Innovative Meeting of the Student Voice Conference

On Wednesday 12th March 2025, Student Representatives from all curriculum areas participated in our Student Voice Conference, where they could meet partnering organisations and learn more about how to engage the Student Voice principle as well as developing strategies to engage further with community partnerships. 

The meeting was introduced by Holly Tyack, Student Enrichment and Engagement Lead, who outlined the importance of Student Voice at the college and the opportunity for our students to develop further skills. It was brilliant to hear first-hand from Student Reps Hayden and Sofia, who shared their experiences around how much they have enjoyed being Reps and all the skills they have and are continuing to develop as part of this role. They both also highlighted the amazing opportunities they are able to take part in, including a Youth Social Action project to Kenya taking place in July which is only open to Student Reps. 

Rosie and Luke from the Student Engagement Team at Bournemouth and Poole College then did an icebreaker exercise with groups of students about what they would take on a desert island, from two lists – one of which was seemingly a lot more useful than the other! This encouraged team work, open discussions and presentation skills, as each group had to share their solutions to the rest of the audience. 

Next, Student Rep attendees met with SUBU (Student’s Union Bournemouth University) where they learned that the SUBU organisation sits independently of the university itself – creating jobs for students in the shops, cafes, bars and so on. It also has its own in-house ‘jobshop’ full of other opportunities. SUBU has approximately 700 Student Voice representatives, and this represents almost 5% of the student numbers at the university, generally.

Mira Koseva, Director of Strategy and Development along with Ryan Hughes, the Student Voice Coordinator for the University led a talk with two current Student Reps: Izak Barry (Student Rep, 1^st Year Law) and Dhinushi Subramaniyam (Student Rep, Masters level in Management with Business Analytics). The team showed how crucial feedback is to constantly improving the student experience and demonstrated examples of successful changes, showing the impact Reps can have. The team also presented the picture for a very active and engaged Student’s Union which prioritises wellbeing, sustainability, clubs, societies, along with social days and evenings and other events. The SUBU Student Reps at the Bournemouth University are well-placed to determine how they wish their university to run – having their own website at: https://www.subu.org.uk

Ryan Hughes, Student Voice Coordinator said: “We have developed a very active Student Rep body – which means we are making improvements year after year. In times of industry uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we listen to our students and trust them to have a say in how we do things. By providing a platform for students to take on responsibilities, we not only ensure their voices shape the future of education but also empower them to develop essential personal and professional attributes. We are extremely proud of the Student Voice we have created – it makes a positive difference for all involved.” 

Attendees also learned that Holly Tyack, Student Engagement and Enrichment Lead at Bournemouth and Poole College, is also a SUBU Student Rep Alumni! 

Student Voice Reps had a vibrant panel discussion. Members of the panel included Councillor Mike Cox, Deputy Leader of BCP Council (Vice-Chair of Cabinet and Cabinet Member for Finance), Ali Leaverland, the college’s Vice Principal (Curriculum and Quality), Rachel Trickey a Governor at the College, and Mira Koseva from Bournemouth University – where students could ask questions important to them. 

Questions asked included safeguarding during darker winter months and safe travel, how organisations work with employers to provide career progression, how the college and universities work with local communities and charities, and many more. The students listened and participated with energy, and the questions flowed. 

Cllr. Mike Cox, from BCP Council said: “It is absolutely vital that we all listen more to what young people want for their college and community. I was delighted to be part of the listening process which was so well organised. It is so important that young people feel valued and want to stay in our fantastic community and thrive.”

Lloyd Perry, Director of Student Inclusion and Support rounded off the conference with a thank you and later commented: “What a great morning, the students were really well-placed to be representing their fellow peers at the college, and asked some really pertinent questions at the panel discussion. As a new Student Voice body at the college, they’re showing us the mettle that makes for a good Student Rep already and I have no doubt the skills they are gaining will stand them in good stead in their future careers.”