Student Advisory Board

Our Student Advisory Board (SAB) is the only national forum specifically for students from independent higher education providers. The SAB ensures IHE's decision-making reflects the best interests of students at our member institutions and plays a vital role in creating a compelling and strong student voice that represents the perspectives of this unique student body.

About the SAB

The SAB is Chaired by the Independent Student Board Member, with members selected by IHE through an open recruitment process, advertised to all IHE member institutions. We strive for diversity across institution type, subject of study, mode of study, and student demographics to ensure that the SAB is truly representative.  

Purpose

The SAB is designed to amplify students’ voices within IHE member institutions and influence higher education policy at a national level, to ensure that those studying at independent providers are included and represented across the higher education sector. 

The SAB exists to:

  • Provide student feedback and perspectives to the IHE Board and wider team, to inform policy and decision-making.
  • Give students at IHE member institutions a national voice.
  • Support and inform the IHE Student Board Member, bringing perspectives from across IHE’s diverse members and student body.
  • Provide feedback on a range of issues and consultations as requested by IHE, the Office for Students (OfS) or Department for Education (DfE).
  • Lead on and co-create projects and initiatives in the interests of students at IHE member institutions
  • Offer development and networking opportunities for IHE student representatives and governors.
“Through the Student Advisory Board, we’re not just raising student voices — we’re helping transform higher education. Independent providers are leading change by putting students at the heart of the system.” Musa Raja Chair of the Student Advisory Board, IHE

Impact

To date, the SAB has made significant contributions to national policy discussions:

  • Free speech - SAB members engaged with the OfS on their proposed regulation of free speech, contributing to consultations and shaping policy recommendations.
  • Partnerships project - The SAB played a key role in IHE's Academic Partnerships research project, giving crucial insight into the value of partnerships, and areas where their experiences could be enhanced.
  • Disability support - SAB members provided feedback on the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), ensuring their experiences were an integral part of consultation responses on the future of funding processes.
  • AI, industry partnerships and financial wellbeing - The SAB has produced three publications exploring these priority issues and their impact on students and the wider higher education sector.

Development opportunities and support

Members of the SAB have access to professional development opportunities and receive bespoke training delivered by IHE Partner and student representation experts, Coole Insight. Training covers the development of essential skills in key areas such as leadership, communication, and advocacy. 

Coole Insight also provides guidance and mentoring to SAB members throughout the term of their service, helping to maximise their impact and growth.

Join the SAB in 2026/27

If you are a student at an IHE member institution and want to make a real impact on current and future higher education policy, we encourage you to apply for the SAB. 

We welcome applications on a rolling basis, so please get in touch if you are interested in applying at any time.

Find out more and apply today

With thanks to Coole Insight for providing secretarial support and guidance to the SAB.

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