The Student Councils Programme
A consistent and strategic student voice bridging the gap between practice providers, universities and the student population.
Students and their education and learning experience are crucial to maintaining the pipeline for the future workforce. With the increasing focus on education and training, the importance of ensuring a student voice within the system to consider the quality and impact of education and training decisions needs to be recognised and supported.
This programme of work is funded by Health Education England South East following the success of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Student Nurse Council. We have newly established six multi-professional Student Councils across the South East region of England. There is one Council per Integrated Care System (ICS) and membership of the Councils includes student nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and trainee nursing associates.
The Student Councils enable student representation to actively support, inform and influence through local strategic discussions within their ICS in relation to the education, learning and quality agendas and allow for the escalation of issues and concerns. They provide opportunities for students to engage in the development of education and learning from a student perspective within their locality and enable them to have a voice within relevant projects and developments.
Student Council Members are invested in via leadership development programmes, remuneration or practice hours for their time and one to one coaching and mentoring with established professionals. This is more than a role, this is investment in our future workforce leaders!
Explore the events of the March Regional Council Meeting including updates from our members and supporters, a ‘you said, we did’ excerpt, and next steps by clicking on the button below.
shared professional decision-making
The Student Councils Programme is following a model of management and leadership known as shared governance. The purpose of shared governance is to empower individuals at all levels in decision-making processes while assisting in the development of professional autonomy. At the FNF, we believe that shared professional decision-making can apply at system level and beyond – the Student Councils Programme is an example of this in action.
The core principles of shared governance include:
- Multidirectional communication that is consistent and trustworthy.
- Creating a shared vision.
- Enabling enhanced professional autonomy.
- Creating opportunities for growth and development.
- Providing meaningful recognition.
Discover the latest themes from our recent Student Council Meetings including the objectives of each ICS Council, next steps and contact information by clicking on the button below.
Meet our Student Council Members
Alissa Halliday
Surrey ICS Student Council Member
Hi! My name’s Alissa and I’m a third-year student midwife. I’m training at the University of Surrey, but am originally from Lancashire. I’m looking forward to helping us students get the recognition we deserve, and I’m particularly interested in making sure students get sufficient support in preparing to qualify; this will be me soon! Within midwifery, I’m super passionate about empowering women to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and births. Outside of my training, you’ll find me wandering around the charity shops, taking pictures of everything or walking with my two whippets!
Amenah Mustafa
HIOW ICS Student Council
Amenah is a second year Student Paramedic at Portsmouth. Originally from London, she’s found her feet and integrated in the local Portsmouth community. The Florence Nightingale Foundation has given her a platform to be a helping hand in bridging the gap with students’ voices and organisations. Thus, giving the future generations a better experience in education. Her main aim is to help students to be heard and give them a voice to drive change for the better. Amenah’s own inspiring story is an example to others, to push through times of adversity. When not in an ambulance, she likes to hike, play any instrument she can get her hands on and attend live shows!
Aurora Johnson
HIOW ICS Student Council Member
My name is Aurora Johnson and I am a Second Year Mental Health Nursing student at Solent University in Southampton. I applied to become a Student Council Member because I am passionate about equality and want to ensure that our healthcare systems treat those navigating them with respect and dignity, be they service users, staff, or students. My hopes for my time with the Florence Nightingale Foundation are that I will develop my leadership skills, advocate for my fellow students, and form relationships with leaders in healthcare so that I may learn how we can better serve those historically failed by our healthcare systems.
Cécile Mayeux
Kent and Medway ICS Student Council Member
I am Cécile, a mature student and currently in my 3rd year of Midwifery. I have been appointed to the Kent and Medway ICS and feel very privileged to be part of this programme. I am hoping to further develop my leadership while advocating for students. I look forward to this new challenge and meeting like minded people.
