Jane: Tell us a bit about who you are and what your role is at the university?
My name is Simon Brown and I work in Campus Infrastructure as an Assistant Locksmith. If it’s key or lock related, it would fall to me and my colleague.
Jane: What do you like best about working here?
I try to be as friendly as I can, and that is reflected in the people I meet at the university. It’s a family, a community, all wrapped in a beautiful environment. Where else can you work where you meet a physicist, an athlete, a mathematician and engineer, just walking to the coffee shop? It’s diverse, new and evolving, but also familiar and friendly.
Jane: In 2024, you were a recipient of a Staff Recognition Award. Can you tell us more about what you got the award for?
Wellbeing is important to me. I was one of the handful of people who joined the Wellbeing Champion network when it originally started in 2019 and I’m heavily involved with the Men’s Network. When I moved from Chemistry to Building Services in 2023, I recognised the need for better availability of wellbeing information and requested the use of a noticeboard in my department. This board regularly gets updated with events, signposting and general wellbeing information and the promotion of good mental health. The award was for Supporting Colleagues and was a complete shock. I didn’t know I had won until I attended the presentation. Even more incredible is this is the second time I’ve won a Staff Recognition award. The previous was in 1 South Chemistry in 2019 which was also for Supporting Colleagues.
Jane: What sorts of things do you do for the community and what motivates you to get involved in helping members of our community?
There is a stereotypical view of older men not seeking help when they need it. This is especially noticeable when it comes to mental health. When Heather Girling (Wellbeing Manager) asked for volunteers for the new Men’s Network, I jumped at the idea. Our Health Screening events are extremely popular and have highlighted some health concerns which have been addressed. Through my time in Chemistry and South Sciences, then my transfer to Campus Infrastructure and my willingness to meet new people, I guess I’ve become a little more known on campus. And I love this. The more people know me, the more they know who to ask. I confess I am a bit of a yes-man, but helping others is what gets me out of bed. It’s my purpose and I get a huge amount of enjoyment from it.
Jane: If someone is reading this and wants to get more involved in community activities at the University, where should they start?
Sometimes, getting the message out is difficult. I know that from the Men’s Network. But if you dig around, there are loads of things going on. Not just the wellbeing activities such as No-Kidding, Menopause, Men’s and Women’s networks, but also fun clubs like board games and sports clubs. There is a bit of a sea of information and sorting through the activities just for students and just for staff can be daunting. The university website is an excellent start. Most of the networks can be found on there. And there are noticeboards dotted around campus. But don’t forget your colleagues. Just ask around and you might be surprised how much is going on.
Jane: If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change at the University to build a greater sense of community?
Noticeboards. At the moment, I feel there is an overload of posters all over campus. Where to look? Is it for students only? Is the event currently running? I’d like to see a central noticeboard – one for students and one for staff. Each poster would have an expiry date so it could be taken down after that. Somewhere on the parade would be good.
Jane: What does community and inclusion mean to you?
Feeling part of a group with a common goal. I think that is sometimes forgotten but it is key to why we are here and it can be very uplifting. Campus is a mini town in itself and I have never before experienced a workplace where it's big enough to become a community. I wear my uniform with the University of Bath logo with pride. That’s community. Campus is also a microcosm of cultures, identities and beliefs and I am proud to be part of this wonderful mix. I’m not under any illusion we still have ground to break but inclusion is a journey and will need time for everyone to get on board.
Jane: Can you tell us something about you that might surprise people?
When I speak to people, they often comment on my confidence and clarity of my decisions. In fact, I am unsure, have low self esteem and lack confidence. Fortunately, it’s not debilitating but I’m forever questioning my abilities, skills and knowledge!
Jane: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Someone has the right to not like you. You have the right to not like someone. It’s quite negative, but also can allow acceptance that sometimes, for reasons beyond your control, two people do not get on. I’d like everyone to like me but that’s not always going to happen, and that’s ok.