The Student Equality Network is run by students, for students and supported by the Union. It is a group for students who are passionate about promoting equality at Surrey, and this project also helps ensure the Union is well-informed about the experiences of the students who make up our diverse Surrey community. The aim of these initiatives is to make change, celebrate diversity and connect people together.

The Network is led by six paid part time leaders, including Chelsea our Communications Officer. Find out a bit more about Chelsea, her experience in the role and what it was like to be part of the Student Equality Network: 

Hey everyone! My name is Chelsea and I am a 1st year Psychology student. I’m passionate about ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and included.  Being given the opportunity to be part of the Student Equality Network is something I’ll always be grateful for. Whilst growing up I found social media as a great way to feel more included and integrate within society, especially as I noticed a lack of cultural representation which made it harder to feel a sense of belonging. Coming to university, I noticed that I was no longer surrounded by people with similar cultural backgrounds and which meant that I had to come out of my comfort zone, which was exciting but also was difficult. In my role as the Communications Officer at the network, I got to promote the network’s events and services by managing communication channels such as social media. I was able to create engaging content, support different awareness campaigns, and ensure students receive clear information. I also helped to gather students feedback and strengthen engagement between the Student Union and the university students, encouraging greater participation in union activities and opportunities.  

When I first came to university, I realized how important it is to have space where you feel comfortable to truly express yourself. That is why I got involved with the Student Equality Network because I wanted to be part of a place where people were passionate about creating a university environment where every student feels represented and empowered to share their experiences. Also, the network provides an opportunity to advocate for underrepresented groups and helps ensure that all students have a sense of belonging within the university community. Getting to see and experience that change has been very exciting and an unforgettable experience. 

As Communications Officer the main responsibilities were developing and delivering digital communications using social media and making creative content to promote inclusion and engagement. Also, as communications officer you are given the opportunity to lead the planning and create social media campaigns across the different sub networks. One of the projects I’m most passionate about is the #MyNameIs campaign run by the Race Equality network. The campaign involved different ideas being made which were exciting to do behind the scenes. Also, getting to speak to different students within the university and hearing their personal stories helped me to see the importance of representing underrepresented backgrounds and making sure everyone feels heard and seen. Achievements that were made are that the Instagram page tripled in followers as well as having approximately 11.9k views on average across the month. Hopefully it can increase even more in the next upcoming year. 

Being Communications officer, I have been able to learn different skills as well as making unforgettable memories. Through joining meetings and making sure that content was getting out on time, it all helped me overall to be more diligent with my time and to not procrastinate, which is a struggle especially as a university student. But through that I was not only able to be effective with my time management within the role but was also able to apply it to my university schedule and as a result make more time to relax and have fun with friends! Moreover, I have learnt how to be more confident when speaking to others. Either in meetings when presenting ideas or speaking to others and promoting the network. Overall being part of the network has helped boost my confidence as well as being bolder and more outspoken when approaching people, which can be nerve wracking at times. 

If you want to help, make an impact on students lives within the university, being part of the Student Equality Network is the best way to achieve just that! 

---

Through campaigns, events, paid opportunities, and projects that celebrate diversity and amplify student voices, we encourage you to get involved. Led by students, for students- make a change together. Find out more about the Student Equality Network here. 

Interested in being part of the Network? We are currently undergoing a sign up refurb and students will be able to sign up through the website from September 2026. Keep up to date online (Instagram @surreyequalitynetwork). 

Interested in becoming a Network Leader?  Applications will reopen in September 2026. You can find more information about the roles available here.