Students’ Union Officers head to Coventry for inspiring leadership training

Two of the Student Union Team took a trip up to Coventry recently to attend the Small Sus Lead and Change 2025 conference.

The conference was an exclusive event for Further Education providers who offer a Student’s Union, giving students a chance to connect, share ideas and grow as leaders.

The day was packed with insightful sessions and interactive workshops. Students explored key campaign and leadership roles, helping them understand how their individual contributions can improve the experience of their fellow students. Sessions on effective learner voice encouraged officers to reflect on how they can better represent students’ views and ensure those voices are heard at every level.

Afternoon sessions focused on practical skills, including organising successful initiatives, supporting peers and developing strategic approaches to student engagement. A collaborative scenario-based game brought together both student officers and staff, allowing participants to work through real-life challenges and strengthen their problem-solving and teamwork skills.

The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing officers to speak with students and staff from a wide range of Colleges. Level 3 Travel and Tourism student, Harry, enjoyed the day commenting: “The trip was useful to me because I learnt how to plan events that interest the wider community at College, whilst also making them interesting and enjoyable.

“The best part of the conference was seeing the unions come together and work as a larger team.”

T Level Digital Support and Security student Jack agreed that the networking was a useful part of the day, stating: “I found it useful seeing the other leaders’ approach to problem solving and how they broke down the issues they were presented with. The best part was getting to know the other leaders and talking to them and seeing that we are all in the same boat.”

Following the event, the officers now plan to strengthen their relationship and collaborations with other Students’ Unions, including within the EKC Group. Our SU president Jack spoke about this: “I want the SU to try and talk to the other SUs in the Group, since I believe this could lead to a mutually beneficial relationship between us.”

They also aim to use their newly developed skills to create further student-led events and initiatives, ensuring that learner voices continue to be at the heart of College life.

If you’re full of great ideas and would like to get involved with the Students’ Union you can talk to your Student Experience Officer, Summer.

Join us in September and you could you be our next Student Union president – making sure student’s voices are heard.