of your Holdsworth membership. Further, I am keen to explore the option of collaborating with other societies to organise joint events, and input from members will be useful in deciding which collaborations would be most exciting.
Hannah Mitchell
I have applied for this role as I believe I would be an excellent fit as Events Officer. Going into my third year at the law school, I have been fortunate enough to engage in the variety of events the Holdsworth Club has held and would relish the opportunity to give back. I am a confident leader but foremost a team player and wish to create events for all to enjoy. I have previous experience of events organising in a variety of capacities, from charity events including food drives and performance fundraisers, to both year 11 and sixth form proms in which I headed the planning committee. From this, I am confident in liaising with different events/suppliers to get the best and most cost-effective resources.
​
An element of my plan is to push for a greater number of daytime sober events. I would love to extend on the pre-existing Med Soc v Holdsworth events to greater than just the sports. I wish to create a whole day devoted to challenges as a 'events day' including simpler games such as tug of war, egg, and spoon etc to include Holdsworth members who are not a part of the Netball/football teams and wish to participate in less physically challenging sports. I would include Bake offs, Chess tournaments and Lip Sync Battles. The day will finish with the society with the most 'wins' being awarded a trophy and I hope the event to become a yearly tradition, much like the Law Ball.
Isabella Morris
I am Isabella Morris, and I am very fond of applying for the role of the events officer, as I strongly believe I can fulfil this role. I am a very strong minded individual and am always determined to achieve my goals. I consistently thrive in working within a team environment and believe that this role would enhance these particular skills. I also am in the mindset, where one must collaborate with other strong minded individuals to encourage a positive outcome.
​
My creativity skills enable me to create innovative event ideas yet under timed pressure, which is fundamental for this role. During my A level experience, particularly studying media I researched lots of different ways of marketing promotion. A key part of this was the use of events which are often seen as significant, when launching a new brand, company etc. I am currently event planning my Aunt's 50th which is transporting fifty people from around Europe and the UK to an event in France.
​
I truly believe that health and well-being is a fundamental factor in helping people socialise, and therefore would love to host a variety of different and unique events. I would host weekly pilates classes, to promote a supportive environment for all, but also enabling individuals to empower one another. Additionally, I would love to host weekly running clubs, coffee shop outings and study sessions to enhance personal and academic success.
Mahima Chowdhury
Hi, I’m Mahi, hoping to be one of your social events officers for The Holdsworth Club next year! I’ve already worked as the Publicity Manager this year for the club, where I managed all the social media platforms and promoted all of our events but I’m hoping to organise them instead next year. One of the biggest reasons I have chosen this role is because I loved attending all of the socials this year, promoting them on the Holdsworth social media and contributing to successful turnouts! Attending them gave me a massive insight into how vital engaging socials are because it’s an amazing opportunity to make new friends and meet people in a comfortable environment.
​
If elected as an events officer next year, I would organise more events around UK Holidays such as Halloween (potentially a scare maze social or pumpkin carving competition!) For members who don’t drink, I would love to host charity fundraising events with sober socials such as a fun bake-off. Another fun idea of mine for next year would be to hold a Holdsworth Sports Day with a range of games for everyone to get involved in, prizes for the winners and a bar crawl to follow!
​
Working on the committee this year behind the scenes has been fun, but I would love to bring my creativity and a new aspect to the club. If you enjoyed reading my manifesto, vote for me as one of your social events officers for next year and maximise the benefits of your Holdsworth membership!
Publicity Manager
Beverly Keza
My main objectives as publicity manager would focus on two main pillars; creativity and inclusivity.
​
Digital marketing has always been an area I am passionate in. Over the past few years, I have worked on building my creativity specifically when it comes to media creation. I’ve had the privilege of working on the publicity team for this society as the 23/24 publicity officer. Additionally, I have also been working as a student content shaper for the University of Birmingham’s social media platforms. These roles have taught me the importance of professional creativity – how important it is to create art that both draws people in and stands out within a professional setting. It’s also allowed me to further my knowledge on video editing and picture/post editing platforms such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, Canva among others and I would deeply appreciate the opportunity to bring and develop those skills in the Holdsworth Club.
​
Above all, these roles have taught me the importance of ensuring that information is accessible for everyone. If elected as publicity manager, I will work to ensure that information is shared across all our platforms. Additionally, I intend to include clear, easy to read fonts on our posts to guarantee clarity for all while still maintaining the overall essence of the Holdsworth Club. Furthermore, I aim to provide detailed information on topics such as dress codes, maps and routes to locations among others for all our events and activities within adequate time, all to aid these objectives.
