Working for Students

This week on Working for Students there’s a bumper collaborations special. What does it really take for students' unions to genuinely work together – and what hard questions should boards be asking themselves as costs rise, income falls and institutional instability spreads?Alan caught up with Steve Coole and Ben Ward on the Greater Manchester Students Partnership, the cultural conditions that have made collaboration stick across the city, and where joint finance functions, shared services and collective lobbying might go next.Plus Liv spoke to Ben Vulliamy about his recent Wonkhe blog reflecting on the hard questions facing SU boards right now, from business continuity and strategy stress testing through to reserves, risk appetite and low risk shared service vehicles.With Steve Coole off of Coole Insight, Ben Ward from University of Manchester SU, Ben Vulliamy from the Association of Heads of University Administration and presented by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Counterculture).

This week on Working for Students we’re thinking about belonging, inclusion and the student experience – from the work of Living Black at University to what students’ unions can do to build communities that work for all students.We hear about Essex SU’s work on representation, education and student voice, and look across the Atlantic to Montclair State University to explore how commuter students can be better supported to connect with campus life.With Osaro Otobo, Consultant at Halpin Partnership and Project Manager for Living Black at University; Alex Sablich, President at Essex SU; Chloe Jeffery, VP Education at Essex SU; and Emily Inserra, Assistant Director of Commuter Life at Montclair State University. Hosted by Livia Scott from Wonkhe and Alan Roberts from CounterCulture.With Osaro Otobo, Consultant at Halpin Partnership and Project Manager for Living Black at University, Alex Sablich, President, Essex SU, Chloe Jeffery, VP Education, Essex SU, Emily Inserra, Assistant Director of Commuter Life, Montclair State University, and hosted by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (CounterCulture).The link for people to register interest in the Living Black at University BookAnd here is a link for people to get involved with the Living Black at University Theory of ChangePay the Placement and blogCommuter Assistance Mentorship Program – Commuter Life - Montclair State UniversityMembership Services Conference session proposal formYou can subscribe to the show on Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via your favourite app with the RSS feed, and if you’re interested in being on, do get in touch.

This week on Working for Students Middlesex SU’s, Leanne Lewis explains how a gamified induction treasure hunt is helping students navigate campus, activate their accounts, and build early relationships. We then turn to Anglia Ruskin SU, where Demi Smith challenges the sector’s reliance on election turnout as a measure of success, and Arts SU, where Margarita Marie Ronquillo explores stigma in basic needs support.With Leanne Lewis (Student Voice Manager, Middlesex Students’ Union), Demi Smith (Democracy Coordinator, Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union), and Margarita Marie Ronquillo (Arts Students’ Union), and hosted by Livia Scott and Alan Roberts.Membership Services Conference session proposal form

This week on Working for Students, Livia speaks with Ben Sanders from Wrexham Students’ Union about efforts to reclaim the power behind student democracy. Alan catches up with Sarah Waterhouse at Manchester Met Students’ Union to unpack their innovative “Union Unfiltered” platform. And Livia talks to Mack from Wonkhe about new research into how students are actually using AI in their learning. With Ben Sanders (Wrexham Students’ Union), Sarah Waterhouse (Manchester Met Students’ Union), and Mack Marshall (Wonkhe), and hosted by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Counterculture).You can subscribe to the show on Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via your favourite app with the RSS feed, and if you’re interested in being on, do get in touch.

This week on Working for Students, we hear from Rosie of Organised Fun on the launch of the Safe Adventures report, exploring how students’ unions can take a more structured, principles-led approach to student group safety – from competence and risk to communication and equipment – while still enabling participation and fun.We also hear from Jill at the University of Westminster on a QAA-funded sector audit of student representation, unpacking what effective student voice looks like across the UK, the importance of resourcing and training, and why authentic relationships sit at the heart of meaningful engagement. And we close our Middlesex SU series with Sarah and Cam reflecting on the Fast Track Scheme – how it identifies and develops talent, its impact on organisational innovation, and the challenges of supporting rapid progression.With Rosie Hunnam (Organised Fun), Jill LeBihan (University of Westminster), Sarah Redman and Cam Purwanto (Middlesex Students’ Union), and hosted by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Counterculture).

