@sparqs_scotland

Introduction to sparqs

Eve LewisHead of sparqs

@sparqs_scotland

Who are we?

Student Participation in Quality Scotland

Full-time staff in Edinburgh and Inverness

Works with all institutions and students’ associations

in the university and college sector

Led by a Steering Committee formed by all sector

agencies

www.sparqs.ac.uk

@sparqs_scotland

• Established 2003• Student Engagement – one of five

key pillars of quality enhancement framework

@sparqs_scotland

Scottish context

@sparqs_scotland

Our Vision is of:

Students making a positive and rewarding difference to

their own and others’ educational experience, helping

shape the nature of learning and contributing to the

overall success of Scotland’s universities and colleges. 

@sparqs_scotland

To make this Vision a reality our Mission is to

Ensure students are able to engage as partners in all levels of assurance and enhancement activities including:

• Commenting on and shaping their own learning experience.

• Taking an active part in formal student engagement mechanisms, including quality processes and strategic decision making.

• Shaping the development of the student experience at national level.

@sparqs_scotland

Supporting students

@sparqs_scotland

Support institutional practices

@sparqs_scotland

Support national developments

@sparqs_scotland

Developing a shared culture

@sparqs_scotland

NUS

• Trained and skilled officers• Education Network• Committee Work Support• Opportunities for influence• Engagement mechanisms• Educational change

@sparqs_scotland

Making things better

• Graduate skills• Supporting transition• Liberating the curriculum• Improving academic feedback• Effective use of technology• Postgraduate education

@sparqs_scotland

• ‘The students’ associations are reported to have increased their influence over time and senior managers now take the students associations more seriously and see them as more credible. New structures and policies within the institutions have also increased the influence of the students’ association’

@sparqs_scotland

Autonomous Partners

• ‘partnership has delivered significant developments in policies and provision, all of which contribute positively to the student learning experience’

@sparqs_scotland

Organisational chart of sparqs

vacant Development

Advisor

vacant Development

Advisor

Mike DayDirector,

NUS Scotland

Mike DayDirector,

NUS Scotland

Eve LewisHead of sparqs

Eve LewisHead of sparqs

Simon VarwellDevelopment

Advisor

Simon VarwellDevelopment

Advisor

Stephanie MillarDevelopment

Advisor

Stephanie MillarDevelopment

Advisor

Megan McHaneyDevelopment

Advisor

Megan McHaneyDevelopment

Advisor

Mike WilliamsonDevelopment

Advisor

Mike WilliamsonDevelopment

Advisor

Nicola McIntoshCentral SupportTeam Manager

Nicola McIntoshCentral SupportTeam Manager

Team of 16Associate Trainers

(annually contracted)

Team of 16Associate Trainers

(annually contracted)

vacantAdministrative

Assistant

vacantAdministrative

Assistant

Ali McDadeCommunications

Administrator

Ali McDadeCommunications

Administrator

Sarah Davidsonsparqs

Administrator

Sarah Davidsonsparqs

Administrator