Publicity Officer
Scarlet Dillon
My name is Scarlet, I am in my first year of studying law and would like to apply for the position of publicity officer. I would love to have the opportunity to be a part of the committee and pursue my interest in advertisement and social media.
​
Why me?
I am a hardworking and reliable individual who works well in a team making me an ideal candidate to work with the publicity manager
My previous experiences mean I am enthusiastic about the role and have unique skills and ideas to bring forward.
​
Experience
As Head House Captain in sixth form I worked amongst a team to organise/advertise events throughout the year. This has given me experience on creating a variety of publicity materials which helped encourage participation.
Currently, I assist in managing all social media platforms for a local dog walking business. My role involves posting informative content and creating engaging posts to attract new customers.
​
As a member of the Holdsworth netball team I have participated and assisted in the production of TikTok’s where we advertise the club and encouraging people to join resulting in more memberships purchased.
​
My proposal:
TikTok Account
-
An effective way of relaying information and advertising events.
-
Reach a larger audience and encourage new members by making relatable and relevant content.
Social media advertisement
-
To maximise participation in events, create engaging videos to advertise and introduce interactive Instagram posts.
Thank you for reading my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining the committee and hope to be considered for the role.
Sports Officer
Aisha Abdelrahim
I’m a second-year law student on the straight LLB course at Birmingham Law School, and sport has always been a key part of my life. I regularly play tennis and being part of a large club has shown me the importance of well-organised and competitive sports teams. As Sports Officer, I hope to ensure that the Holdsworth Club’s sporting presence remains strong and successful.
​
Campus League is integral to the Holdsworth Club, and I aim to maintain and improve its success by focusing on:
​
Improving Promotion & Recruitment - Whilst our careers events and other club activities receive strong promotion, our sports teams deserve the same level of visibility. I will advocate for better promotion, particularly during Freshers’ Week, to ensure all members are aware of the opportunities available.
Expanding Our Teams - Our current teams are performing well, but I believe we can go further. If there is demand, I would like to introduce a basketball team and women’s football team to broaden our reach and increase participation.
Efficient Organisation and Leadership - Strong leadership and organisation are integral to sporting success. Through being part of the Pro Bono Group, I have developed these skills and will ensure that training schedules, fixtures and administrative matters run smoothly so players can focus on competing.
​
My goal is to support and develop sport at the Holdsworth Club by making sure our teams are organised and efficient. I am committed to making this happen through strong organisation and effective leadership.
Dana Williams
Hi, my name is Dana Williams, and I’d like to run for sports officer for the Holdsworth committee. I hope after reading my application, you will see why I would be fit for the role, as it is something I am very passionate about, and something which I hope to be involved in.
WHY ME?
-
I’ve been a consistent member of the Holdsworth netball team throughout 1st year, playing socially and competitively.
-
After engaging in a Holdsworth training swap, I plan to continue participating in the football training, which I hope will allow me to connect with other members whilst playing a sport I love.
-
I’ve attended socials held by both teams, which has allowed me to bond and build a rapport with others.
-
I have acted as the captain for my local football team, who I have played with for 9 years, as well as playing for Leeds District netball for 2 years.
-
I have worked on the management team for a local retail business for several years, which taught me strong organisation/communication skills - which I feel would highly benefit me in this role.
GOALS:
-
Encourage participation by raising awareness through social media
-
Create new sports teams that the society doesn’t participate in (eg. Hockey/rugby).
-
Introduce teams of different abilities, so that people can feel more comfortable, and play at a familiar skill level.
-
Encourage more girls to join football, so that they feel more confident in a sport which is male dominated, and potentially create a women’s team.
