What we're working on

To provide relevant support to help students navigate the cost-of-living pressures and financial barriers to engaging with their Education.

Action plan:

• HSU Food Cooperative
• Transport Campaign

To provide relevant support to enable students transition into chosen careers either through securing high skilled employment or engaging in entrepreneurship.

Action plan:

• Deliver HSU Entrepreneur Competition 2026/27
• Lobby for a university-wide Placement review with Officers and research team
• Spearhead development of HSU Student Employment offer including creating on campus jobs
• Lobby for improvements in SHU's Access & Participation work - focusing on highest risk areas

To promote sustainability as a culture within HSU including buy-in from senior leaders to champion sustainable practices.

Action plan:

• Integrate Sustainability into HSU's operating model including procurement and new projects.
• Deliver Sustainability Week 2026/27

Put the international student voice in every room where decisions are made about us and make sure no student finds out about a rule or a change after it is too late.

Action plan:

• Launch the International Students' Committee
• Representation duties done properly
• Visa policy monitoring, rapid briefings and early warning
• Pre-arrival, welcome and the International Students' Guide
• Build a legacy that outlasts my year

Remove the financial barriers that only international students face.

Action plan:

• Guarantor and housing reform
• Fee payment plans and emergency financial support
• Placement fee transparency and refunds
• Challenge the Levy and build financial literacy

Misconduct and assessment processes that are transparent and more compliant with Visa Guidelines.

Action plan:

• Academic Misconduct Panel seat
• Assessment Boards and visa-safe results
• EC and guidelines awareness
• Collective casework through Course Reps
• Prevention through academic skills

Every international student can learn and earn while studying, is safe and supported at Hallam, and leaves with a clear plan.

Action plan:

• Business Competition and student enterprise
• Careers, placements and alumni
• Wellbeing, safety and drop ins
• Culture, faith and community connection
• Work rights and fair employment

Reduce loneliness among Sheffield Hallam students by increasing opportunities for meaningful social connection through communication, charitable initiatives and sport.

Action plan:

• Movember/charity work
• Men's Disengagement Research

Increase student participation within the sport and physical activity by building a positive, supportive and collaborative culture where students feel a sense of belonging.

Action plan:

• Committee Best Practice Sessions
• "Supporting Dragons" Initiative
• Student Focused sport content
• Sponsorship

Enhance the Varsity experience for students by creating a more engaging, student-informed event that strengthens community and belonging.

Action plan:

• Digital Legacy
• Student Feedback

Build a connected BTE community that enhances student belonging, strengthens wellbeing, and improves the overall student experience.

Action plan:

• Support varsity E-sports and start an E-sports event around city campus.
• Host a woman in BTE panel, to support the gender imbalance in STEM.
• Provide clip frames for the new building updating the wellbeing services, this also allows events to be put on there too.

Enhance students' employability by creating opportunities to develop the skills, experiences, and industry connections, further than a sole degree, needed for successful graduate outcomes.

Action plan:

• Create the Beyond The Degree Portfolio, to allow students to build skills and attend workshops.
• Reboot the Venture MATRIX project

Making creativity at the heart of BTE by championing innovative learning opportunities and entrepreneurship and embracing new technologies.

Action plan:

• Continue working on the business idea competition with the International Students' Officer and HSU President.
• Create and set up Hallam Holiday Market.

Improve the placement experience by working towards making placements being better organised, communicated and supported.

Action plan:

• Audit University placement communications
• Work with Lead Reps to identify common questions and concerns
• Prepare placement preparation guide for Social Work placements
• Work with University to ensure any information compliments their communications plans
• Establish a central location for students to raise concerns whilst on placement
• Gather feedback from placement providers on student issues
• Review placement practice guide to determine success

Improve the learning experience for HWLS students by making education more accessible, inclusive and responsive to student feedback.

Action plan:

• Audit accessibility of resources across the college
• Gather feedback about the student experience on accessing learning materials
• Give recommendations on how to improve accessibility to learning resources

Help HWLS students build skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed during university and transition into future careers.

Action plan:

• Identify non-tradition career routes in HWLS
• Organise a fair for non-traditional career routes
• Promote conferences and events within HWLS
• Facilitate CV and personal statement support sessions for students across the college
• Create opportunities for students to understand different career routes
• Connect current students with alumni
• Work with external organisations to facilitate opportunities such as part time work and volunteering

To improve students' access to financial support and reduce financial barriers so that all students can continue their education without financial hardship.

To ensure every student receives fair, consistent, and accessible academic support through clear communication and inclusive learning practice.

To improve access to health and wellbeing support by increasing awareness, encouraging early help-seeking, and creating a supportive environment for all students.

To improve students career readiness by providing access to career guidance, employability skills, and professional opportunities that support a successful transition into employment.