Eleanor Di Biase
Frimley ICS Student Council Member
Hi, I’m Eleanor, a first-year student apprentice with University of West London studying Mental Health Nursing. I joined the Frimley ICB with the Florence Nightingale Foundation after wanting to be a voice for students and bridge the gap between higher education institutions and practise placements. I have experience working for Berkshire Healthcare Trust as an Advanced Clinical Support Worker with Early Intervention in Psychosis and have a BSc Psychology degree. I can’t wait to qualify as a mental health nurse and want to make the most of my opportunity to study again and work alongside the FNF to harness my voice, make impact and become a future leader. Outside of work, I play netball and love to cook!
Ellie Johnson
BOB ICS Student Council Member
My name is Ellie, and I am a final year Mental Health Nursing Student at Oxford Brookes University. I’m a BOB ICS Student Council member and wanted to join the council to develop my knowledge and leadership skills, as well as help to empower students in all healthcare professions. I really enjoy the opportunities that being part of the council and FNF has offered me to network and get to know other students across other healthcare professions and regions in the South East. Outside of the council and studying, I love going to the cinema, catching up with friends & family, and watching sport.
Emma Hotston
HIOW ICS Student Council Member
I am a second year BSc Adult Nursing student at the University of Southampton and Health Education England South East Student Council member for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Through training to become a healthcare professional I want to achieve a career where I can make a genuine contribution to the wellbeing of others. As a student council member, I aim to ensure that the student voice is respected in discussions with healthcare leaders and engage in strategic conversations with student council members to raise key issues facing students and influence change.
Gabby Nutley
BOB ICS Student Council Member
Gabby is a final year Mental Health Nursing Student at Oxford Brookes University, making her part of the BOB ICS Council within Florence Nightingale. Gabby joined the council to be an advocate for students in the South East, by seeking and implementing positive changes for healthcare students, but also to build on personal and professional development. Outside of the council and university Gabby likes to pretend to be a rockstar. If Gabby could give one piece of advice to healthcare students it would be ‘Never be afraid to ask for help, be patient, but also be brave’.
Josephine Nduta
Frimley ICS Student Council Member
Hi am Josephine Nduta, a final year student nurse at the university of West London (UWL) and a Frimley student council member. I wanted to join so that I can develop my leadership skills, knowledge and competences and make a positive contribution and network with peers. I would like to encourage diversity and inclusion where there will be equality of access and shared opportunities. During my free time I like cooking, reading books and keeping fit.
Karin Vertue
Sussex ICS Student Council Member
My name is Karin, and I am a second year Adult Nursing student studying at The University of Brighton. I was introduced to the work of the Florence Nightingale Foundation in the summer at a student leadership event and it had a profound impact on my life. I was able to return to my university and started to support other students who had goals they wanted to achieve but did not have the tools available to them. I truly believe that every student helped to achieve their goals within the nursing and allied health services will better impact our patients and the wider multi-disciplinary team.
Karolina Bielinska
Frimley ICS Student Council Member
Hi! I’m Karolina, and I am a third-year student nurse. I am studying adult nursing branch at New Buckinghamshire University. I am excited to be a member of the Frimley ICS Student Council. The student voice appropriately channelled can be a powerful tool to change students and registered health professionals’ experiences, and I believe in that.
I hope my passion for creating a positive learning and working experience will enable me to represent student voices in the best possible way. I trust I will be able to help establish the first Frimley ICS Student Council, working alongside fellow members and Florence Nightingale Team.
Katie Jeffery
HIOW ICS Student Council
My name is Katie Jeffery, I am a fourth year Adult & Mental Health Future Nurse at the University of Southampton. I currently sit on the HIOW ICS Student Council, which I joined to develop my leadership skills, and bridge the gap between Higher Education Institutions and Health Education England. I have made it my mission to advocate and empower healthcare professionals, with the aim of improving the experience for the future workforce. My time on the council has given me the encouragement and confidence to create change and has introduced me to so many inspirational people. Outside of the council, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks with my cockapoo Winnie.
