STEP seeks student topic leads

We are seeking expressions of interest from current students based in the Scottish tertiary education sector to become topic leads for Scotland's Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP).

We are looking to appoint one-college-based student topic lead and one university-based student topic lead. We are looking to appoint individuals who continuing their studies through academic year 2026-27 and who have student representation experience institutional or sectoral levels.

Delivered by QAA Scotland and CDN (College Development Network), and funded by the Scottish Funding Council, STEP is Scotland’s national enhancement programme for tertiary education.

STEP aims to drive lasting improvement across colleges and universities through collaboration and innovation. It supports the development and implementation of collaborative projects designed to create positive impacts for Scotland's tertiary education sector. These projects support and promote the sector’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and enhancing the learner experience. The core topic for STEP's current cycle (2024–2028) is Supporting Diverse Learner Journeys.

A core team, comprising two staff and two student topic leads, champions STEP initiatives across Scotland. Working closely with QAA and CDN, their insights help shape and support the operational delivery of STEP, in alignment with the topic of Supporting Diverse Learner Journeys, with particular emphases on:

• Supporting transitions and navigating pathways
• Strengthening engagement, community and belonging
• Developing skills and capabilities for learning
• Delivering tailored, targeted and personalised support

STEP topic leads are expected to attend meetings of the STEP Steering Group (these meetings take place four times each year, usually online), co-chair the STEP Topic Leadership Group (these meetings take place at least four times each year, usually online), attend meetings of the STEP Network of staff and student representatives from each institution in Scotland (these meetings take place four times each year, typically in person), and engage with STEP evaluation activities.

Outgoing Student Topic Lead Adelayo Adebayo from the University of Stirling says: ‘Being a Student Topic Lead has been incredibly rewarding. The role has allowed me to contribute strategically to sector-wide enhancement work, collaborate meaningfully with staff and students across institutions, and ensure that the student voice shapes key priorities. It’s also been a valuable opportunity for personal development, building confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of quality assurance and enhancement across the tertiary sector.’

The deadline for the receipt of expressions of interest is 12:00 noon on Friday 14 August 2026. More information about applying for these roles can be found below.