News: Student Governors are inspired at AOC Conference 2021

Recently Henry Icke (Student Voice Officer) and Natalia Maziarz (Student Union President) were invited to a national Student Governance Conference to support their roles as elected Student Union executive representatives and help their work within the Nottingham College Student SU. 

The conference is held at the Birmingham International Convention Centre annually and is hosted by the Association of Colleges (AOC) and it brings together young people from across England for governance training and networking, which ensures they are knowledgeable, supported, and prepared for the responsibility being given to them in their roles.

Henry shared: ​“Having the chance of going to the Conference this year was such an amazing experience, this trip was all about learning what the role of the student governor is. It was about how to use the experience and bring new ideas to the table, and as well as holding account of those in charge of college life. 

Student governors from colleges and universities across the country got together at this event and talked about their experiences, 

Hearing guest speakers and the thoughts and views of my governors really inspired me to bring more fresh ideas to our college in meetings that we attend as board members. As a student governor, it is our job to share our thoughts and opinions about student life on campuses and hopefully make changes. 

Student governors require a lot of dedication to their role and commitment. They also need to ensure they are prepared for the meetings they attend. 

When we meet at board with staff members who run the College we discuss day-to-day issues that the College faces and takes decisions on, such as:

• Curriculum / Quality of learning
• Student experience
• Quality management
• Finance
• Estates”