College Parliament highlights key student issues

Our College Parliament has met in Leeds Civic Hall again for the first time since the pandemic.

The Members of College Parliament (MCPs) assembled in the Council Chambers to discuss our student community’s main concerns with senior members of staff.

During the event the MCPs reported back on the results of Make Your Mark: a scheme which asks young people to vote for three issues – from a list of seven – that are most important to them.

This year’s consultation, held during UK Parliament Week in November, marked a milestone for our college in terms of participation, with more than 3,100 students casting their vote.

The ‘top three’ topics chosen by learners at each of our campuses then formed the agenda for December’s College Parliament.

Addressing areas of concern

Access to mental health support, getting more opportunities for work experience, volunteering and jobs, and crime and safety were all highlighted as pressing concerns.

In response, Wellbeing Team Leader Jason Charles said he would be visiting each campus in the new year to raise awareness of mental health support services and to discuss new wellbeing initiatives.

The MCPs also reported on students feeling unprepared for job-hunting, with international learners facing additional barriers.

Business Engagement Officer Holly Dewing was grateful for the feedback. She said: “We’ll engage with students to determine the best ways to communicate and make workplace access more accessible.”

Promoting dialogue and democracy

Social Action and Student Voice Lead Lindsey Topham-Whitton, meanwhile, who organised the event, emphasised the importance of open communication between staff and students. She said: “It can help us make better and more informed decisions, as a group, going forward.”

Our Executive Principal Bill Jones, who also fielded questions, echoed those sentiments. He said: “Hearing where we need to improve is really important.

“Most of all, we want your education to be outstanding and for you to be inspired by your teachers.”

Thanking the student representatives from each campus for their contributions, he added: “I’m really happy to know our MCPs have gone through a democratic process to get where we are.

“Democracy is precious. What you’re doing is democracy, and it cannot be taken for granted.

“Carry on being political, carry on being interested: you can and will change the world! Don’t be apathetic. If you don’t like something, change it – you have that power.”

Students’ Union President Qasim Shaik agreed: “Democracy is a very important thing, and it’s the reason I’m here and you guys are here. Your feedback really does make a difference.”