The 2025 IHE Survey revealed that while 73% of independent providers report increased regulatory burden, many are building strong student engagement without traditional SU infrastructure. Led by experts from IHE Partner Coole Insight, this session shares what works.
We'll explore:
- How student voice reduces regulatory risk
Practical approaches to OfS B3 compliance, TEF evidence, and DAPs preparation that work with lean staffing models - Systems that fit your scale and context
Representation structures, feedback loops, and governance integration designed for providers serving mature learners, part-time students, and modular delivery - Turning engagement into strategic advantage
How effective student voice strengthens industry partnerships, supports LLE readiness, and improves NSS outcomes (providers with developed systems see 15-20% higher scores) - Next steps and resources
Introduction to the Student Voice Consultancy Framework - modular support from health checks (£350) to comprehensive annual programmes
This session is for independent providers who know student voice matters but need solutions that fit their realities - limited resources, diverse student populations, and the need to demonstrate impact quickly and credibly.
Facilitator
Dr Tom Ritchie is a Deputy Director and Senior Associate with Coole Insight Ltd, specialising in student voice and democratic governance in higher education. Currently a US-UK Fulbright Scholar and Reader in Chemistry at the University of Warwick, Tom leads the Centre for Belonging in Education and chairs Warwick's Education for Sustainable Development Action Group. Tom brings extensive experience working with independent providers, students' unions, and HE institutions on building authentic, sustainable student engagement systems.
Coole Insight ltd
Coole Insight Ltd is the home of students’ union development, driving sector improvement through collaboration, expertise, and insight. We work hard in our pursuit of getting the right thing done by people, and by organisations. We embody the transformational power of the student movement, and share our lived and work experience of this power to maximise the potential of elected student leaders, professional staff teams, and students’ unions as organisations.
Booking information
This event is for IHE Members and Launchpad subscribers only and is free to attend.