Today the Office for Students (OfS) has opened applications for members to join its new Student Interest Board, which will provide a new way for students to be directly involved in the OfS’s work.
The Student Interest Board, which will replace the current OfS Student Panel, will be made up of a mix of students, staff and officers from students’ unions, staff from universities and colleges who work on student issues, and others who can share on students’ interests.
The Student Interest Board will be a committee of the OfS board and will provide insight directly to the board and the OfS more widely about the current themes and issues that matter most to students.
Susan Lapworth, chief executive at the OfS, said:
‘Our new Student Interest Board is a critical part of our new approach to working with students. It will provide us with a diverse range of experiences and insight from students, from those working in policy development, and from people with experience of working with and for students. This mix of members will ensure we’re hearing strong student voices, and also the contributions of those who work closely with students, and who can bring their experiences and expertise to our work. I’d encourage anyone who is committed to working with us to improve the experiences of students across the country to apply.
‘Our current student panel members have generously agreed to extend their current terms until January 2025 to support us as we create the new Student Interest Board and welcome its new members. We are extremely grateful to them for their invaluable contributions.’
The OfS plans to announce the new members of the Student Interest Board in early 2025.