Student Reps are here to represent YOUR voice at Birmingham City University.
Split into two distinct roles - Lead Reps and Course Reps - the primary role of a Rep is to listen, collate and communicate the views of the students they represent, taking these views to meetings and to specific staff to bring about positive change.
What are Conservatoire Lead Reps?
RBC Lead Reps work with staff and a network of other Lead Reps across the University.
The Conservatoire has two Lead Reps - one for Acting and another for Music - who work to represent their unique feedback and issues. They have regular contact and meetings with senior members of staff to discuss issues affecting students across the Conservatoire.
They work with Course Reps to help resolve issues
Behind every good Lead Rep is a team of Course Reps they support in collecting, resolving, and elevating the feedback received by students. They also help hold the Course Reps to account, and step in and assist with difficult conversations or issues.
They represent RBC at the Conservatoires UK Student Network.
Working alongside other Conservatoires across the UK on the specific issues that affect performance students, and working with staff to develop best practice and promote the sector’s excellence.
Who are the Conservatoire Lead Reps?
Your Lead Rep will have a special pinbage, lanyard, or even a hoodie telling you they are a Lead Rep. They might introduce themselves in your classes, have their information available on your Moodle, or have posters around the buildings – but Your Student’s Union also have a tool to make it really quick and easy to find out who’s representing you:
Find My Lead Rep
How can I become a Conservatoire Lead Rep?
Conservatoire Lead Reps are appointed via an election to make sure we meet the eligibility criteria for sitting on the Conservatoires UK Student Network. The election typically runs once per Academic Year, and is split into two parts – nominations and voting.
When nominations are open any enrolled RBC student can put their name forward for the relevant role for their department in the Conservatoire (for example, Applied Theatre for Acting or Composition for Music).
To stand, click the button below. You'll need to provide some information about yourself, and select which position you would like to stand for. Once you click 'Submit Nomination' you will be able to add a manifesto, which should be a short introduction about yourself and why students should elect you as their Lead Rep. It's good to include what you study, what you play, and what issues RBC students face that you want to tackle as their Rep.
When the voting period is open, all RBC students are invited to cast their votes in-person at a polling station run by BCUSU or online. BCUSU use Alternative Transferable Voting to conduct all of its elections, which allows you to cast a vote for all of your favourite candidates.
2024-25 Election Dates:
Nominations Open – Monday 2nd September 10am
Nominations Close – Monday 23rd September 12pm
Voting Opens – Monday 23rd September 5pm
Voting Closes – Monday 30th September 12pm
Access the elections here
Responsibilities
- Represent the views of students at the College and Faculty level.
- Work closely with your Course Reps to resolve the feedback they collect.
- Report back to students with updates and developments on their feedback.
- Attend meetings with the University to discuss Student feedback.
- Build relationships with your Heads of College and Faculty Associate Dean.
- Work with VP Student Voice to help improve the experiences of students across the University
Requirements
- Be a Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student.
- Be a good listener.
- Have excellent communication skills
- Be able to confidently speak up on behalf of other students.
- Be enthusiastic about helping others and improving the University.
- Have excellent organisational skills.
- Be a positive problem-solver.
- Be reliable and self-motivated.
Benefits
- £700 annual bursary.
- Earn points towards your Graduate+
- Training and experience in an important leadership role.
- Experience overcoming barriers and building confidence.
- Work to solve University-wide issues with your fellow Lead Reps.
- Networking with students and staff at RBC as well as other Conservatoires through CUKSN
- Enhance your communication and problem-solving skills.
- Get more involved with your Student’s Union.
- Regular Rep social events.
- A pin-badge, lanyard, and hoodie letting everyone know you’re a Lead Rep.
Have questions or having trouble accessing the election? Get in touch with the Activities and Representation Coordinator for RBC by emailing francesca.fell@bcu.ac.uk for assistance.