Interview with Erica Russell-Hensens, Scottish Funding Council 29 Sep 2023
In this interview, we talk to Erica Russell-Hensens, Deputy Director for Student Interests, Access and Pathways at the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). After a sabbatical term of office at (what became) Queen Margaret University, Erica worked for two years at… Read More
2023 Student Engagement Awards shortlists announced and sparqs' 20th birthday event on 5th October! 31 Aug 2023
We are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominations in sparqs’ 2023 Student Engagement Awards! Our biennial awards are back, and were open for nominations in springtime of this year. We’re grateful to everyone who submitted, and our judges – drawn from… Read More
sparqs' 2023-24 Course Rep Training is open for bookings! 31 Aug 2023
Bookings are now open for Course Rep Training during 2023-24 ....for delivery from week beginning Monday 18th September 2023 onwards. All the information you need is on our main CRT webpage. Please read the booking guidance before arranging your sessions and requesting dates. CRT delivered by… Read More
Interview with Douglas Blackstock, ENQA 30 Aug 2023
In this interview, we talk to Douglas Blackstock, President of ENQA (the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education). He has held various roles, including six years as Chief Executive during nearly twenty years at the Quality Assurance Agency… Read More
Interview with Dr Claire Carney, City of Glasgow College 25 Jul 2023
In this interview, we talk to Dr Claire Carney PFHEA, Vice Principal (Student Experience) with City of Glasgow College. She has wide experience in education leadership, including previously as Associate Vice Principal Education at the University of the West of… Read More
That's Quality! 2023 07 Jul 2023
Our annual That's Quality! programme for student officers and students’ association got off to a great start on Thursday 6th July, concluding with a 2-day residential event on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th August 2023 The 2023 event is split into… Read More
In memory of Professor Norman Sharp O.B.E. 27 Jun 2023
The team at sparqs were so saddened to receive news of the death of Professor Norman Sharp O.B.E. As the first Director of QAA Scotland, Norman was one of the architects of the Scottish Quality Enhancement Framework, introduced 20 years… Read More
sparqs' 20th birthday celebrations and 2023 Student Engagement Awards 03 May 2023
2023 sees 20 years since sparqs was founded, and we are delighted to be celebrating with a special event… and the return of our Student Engagement Awards! At a time of considerable change in our sector, the voice of students in… Read More
Interview with Manuel João Costa, University of Minho, Portugal 27 Apr 2023
In this interview, we talk to Manuel João Costa, Pro-Rector for Student Affairs and Pedagogical Innovation at the University of Minho (UMinho), in Portugal. With a background in biochemistry, he has been at the University of Minho since 2004. He… Read More
Our 2023-24 Associate Trainer recruitment has now closed 26 Apr 2023
sparqs 2023-24 Associate Trainer recruitment is now closed, as of Wednesday 3rd May 2023 at 9.00am. The details will remain available on the website until the recruitment process is complete. Calling all student reps! Do you have experience as a course/apprentice or… Read More
Our updated education officer induction resource for colleges and universities 25 Apr 2023
sparqs’ toolkit for developing an induction for students’ association education officers has been updated and republished to support induction for summer 2023. Aimed at students’ association staff and others who support education officer induction, this year’s update builds on past college-specific… Read More
Deadline extended to 30th April! ....contribute your photos to the National Student-led Project on Learner Communities 02 Apr 2023
Calling all students! ....the students of the QAA Student-led Project are seeking photos of your learning environment to contribute to their photo exhibition about Scotland’s learner communities. There's still time to submit your photos as the deadline has been extended to… Read More
Interview with Kevin McStravock, QAA 23 Mar 2023
In this interview, we talk to Kevin McStravock, who is Lead Policy Officer (Devolved Nations and Europe) with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). A graduate of Ulster University (UU), he has held various roles in the sector,… Read More
Interview with John O'Hara, New College Lanarkshire 23 Feb 2023
In this interview, we talk to John O’Hara, Senior Learner Engagement Officer at New College Lanarkshire (NCL). John’s college life began as a hairdressing student at Coatbridge College, studying HNC Hairdressing and HND Make up Artistry, then completing his studies… Read More
Welcome to our new Trustees! 21 Feb 2023
We are delighted to introduce four new members to the sparqs’ Trustee Board, Beate Treml, Emilia Todorova, Campbell Powrie and Dr Dee Bird. They bring a wide range of expertise and experience to the Board and we look forward to… Read More
Interview with Chase Greenfield, University of St Andrews Students’ Association 10 Jan 2023
In this interview, we talk to Chase Greenfield, Academic Representation Coordinator at the University of St Andrews Students’ Association, where he has worked since August 2021. Previously, he worked in the USA as the Student Engagement Coordinator at Montana State… Read More
Happy New Year from the sparqs' team! 09 Jan 2023
Happy new year from the sparqs team! We look forward to working with you all again during 2023! In the year ahead we will continue to provide support to colleges and universities and their students' associations, including enabling effective contribution to… Read More
Contribute to sparqs’ new project on college learner outcomes 29 Nov 2022
sparqs is keen to hear from colleges and students’ associations willing to participate in a project to explore student engagement in enhancing college learner outcomes. Responding to both national and college level data, sparqs has identified the value of better understanding… Read More
Interview with Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland 28 Nov 2022
In this interview, we talk to Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland’s new President for 2022-23. She took up office in July, and has previously served as President of the University of the West of Scotland Students’ Association, and Co-Convenor of the… Read More
Trustee recruitment 26 Nov 2022
Applications to join our volunteer Board of Trustees have now closed - the recruitment information will remain available until the process is complete. sparqs is currently looking for people who are committed to what we do and the values we hold,… Read More
