Students are being encouraged to apply to join the student panel of the higher education regulator, the Office for Students (OfS).
The OfS student panel exists to shape, challenge, and develop the work of the Office for Students, and to ensure that student views are central to higher education regulation in England.
All students are eligible to apply, and this year the OfS are particularly encouraging applications from:
- International students
- Disabled students
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, students of colour and students from traveller communities
- Care experienced students
- LGBTQ+ students
- Postgraduate research students.
Joining the OfS student panel offers a great opportunity to make a real impact on higher education policy, and to develop valuable new skills, confidence and knowledge.
As a student panel member you will:
- Share your experiences of higher education
- Represent students’ views to help shape and challenge the work of the OfS
- Advise on strategic priorities from a student perspective
- Advise on policies and projects that are in active development
- Support and challenge the OfS on engaging with students
If you are selected to be a student panellist you will need to attend four panel meetings and an additional training day per year. Meetings will be held in-person where possible, or virtually if necessary. Panellists will also be asked to take part in additional opportunities throughout the year.
Panel members are paid £1,200 per year. Travel for meetings and events will also be booked and paid for by the OfS. Travel for a parent or guardian can also be covered, as well any childcare costs.
If you are interested in representing the diversity of student perspectives and helping to shape higher education in England for current and future students, they would love to hear from you.
Applications for the eight vacancies on the panel are open until Sunday 21 June 2020.