This week on Working for Students we hear how Durham SU has moved savings out of HSBC as part of a push for more ethical banking, and why that decision could strengthen the case for wider divestment campaigns across higher education.We also look at how Middlesex SU has been building liberation networks through student-led community development, and how Sussex SU is working to make sport more inclusive for trans students while navigating the constraints of national competitive frameworks.With Abi Taylor, President at Durham SU; Lulu Thomas from Middlesex SU’s Fast Track scheme; and Ella Goodchild, Sports, Societies and Events Officer, and Imo Greene, Sports Club Assistant, at Sussex SU. Hosted by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (CounterCulture).

This week on the show Alan and Livia hear from Cheyenne at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, about using student programme advisors to support clubs and organisations at scale, and how peer-led support can help stretch capacity while building students’ own skills. They also catch up with Sam at York SU to discuss the rising cost of campus laundry, why it should be seen as part of students’ basic needs, and how evidence, testimony and a strong student campaign can shift the conversation with universities. Finally, Alan continues the Fast Track Scheme series with Sean from Middlesex Students’ Union, exploring the work to rebuild academic societies, strengthen course-based community, and create more co-curricular opportunities for students. With Cheyenne Alexander, Associate Director of Student Life and Involvement at the University of Massachusetts Lowell; Sam Dickinson, Community and Wellbeing officer from York SU; and Sean from Middlesex Students’ Union. Hosted by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Counter Culture).

This week on the show Alan and Livia talk to Nick Smith to work out what election candidates and voters should understand about the realities of sabbatical officer roles, from campaign promises to the slower work of influence and negotiation.Then Kes from MDXSU reflects on building student engagement through events and Sheeba and Jacob from KCLSU explain how students and staff worked together to develop a student-led AI manifesto, setting out principles and priorities for AI use in learning and assessment.With Nick Smith (SU Democracy and Governance Consultant), Kes Rowlands (Engagement & Impact Coordinator, MDXSU), Sheeba Naaz (Vice President Postgraduate, King’s College London Students’ Union) and Jacob Tucker (Student Voice Facilitator) and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director of Western Europe, Counterculture).

This week on Working for Students – the Membership Services Show, we’re exploring how SUs can design services and spaces that genuinely work for the students they represent.Livia and Alan talk to Layna Forbes at Coventry SU, who talks about what it really means to build a neuroinclusive campus. Sharanya Sivarajah at MDXSU discusses student engagement with petitions. And Alex Harden-Way at UCB Guild of Students talks about redesigning services to support both FE and HE students. With Layna Forbes, Activities Officer at Coventry Students’ Union, Sharanya Sivarajah, Senior Campaigns and Influence Coordinator at MDXSU, Alex Harden-Way, Managing Director at UCB Guild of Students, and presented by Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, and Alan Roberts from CounterCulture.

This week on Working for Students (the podcast formerly known as the Membership Services Show), Livia and Alan reflect on the year ahead – including the Secret Life of Students event and its focus on the human side of AI – before diving into three interviews. Lexi Baynes from the University of Manchester SU discusses the launch of their new student basic needs service, Essentials. Tom Levers shares insights from the Fast Track graduate scheme at Middlesex SU, focusing on data and insight. And Tom Wood, Head of Advice and Wellbeing at Coventry University SU talks through their journey to securing AQS accreditation.With Lexi Baynes (Manchester Students’ Union), Tom Levers (Middlesex Students’ Union), Tom Wood, Head of Advice and Wellbeing (Coventry University Students’ Union) and hosted by Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (CounterCulture).

