The Higher Education Student Union President John Jenkins was shortlisted for Student Governor of the Year; an award sponsored by Rockborn & Unloc and hosted by Burberry at their London HQ.

The Student Governor of the Year Award is an opportunity to highlight outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles as student governors. It showcases their achievements, talents, and successes in giving back and positively impacting their college and community. The award aims to recognise and appreciate the important contribution that student voice and leadership has to a college environment. It celebrates Student Governors who work as the voice of students to improve their college, its services and support, and ensure that student needs are met.

Emma Fielding, Student Union Manager, and John Jenkins, HE Student Union President, travelled to London for an inspiring day that explored what it means to be a change maker in today’s world and how young leaders can drive positive change with the power of their voice.

The event featured compelling keynote talks delivered by industry leaders known for driving innovation and strategic impact.

• Shelagh Legrave CBE, who was appointed as Further Education (FE) Commissioner in 2021, was one of the four key people who led a high-quality talk on the day. As part of her role, she works with FE colleges to improve the quality and sustainability of their provision.
• Lisa Humphries, Chair of NAMSS and Associate Principal for Chichester College Group, was another figure who led an inspiring talk to the attendees of the event. She has a passion for student experience and supporting students through their Further Education journey.
• Ella Roberton McKay, Director of One Young World, also delivered a successful talk on the day. One Young World is a UK charity which serves as a global community for young leaders, with the vision of creating the next generation of more responsible and effective leadership.
• Melanie Stocker, VP IT Customer and Data at Burberry, was another who led a captivating talk on the day. She has extensive experience in business transformation and in IT and has progressed through several roles whilst working at Burberry.

The college would like to thank Rockborn and Unloc for their sponsorship of this event. Rockborn has built a strong reputation for delivering successful outcomes as management and governance consultants in the Further Education sector. Their extensive experience includes supporting FE boards through governance reviews, tailored training, strategic consultancy, and managing complex merger projects. Unloc is a multi-award-winning education non-profit that partners with schools, colleges, and organisations to empower young people to become confident and capable changemakers. Together, Unloc and Rockborn recognise the vital role of student leadership and voice in education. This year, they launched the nationwide Student Governor Changemaker Programme to equip Student Governors with the skills and support needed to make a meaningful impact.

A huge thank you also goes to Burberry for hosting the event at their astounding Headquarters in London. Burberry is a global British luxury brand, established in 1856 and renowned for its iconic trench coats, signature check designs, and commitment to innovation. Under the creative direction of Daniel Lee, the brand continues to blend heritage with modern style, offering timeless fashion and refined craftsmanship.

The college is incredibly proud of John for being nominated for this prestigious award, which represents a significant and well-deserved achievement. A huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners!

University Centre Somerset College Group is a proud further education provider, offering a wide range of qualifications across four colleges: Bridgwater, Taunton, Cannington, and Strode. The courses on offer combine real-world experience with academic rigour, giving students the springboard to progress to Red Brick universities, prestigious companies, and exciting careers.