The next meeting of the National Education Officers' Network (NEON) will take place on Thursday 5th March 2026 – online via MS Teams, from 10.30am until 12.15pm.
The network is open to education and representation elected officers in universities and colleges, with a remit in academic representation and education. Typically, this would include officers with a title like “President” or “Vice-President Education” but may include other role titles as well. Any students’ association officer who is interested in topics related to quality, learning and teaching, and student partnership are encouraged to attend.
New process for attendance
Based on feedback from network members, we are trialling a new process for our regular online NEON meetings. Attendees were previously required to register for each individual meeting; Instead, to streamline the process, calendar appointments will now be sent to all those signed up to our NEON Jiscmail list and members will be asked to accept/decline to confirm whether they plan to attend each meeting.
It is important that you respond to each calendar invite so that we know how many people plan to attend. An invite for the March meeting will follow shortly to all those on the Jiscmail list – please accept or decline as requested. If you do not receive the calendar invite, please get in touch.
New members wishing to join NEON can sign up to the NEON Jiscmail mailing list to be kept in the loop and to receive the calendar appointments for forthcoming meetings.
As well as receiving comms and appointments from sparqs, the Jiscmail mailing list can be used by all its subscribers to send emails to the whole group to continue conversations and peer learning outside of the NEON meetings.
Why is NEON important?
sparqs wants to ensure that officers have access to ongoing training and support throughout the year, as well as a space to network and talk about topics of shared priority. This is an important way to expand on what you’ve already learned at That's Quality! and to continue developing your skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. It’s also an excellent way to stay connected to other student officers throughout the year.
What is on the agenda for March?
In the sparqs-led training component of NEON, we’ll be focusing on officer handover – including top tips to ensure your hard work and key themes from this year are carried forward.
As always, the second part of the agenda is officer led. Officers are encouraged to suggest agenda items by emailing Chase at chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.
Annual joint in-person meeting in May
As in previous years, the last NEON of the academic year will be held in person, as a joint event with colleagues from the Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN) and sparqs Tertiary Advisory Group (STAG). The joint meeting will take place on Tuesday 12th May 2026 at QMU, from 10.00am-3.00pm. As this is an in-person event, registration will be required for practical purposes. Registrations will be invited nearer the time so watch this space for further details.
Queries
For any further information, please get in touch with Chase Greenfield, Development Consultant – chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.
If you’re unsure whether NEON is appropriate for you, please check in with Chase. Staff members should instead attend the Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN).