Student Communities & Leadership Conference: Belonging, Voice & Academic Communities in Practice
You are invited to the first Student Communities & Leadership Conference: a dedicated space to recognise, celebrate, and develop student leaders across our Union. This year the theme centers belonging, voice and academic communities in practice.
The conference will bring together academic representatives, society committee members, trustees, and engaged students for an afternoon of peer learning, skills development, and shared reflection. It is an opportunity to connect across roles, explore what student leadership looks like in practice, and strengthen the communities that shape the Birmingham Newman student experience.
At the heart of the conference is student voice. We want the programme to be shaped and delivered by students who are making a difference.
Call for Student Speakers
Newman Students’ Union is inviting applications from student leaders, including academic representatives, society leaders, trustees, officers, and engaged students to deliver a session at our first Student Communities & Leadership Conference.
This conference centres student voice and peer learning. We are looking for sessions which share practice, reflect honestly on leadership experiences, and contribute to stronger academic and student communities at Birmingham Newman and beyond.
You do not need to be an “expert.” Lived experience, thoughtful reflection, and practical insight are equally valued.
Conference Themes
We welcome proposals aligned to one or more of the following areas:
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Themes
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Example session topics (but not limited to)
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Leadership & Governance
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- Decision-making and influencing change
- Committee sustainability and succession planning
- Ethical leadership and accountability
- Trustee insight / governance in practice
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Academic Experience & Partnership
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- Course rep impact and closing the feedback loop
- Student–staff collaboration
- Assessment and feedback dialogue
- Academic community building beyond the classroom
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Inclusion & Equity
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- Inclusive leadership in societies
- Representation gaps and liberation work
- Faith, commuter, mature, or international student engagement
- Removing barriers
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Wellbeing & Sustainable Engagement
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- Preventing burnout in student leaders
- Peer support models
- Balancing leadership with study and work
- Creating psychologically safe spaces
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Community & Engagement
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- Growing & revitalising societies
- Event design which increases participation
- Engaging commuter students
- Cross-society collaboration
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Skills & Personal Development
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- Facilitation and public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Project planning and deliver
- Communication and marketing
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Innovation & New Initiatives
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- Launching a new society
- Trying something new that worked (or failed)
- Creative approaches to engagement
- Digital tools for student leadership
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Session Formats
Sessions may be, but are not limited to:
- Interactive workshops
- Discussion-led spaces
- Reflective presentations
- Skills-based training
- Panel contributions
Why Apply?
- Showcase your work and impact
- Develop your facilitation and presentation skills
- Contribute to the future of student leadership at Newman Students’ Union
- Strengthen cross-role collaboration and belonging
📝 Apply by: 31st March
🔗 Application form: Student Communities & Leadership Conference 2026 – Speaker Application
If you have questions about your idea, we encourage you to apply, we are happy to support session development. If you would like to talk further about this, please contact Cloudy, Vice-President, Newman Students’ Union: su-vice-president@newman.ac.uk