Meet the leaders - Nottingham College
Case study overview
Meet the Leaders brought Nottingham College students together with local decision-makers to discuss leadership and the future of Nottingham. The event gave students several ways to participate: they could ask questions during a panel discussion, share ideas through a feedback wall and speak informally with leaders afterwards. Its aim was to help students understand how local decisions are made, make their voices heard and explore how they could become involved in their communities.
How it worked
The event took place at Nottingham College on 7 March 2025, with the Student Union helping to plan and run the afternoon.
Before the main event, students could arrive early for refreshments and informal activities. The programme then opened with Tranai Todd, founder of Support Through Sport, sharing his experience of establishing an organisation that helps young people develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills through sport.
A panel brought students together with Nadia Whittome MP, Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden and Councillor Sam Lux. Students asked questions about education, employment opportunities, social inequality and how young people could play a greater part in local decision-making.
An interactive feedback wall captured students’ thoughts about mental health support, youth employment and safer communities. The afternoon ended with networking and one-to-one conversations between students and local leaders.
The feedback-wall contributions were collected to be shared with decision-makers and inform future discussions.
Impact
After the event, 90% of participating students said they felt significantly more informed about leadership and decision-making.
Feedback also suggested that students felt more confident about being heard and more interested in contributing to their communities.
A student said:
“This has made me believe in myself and that we as a younger generation can be heard.”
Key strength
Students could choose how they wanted to participate. Confident speakers could ask questions during the panel, while the feedback wall allowed others to contribute without speaking in front of a large audience.
The networking session gave students an opportunity to continue conversations, ask for advice and begin building relationships with local leaders.
Tranai Todd’s story showed what youth leadership could look like in practice. It provided a relatable example of a young person turning an idea into positive change.
Involving the Student Union in planning and running the event helped make it relevant to students and encouraged their peers to take part.
Key learning
- Give young people several ways to participate, including speaking, writing and informal conversation.
- Set aside time for networking so discussions can continue after the main event.
- Use a feedback wall or similar activity to capture the views of people who prefer not to speak publicly.
- Include relatable examples of young people creating positive change.
- Involve student representatives in planning and delivering the event.
- Share young people’s contributions with decision-makers and explain what happens next.
Further Information
Read the full project report online.