1 Students as partners in policy formation: developing the University Student Charter in Cardiff Professor Stephen Denyer Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Students Beth Button Students’ Union Education Officer

Outline Context Development The Evolving Charter Our advice to you as Governors

Context National government report from the Student Charter Group ◦ Co-chaired by Janet Beer (VC, Oxford Brookes) and Aaron Porter (when President of the NUS) Requirement from HEFCW that all Welsh HEIs publish a Student Charter by 1 Aug 12

Principal features for a Student Charter Government report recommendations: There should be a single charter for each HEI and that charters cover all students – UG, PGT and PGR, full-time and part-time A charter should be seen as a summary document, providing signposts and links to more detailed regulations and course information Student Charters will only work if … there is real partnership working with student representatives and students

Principal features for a Student Charter HEFCW guidance recommendations: The Charter should be jointly written by the institution and the student union The Charter should inform students of what they should be able to expect, what is required of them, and what to do if things do not meet expected standards The Charter should be reviewed jointly by students, student union officers and institutional staff on an annual basis to ensure it is still being used and remains relevant

Relationship between University and Students’ Union What words would you use to describe the relationship between your University and your Students’ Union? Quickly discuss on your tables and then each table should report back one or two words that you’ve come up with

Our relationship between University and Students’ Union Mutual benefit from an excellent relationship at Cardiff The Students’ Union has long recognised that to fully represent students it needs an effective relationship with the University We have a history of working well in partnership An agreed Student Voice Framework

Student Voice Framework Involvement Opportunities are provided for students to express individual opinions, perspectives, experiences, ideas and concerns. Participation Opportunities are provided for students to take a more active role in a defined activity. Partnership Collaboration between the University/Schools and students, involving joint ownership and decision making over both the process and the outcome.

Students The University Students’ Union Enhancement of the Student Experience

Developing our Charter Good foundation on which to build: Preliminary Meeting Video Strengthen by a Steering Group ◦ Range of Student Representation, University Academic & Management Staff, Students’ Union Staff Supplemented by Sub-Groups ◦ Thematic groups to explore what Cardiff did well (student support, employability, equality, etc.) Drew on a parallel consultation process first developed for our Education Strategy

Developing our Charter Good foundation on which to build: Preliminary Meeting Video Strengthen by a Steering Group ◦ Range of Student Representation, University Academic & Management Staff, Students’ Union Staff Supplemented by Sub-Groups ◦ Thematic groups to explore what Cardiff did well (student support, employability, equality, etc.) Drew on a parallel consultation process first developed for our Education Strategy

Parallel Consultation Process Staff Directors of L&T Focus Group Senate (x2) Council Students Academic Council Student Council Annual General Meeting Education & Students Policy Network

Parallel Consultation Process Staff Directors of L&T Focus Group Senate (x2) Council Students Academic Council Academic Council Student Council Annual General Meeting Education & Students Policy Network

Parallel Consultation Process Staff Directors of L&T Focus Group Senate (x2) Council Students Academic Council Student Council Annual General Meeting Education & Students Policy Network

Parallel Consultation Process Staff Directors of L&T Focus Group Senate (x2) Council Students Academic Council Student Council Annual General Meeting Education & Students Policy Network

Parallel Consultation Process Staff Directors of L&T Focus Group Senate (x2) Council Students Academic Council Student Council Annual General Meeting Annual General Meeting Education & Students Policy Network

Parallel Consultation Process Staff Directors of L&T Focus Group Senate (x2) Council Students Academic Council Student Council Annual General Meeting Education & Students Policy Network

The Evolving Charter Important to establish what the Charter should be (and shouldn’t be...) Researched many different Charters Struggled with the abstract character when nothing to see Developed three different models of what the Charter could look like ◦ Progressed with a combination of two of these ◦ Consultation with Aaron Porter as part of HEFCW support

The Evolving Charter Version 1 5 Dec 2011 Version 7 7 Mar 2012 Version 9 17 May 2012 Version 2 9 Dec 2011 Version 3 20 Dec 2011 Version 4 20 Jan 2012 Version 6 22 Feb 2012 Version 8 19 Apr 2012 Version 5 7 Feb 2012 Version Jun 2012

The Cardiff Community 20,750 Undergraduates 8,250 Postgraduates 14% International students 29,000 students

a welcoming community

a dignified and principled community

an educationally-driven community

a leading research community

an engaged community

a forward looking community

a caring and supportive community

an open, honest and fair community

Possible Concerns Perceptions of the Student Charter as a contract Raised expectations Consistency of student experience across the University Adoption of the principles of the Student Charter We are welcoming feedback on the Charter and expect to address any concerns in partnership

Our advice to you as Governors Build a strong relationship between the University and the Students’ Union Elected Officers ◦ ensure you’re working as an effective partnership Build up momentum ◦ don’t just consult, erode the barriers to ensure when you need something approving it goes through without issue Maintain this partnership through adversity

Any questions?