Helping Students Take the Next Step

Why we gathered

On Thursday 30th January, the Clore Studio at Tate Britain hosted the RFSA Foundation’s second annual networking event. The session brought together trustees and representatives from our Foundation’s partner institutions to explore a shared concern: how to improve student employability.

What we talked about

Following a welcome from our Patron, Elizabeth Dalkeith and opening remarks from Chair Lora De Felice, attendees split into small working groups. Each group focused on one of five themes: internships, work placements, mentorships, expert seminars and post-course help. With at least one trustee at each table, conversations reflected a wide mix of experiences.

A shared view was how important the year either side of graduation can be. Many felt this is when students most need support, whether that’s through short placements, mentoring or simple access to the right people at the right time.

Internships: removing barriers

Discussions about internships highlighted some difficult realities. People spoke about the gap in outcomes between students who can afford to take on unpaid placements and those who can’t. Others pointed to the way unpaid internships often favour those with financial backing. Some institutions have chosen not to offer bursaries for unpaid roles, as they feel it would legitimise a system that already excludes too many.

Alternatives were shared. One suggestion was to bring people from industry into colleges to set and assess real-world briefs. This helps students build experience and contacts without needing to work for free. Smaller colleges sometimes struggle to fund this kind of activity, which may be a space where the RFSA can help. There was also interest in flexible models like the Royal Drawing School’s, where recent graduates return as part-time teachers or technicians.

Expert input that makes a difference

Attendees also spoke about expert seminars. Some colleges invite alumni to lead these sessions, often without payment. People felt that students benefit most when the sessions are interactive, include hands-on elements and offer a chance to connect directly with the expert or their employer.

One idea now being explored is an RFSA Expert Seminar series. This could rotate around colleges, open to students from all institutions. Using alumni to lead sessions could make the programme more relevant, with additional support offered for student travel where needed.

Shared purpose

Attendees said they found the event valuable. Many mentioned how helpful it was to meet others in similar roles and share challenges and ideas. People appreciated the chance to connect with like-minded peers who care deeply about arts education and student opportunity.

We’re grateful to Tate Britain for hosting the event. The setting added a real sense of occasion, but it was the conversations that brought the afternoon to life. As one participant put it:

It was heartening to see so many people from different institutions sitting around the same table, not just talking about barriers but designing ways through them.

Helping students into employment is something we all care about and something we can work on together. No single solution works everywhere, but the event gave space to think, test ideas and learn from one another. That spirit of shared purpose is something the RFSA will keep at the heart of our work. We're already looking at how to build on what was shared — from piloting new seminar formats to shaping funding in ways that reflect what we heard. We look forward to continuing these conversations at next year’s event.