Student Council Election Candidates

 

Scotland

Christopher James  

Good afternoon, thank you for your time. 

I am a first-year mature student at the University of the West of Scotland studying for a BSc in Paramedic Science. I gained entry through the Scottish Wider Access Programme and Glasgow Kelvin College, where I earned the Course Award (West Scotland) and an AAA Grade. This marks a career change after ten years working in the third sector, primarily in addiction rehabilitation. 

I would like to nominate myself for the Student Council as the Scotland representative. I bring extensive life and professional experience across public, private, and charitable sectors. I’ve founded grassroots charities, worked across the UK and EU, launched an online health business, and served as a charity Trustee. These roles have strengthened my collaborative, multidisciplinary, decision-making skills and deepened my commitment to serving under-represented groups. 

My recent academic journey has exposed me to various modes of learning and developed my ability to represent students’ diverse experiences. Paramedicine reflects my core values—duty, autonomy, and professionalism—and I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the profession. I would view Council membership as an honour and an opportunity to grow alongside the field of Paramedicine, sharing my experience and commitment to education and innovation. 

Many thanks for your consideration. 

Neave Macfarlane 

I believe that I have many ideas and methods of ensuring students can get the best experience in paramedic science. I understand there are various ways people take in information and I believe it is important to address and show all these ways to ensure the students gain the knowledge and skills they deserve. I show resilience and have many skills that I can contribute in to making my ideas happen. I want to make the students aware of all the opportunities and extracurricular activities that can be taken to make them the best paramedic. I also think it’s important to let students understand that they have resources and support, as I know myself and others can struggle with workload and overall stress. Everyone deserves the full experience of paramedic science and it’s important to realise that the route to the experience is different for everyone. Overall I want people to leave university knowing they got every opportunity, skill and qualification they deserve.  

Ethan MacDougall  

As a third-year BSc Paramedic Science student at Robert Gordon University, I am passionate about representing my peers and contributing to the ongoing development of the paramedic profession. I believe that improving our profession begins with empowering students, and I am committed to ensuring that student voices across Scotland are heard, supported, and valued. 

In my previous role as Social Secretary and current position as Vice President of my university’s Paramedic Society, I have developed strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills — all of which I would bring to the Student Representative role to strengthen collaboration between the College and students. I work well within a team and take pride in advocating for others to ensure fair and constructive outcomes. 

Through placements in urban, rural, and remote areas of Scotland, I have gained valuable insight into the diverse challenges and opportunities student paramedics face. I consistently take on additional learning opportunities and strive to contribute positively wherever possible. 

I would be proud to represent my fellow students and work closely with the College of Paramedics to enhance the student experience and support the growth and professionalism of future paramedics across Scotland. 

Chloe Anderson 

I would like to become the new Scottish Student Representative for the College of Paramedics because I am passionate about communication, collaboration and inclusion. I believe that every student brings something unique to the table and my experience as the Colleague Representative for my region while working with Scottish Autism has equipped me with advocacy, communication and leadership skills which would help me represent my fellow student paramedics at a national level. I would consider myself a people person and a change maker who always strives to do my bit for others and my community, even if this means pushing myself out of my comfort zone. CoP already values the student voice, however, I aim to strengthen this by engaging with students through class representatives, to gather collective feedback, and through meetings where individual students can ask questions and share ideas. I would work closely with fellow council members to amplify the Scottish student voice, while also listening, collaborating and comparing student experiences from across the UK, to identify areas where we can work with CoP to improve the student experience. Every student should feel that their voice is heard and valued within Paramedic Practice. 

Isaac Burnett Green 

I’m running for the Scottish Student Representative role because I want to help student paramedics across Scotland feel connected, supported and genuinely represented. Through Peer Assisted Learning and my time in the cadets, I’ve seen how powerful good communication and teamwork can be when it comes to sharing ideas and supporting others. If elected, I’ll work to make sure the voices of Scottish student paramedics are heard in national conversations, not just about education, but about the future of our profession. I want to help more students understand what the College offers, feel confident getting involved, and know their feedback really matters. I’d also love to strengthen links between universities and paramedic societies so we can share experiences and resources more easily. I believe every student should feel part of a supportive professional community from the very start of their journey. I’d aim to represent the diversity of Scotland’s students, celebrate our shared challenges and successes, and make sure our collective voice continues to shape the College’s work. My goal is to be a friendly, reliable and proactive representative who listens, communicates clearly and ensures Scotland’s student voice has real influence within the College’s work. 

