What is the Impartial Chairs Programme?
Launched this academic year, the Students’ Unions Impartial Chairs programme has been designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop key skills in debate and respectful disagreement.
Through a range of learning techniques, the aim of the programme is to empower the programme participants to confidently navigate discussions with individuals with differing views and to facilitate some of the student-led external speaker events that take place on campus, and in doing so to support facilitate opportunities for robust debate at UCL in a respectful and inclusive environment. This programme forms part of, whilst also being distinct from, UCL’s Disagreeing Well campaign.
Fourteen exceptional students from a range of degree courses have been identified to participate in this year’s Impartial Chairs programme. In addition to participating in a bespoke training course, the impartial chairs were invited to attend an experiential learning trip to Northern Ireland where they had the opportunity to learn about the Troubles and peace and reconciliation in the Northern Irish context.
For further information about the programme or if you would like to have an Impartial Chair chair one of your events, please get in touch with Talia Bijwe-Alexander, Head of Intercultural Engagement.
