Brighton Student, Former UNICEF Refugee Camp Advisor, Appointed To National Advisory Body

Monday, 17 August 2020 12:58

By John Warburton @Warblefly

A leading member of the University of Brighton's student union, and a refugee-camp advisor, has been appointed to a national body that officially advises the government on the regulation of higher education.

Ramy Badrie, who is a union vice-president currently on sabbatical from his law degree, has been appointed to a 16-strong Office for Students (OfS) panel.

The panel will advise England's independent regulator of higher education on strategy and activity, meeting regularly throughout the year to ensure students' interests are reflected in the OfS' work.

Ramy, an international student originally from Syria with a background in Criminal Justice, joined the University of Brighton to study law in 2018.

He has recently started his second term as the Brighton Students' Union's Vice-President Education, having taken a sabbatical following the first year of his law degree.

Before moving to the UK, Ramy was involved with UNICEF and various charities in the Middle East for almost two years, working with refugee camps along the Syrian-Jordanian border and collaborating with organisations to lobby for greater support and protection for Syrian refugees.

He has been chosen by the OfS as one of 10 new additions to the 16-strong student voice panel from 890 applicants, with his appointment lasting until at least July 2021, with the option of an additional year.

Ramy said:

"I am deeply humbled to have been appointed to the panel, representing students nationally and ensuring their voice is embedded in key policy areas.

"My time at Brighton Students' Union and my experience at the University of Brighton have been transformative, both professionally and personally.

"I look forward to working with OfS and individuals across the sector to ensure equality of opportunity for each student so that no voice goes unheard".

Commenting on Ramy's appointment to the panel, Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris said:

"I am so proud of Ramy on his selection to the OfS panel.

"I am delighted that a University of Brighton student will be taking their leadership to the national stage, he truly is a voice for good".

Ramy is due to attend his first meeting at the end of October.