Nicky McPherson 

Hi, I’m Nicky McPherson, and I’m running to be your Student Member Representative for Scotland. 

After 15 years as a primary school teacher, I made the leap into Paramedic Science—and I’m loving being on the other side of the desk. Education remains a deep passion of mine, and I’m acutely aware of the challenges students face, especially those rooted in inequality. I’m committed to ensuring these issues are recognised and addressed. 

I’d advocate for a more consistent approach to learning and assessment across institutions, and I bring extensive experience in quality improvement to support this. I believe in sharing good practice across Scotland and the UK, and I’d work to strengthen links between student paramedic societies and other pre-hospital care professionals. 

I’m proactive, approachable, and determined. I’d maintain an open channel of communication between students and the College, sharing updates, gathering feedback, and promoting opportunities to get involved. 

I live in Dunblane with my husband and two children. My sister and I share three horses and compete locally—though I’m a fair-weather rider who prefers sunshine to showers! 

I’d be honoured to represent you on the Student Council—and I’d love to hear your ideas. 

Johnny Cameron 

As a student paramedic, I am passionate about promoting the College of Paramedics and the valuable work it does in advancing our profession. If elected as Student Member Representative for Scotland, I would use this opportunity to raise awareness of the College’s role in supporting education, professional development, and the well-being of paramedics and students alike. 

I would actively promote the benefits of membership through university engagement and collaboration with lecturers and placement providers — encouraging more students across Scotland to connect with the College and access its resources, events, and networks. I believe many students are unaware of how influential the College is in shaping national policy, practice standards, and the future of paramedicine, and I want to help change that. 

With strong communication and leadership skills developed from my experience in my previous job roles as a training supervisor and as a student paramedic, I would confidently represent Scottish students’ voices, gather feedback, and ensure their concerns are heard. I am committed to building stronger links between the College and students, creating a supportive community where everyone feels valued and informed. 

I would bring energy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to championing both the College and the future of paramedicine in Scotland. 

Jasmine Turner 

I am a 3rd year student living in Scotland. I would like to run as a student representative to help further and current students get the best opportunities and make a difference to the way students are supported. Studying an as autistic student can be challenging and I want to be a voice for other students who are neurodivergent, and promote inclusivity and further provide an understanding on the variety of autism in individuals and how autistic students can be supported in university and on placement. I would like to advocate for fellow students by speaking up about any problems student paramedics may face and how these can be fixed. I have a strong personality and will stand up for what I believe in, ensuring students voices and concerns do not go unheard. I would like to get involved in future student events in order to raise any concerns students may have and or help to talk through any questions new students may have. 

North East

James Coates  

I am nominating myself for the role of Student Member Representative because I am passionate about representing the voice of student paramedics and ensuring that our experiences, challenges, and ideas are heard at every level of the College. As a mature student currently studying Paramedic Practice, I bring with me not only academic commitment but also over nine years of frontline experience working as an Emergency Medical Technician across multiple NHS ambulance trusts and private providers. This has given me a strong understanding of the realities of pre-hospital care, as well as the difficulties students face in balancing study, placement, and personal life. 

I believe I can bring value to this role by being approachable, supportive, and proactive in raising student concerns while also contributing ideas that improve our training and professional development. I have experience in leadership, communication, and advocacy through my work in healthcare, close protection, and event medical support, which I will use to ensure students feel represented and supported. 

Most importantly, I want to contribute to creating a more inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment where every student feels empowered to succeed. I would be honoured to represent my peers and advocate for positive change. 

Aaron Harlow-Stephenson  

I am a final-year BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science & Out-of-Hospital Care student at the University of Sunderland, passionate about representing the voices of student paramedics across the North East. Having gained experience as a retained firefighter, Clinical Care Assistant, and Advanced Ambulance Technician, I understand both the challenges and opportunities within our profession. I believe the student voice is vital in shaping the future of paramedicine, and I want to ensure that every student in our region feels represented, supported, and listened to at a national level. 

