Public Programmes Student Panel
Welcome to the Public Programmes Student Panel at the University of Birmingham – where your voice can help shape the heartbeat of our events, activities, and community engagement efforts at The Exchange, the University’s vibrant city centre venue in Centenary Square.
As a valued member of our Student Panel, you'll be involved in crafting experiences that resonate with our diverse audiences. Your insights, feedback, and creative sparks will support us in our mission to make our public programme more engaging, compelling and inclusive.
Collaboration is key; together, we'll brainstorm ideas, share perspectives, and you’ll work hand-in-hand with the Public Programmes team to bring exciting ideas to life. Whether it's through event planning, brainstorming sessions, or engaging activities, your contributions will leave a lasting impact.
And it's not just about making a difference – it's about personal growth too. Membership on our Panel is a paid opportunity that also counts towards the University's employability skills awards, enriching your academic journey with real-world experience.
Applications for the 2025/2026 cohort are now closed, and the panel has been selected. Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort will open summer 2026.
"I applied to the student panel in the hopes of giving back to UoB in my final year whilst also developing professional skills. Not only did I achieve both of these goals, but I also met some truly wonderful people and made some incredible memories. Developing events and projects from hypothesis to delivery taught me vital professional skills and emphasised what I was already good at. These experiences have influenced my career aspirations, and I have carried them through to job interviews. The Public Programmes team is wonderful and a steadfast guide in this process, offering support and mentorship. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the university and strongly encourage others to do the same."
What does the Student Panel involve?
What does the Student Panel involve?
The panel will meet once a month in-person at The Exchange, during these meetings you’ll meet University staff, take part in the planning and delivery of events, and learn how the team and wider organisation works. There might be times when you’ll work some extra hours, for example when leading up to an event or when we go on group visits. All working hours will be agreed together with the Public Programmes team in advance.
You’ll work with the rest of the Student Panel and the Public Programmes team to co-produce an event at The Exchange which engages public audiences with exciting, cutting edge research that’s happening at the University.
The Student Panel will run from October 2025 – April 2026.
What’s in it for me?
What’s in it for me?
You will gain hands-on experience of co-producing exciting and engaging events, and an insight into the running of a public programme at a city centre venue.
You will have the opportunity to participate in trips and visits, attend talks by guest speakers, receive staff support and mentorship, and benefit from training and learning opportunities during your time as a member.
In partnership with the Careers Network, membership of the Student Panel can be counted towards The Birmingham Award, the University's employability skills award for undergraduate students, or the Postgraduate Professional Development Award (PPDA), which is the equivalent for postgraduates. The awards support students from all disciplines to develop, recognise, and articulate their skills in preparation for real-world recruitment.
Student Panel members will be paid at the rate of £12 per hour. Additional preparation and event delivery time will be paid, as well as attendance at meetings, trips, and visits which fall within the normal meeting times.
Who can join the Student Panel?
Who can join the Student Panel?
We are looking for students who:
- Are studying at The University of Birmingham, in any subject and at any level.
- Have a passion for public engagement and believe in the importance of engaging a wide range of people with the research that is taking place at universities.
- Are willing to collaborate, try new things and work with others who may have different views to their own.
- Have excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills.
- Are reliable and trustworthy.
How do I apply?
How do I apply?
To apply to be a member of the Student Panel, head to Worklink or email Kate O’Connor, Public Programmes Creative Producer k.oconnor.1@bham.ac.uk with the following information:
- Please confirm your name, and which course you are studying at University of Birmingham
- A copy of your CV
- Tell us about why you would like to apply for this position, and what skills and experience you feel you could bring to the Student Panel (up to 300 words)
- Tell us about a time when you worked as part of a group to achieve something (up to 100 words)
Applications for the 2025/2026 cohort are now closed. Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort will open summer 2026.
"I had a fabulous time on the panel and I learnt so many things, such as event production, management, and marketing. It was a great experience as we had lots of creative control and could really see the impact of our work. It was rewarding to see an idea come to life at an event. It was lovely to work with my cohort and Kate, and the PACE team. Our ideas were welcomed and refined with their guidance, and they gave us lots of autonomy within our assignments. It truly felt like a collaborative effort, and our voices were heard.”
Look back at our 2024/2025 Student Panel
Greg Milner Photography
Greg Milner Photography
Greg Milner Photography
Greg Milner Photography