We are pleased to publish our updated SEAP Guidance for students’ associations and student officers, designed to support meaningful student engagement throughout the SEAP (Self-Evaluation and Action Plan) process. Initially published in 2024, the guidance is now updated annually.
The newly-refreshed guidance for 2026 includes an overview of the SEAP process; some suggestions of how students can be involved in the development of the SEAP; and suggested actions for students’ associations. The guidance is particularly relevant to students’ association representatives and staff, but is also a useful resource for all institutional staff involved in the SEAP process.
The SEAP is a document which enables institutions to reflect annually on institutional quality assurance and enhancement activities and outcomes, and to identify key strategic areas for enhancement. Definitive guidance on the SEAP process can be found in the Scottish Funding Council’s Guidance on Quality.
The Scottish Funding Council’s 2026 SEAP Thematic Report noted that most institutions referenced the Student Learning Experience model in their SEAPs and mentioned that there were some innovative approaches to using its building blocks to gather targeted student feedback. We were pleased to read this feedback, in the section on themes of good practice related to student engagement and partnership. The report also noted some references to Scotland’s Ambition for Student Partnership. As work continues across the sector to strengthen student partnership, we will continue to work with SFC to ensure our guidance remains relevant and responsive to emerging practice.
There are opportunities for student engagement and partnership throughout the development of the SEAP itself, as well as through the activities upon which the SEAP reports. If you require more support on student engagement in the SEAP, you can contact sparqs for further information and advice.
Further information and queries
The SEAP is part of Scotland’s Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF). For further information on TQEF, please see our Quality Arrangements webpage and the SFC’s TQEF webpage.
If you have any queries, please get in touch with Hannah Clarke, Deputy Director – hannah.clarke@sparqs.ac.uk.