Hallam Students’ Union (HSU) and Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) have signed a new Partnership Agreement, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together to support, empower, and represent students. 

The agreement formalises the strong relationship between the University and Students’ Union, creating a clear framework for collaboration and ensuring that students continue to play a central role in shaping their education and wider university experience. This provides the Student Union with a formal foundation to collaborate with the University on improving the student experience. Previously, this leverage did not exist, making it essential for ensuring our voices are taken seriously when advocating for change. 

The agreement is underpinned by five key principles: 

• Inclusivity – ensuring all students can participate and be heard 
• Co-creation – working alongside students to shape their experience 
• Transparency and accountability – promoting open and clear decision-making 
• Respect and reciprocity – valuing contributions and shared responsibility 
• Continuous improvement – using insight and feedback to enhance outcomes 

Hallam SU, CEO, Kathryn Burkitt, who has been spearheading the partnership agreement with Liz Mossop, VC, said:  

“The Partnership Agreement marks an important step forward in how Sheffield Hallam University and Hallam Students’ Union work together to support and represent our students. Over the past 12 months, we have worked in close collaboration to agree the principles that will guide how we partner in practice; grounded in inclusivity, transparency and continuous improvement. 

Crucially, this agreement sets the foundation for our SU President and Officer team to work alongside the University to drive meaningful, positive change for students. By aligning our priorities and strengthening the student voice within decision-making, we are creating the conditions for a more responsive, collaborative and impactful student experience at Hallam.” 

At the heart of the agreement is a commitment to ensuring students are active partners in the development of their university experience. Through listening, collaboration and co-creation, Hallam SU and Sheffield Hallam University will continue to work together to ensure student voices are heard and acted upon. 

Welcoming the new Partnership Agreement, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Liz Mossop, said: 

“Our ambition, as a university, is to work with the Students’ Union, not simply alongside it. Which means aligning priorities, deepening trust, and embedding student voice in a meaningful and sustained way. The new Partnership Agreement between Sheffield Hallam University and Hallam Students’ Union sets out a shared commitment to work collaboratively to support, empower and represent the student community.” 

Reflecting on the significance of the new agreement, Hallam Students’ Union President, Ebuka Obi, said: 

"Student voice is at the heart of positive change at Hallam, and this agreement reinforces our shared commitment to listening, collaborating and working in partnership with students. I'm excited to build on the strong foundations already in place and continue working with the University to create meaningful opportunities and outcomes for the Hallam community." 

This agreement represents an important step forward in strengthening the partnership between Hallam Students’ Union and Sheffield Hallam University. Together, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and empowering environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and where student voices continue to shape the future of the Hallam experience. 

Watch this space ...