Divanshi Sharma is a second-year BSc Adult Nursing student at the University of Roehampton.
She is currently taking part in the prestigious Council of Deans of Health (CoDH) 150 Leaders programme, which supports and develops aspiring leaders in health and social care education across the UK.
We spoke to Divanshi about her experiences on the programme and the impact it has had on her academic journey.
What is the Council of Deans of Health, and why is it an important opportunity for you?
The Council of Deans of Health (CoDH) 150 Leaders programme has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey so far. It’s a leadership programme designed for health students across the UK, and being selected as one of the 150 student leaders has been an honour.
The highlight for me has undoubtedly been my one-to-one coaching sessions. From our very first meeting, where we carried out a detailed SWOT analysis and mapped out a development plan, to the follow-ups where we refined my goals and addressed my doubts, my coach has been a pillar of guidance and support. She broke down complex leadership concepts, made me feel safe to open up, and helped me carve a clear path for growth—both personally and professionally.
This programme has opened many doors for me, including:
- Writing a blog, which was published on the CoDH website: Navigating Racism – A Student Reflection
- Recording a podcast titled International Student Guide, also published on the CoDH website: YouTube Link
- Leading and editing a chapter in the Multidisciplinary Student Guide, a collaborative effort involving student leaders from various disciplines. My chapter focuses on student roles within the MDT (not yet published).
- Speaking at the April CoDH Conference, where I shared a student’s perspective on raising concerns during placements: LinkedIn Post | Nursing Times Article
- Co-founding a Nursing Society at the University of Roehampton to offer peer support, study sessions, and reflective discussions for nursing students: Roehampton Nursing Society
Perhaps the most unexpected but rewarding achievement has been running for RSU elections—and winning—the position of Digby Stuart College President for the academic year 2025–2026. The leadership skills I gained through this programme, especially around confidence, communication, and strategy, played a huge role in this accomplishment.
This programme stands apart from traditional leadership training because it emphasises real-world application. It gave me the platform to practise leadership, not just learn about it in theory. I was especially inspired by the concept of inclusive leadership, which was powerfully introduced during the opening conference. Hearing different leaders share their stories and leadership styles was truly eye-opening.
The impact this programme has had on my journey is immeasurable, and I will always be grateful for the connections, insights, and confidence it has given me.
What inspired you to speak about raising concerns on placement at the Council of Deans of Health Spring Conference?
My own experiences—as well as the stories of my peers—inspired me to speak out. I’ve seen how difficult it can be for students to voice their concerns on placement, especially when they don’t feel supported. So when I was invited to speak at the Spring Conference, I didn’t hesitate. I saw it as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Can you describe the key message or takeaway you wanted the audience to leave with?
The main message I wanted to convey was: A safe and supportive learning environment is not a privilege; it is a necessity.
Students often hesitate to raise concerns—not because they don’t know how, but because they fear the consequences. Many feel unsupported, unsure if speaking up will lead to change or backlash. My goal was to encourage institutions and professionals to create cultures where student voices are valued, heard, and protected.
What is your advice to a student about to go on placement?
Here are some key tips I’d share:
- Be proactive: Contact your placement team ahead of time. Get familiar with the location and read the welcome pack
- Discuss expectations: Meet with your assessor in the first week to set learning goals and create a plan together
- Take initiative: Grab opportunities when they arise! I remember once when a nurse was taking a patient to surgery—I asked if I could accompany them, and she said yes. Watching a live surgery was phenomenal and unforgettable
- Explore departments: Shadow the multidisciplinary team and ask questions. It’s a great way to understand the holistic care process
- Stay open-minded and curious: Every shift is a learning experience. Keep a reflective journal and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone
My final thoughts
Being part of the Council of Deans of Health’s 150 Leaders programme has not just enriched my nursing journey—it has redefined it. I’ve grown as a student, a leader, and most importantly, as a person. I hope to continue using what I’ve learned to uplift others and advocate for meaningful change in healthcare education.
If you’re interested in studying Nursing at the University of Roehampton, you can find more information on our Nursing programmes here.