Staff in specialist colleges continuously communicate with learners to understand their wants and needs to make sure their voices are heard. For some providers, this could be the extent of what is deemed ‘learner voice’ work. For others, it is just part of an approach that spans and shapes organisations.
Examples of different approaches include:
- Learner Councils / Student Unions
- Learner representation on governing bodies
- Learner involvement in college self-assessment processes
- Learner involvement in curriculum and transition planning
- Learner-led initiatives
Many colleges have a student body where elected or appointed representatives play leadership roles in actively seeking the views of all the young people they represent. The resources below include a framework to support learners in undertaking their own research to seek the views and preferences of their peers.
Resources
- Enhancing the Learner voice toolkit
- Learner-led research questionnaire powerpoint and staff guidance for its completion
- Learner voice charter for learning
- Learner-led research poster 2023 – downloadable
- A right to have a voice – 2024 poster
- We want to feel proud of ourselves – 2025 poster
- Webinar: Are we hearing the learners’ voice?
If you would like to know more about our work supporting colleges to develop the learner voice or if you are interested in joining our Learner voice network contact Andrew.Evans@natspec.org.uk
Upcoming events
Student Voice Parliament
Thursday 14 May 2026, 10:00am–2:00pmThis event is for students from Natspec member colleges to come together, discuss and collaborate on topics that are important to them and to make sure their collective voice is heard.
Learner voice network
Thursday 2 July 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmThis network is for Learner Voice Practitioners working in Natspec member colleges and affiliates. This is an opportunity to meet other practitioners, hear about their work and share ideas around best practice.
An introduction to learner voice work
Thursday 24 September 2026, 12:00pm–1:00pmJoin us in learning about the services and support Natspec offers its members and affiliates and get a taste for the work going on in the Learner Voice Network and Student Voice Parliament.
Learner voice network
Thursday 15 October 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmThis network is for Learner Voice Practitioners working in Natspec member colleges and affiliates. This is an opportunity to meet other practitioners, hear about their work and share ideas around best practice.
Student Voice Parliament
Thursday 26 November 2026, 10:00am–2:00pmThis event is for students from Natspec member colleges to come together, discuss and collaborate on topics that are important to them and to make sure their collective voice is heard.