Kelly Ottley
Kent & Medway ICS Student Council Member
I am graduate of the University of Greenwich with 1 undergraduate and 2 postgraduate degrees; I am currently at City, University of London as a 2nd year on their Bsc Adult Nursing programme, where I am also programme representative and a member of the Nursing Society. I am currently a member of the ICS Kent and Medway Student council it’s where I was raised and live, so I want to give back to my community. I am on the autism spectrum, have adhd and dyspraxia and would like to give a voice to the student nurses with additional needs so that was another reason why I wanted to join the council.
Lydia Joshua
HIOW ICS Student Council Member
Hello I’m Lydia and I study cardiac physiology at the University of Southampton and I am part of the amazing team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s South East Student council. I aim to bring a positive change to the lives of students on placement on healthcare courses by initiating a conversation, representing the voices of students and raising these concerns to healthcare leaders to instigate a difference to those who come after us.
Matthew Etherington
Sussex ICS Student Council Member
Hi, I’m Matthew I’m a second year Adult Nursing student at the University of Chichester. I’m joining nursing in my late 30’s after a decade in the health and fitness industry as a Personal Trainer. My aim for joining the student council is to create connections within the industry and become a voice for students. My hope is to help change the culture of the health service so that nursing becomes a more attractive career to future generations. When I’m not at university I’m often found watching Star Trek (I’m a big fan) or doing something fitness related such as the gym, hiking or paddle-boarding.
Natasha Evans
HIOW ICS Student Council Member
Hi, I’m Natasha, I’m a second-year child nursing student from the University of Winchester and I’ve just been accepted onto the HIOW ICS Student Council. I’ve already met some incredible people in such a short space of time who I know I can learn from and collaborate with and am so excited to contribute to my region over the next academic year. In my (very limited) spare time, I love to travel and eat everything in sight!
Rachel Connolly
Frimley ICS Student Council Member
My name is Rachel, I’m a third year Adult Nursing student at the University of Surrey. I’m a course rep for my year and I see the Student Council as a fantastic opportunity to advocate for other students, work towards positive changes and recognise successes. I’m looking forward to meeting the other Student Council members and to learn from their diverse knowledge and experiences.
Rachel Faulkner
BOB ICS Student Council Member
Hi, my name is Rachel and I am studying Midwifery at the University of West London. I joined the BOB ICS in November 2022 and have a passion for advocating for others, whether fellow students to have a positive university experience, or patients to receive quality healthcare. I joined the council to have the opportunity to do this as well as grow my own leadership and development. I am looking forward to getting stuck in! Around midwifery life I enjoy church activities, food, and sketching.
Rachel Fletcher
HIOW ICS Student Council Member
Hi, my name’s Rachel & I’m a final year student mental health nurse, standing on the HIOW student council. Having started my degree mid pandemic, I quite quickly discovered that often, the support to help our student nurses to thrive, just isn’t there! I joined the council because I want to use my voice to advocate for nursing education & ensure that universities & placement areas are collaborating to best support our future nurses. I’m also passionate about the well-being of student nurses and what’s available to allow us to balance our degrees while taking care of our own mental health! I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to help to make proactive, positive changes.
Silas Vince
Sussex ICS Student Council Member
Hi, I’m Silas. I am a 1st year MSc (pre-reg) Student Physiotherapist at the University of Brighton. I have recently joined the Sussex ICS Student Council. I joined the student council to be able to gain leadership skills and be an advocate for my fellow students. Outside of my studies I am a Registered Paramedic working in education and the community. With the little time I have remaining I can mostly be found wandering the Sussex Downs … even in the rain.
Simon Croucher
Sussex ICS Student Council Member
I am a 3rd Year Podiatry Student from the University of Brighton. I have been a Student Council Member for West Sussex ICS for over a year now. I am really enjoying being a member of the student council and standing up for podiatry. In the student council I get to meet other healthcare professionals and I have found amazing support from the other council members. While not at university or talking about feet, I work for South East Coast Ambulance Service. I also enjoy watching films, sleeping, and attending church.