I bring strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, developed through clinical practice, academic study, and professional rugby, where collaboration and resilience are essential. My aim as a representative would be to act as a clear link between North East students and the College of Paramedics, gathering feedback, sharing updates, and advocating for positive change. I am particularly keen to address issues around placement experience, wellbeing, and professional development opportunities. By working closely with my peers and colleagues, I will ensure that the diverse perspectives of North East student paramedics are heard, valued, and acted upon. 

Sadie Hyman  

My name is Sadie Hyman and I am excited to stand as the North East representative to advocate for the interests and wellbeing of student paramedics in our region. Though new to university, I bring practical healthcare experience from my roles as a healthcare assistant in home and nursing care settings, supporting individuals with complex needs. These roles have shaped my dedication, reliability, and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. 

I pride myself on being approachable and conscientious, qualities that help me to communicate effectively and build trust, vital for representing student voices. I worked full time whilst completing a distance-learning access diploma and balancing demanding healthcare shifts alongside study has strengthened my resilience and time management, which I will bring to this role. 

As your representative, I will ensure that the concerns of students undertaking diverse clinical placements across the North East are heard and addressed. I will work with the College of Paramedics to enhance the student experience, provide effective support, and foster a collaborative environment. 

I look forward to engaging with my peers and course leaders to embed the student perspective into policy and education, making a genuine difference to paramedic students across the region. 

Michael Cooper 

I am Michael Cooper, 23 years old, and I have just started my first year of Paramedic Practice at Teesside University. At 17 years old, I joined HM Armed Forces instilling discipline, respect and teamwork. After serving for 3 years in the Army, I worked for a private medical company working in Patient Transport and as a medical responder with my FREC 4 which opened my mind to the world of emergency care. These previous job roles have taught me many qualities including leadership, communication and problem-solving. I would describe myself as someone who stands up for what is right. Unfortunately, in life I have had a few challenges, be that people who have tried to knock me down by attacking my sexuality, or by trying to plant self-doubt within myself. However, throughout my continuing maturement, I have learned to face these challenges head on and not to let these distract me from my continuing development. Finally, as a member of the student council I will always be open to listening to feedback and advice and will continue to push for the joint improvement and development of students studying to become high quality paramedics. 

Nancy Cadman 

I am running for student representative; I want to make a real difference for fellow student paramedics- not just talk about it. I am a person who listens, who will take action, and stand up for what is right. Student voices deserve to be heard, I will make sure we are heard. My main motivation for studying this profession began when my sister was diagnosed with a rare cancer called pineoblastoma. Seeing the compassion and skills of the paramedics and healthcare professionals who supported my sister showed me the true impact this role can have on people’s lives; it is what drives me to care deeply, empathise, work hard, and help others when they need it most. Outside of university I work as a support worker for those with learning disabilities, this has aided me to develop strong communication, advocation, leadership, and teamwork skills. From November onwards I will be volunteering as a community first responder to gain real life experience in pre-hospital care. If I am elected I will be a representative who is approachable, proactive, and genuinely passionate about change and representation for everyone. I am ready to step-up, speak up, and represent our region with pride. 

Yorkshire and the Humber

Gaara Hawthorne  

I would like to serve as a student representative on the Student Council because my experiences have equipped me with the skills and perspective needed to advocate for fellow student paramedics in Yorkshire and the Humber. Having served 10 years in the British Armed Forces as a Lance Corporal in the Rifles Regiment and Physical Training Instructor, I developed strong leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills that I now bring into my role as a third-year student paramedic at Sheffield Hallam University. Growing up in the foster care system has also given me a unique understanding of resilience and the importance of having a voice that represents and supports others, especially those from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds. 

Alongside my studies, I work as a liaison officer for the College of Paramedics, a first aid responder for Leeds United, and as an ACA, giving me a broad perspective of patient care and professional practice. With my British and Jamaican heritage, I am committed to encouraging inclusivity and ensuring student voices from all backgrounds are represented. I want to help create positive changes that improve student experiences, build stronger networks, and ensure we are all supported in developing into confident and capable paramedics. 

