sparqs supports a network for student officers in universities and colleges who have an education-focused remit. The National Education Officers’ Network (NEON) was created in Autumn 2019 to provide an opportunity for officers from colleges and universities across Scotland to discuss and work on key sector issues together. It was set up in response to feedback from student officers who expressed the need for a national officer network with members from both universities and colleges.
The network engages participants in discussions around key learning, teaching and quality related sector developments, provides an opportunity for officers to share best practice, and allows for cross-institutional working on initiatives and projects. After the successful introduction of sparqs’ Tertiary Quality Student Expert Group (TQSEG) in 2023-24, we carried out a review of the purpose of NEON, also considering the latest changes in the sector. We want to ensure that officers have access to ongoing training and support throughout the year, therefore NEON meetings are now focused on officers’ development, building on what they have already learnt during That's Quality! and ensuring that they are further equipped in engaging with the new review method.
Suggestions are always welcome for topics for NEON meetings. If you would like to propose anything or if you have any queries about the network, please contact Chase Greenfield.
NEON mailing list
Following feedback from previous officers, we created a NEON mailing list so that you can easily contact each other between meetings. Please sign up to the NEON mailing list to keep yourself in the loop!
New attendance process
Based on feedback from network members, we are trialling a new process for our regular online NEON meetings, beginning with the March 2026 meeting. Attendees were previously required to register for each individual meeting; Instead, to streamline the process, calendar appointments for online meetings 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.
New members wishing to join NEON should sign up to the NEON Jiscmail mailing list (link above) to be kept in the loop and to receive the calendar appointments for forthcoming meetings.
2025-26 NEON meetings
- Tuesday 28th October 2025 - by VC, 11.00am to 1.00pm
- see the event page for further details and the materials from the meeting. - Wednesday 17th December 2025 - by VC, 10.30am-12.15pm
- see the event page for further details and the materials from the meeting. - Thursday 5th March 2026 - by VC, 10.30am-12.15pm
- see the Agenda and Presentation from the meeting. - Tuesday 12th May 2026 - 10.00am-3.00pm at QMU - joint, in-person event along with SESN colleagues and members of STAG (sparqs Tertiary Advisory Group).
- see the event booking page to register for this 'Planning for the year ahead' event.
Last year's meetings can be accessed below and meetings from previous years can be accessed via the side menu on the Events page.
2024-25 NEON meetings
- Tuesday 10th December 2024 - via Zoom, 11.00am to 12.30pm.
- see the event page to view the materials from the meeting. - Tuesday 25th February 2025 - via Zoom, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
- see the event page to view the materials from the meeting. - Wednesday 7th May 2025 - joint meeting with SESN and JAG, in-person at QMU, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
- see the event page to view the materials from the meeting.
Security arrangements for online meetings
Online meeting links are not available on social media or our website. They are sent by email only to those who have registered for the event. To ensure only those who have registered join the meeting, delegates are asked not to share the link with anyone. Only those who have registered will be admitted.