Student Voice
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It’s your Uni. Shape it.
Students are our University’s greatest assets. Their opinions, concerns, ideas and lived experience can help us improve course content, our services and the wider student experience.
Student Voice is how students can share what is working well, what could be better and what matters most. It includes the feedback students give directly, the students who represent the community, and the ways students’ views contribute to University decision-making.
What is the Student Voice Framework?
Our Student Voice Framework brings together the many ways students can share feedback, be represented and influence change at Birmingham Newman. It helps students and staff understand how feedback is gathered, how representation works and how student voice can lead to meaningful action and improvement.
The Framework is collaborative, student-centred and focused on impact. It covers both the academic experience and the wider experience of university life. The University and Newman Students’ Union work together to make sure there are clear, supported opportunities for students to take part.
1. WE LISTEN
We value and respect your opinions, concerns and ideas. You can share feedback through surveys, YourSay, student panels, the Student Forum, informal feedback and campaigns.
2. WE SUPPORT
Once you reach out, we will do all we can to help your voice reach the right people. Newman Students’ Union is there to help, alongside Course Representatives, School Representatives, Student Council and Sabbatical Officers.
3. WE ACT
Your feedback is discussed, reviewed and used through University decision-making structures, including School meetings, Quality Committees, Senate and Council, and senior leadership.
4. WE ACHIEVE
Student Voice can lead to improvements in policy and services, academic enhancements, and new community and wellbeing initiatives. We will show how feedback has been considered and what action follows.
How can I get involved?
There are different ways to take part, whether it’s sharing a quick comment, speaking on behalf of other students or contributing to a wider discussion.
| Share feedback | Use YourSay, complete University or national surveys, join a student panel, take part in the Student Forum, respond to a campaign, or speak to us informally. |
| Become a student representative | Find out about becoming a Course Representative or School Representative, or get involved through Student Council and elected Sabbatical Officer roles. |
| Take part in partnership work | Look out for opportunities to work with staff through Staff-Student Partnership projects, student panels, working groups and course development activity. |
| Talk to Newman Students’ Union | The Students’ Union is the University’s primary recognised representative body for students and can help raise feedback, concerns and ideas. |
| Complete module and national surveys | Module Evaluation Questionnaires are available on Moodle at the end of each module. Most final-year students are also invited to take part in the annual National Student Survey. |
| Join conversations about your course | Use tutorials, informal conversations and Staff-Student Consultative Committees to share your experience and help shape learning and teaching. |
Why does Student Voice matter?
Students are core partners in shaping the Birmingham Newman experience. When feedback is shared, it helps us understand what students value, where change is needed and which ideas could make a positive difference.
Student voice happens at different levels across the University. It may improve a module or course, influence a service or policy, support a new community or wellbeing initiative, or help senior leaders and University committees make informed decisions.
Most importantly, feedback should lead to action and visible outcomes. We are committed to acknowledging what students tell us, considering it through the right channels and showing how it has informed what happens next.
What happens when I share feedback?
| 1 | You share | Tell us about your experience through the channel that works best for you. |
| 2 | Your voice reaches the right people | Your feedback may be supported or represented by the Students’ Union, student representatives or University staff. |
| 3 | It is considered | Relevant teams, committees and leaders discuss and review legitimate feedback. |
| 4 | Action and outcomes follow | Feedback can inform practical changes, academic enhancements, policy or service improvements, and community or wellbeing initiatives. |
| 5 | We close the feedback loop | We explain how feedback has been considered and communicate what has changed or what happens next. |
Where is Student Voice heard?
Student voice is heard through representative and decision-making structures across Birmingham Newman, including:
- Staff-Student Consultative Committees and other School meetings
- Quality Committees
- Senate and Council
- Senior leadership teams
Elected Students’ Union representatives contribute to major University committees and task groups, helping student voice to be visible and influential.
Ready to shape your university?
Speak up, share your ideas and help us make Birmingham Newman an even better place to learn and succeed.