Emma Guy 

Hi, I’m Emma. I’m a second-year student paramedic at Sheffield Hallam University, and I would love to be your student council representative for Yorkshire and the Humber. 

I am incredibly passionate about the rate of advancement that we are currently seeing within the paramedic profession and the vital role student paramedics play within this. I want to ensure that student voices are at the forefront of decisions being made surrounding the development and improvement of our profession. As your student council representative, I will provide a direct link between student paramedics and the College, ensuring that the issues that matter most to students are valued and well communicated, allowing us to actively influence decisions shaping our future careers. 

Through my involvement in Sheffield Hallam’s Paramedic Society as Level Four Representative last year and Secretary this year, I have developed strong organisational skills and gained experience leading diverse teams. I have experience effectively collaborating and advocating for student paramedics and have proved that I can create positive and meaningful change, something I would bring to this new role. I am committed to ensuring every student paramedic feels heard and supported to help impact the future of our profession for the better.  

Joel Newton 

My name is Joel Newton, I am a second-year Paramedic Science student at Sheffield Hallam University, and I am applying for the College of Paramedics Student Council position for Yorkshire and the Humber. I am standing for this role because I want to be the student voice for the area I work and study in and help shape the future of how paramedics work regionally and nationally. Studying in Sheffield and living in York has allowed me to have a broad perspective of how the ambulance service and hospitals work across Yorkshire through placements, speaking to students and volunteering as a Community First Responder; with these, I have gained an insight into the strengths and challenges the region faces for both students and ambulance staff. If elected, I will work to ensure that all student voices across the region are heard and represented fairly. I want to help student paramedics by supporting events, tackling issues to enhance student engagement, and pushing for improvements for learning through collaboration with students and universities. I believe using feedback from students constructively will help create a positive change for the role and contribute to improving the student experience and the future of the profession. 

Liam Akers 

I’m eager to join the College of Paramedics Student Council to contribute my diverse experience and drive for positive change. Previously a Year 2 student on the MSci Nurse Paramedic course at Edge Hill University, I gained valuable insight into how different trusts and universities operate through placements with NWAS. Now studying BSc Paramedic Science at the University of Huddersfield, I’ll bring a fresh perspective and strong commitment to the profession. 

My determination is reflected in raising over £2,000 for a workplace defibrillator via a charity skydive, a level of motivation I’ll carry into the student council. Having supported patients on psychiatric wards across Yorkshire, I’ve seen firsthand the gap in mental health training for paramedics. We’re often the first point of contact, yet many feel underprepared. 

I want to champion mental health awareness and advocate for better education, ensuring future paramedics feel confident and competent when supporting vulnerable patients. With my background, passion, and proactive mindset, I’m ready to represent students and help shape a more inclusive, informed paramedic community. 

Grace Wolfenden 

As a dedicated and passionate student paramedic, I find myself suitable to join the student council with the ability of my leadership skills throughout my education with an example of being head of the university’s paramedic society. This incorporates me to listen and act upon students' opinions for events, issues and follow ups. I am confident in my communication skills to effectively stand for students through Yorkshire / Uk. I have worked in various jobs with lots of experience communicating clearly with others – with the ability to adapt and listen to those around me. I consider myself to be very understanding and empathetic person especially in situations surrounding others feeling to support their ideas and beliefs. Throughout my education from an early age, I have always found myself actively engaged in various initiatives and councils with a wide range of projects. 

People would describe me as funny, energetic, confident, and chatty with my unique ideas. Being one of the youngest on my course can give the college of paramedics new and innovative perspectives with a relatable tune to the ideas. Through the huge step from college, I navigated to adapt quickly, to my learning, resilience and made me aware of the significant demands to being a student paramedic. 

Lucinda Cotton 

To be elected as a member of the Student Council for the Yorkshire and Humber region would be a great privilege and honour. I am extremely passionate about representing my peers to ensure excellent experiences for all paramedic students during their training.  

