How can you make an impact and create a legacy? That was the issue that dominated the Student Governor Forum held in London on Wednesday 25 January.
 
The event, which was hosted by LSIS in partnership with the NUS and AoC, asked the 118 delegates how they will improve their performance as student governors in the short time that they are in the role. Once elected, student governors have to quickly get up to speed and contribute to strategic decision making – in other words make an impact – therefore the debate about what approach to take to their roles brought up some interesting points. Comments made included: ‘It’s not what I’ve done but it’s what I’ve left behind for other to improve on’, ‘Legacy is important but not something to aim for’ and ‘It’s about making a difference – impact is important but legacy is strategic.’ The debate continued after the event on Twitter under the hashtag #feparty.
The forum was an opportunity for student governors to meet their peers, learn from each other and build networks of support. Delegates commented that they were benefitting from the forum in a number of ways. Jack Davenport from Highbury College said: ‘I've got new ideas from the event; from just the first session I've got the idea to hold a Question Time event with my college's board of governors.’ Meanwhile Shivani Govindia from Stanmore College said: ‘It's encouraged me to be more confident and to ask more effective questions at meetings.’
 
The day was lively and interactive, and student governors demonstrated their understanding of key governance issues and commitment to ‘making a difference’. There were presentations and workshops on topics such as 'Making the most of your role as student governor (using powerful questions)' by Jo Matthews from LSIS and 'Effective working relationships and opportunity for regional networking' by NUS representatives.
 
The day also included opening addresses by LSIS Chair, Dame Ruth Silver DBE and Toni Pearce, NUS Vice-President (FE). Dame Ruth encouraged student governors to do three things; to use the increased freedoms in colleges to help them serve the students they represent, to focus on helping their local community as well as their college, and to keep their connections with the NUS, AoC and LSIS 'well-oiled' in order to help them continually improve in their role. In her speech, Toni Pearce reminded delegates that sweeping changes across the FE and Skills sector meant governors needed to be highly effective in their roles.