We are excited to share our latest Equity Month 2025 case study from the School of Health and Care Sciences at the University of Lincoln, showcasing an inspiring initiative to enhance student experience and retention.

What is the project?

Colleagues across the School of Health and Care Sciences at the University of Lincoln are working on enhancing student experience and retention. A notable example is their support for international students on pre-registration practice placements.

This initiative, led by the Social Work teaching team, had been shared during the Learning, Teaching and Quality Symposiums in 2024 having identified common support needs and challenges faced by international students. These themes resonated with those working with international students across their healthcare programmes.

Key interventions:

• Experience Sharing Session:

The first step was to hear the voices of students in a more joined up way. A session was held for international students across the school to share their placement experiences, highlighting challenges and enablers. Student reps and members of the teaching teams were present to record their stories; ideas for improvement, areas of challenge and of good practice.

• Cultural Awareness Training:

Developing a response plan to enhance cultural awareness among practice educators. Cultural competence and consideration has been built into Practice Educator Forums. Colleagues in social work have shared their experience by facilitating a session focused on student EDI during the regional AHP Educator Event led by the AHP Lead for the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.

• Collaboration with the University of Lincoln’s Student Services:

Strengthening relationships with Student Services and offering bespoke placement preparedness sessions for students.

Impact:

• Positive feedback from educators who welcomed the space to focus on EDI and specifically the needs of international students.
• Students reported improved preparedness and support during placements.
• Teaching teams and in particular personal academic tutors (PATs) have an increased awareness of and confidence in inclusive practice with international students.
• Continuous Improvement: Maintaining momentum and commitment across the various stakeholders; teaching teams, practice educators and new intakes of students, and not losing the voice of alumni once in practice.

Next steps:

• Listen to student experiences and responding to their calls for tailored support.
• Evaluate the impact of the Resource Pack with assistance from the University of Lincoln Pedagogical Innovation Grant Fund with a focus on student experience and retention.
• Continue to listen to students through a platform to share experiences and inform future steps and responses including our alumni.
• Continue to provide refreshers for Practice Educators and opportunities for them to consider the needs of international students.

If you would like more information on this case study, you can contact Katerina Nolan, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, at knolan@lincoln.ac.uk or Dr Sophie Willis, Associate Professor, at swillis@lincoln.ac.uk.