As I enter my third year as a Student Rep for my cohort at Sheffield Hallam University, I know the importance of a student voice. I have the experience of actively listening to fellow students and their concerns empathetically.  I feel I have excellent communication skills which enable me to present these to staff in a diplomatic manner to facilitate positive change. I believe I could reciprocate the same role as a member of the Student Council.  

Should I be elected, I would particularly like to focus on the wellbeing of students’ during placement and their transition from university to qualified paramedics. I’m also keen to support inclusion and diversity within the profession, advocating for the interests all students. 

West Midlands

Dylan Stephenson

I’m Dylan, a second-year Paramedic Science student at the University of Worcester. I’m putting myself forward for the Student Council because I want to play a part in improving the experience of student paramedics, not just locally, but across the wider region. Since starting the course, I’ve come to realise how important it is to speak up and advocate for positive change, especially in a profession I’m so passionate about, and I believe students should be able to share their experiences and suggest improvements without fear of chastisement. 

Ben Overland

I am a 3rd year student paramedic studying Keele’s 4-year integrated masters in paramedic science. I want to do all I can to improve the student paramedic experience both locally in the west-midlands and beyond. This is why I’m standing to be a student member representative. As a 3rd year student, I know the successes but also face the challenges that unfortunately can hamper the experience of being a student paramedic. I also understand how much this degree means to everyone studying it and for this reason any issues raised with me will be met both with compassion and determination to provide students with answers. I am passionate that all voices deserve to be heard, especially those that have historically been underrepresented, so I understand the importance of ensuring everyone’s views are represented by the council. As a member of the NHS England Midlands Multi-professions Learners Council, I already advocate for student paramedics across the midlands where I articulate the problems facing student paramedics and feedback on NHS England strategies for AHP learners across the midlands. I am also the well-being officer for Keele’s paramedic society where I am committed to improving the experience of paramedic students at Keele. 

East Midlands

Sean Shanahan  

I am a third year Paramedic Science student at Nottingham Trent University; I wish to apply to be the representative for the East Midlands, as I’m passionate about relating student experiences to the future of our profession. 

Alongside my studies, I work in the switchboard at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and support training new colleagues. I also volunteer with Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport, helping patients to attend medical appointments. These roles have further strengthened my communication, organisation, and advocacy skills alongside my degree. Additionally, I have led mental health projects with the charities MIND and SEED via the NCS and Lifestyle initiatives, and have previously acted as the student representative for my year group. 

If elected, I would like to focus on student wellbeing and support, especially during placement as I feel this is insufficient (this is particularly so during first year, where skills are newly developed and there is often a lack of confidence). Additionally, I hope to create better platforms for nationalised student feedback and collaboration, to better identify regional differences in the experience as a student paramedic. 

Overall, I wish to support initiatives involving all students, and would be committed to representing all paramedic students with integrity. 

Zoya Latif  

I am standing for the position because I am deeply committed to championing the student voice and improving the educational experience for all paramedic students in my region. Over the past year, I have served as the student voice for my cohort, actively listening to my peers and advocating for their concerns, which has resulted in changes within the university learning environment as well as out on placement. This experience has enabled me to develop strong skills in communication, collaboration, and effective representation. 

The EMAS Student Representative role demands commitment, integrity, and a genuine passion for supporting students’ qualities that I feel I do embody through my dedication to ensuring every student feels heard and supported. My background in listening to student perspectives and acting as a link between students and faculty has equipped me with the insight to articulate key issues, promote inclusivity, and drive positive change. I am eager to use this experience to foster strong relationships, encourage engagement, and help shape the future of paramedic education in collaboration with the College. 

Emily Smith 

What interests me about this role is the opportunity to ensure student voice is represented at both regional and national levels. As a first-year Student Paramedic and recently appointed Cohort Representative at Northampton, I aim to advocate for my peers, liaise with lecturers to communicate any concerns or ideas effectively.   

My wide-ranging volunteer work with St John Ambulance, includes teaching first aid, running a Cadet Group and recently promoting “Virtual Cadet Groups” has equipped me with leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills. These roles, alongside balancing a part-time job and completing my Gold DofE Award, have also honed my resilience, organisation, and time-management abilities.  

