Student Staff Partnership Projects

If you're looking for info about Student Staff Partnership Projects, then you're in the right place!

This page provides key information for students, academic staff, and professional services staff who are thinking about applying to launch a Student-Staff Partnership Project (SSPP).

If you're already ready to get started: APPLY NOW

Q: What is a Student-Staff Partnership Project?
A: A Student–Staff Partnership Project (SSPP) is a co-created initiative where students and staff work together as equal partners to improve some aspect of University life. Projects can focus on areas like inclusive teaching, digital innovation, student support, assessment, or community-building, but the core aim is to create meaningful, lasting change.

SSPPs are collaboratively coordinated by Student Success and the Students’ Union, with a strong focus on co-creation, students and staff shaping ideas, leading the work together, and learning from each other throughout the process.

Students are paid for their involvement, and staff benefit from fresh insight and the opportunity to innovate in partnership.

FAQs:

Q: Who can apply to run a Student-Staff Partnership Project?
A:

• Students (undergraduate or postgraduate)
• Academic staff
• Professional services staff

Applications can come from:

• A student with an idea who wants to work with a staff member
• A staff member with a project idea who wants to involve students
• A team of students and staff applying together

If you have an idea but no partner yet, we can help match you with someone.

Q: What kinds of projects are suitable?
A: Projects can be:

• Research-based
• Practice-based
• Event-based
• Applied theory (e.g. testing new approaches)

This is not an extensive list, and you’re free to submit project applications which may not fit into these categories. However, please bear in mind that projects must focus on improving the student experience, learning, teaching, or community life at the University.

Your project should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Inclusive curriculum and teaching
• Attainment, retention, and continuation
• Assessment and feedback innovation
• Tailored and responsive student support
• Belonging, transition, and student voice
• Digital innovation
• Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

Q: When is the deadline for applications?
A: TBD October/November 2025
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered in the main round.

A smaller Phase Two round may open in January 2026, depending on capacity and funding.

Q: How do I apply?
A: You’ll need to complete the online application form, available here: APPLY NOW.

The form will help determine:

• A title and short description of your project
• Who is involved (named student and/or staff leads)
• What the project will achieve and why it matters
• How it aligns with SSPP themes or University priorities
• Whether there are any ethical concerns (e.g. research with participants)
• Your expected costs (if any)

If you’re unsure how to frame your idea, contact the SSPP team for help.

Q: Is this a paid opportunity for students?
A: Yes, students involved in approved projects will be paid for their contributions. Projects are supported with flexible funding, and the Project Panel will determine funding levels based on the scope, team size, and associated costs. While the typical level of funding is around £500, smaller (around £250) or larger amounts (up to approximately £1000) may be awarded depending on the project. Project leaders will also have input into how the funds are distributed.

Q: What support is available during the application process?
A: You can access:

• A project proposal template to help plan your idea
• A half an hour 1:1 chat with the Students’ Union Vice-President or the Director of Student Success.
• Support in finding a project partner (student or staff)
• Examples of previous projects (where available)

Details of support and networking sessions will be communicated via email.

What happens after I apply?

After the deadline:

1. All applications are reviewed by the SSPP Project Panel, made up of SU and Student Success leads, plus student and academic representatives.
2. You’ll be notified of the outcome by the middle of November.
3. Projects then begin in late November and will run until April 2026.

How are projects chosen?

The Project Panel looks for:

• Clear goals and realistic timelines
• Collaboration between various departments and subject areas
• Alignment with SSPP themes or university priorities (e.g. EDI, APP)
• Potential for real impact on the student experience
• Feasibility and appropriate scale for output by April 2026

You don’t need to be an expert, but your idea should be thoughtful, focused, and deliverable.

What happens if my project is approved?

If successful, you’ll be invited to:

• Join networking and support sessions throughout the year
• Access guidance and help from the SSPP team.
• Work towards a final output by end of April 2026
• Present or showcase your work at the Celebration Event near the end of the academic year.

Some projects may also be selected to present at the Learning & Teaching Conference 2026.

Can I still get involved if I don’t have a project idea?

Yes! You can:

• Ask to be matched with a staff or student who has an existing idea
• Volunteer to join an existing team
• Attend networking events to connect with potential collaborators

Get in touch with the Students’ Union Vice President (Cloudy Sharp) to register your interest.

What if I have ethics or data protection concerns?

If your project involves collecting data from people (e.g. surveys, interviews), you'll need to consider ethical approval and data handling responsibilities. You do not need to complete an ethics form to apply to start a project. If you project application is approved and your project may need ethical approval then the SSPP team can advise and will offer support with the ethics approval process.

How can I get help or ask further questions?

Email or book a chat with Cloudy Sharp - SU Vice President, or Dan Tasker - Director of Student Success.

Email: Cloudy Sharp, Students’ Union Vice President

Book 1:1 chat with Cloudy Sharp, Union Vice-President

or

Email: Dan Tasker, Director of Student Success