This week on the Membership Services Show Ed Moloney from University of Salford SU shares how they've repositioned themselves as an "anti-loneliness charity" – a strategy that's united everything from their bar to their advice service around tackling what affects 42 per cent of their student population. Drawing on World Health Organization research and working with Professor McWalter from University of Manchester, Ed explains how this North Star has given them unprecedented focus and university buy-in.Later, Alan reunites with some old friends – Gary Hughes (Durham SU), Trish McGrath (Aberystwyth SU), and Paul Norman (Manchester Metropolitan SU) – to reflect on 10 years of Membership Services Conference. They explore how staff networks have evolved, the importance of accessible professional development, and why bringing together advisors, activities coordinators, and commercial managers under one roof has been transformative for the sector.With Ed Moloney (University of Salford Students' Union), Gary Hughes (Durham SU), Trish McGrath (Aberystwyth SU), Paul Norman (Manchester Metropolitan SU), and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Liv catches up with Liz and Nat from Lincoln Students’ Union to explore paying part-time officers. In a sector where volunteer leadership roles often clash with student financial realities, they reflect on how Lincoln SU’s governance review reshaped student voice, representation, and accountability – and what they’ve learned a year in.Later, Hannah Sketchley from NUS UK joins Alan to unpack the themes behind this year’s plenary sessions. From building a powerful student movement under a new Labour government, to representing students when the worst happens, she previews a stellar lineup of contributors – and hints at a few tactical disagreements worth watching.With Liz Wylie-Smy (Head of Student Voice, Lincoln SU), Nat Baldwin (Student Voice Coordinator, Lincoln SU), Hannah Sketchley (Senior Policy Officer, NUS UK), and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Alan and Livia dive deep into the complexities of change management and student engagement across the students' union sector.Ellis Page from Sheffield SU opens up about their controversial decision to restructure liberation committees – including dissolving the LGBT committee – and the intense backlash that followed. From being compared to Margaret Thatcher to navigating angry freshers months later, Ellis shares hard-won lessons about co-creation, communication, and the delicate balance between necessary change and community ownership.Rosie Hunnam from Organized Fun reflects on a decade of student opportunities development, exploring how the sector has evolved from siloed activities to strategic, cross-cutting approaches. She discusses the elevation of ops work, the challenge of supporting students who are increasingly cash and time-poor, and why the traditional volunteering model in students' unions might need reimagining.Finally, Beth Rogers from Sheffield SU examines what it means to be an "outsider" coming into the students' union movement after years in higher education. She explores the different risk appetites, decision-making speeds, and the shift from specialist to generalist leadership – plus why the insider/outsider distinction might be less important than willingness to embrace change.With Ellis Page (Sheffield SU), Rosie Hunnam (Organized Fun), Beth Rogers (Sheffield SU), and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture).https://www.organised.fun/https://wonkhe.com/blogs-sus/reflections-on-my-first-year-leading-a-students-union-as-an-outsider/https://wonkhe.com/blogs-sus/reflections-on-leading-a-students-union-as-an-insider/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Alan and Liv explore how students' unions are reimagining engagement and support for diverse student communities.Alan speaks with Simon from UWTSD Students' Union about their innovative approach to student voice engagement across multiple campuses and nations. Drawing on his background as a teacher and conductor, Simon shares how they transformed course rep communities through socials, drop-in sessions, and a focus on "giving back" rather than constantly asking for more.Liv catches up with Chih-Hsiang from Lancaster SU about their new PhD Forum – a student-led space tackling the isolation many postgraduate researchers face. With tea, biscuits, and structured discussions, they're building peer support networks for students scattered across the globe, from campus-based researchers to distance learners in America and Germany.Finally, Alan chats with Jim from Wonkhe about his upcoming conference sessions exploring how the student experience is under pressure. As universities face financial constraints and potential academic model changes, Jim asks: how can unions intervene to protect what makes university more than just essays and exams?With Simon Hilberding (UWTSD SU), Chih-Hsiang Lo (Lancaster SU), Jim Dickinson (Wonkhe), and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, we’re exploring how students’ unions are adapting creatively to rising challenges – from shoestring event budgets to shifting university leadership.Livia visits Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association to hear how a small team pulled off a Welcome Week for under £900 – complete with a petting zoo – by embracing creativity, partnerships, and