Thevuni Raju
Surrey ICS Student Council Member
Hi! My name is Thevuni Raju, a first year Children’s nursing student at Oxford Brookes University. I’m very excited to be a part of the Florence Nightingale Foundation and to learn and develop new skills from everything this experience has to offer. This opportunity will be one that helps to mould future workforce leaders with invaluable skills. I believe that a system changes and improves only when the voices of those that work within it are heard, and I’m looking forward to being able to do just that for student nurses, using my seat on the student council.
Trina Coone
Sussex ICS Student Council Member
Hello, I’m Trina and I’m a 1st Year Adult Nursing Student the University of Chichester. I currently sit on the Sussex ICS Student Council. As a new member of the council, I am excited to be an advocate for other students and healthcare professionals. I have a passion for all things education and hope to empower others to be that much needed voice. I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow council members and networking with other healthcare professionals.
Victoria Miles
Sussex ICS Student Council Member
Hi, I’m Vicky. I am a first year MSc Physiotherapy (pre-reg) student at the University of Chichester. Being a new council member for Sussex ICS, I am looking forward to advocating for students and working with fellow council members to create positive change. Outside of the council and university I work as a Therapy Assistant for Sussex Community Foundation Trust and in my spare time enjoy travelling, going to the beach and dance classes.
Zunaira Awais
Kent & Medway ICS Student Council Member
I am a 3rd year student Dietitian studying at the University of Surrey. I am part of the Kent & Medway Council. The leadership opportunities I have had has given me confidence to take positive risks, negotiate goals and become more self-aware. This has benefitted me greatly on my practice placement when I welcomed presentation opportunities that I would have shied away from before. After graduating, I hope to be a mental health specialist Dietitian, working with neurodiverse children. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the piano and posting on my Instagram account to share gluten-free recipes, placement tips and self-development content.
Expressions of Interest
Are you a student nurse, midwife, allied health professional or trainee nursing associate who has practice placements in the South East of England? Are you interested in becoming a member of an ICS Student Council? This programme is for you! We are open for applications to our vacant posts via an expression of interests process.
Student Blogs
Here you can read blogs authored by current Student Council Members and alumni.
Blogs
June 12, 2023
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Blogs
March 12, 2023
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Shining a Light
Come back soon to view case studies authored by our ICS Student Council Members shining a light on positive educational experiences – both in practice and at university.
“You are advocating and promoting for the student voice, and in return you end up inspiring yourself to not leave the profession the same as you began!”
“I’m incredibly grateful for how the programme has developed my confidence in my own voice and the values I can bring to a team or project as a leader. I know that I will take the skills that I’ve learnt with me into my future career, and the rest of my life!”
“Being a student council member has enabled me to network with other students and professionals as boost my own confidence both personally and professionally, I now say things with conviction and I am much less critical of my own capabilities”
"Working on the FNF Student Council has empowered me to take up my space and use my voice for positive change. I have learned more about myself, and how this impacts me as a leader. I wish every future nurse had this experience."
“As I approach the end of my nursing training, I feel more informed and better prepared for my career as a nurse as I have a greater understanding of the profession. I am now passionate about ensuring that nurses have an opportunity to discuss issues that impact them and that nurses at every level are given a voice.”
“The student council programme has been an excellent opportunity to gain vast exposure to such likeminded students. Students who help motivate, inspire, and create to develop our future working environment and express our thoughts. Being exposed to the different professions has been invaluable, and nurtured development of my multi-disciplinary team thinking. Integral to our health services.”
“The HEE SE Programme is excellent. It has helped me build confidence and really stand out to champion leadership to the rest of my cohort at university.”
"The leadership programme is giving the opportunity to grow as I have struggled with my confidence. The staff and my fellow students are such a good support I recommend anyone to join."
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