We’re excited to welcome Ben, Scarlet and Mathew onboard.
We’re excited to welcome Ben, Scarlet and Mathew as the newly appointed Student Members of Senate.
They’ll be joining Open SU President Natalie, Student Member of Council Andrew, and Vice President Student Representation Nichola in representing students at the Open University’s highest academic committee, Senate.
Senate meets at least four times a year and plays a key role in shaping the academic direction of the University. With over 100 members, the decisions made here have a real impact on the student experience across the OU.
All about Ben
Ben is the Chief Operating Officer at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, and the Senior Responsible Officer for Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism across the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System. With NHS experience dating back to 2004, he brings a wealth of operational and leadership expertise.
A Chartered Manager and Companion of the Chartered Management Institute, Ben is also a qualified Executive Coach, Vice Chair of Stoke on Trent College, and passionate about leadership development, inclusion, and education (being the first in his family to attend university).
Currently in his third year of a part-time Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care with the OU, Ben’s research explores the impact of staff redeployment on individuals, teams and services, with a focus on compassionate workforce responses.
As part of Senate, Ben aims to champion student voices and to ensure that the OU’s policies reflect the diverse needs of learners balancing study, work, and personal commitments.
When he’s not studying or working, Ben enjoys life in Birmingham with his partner and friends, socialising, and finding time to keep learning and growing.
All about Scarlet
Scarlet leads a busy but rewarding life, balancing study, volunteering and family. A proud mum of two, with one son at university and another preparing for his GCSEs, Scarlet embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and community that defines The Open University.
Alongside her studies, Scarlet volunteers as Co-lead of the Welsh Club, Events Officer for the Disabled Students Support Group, and Student Rep for WELS-ECYS. These roles allow her to connect with fellow students, build supportive spaces, and champion equity, diversity and inclusion across the OU. As a neurodivergent student, Scarlet is passionate about creating environments where difference is not just accepted, but celebrated.
Now in her second year of a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Scarlet is particularly excited to be studying Investigating Psychology 2 and Child Development. Her fascination with psychology stems from a deep curiosity about people, behaviour and experience – knowledge she hopes to use to make a positive difference in the world.
For Scarlet, being a Student Rep is all about ensuring that every voice is heard. She’s committed to representing underrepresented students, and believes strongly in equity and inclusion as the foundation of a thriving learning community. Her motivation for joining the Senate comes from a desire to make sure students’ lived experiences inform key university decisions and help shape a more inclusive and compassionate OU for the future.
Outside of her studies and volunteering, Scarlet enjoys attending metal and rock gigs, writing poetry, reading, and exploring Italy whenever she can.
About Mathew
Mathew has a biomedical scientist background and now works as a Technical Manager, leading a team of nine across the UK and Scandinavia who provide remote troubleshooting support. His role allows him to combine his love of science with his passion for developing and supporting people.
At home, life is full and lively, with three young children aged five, four, and three, meaning his old hobbies of board games and quiet evenings are on pause for now! Despite a busy family and work life, Mathew is dedicated to his studies and is currently in his second year of the MBA (Master of Business Administration). He values the OU’s flexibility and the way it enables him to balance professional growth with personal commitments.
As a Rep, he is motivated by a desire to make a difference for others. He’s passionate about ensuring every student feels supported and has access to the flexibility and understanding they need to thrive.
Mathew applied for Senate to bring his experience in science, IT, and leadership to the discussion, helping to ensure that student voices are central to the OU’s decisions, and that policies reflect the diverse needs of its learners.