Tools for Schools

Staff Handbook Summary — Academic Year 2024/25

This guide summarises how staff can support Student Voice Representatives (SVRs) to gather student feedback, work with programme teams, and improve the academic experience.

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SVRs are students appointed to represent their peers, gather feedback, and work with staff to improve the academic experience. They attend Student Staff Voice Committees (SSVCs) and act as a communication bridge between students and programme teams.

• Promote the SVR role during induction and throughout the year.
• Support SVRs in gathering and sharing feedback.
• Organise and minute SSVCs, ensuring accessibility and transparency.
• Use the shared SVR Office Sheets to track representative engagement and training.

Students can apply to become a Voice Representative at the start of each academic year.

Successful applicants will receive online training and ongoing support to help them get the most from the role. Training information, schedules, and key dates will be provided directly via email, ensuring representatives always have the latest information.

All representatives receive online training to ensure accessibility and flexibility. Additional drop-in sessions are available throughout the semester.

Lead School Voice Representatives (LVRs) are experienced SVRs who:

• Coordinate feedback across the school
• Attend Faculty- and University-level committees
• Receive a stipend and additional training in leadership, governance, and communication

If no SVRs are in place after the application deadline:

• Invite volunteers and allow time for interest to build.
• Avoid selecting students directly; encourage them to apply.
• Remember that previous representatives must reapply to continue in the role.

SSVCs are the main forum for student feedback. They must:

• Be chaired by a student, with staff support.
• Meet at least once per semester.
• Be minuted, with minutes shared with students, Keele SU, and School Education Committees (SECs).
• Include at least two SVRs per cohort.

• Include SVR information in induction materials.
• Invite returning representatives to share their experiences.
• Highlight HEAR recognition and volunteering hours.
• Encourage students to engage with their representatives.

• General enquiries and updates: su.voice@keele.ac.uk