Natspec’s Student Voice Parliament meets twice a year and comprises members from colleges across England and Wales. In November 2021, the Parliament decided they would take on setting the agenda and chairing the Parliament meetings.
Hosted and chaired by National Star College’s Student Union, May’s Parliament could either be attended face to face or via zoom. 25 colleges and over 100 students attended, and the topics discussed, chosen by members of the Parliament included:
- the challenge of transitions
- educating the local community
- learner-led research.
Members of the Parliament spoke about their experience of transitions in and out of college. Some learners spoke positively about experiences of being at the heart of decision making. Others found the subject upsetting and hard to talk about and they felt that decisions were outside their control and made by people who didn’t know them. They felt that this had a bad effect on their mental health and that of their families.
Learners from St Piers College in Surrey shared the work they are doing seeking to educate the wider community about their skills, abilities and accessibility needs
The Parliament agreed that during the summer term they will be undertaking their own research on what they and their peers need from the breadth of staff working with them.
For more information see our Learner Voice webpage or contact our Learner Voice Co-ordinator Andrew Evans Andrew.Evans@natspec.org.uk