sparqs is pleased to announce that this year’s schedule of events for meetings of the National Education Officers' Network (NEON).
Dates for 2026-27 are as follows:
Online
- Tuesday 22nd September 2026 – 1.00pm to 3.00pm.
- Tuesday 1st December 2026 – 10.00am to 12noon.
- Thursday 4th February 2027 – 1.00pm to 3.00pm.
- Tuesday 23rd March 2027 – 1.00pm to 3.00pm.
In-Person
- Thursday 13th May 2027 (Joint meeting, in-person with SESN and members of STAG (sparqs' Tertiarty Advisory Group) – registration is required for this event, which will open nearer the time).
Following feedback from student officers, we’ve moved to shortened meeting times for all NEON meetings this year.
What is NEON?
The National Education Officers’ Network is designed as an ongoing training, development, and networking space for Scotland’s student officers. NEON is a space for student officers to learn more about the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF) and how to achieve their goals, as well as a space to discuss ongoing topics of relevance to student officers.
There are five NEON meetings in academic year 2026-27. In addition, there is a NEON mailing list, which officers can use to contact each other and share information (as well as receive occasional updates from sparqs).
Who should attend?
The network is open to education and representation elected officers in universities and colleges, especially for those with a remit in academic representation, education, or quality. 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.
If you’re unsure, please register and check in with Chase - chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.
Staff members should instead attend the Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN).
What is on the agenda for NEON meetings this year?
Subject to change, our plan for the 2026-27 Academic Year is for meetings to focus on the following topics:
- Meeting 1 (September): Self-Evaluation and Action Plan (SEAP).
- Meeting 2 (December) – Institution Led Quality Review (ILQR).
- Meeting 3 (February) – Institutional Liaison Meetings (ILM) and Outcomes Framework and Assurance Model (OFAM) Meetings.
- Meeting 4 (March) – Officer Handover.
As always, part of the agenda for each meeting will be officer led. Officers are encouraged to suggest agenda items by emailing Chase at chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.
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.
How to attend and other queries
All student officers who attended “That’s Quality!” 2026 (and all those already signed up to the NEON mailing list) will automatically be sent calendar invitations for all online NEON Dates. If you have not received these invitations, or for any further information, please get in touch with Chase Greenfield, Development Consultant – chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk.