Isabelle 'Izzy' Casey - Chair of Council

Having had the experience of being both Course Representative and Law School President across my first two years at Southampton, I have gained first-hand insight into the work of Sabbatical Officers, as well as school, faculty, and university wide initiatives which the student voice has had an immense impact on. 

As Chair of Council, I am eager to make that impact even stronger. I will increase the visibility of Council meetings, give students across all disciplines opportunities to have an input on discussions, and provide regular and accessible updates on progress made throughout the year.

In the 2026 Leadership Elections, nearly 5000 students had their say on who will be their next Sabbs. Students therefore deserve to have clear visibility on what progress is being made within SUSU and across the wider university community. Enhancing the Council’s visibility will make Sabbatical Officers more approachable by offering students greater insight into what their role entails, and shedding light on new opportunities for development, ultimately encouraging students to be even more vocal on things that matter most to them within SUSU. 

On a broader perspective, I will also prioritise and champion the student voice in decision making processes, ensuring conscious consideration is given to those who will be impacted the most by topics discussed. I will achieve this by actively encouraging student input, upholding SUSU’s democratic values, and ensuring that progress is impactful, inclusive and long-lasting.