I am empathetic, approachable and committed to ensuring that all student perspectives are heard in the East Midlands. Having faced high pressure situations both personally and while volunteering, I understand the importance of forward-thinking and professionalism. I am keen to contribute to the College’s activities, champion student interests, and promote an inclusive and informed community throughout the East Midlands. 

I would be honoured to sit on the Student Council as a Representative, bringing dedication, enthusiasm, and a student-centred perspective to the space. 

Eastern

Daniel Bean 

I am applying to join the College of Paramedics Student Council because I want to help represent student paramedics and support the future of our profession. I have a strong interest in pre-hospital care and a passion for helping people in their time of need. 

I grew up in South Africa, and my background has helped me understand the importance of diversity and good communication in healthcare. I believe this gives me a different point of view that I can bring to the council. 

At university, I am the CPD Officer for our Paramedic Society. In this role, I organise events and learning opportunities to help students grow and stay up to date. I also take part in volunteering, which has helped me improve my teamwork and leadership skills. 

Being part of the Student Council would give me the chance to speak up for students, support learning, and help make a positive difference in our profession. I am hardworking, friendly, and always willing to learn. I would be proud to represent student paramedics and work with others to improve our future. 

Thank you for reading my application. 

Hannah Richards  

I have always been a strong advocate for myself, my family and my peers and upon consideration of this role I feel I can also do this for student paramedics, current and future. I have a good level of awareness of the difficulty of the paramedic profession, for both students and qualified clinicians. Knowing this I would like the opportunity to advocate and share the opinions of the students within my region, with the aim of providing support and enabling policies to come into place to aid them throughout their education. I’m an approachable person and feel I can create a good level of communication between the College of paramedics and students. Not only would this allow students voices to be heard, but it will also allow me to educate them on the role of the COP throughout their professional journeys and what we do to benefit student and qualified paramedics. I am confident that if given this role I could exceed your expectations as a student representative and look forward to working alongside representatives in other regions of the UK. Thank you. 

Bronagh Poulston 

In a career where critical thinking is essential, being confident and competent in advocating on behalf of fellow students has enabled me to effectively utilise this attribute in various situations. During my tenure as a student representative in my first year of studies, a role and responsibility that I embraced, I was able to develop my personal and professional standing. Consequently, I raised important issues presented to me by my peers, including several projects related to both clinical placements and the broader university, with the focus on improving student engagement and satisfaction.  

I make great efforts to ensure that student paramedic voices are heard, whether that be on behalf of my year group or beyond, and it’s an aspect of student learning I am passionate about, to ensure my fellow students feel supported and empowered to achieve their best in and outside of the challenging environment we are training to be a part of is a fundamental value that I believe we all should have.  

Additionally, partnering my advocacy skills with effective communication, integrity, determination and focus suggests I am well-suited for representing students across year groups in the goal of improving their experiences and offering them new ones. 

Daniel Haddock

I believe the role of being a Student Representative goes far beyond representing just the current Student members but it’s a role that will help develop the experience of future Student Paramedics. Having sat on a student council before I believe I have highly transferable skills which I would be able to bring to the council. I’ve had a passion to become a paramedic for Eight years and I would bring the same passion to the student council and advocate for the same passion to be spread across the council and region. I have great communication skills, and this is evident in my experience in St John Ambulance as formally a cadet for six years where I progressed through the leadership ranks from corporal to lead cadet where I sat on steering groups to promote youth voice, which is a passion of mine. Now being a Youth Leader I have to communicate with a variety of people, along with those with neurodiversity and additional needs. I’m able to conduct and communicate in a professional manner which is something as a student paramedic is crucial and should be maintained in line with the HCPC Standards of proficiency numbers seven and eight. 

Daniel Grant

I am putting myself forward for the Student Council Member position because I am passionate about the future of the paramedic profession and committed to ensuring the apprentice student voice is effectively heard. I want to be a proactive representative who works collaboratively to further the interests of all student paramedics. 

I am highly suitable for this role as I possess the strong interpersonal skills necessary to form effective working relationships with the Student Council, Paramedic Council members, and College employees. I will act as a reliable role model and utilize these skills to actively liaise and engage with regional Student Paramedic Societies. This will guarantee a comprehensive, two-way channel of communication between the membership and the Council. 