Tasneem Shahab
I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FROM INDIA, I HAVE KEEN INTEREST IN SPORTS SINCE FOREVER WHICH MADE ME APPLY FOR THIS POSITION OF SPORTS OFFICER OF HOLDSWORTH CLUB. TO START I WOULD SHARE A BRIEF ABOUT MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN SPORTS BEFORE JOINING UOB, I HAVE BEEN A SQUASH PLAYER RANKED 14TH IN GIRL’S UNDER-19 IN INDIA, PARTICIPATED AND EVEN WON NUMEROUS TOURNAMENTS IN BADMINTON, BASKETBALL, VOLLYBALL, HANDBALL, AND ATHLETICS (RELY, SHOT-PUT, DISCUSS-THROW, LONG-JUMP AND JAVELIN-THROW). SO AFTER JOINING HOLDSWORTH I HAVE REALISED THAT THOUGH HOLDSWORTH IS ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED AND RESPECTFUL SOCIETY IN UK STILL WE DON’T GET TO SHOWCASE ANYTHING BUT ACADEMICS, AND BEING A PART OF A LAW SOCIETY IF MEMBERS GET THE PLATFORM TO INVOLVE MORE IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS IT WILL ATTRACT MORE STUDENTS TO BECOME MEMBER. I WANT TO MAKE HOLDSWORTH MORE DIVERSIFIED IN SPORTS BY INCLUDING BADMINTON, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL AND MORE, WHERE MEMBERS CAN BE A PART OF TEAMS FOR FUN AND BE COMPETITIVE TO REPRESENT OUR SOCIETY. I BELIEVE OUR SOCIETY IS DOING GOOD IN SPORTS BUT I WANT TO INTRODUCE MORE SPORTS FOR MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE, WHICH WILL WORK AS BREAK FROM ACADEMIC STRESS AS WELL, ESPECIALLY FOR FEMALE MEMBERS TO GET INVOLVE AS WE DON’T GET PEOPLE/TEAMS TO GET INVOLVE IN SPORTS OR TRY SOMETHING NEW.
SOMEONE LIKE MYSELF, WOULD LOVE TO EXPLORE MORE THAN MOOTING, NEGOTIATIONS, INTERVIEWING, ETC. COMPETITIONS, WITH MY FELLOW FUTURE LAWYERS. PLUS SPORTS CAN BE A FUN WAY TO SOCIALISE AND CONNECT, WHICH WILL BE BENEFICIAL IN A LONG RUN.
Member Engagement Officer
Alys Goff
Hi I’m Alys and I am running for Member Engagement Officer. I am currently in my second year of LLB Law.
​
I am well-suited to this role because I am dedicated and hard-working, with strong organisational skills. I love attending Holdsworth events so look forward to interacting with members and supporting freshers’ integration into the society. I am excited to engage more with our alumni members and work with the events team to organise events which bring current students together with our alumni. In particular I look forward to organising our merch for members and the committee. I look forward to increasing the Holdsworth’s use of LinkedIn to connect with current and alumni members and promote the achievements of our society.
​
I have really enjoyed my time as a Holdsworth member and would love to contribute to the society as part of next year’s committee.
Megan Ball
I have applied for the Member Engagement role because I am genuinely passionate about building and nurturing the Holdsworth community. Over my time with the club, I’ve experienced first-hand the importance of strong connections between members, alumni, and the wider community. I’ve always enjoyed being an active participant in events and discussions, and I want to take this involvement to the next level by supporting and amplifying the voices of others, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued.
​
I believe my ability to communicate effectively and my enthusiasm for collaboration make me well-suited to this role. I have a natural ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, which will be essential in representing the interests of both current members and alumni. Additionally, I have valuable experience with social media management and event coordination. This will enable me to effectively manage the LinkedIn page, organize Freshers’ Week, and publicise the Holdsworth club on different social media platforms, as I believe this will increase engagement from first years. I am particularly excited about creating more opportunities for alumni engagement, as I understand the significant role they play in shaping the club’s legacy.
​
For next year, my focus will be on building stronger ties with alumni, enhancing engagement through digital platforms, and ensuring that events, such as Freshers’ Week, feel inclusive and welcoming. I will work tirelessly to make sure every member feels seen, heard, and connected, with the goal of creating a thriving and unified community that continues to support and inspire one another
William Nelson
I’m running to ensure that all members can effectively receive value for money from their membership through establishing channels and forums to ensure all members have their voices heard. I’m keen to work with other committee members such as those in Diversity, Events and Careers to ensure that members believe the committee is providing value for money and representing their interests.
Alongside this I am committed to ensuring that freshers coming into the Law School are understand the value of Holdsworth, with the club being on-par and often superseding the University in certain areas it’s important for Freshers to understand the value provided and be encouraged to participate in the society; to do this I will actively work with the Law School to continue to provide high-quality Freshers events and to increase the opportunities for Freshers and other students in their first week of term.
​
As well, I'd look to utilise my connections in the legal industry to support the rest of the committee in working with companies as well as working with BLS Alumni to ensure that Holdsworth can continue to provide frequent careers events for members. I’m looking to ensure there is a strong link between Holdsworth and Alumni through expanding the reach of the Holdsworth LinkedIn with the goal of retaining Alumni connections allowing them to continue to contribute to the society and working with committee members such as Secretary to integrate Alumni News into the Holdsworth Newsletter as well as other events.