Useful resources from the UK

Ofsted is the UK body responsible for the inspection of colleges and schools. A crucial part of any assessment entails exploring the extent to which students are being consulted on the quality of teaching they receive and Ofsted has prepared a number of examples demonstrating good practice in the field of student voice. Examples of good practice provided by Ofsted can be found here.

In the UK, we often talk about the role of the ‘Student Governor’ when we discuss student voice. The term requires a bit of explanation, and is very much linked to the way in which colleges are governed at the national level. In the UK, central and local government transfer a great deal of decision-making powers directly to colleges. However, as colleges are funded by public money, these institutions are legally required to set up an independent panel, called a Board of Governors, comprising members of the local community to scrutinise the college’s actions and spending. "

As well as members of the community, many colleges also appoint a Student Governor to represent the voices of learners. England’s Association of Colleges has prepared an excellent handbook which provides advice to colleges regarding how to appoint and support Student Governors. 

Creating an organisational culture in which students feel as though their voice matters and is being listened to is not always easy. The ‘Class Representative’ system, in which each class within an institution selects a student to represent their views to academic and senior staff, is a common approach. It is particularly effective, allowing students to provide feedback anonymously and concisely. 

We really like the handbook Carlshalton College has prepared for their Class Representatives which explains in clear and straight forward language their role and responsibilities. Explore this useful resource and others developed by Carlshalton, published on the Education and Training Foundation's Excellence Gateway.