Critically, I have the time and dedication to fulfill the role to a high standard. I am commit to attending all required meetings and endevour to be active and constructive in discussions, ensuring all workstreams are progressed in a timely manner between meetings. I maintain a professional attitude and a deep interest in the wider paramedic profession, making me fully prepared to uphold the values of the College of Paramedics throughout my tenure. 

London

Summer Cook Trout  

As a third-year student paramedic at City St George’s, University of London, I am keen to continue my involvement with the College of Paramedics as the London Student Representative. Having been co-opted into this role this year, I have gained valuable insight into the responsibilities and opportunities it offers, and I am eager to build upon this experience. 

I am passionate about representing the student paramedic community, ensuring their voices are heard at both local and national levels. In particular, I have a strong interest in promoting the welfare and wellbeing of students, with a focus on mental health support. The challenges of paramedic education and clinical practice can place significant pressure on students, and I am committed to advocating for initiatives that foster resilience, inclusivity, and accessible support systems. 

Through this role, I aim to strengthen communication between the College and London-based student members, creating opportunities for engagement, feedback, and collaboration. I believe representation should not only reflect students’ needs but also empower them to contribute actively to the future of the profession. 

I would be honoured to continue as London Student Representative and to support the College’s mission in championing the student paramedic voice. 

Sam Mills 

I'm suitable for the position of student council representing London as not only do I have a passion for student paramedic development, I also wish to bringing their views and experiences into further conversation and discuss how we can better serve the area. I have past experience sitting on councils and volunteer boards from university level to an international level. This experience has given the skills to effectively communicate to stakeholders, professors and other council members as well as the knowledge on how to organize small and large scale events, the importance of recruitment, how to address people's concerns all while staying professional.  

I want to further promote paramedic student development by supporting students and aiming to bridge the gap in the difference in learning students receive.  As well as ensure students are aware and partaking in activities brought together by the collage of paramedics at all levels. And that their continued education and professional development is at the forefront to ensure we are giving students the best opportunities for success. 

I have past experience that will support me in delivering information to student members. It also has given me the experience of working within large groups and being able to effectively communicate within that environment. 

Northern Ireland
There was only one candidate for Northern Ireland and they are therefore elected unopposed. 

Sophia Erskine 

I’m applying to be a Student Member Representative because I’m passionate about supporting and connecting student paramedics. Since starting my Paramedic Science degree at Ulster University, I’ve seen how valuable it is to have a strong student voice and sense of community, and I want to help make sure everyone feels heard and represented. 

Through my role as Head Girl and captain of both my Camogie and Gaelic football teams, I learned the importance of listening, teamwork, and leading by example. These experiences have shaped how I approach challenges, which is calmly, with empathy, and always focused on finding solutions. Working as an Ambulance Care Attendant with Proparamedics has also given me first hand experience of the demands and rewards of patient care, and strengthened my communication and problem solving skills. 

I’d love to use these skills to represent my peers, share their ideas, and help create positive change. I’m committed to attending meetings, engaging with societies, and building links between students and the College. I’m genuinely proud to be part of this profession, and I’d consider it a privilege to help support and strengthen the student paramedic community. 

North West
There was only one candidate for the North West and they are therefore elected unopposed.

Morgan Allan 

I am applying to be on the Council because I am passionate about advocating for neurodiverse and disabled paramedic students and improving inclusivity within the ambulance service. As a neurodivergent individual, I have worked hard throughout university to raise awareness and drive change for autistic individuals within pre-hospital care, with much of my research focusing on this area. I believe that encouraging the inclusion of neurodiverse paramedics in the workforce is key to overcoming the barriers to healthcare and worse health outcomes faced by neurodiverse patients. My goal is to ensure the voices of student paramedics are heard within the College of Paramedics and represent and support other neurodiverse and disabled student paramedics. 

My commitment to advocacy and education can be seen in my work outside of university where I have contributed to research on mental health services, including involvement on the Safewards project led by King’s College London and NHS England. This experience enabled me to develop my communication skills when advocating for others. I also work with Lancaster Medical School, educating future doctors about the intersection between neurodiversity and mental health. 

Military
There were no candidates for the Military seat.