Staff-student partnership

Partnership and collaboration between staff and students have long been a defining feature of the University at every level. We are committed to further developing and strengthening this relationship, placing students at the heart of shaping the quality of learning and teaching. Through meaningful engagement, we aim to ensure students make a positive impact on both their own experience and that of their peers.

Our ambition aligns with the new framework implemented by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) in 2024 for the quality and enhancement of Scotland’s colleges and universities - the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF) - in which student partnership is embedded. The SFC commissioned sparqs (student partnerships in quality Scotland) to develop ‘Scotland’s Ambition for Student Partnership’ which underpins Principle 6 of the framework (Student engagement and partnership).

What is staff-student partnership

Effective student partnership is grounded in trust and mutual respect for both student and staff expertise. It is supported by a robust representative system that reflects the diversity of the student body. Such partnership also depends on the capacity of both students and staff to co-create and implement meaningful solutions. At its core is an equal partnership, where students are integral to all levels of decision-making, self-evaluative activity, enhancement planning, and quality assurance processes.

Values of working in partnership

• Openness
• Trust and honesty
• Shared goals and values
• Regular communication between partners
• Recognition and reward
• Valuing and recognising contributions

Benefits of working in Partnership

For students

1. Empowerment and ownership: Encourages students to take control of their learning and overall university experience.
2. Skill development: Builds key skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision making, self-evaluation, research, and resilience.
3. Confidence building: Strengthens self-esteem and confidence in academic and professional settings.
4. Deeper engagement: Promotes active participation and a stronger investment in learning.
5. Understanding of university structures: Develops insight into how universities operate and how decisions are made.
6. Improves the student experience: Enables students to be actively involved and influence change.
7. Enhances employability: Provides demonstrable experience of working within a large institution to drive change. 
8. Builds stronger relationships: Fosters mutual respect and trust between staff and students.
9. Strengthens sense of belonging: Encourages collaboration towards a shared purpose and goal.

For staff

1. Fresh perspectives: Students bring innovative ideas and firsthand experience of being a current student, which can enhance teaching, improve services, and enrich the overall student experience.
2. Improved teaching practices: Feedback from students helps refine curriculum and pedagogy.
3. Stronger relationships: Builds mutual respect and trust between staff and students underlined by deeper engagement.
4. Professional development: Promotes reflective practice and continuous innovation in areas such as teaching, research, representation, and community engagement.
5. Sustainability: Responding to change and development of student and societal needs.

For the University

1. Enhanced learning environment: Promotes a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
2. Increased retention and satisfaction When students feel heard and involved, they are more likely to feel supported, stay engaged, succeed in their studies, and continue providing valuable feedback. .
3. Innovation and improvement: Joint projects can lead to creative solutions and institutional growth.
4. Positive reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to student-centred education, which can attract prospective students and staff.

Below you'll find a selection of resources designed to support staff and students in building effective, inclusive, and sustainable partnerships. These include guidance for partnership working, tailored for both staff and students, as well as examples of good practice. The materials aim to help you get started, strengthen existing initiatives, and embed partnership working into everyday practice.

If you have a resource you'd like to share, or if there's something you'd find helpful that's not currently included, we'd be pleased to hear from you.