popcorn machines. What’s the real purpose of Freshers’ now, and how do you encourage a culture of “good enough” over perfection?Later, Alan catches up with Essex SU to delve into their strategic work on reshaping the student experience through collaborative influence. In the face of leadership change, demographic shifts, and budgetary pressures, Essex SU led a project to map out students’ lives across campuses – culminating in an unconventional conference that united staff and students in reimagining the university journey.Hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan and Liv talk to West Chester University, who share how their Division of Student Affairs is drawing on the healthcare concept of social prescribing to reshape “Weeks of Welcome” – a six-week induction period designed to tackle loneliness and foster community.They also speak to Nick Smith about the pitfalls of mixed category trustee boards – and why the path to high performance lies in cohesive teamwork, not representational silos. And Jo Walters talks us through media law, outlining the legal risks of social campaigning, the importance of officer training, and what staff need to watch for in the age of always-on student activism.With West Chester University, Nick Smith (Governance Consultant), and Jo Walters (Communications Consultant), and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan and Liv talk to Rachel from Highlands and Islands Students' Association about insights on the pressures officers face within the current sector crisis and how universities can step up to support manifesto delivery. Meanwhile, Tom from Citizens UK explores how community organising is evolving in SUs, and at Middlesex SU, Sarah talks us through their innovative Senior Leadership Fast Track Scheme aimed at nurturing early-career professionals into the movement.With Sarah Kerton (Middlesex Students’ Union), Tom Snape (Citizens UK), and Rachel Byrne (Highlands and Islands Students’ Association) and and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Liv and Alan kick off officer-induction season with Mack, exploring how the Summer Training Programme helps new sabbatical officers get to grips with their union’s policy environment and institutional context.They also talk to Gary Hughes of Durham SU about building an ethical framework for officer support, and answer a question from Ryan at Keele SU on whether tighter university finances could make students’ union mergers more likely. Plus – why first-time presenters matter, and a heads-up that Membership Services Conference tickets are down to the last few dozen.With Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer, Wonkhe SUs, Gary Hughes, Chief Executive, Durham Students’ Union and hosted by Livia Scott (Partnerships Coordinator, Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Director, Counterculture).Wonkhe SUs summer programme 2025Durham SU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan catches up with Ghika from the Student Community Partnership in Bath to explore how a unique, city-wide collaboration is improving life for students and residents alike – from managing community tensions and waste to pioneering vape recycling and promoting student safety in the night-time economy.Meanwhile, Livia speaks with James Coe (Associate Editor, Wonkhe) about why SUs should care about Labour’s evolving research and development agenda, and Alan speaks to Ash from Undeb Aber to introduce Project Luna, a new community-based charity aiming to make local venues safer for trans and non-binary people.With Ghika Savva, (Student Community Partnership, Bath, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Ash (Aberystwyth SU / Project Luna), and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director at Counterculture.James Coe on WonkheUndeb Aber / Project L.U.N.AThe Student Community Partnership (SCP) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan and Liv talk to Price at Sunderland who's been busy this year lobbying the university to introduce flexible payment plans for international students struggling with the cost of living. They also debate whether it's wise to be student led for studdent led's sake, and talk to Mike at ARU Students' Union about their bold real student leadership strategy.With Price Ikechi, President Activities at Sunderland SU, Mike Hill, Director of Membership Services at ARU Students' Union and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director at Counterculture.Registration for Membership Services Conference 2025 is now open. It’s the two-day conference for clubs & societies, advice, student reps, democracy, governance and campaigning staff. Hosted by Manchester Met Students’ Union, and supported by NUS, Wonkhe, Counterculture and Manchester Met, it features skills training, networking, and peer learning from SUs and sector specialists. We provide content, venue and catering – you choose your Manchester accommodation. Register now.A student leadership revolution is overdueSunderland SU President: Activities May 2025 UpdateShould you be student-led for student-led’s sake? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Podge from Dublin City SU shares how they built their student food pantry from the ground up.Plus Susan from Nottingham SU discusses their comprehensive approach to supporting student trustees, and Aisling from Mary I SU reflects on her year as a sabbatical officer, sharing what kinds of support matter most at different stages of the year.With Podge from Dublin City SU, Susan from Nottingham SU, Aisling from Mary I SU, hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director at Counterculture. Registration for Membership Services Conference 2025 is now open. It’s the two-day conference for clubs & societies, advice, student reps, democracy, governance and campaigning staff. Hosted by Manchester Met Students' Union, and supported by NUS, Wonkhe, Counterculture and Manchester Met, it features skills training, networking, and peer learning from SUs and sector specialists. We provide content, venue and catering - you choose your Manchester accommodation. Register now.Supporting student trustees to succeedThe Pantry @ DCU Student LifeMary I SU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Livia and Alan talk to Leeds Beckett SU about complementing their community organizing focus with public affairs strategies to improve their influence beyond university settings. Plus Jim reports from Poland about Juvenalia, a festival where students take over the city, and Alan speaks with Nottingham SU about eye-opening research on food precarity among students. With Claire from Leeds Beckett SU, Sam from Nottingham SU, a whole crew of folk from Poland, Magdalena Herman, Przewodnicząca Samorządu Studentów Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director at Counterculture.JuweKRK - the only such Juwenalia in PolandCommunity Organising at Leeds BeckettAn exploration of student food insecurity at the University of Nottingham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Livia and Alan talk to Dublin City University about how they reimagined their elections after failing to meet quorum, shifting from traditional campaigning to a more career-focused approach that attracted diverse candidates.Plus, Rosie from Organized Fun continues last week's debate about student-owned spaces, and Alan talks to Tom Lowe from the University of Westminster who shares insights from their QAA-funded research project auditing student representation practices.With Laura Corcoran from Dublin City University, Rosie Hunnam from Organized Fun, Tom Lowe from University of Westminster, and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe's Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director at Counterculture.DCU Student LifeOrganised FunThe Audit of Student Representation and Voice Practices Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia and Alan explore essential needs and skills development. Steph from the University of New South Wales explains their "checkpoint" program, delivering nutritionally balanced meals and education to support student wellbeing.Plus Darcy from Students' Union UCL shares their innovative approach to helping student leaders recognize and articulate the skills they've developed, and Ashleen from Mary I Students' Union discusses how they've rejuvenated their Charity Week by creating drop-in daytime activities that better suit today's busy students.With Steph Wiley from University of New South Wales, D'arcy Mcguinness from Students Union UCL, Aisling Knox from Mary I Students' Union, and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe's Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan and Livia talk policy books, with Ed from Salford SU explaining how they're making sure students know what their SU thinks about things. Plus Sean from Sheffield SU shares insights into their use of students in faculty voice coordinator roles, and Mack from the team takes us through learnings from Wonkhe's recent commuter student series curated by Susan Kenyon. And Alan shares key takeaways from the recent Portugal trip, exploring how Portuguese SUs operate.With Ed Moloney from Salford Students' Union, Sean Keen from Sheffield Students' Union, Mack from Team Wonkhe, and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe's Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.Saford’s policy bookPortugal study tourAcademic reps at Sheffield SUCommuter students on Wonkhe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan and Livia talk AI, UCL SU shares insights into their Leadership Race, which saw record engagement, UMass Lowell discuss the development of their gaming zone and the NUS Charity discusses their research on international sabbatical officers.With Jeffrey from UCL Students' Union, Adam from UMass Lowell, Charlotte from NUS Charity, and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe's Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.NUS: International officersUMass Lowell Gaming ZoneUCLU Leadership RaceMembership Services Conference session proposals are now open! The conference team will use submissions to shape the agenda, with sessions potentially accepted as is, modified, or reworked. Engaging discussions are encouraged, and presenters can platform their work via NUS, Counterculture, and Wonkhe through podcasts and articles. Submissions should have clear yet engaging titles, accurately reflect session content, and specify the format, with one presenter per union eligible for a 10 per cent fee discount; the deadline is 1pm, Monday 12th May. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Eve from Hallam SU shares the story behind their new fabric Swap Shop – a community-led initiative offering art and design students free access to essential materials like fabric, clay, and canvases. Callum from Arts SU introduces “Art or Algorithm” – a qualitative research project unpacking how creative students view artificial intelligence. And Danny from NUS Charity marks ten years of the Quality Students’ Union programme, revealing what we’ve learned about the student movement’s strengths.With Eve from Hallam SU, Callum from Arts SU, and Danny from NUS Charity – hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.Membership Services Conference session proposals are now open! The conference team will use submissions to shape the agenda, with sessions potentially accepted as is, modified, or reworked. Engaging discussions are encouraged, and presenters can platform their work via NUS, Counterculture, and Wonkhe through podcasts and articles. Submissions should have clear yet engaging titles, accurately reflect session content, and specify the format, with one presenter per union eligible for a 10 per cent fee discount; the deadline is 1pm, Monday 12th May.You can subscribe to the show on Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via your favourite app with the RSS feed, and if you’re interested in being on, do get in touch.Hallam SU https://www.hallamstudentsunion.com/cost-of-living/shop/ Arts or algorithim https://www.arts-su.com/news/article/6013/Art-or-Algorithm/ DMCC https://wonkhe.com/blogs/honesty-and-accuracy-is-about-to-get-even-more-important/ Consumer protection law has changed, and the changes apply to universities nowQuality SUs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia and Alan talk to Ugne from the doctoral chapter of KTH Students Union in Stockholm about their groundbreaking work connecting PhD students with labour unions – addressing the unique challenges postgraduate researchers face as both students and staff, and successfully advocating for improved salary conditions after years of stagnation.Faith and Stephanie from Herts SU share how they transformed their advice service by incorporating student staff, creating an "advanced triage" system where student advisors provide peer support while professional staff handle complex casework – resulting in faster response times, better feedback collection, and enhanced student engagement.And Alan discusses his recent visit to ACUI conference in New York, highlighting the challenges facing American higher education amid changing federal policies, the re-emergence of a national student organisation, and the growing focus on basic needs centers addressing food insecurity and educational precarities.With Ugne Miniotaite from KTH Students Union's doctoral chapter, Faith and Steph from Herts SU and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe's Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.Students in advice at HertsKTH Doctoral chapterKTH/Sweden tour notesMembership Services Conference session proposals are now open! The conference team will use submissions to shape the agenda, with sessions potentially accepted as is, modified, or reworked. Engaging discussions are encouraged, and presenters can platform their work via NUS, Counterculture, and Wonkhe through podcasts and articles. Submissions should have clear yet engaging titles, accurately reflect session content, and specify the format, with one presenter per union eligible for a 10 per cent fee discount; the deadline is 1pm, Monday 12th May. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia Scott and Alan talk to Goldsmiths SU about their creative Photovoice methodology for improving student voice and governance – using photography to reimagine feedback processes and develop actionable solutions for increasing engagement with democratic procedures.Meg from LUU discusses their Essentials Hub, a comprehensive basic needs center offering food, toiletries and community events that goes beyond traditional food bank models to create a welcoming space addressing students' cost of living challenges.And Amanda from SFS (the Swedish National Union) reveals how they tackled higher education funding cuts by surveying university teachers across Sweden – gathering compelling evidence that budget constraints are reducing teacher-student contact time and affecting educational quality. With Rhiannon, Maddie and Mana from Goldsmiths SU, Meg from Leeds University Union, Amanda from SFS (the Swedish National Union), and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe's Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.Membership Services Conference session proposals are now open! The conference team will use submissions to shape the agenda, with sessions potentially accepted as is, modified, or reworked. Engaging discussions are encouraged, and presenters can platform their work via NUS, Counterculture, and Wonkhe through podcasts and articles. Submissions should have clear yet engaging titles, accurately reflect session content, and specify the format, with one presenter per union eligible for a 10 per cent fee discount; the deadline is 1pm, Monday 12th May.Essentials is LUU’s basic needs hub created for students with financial difficulties.Goldsmiths SUSFS: Low, lower, lowest – new report on teacher-led time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Alan and Livia explore new approaches to SU strategy and accountability. Alex Harden-Way from UCB Guild shares how the principles of "open source" can be used to grow transparency and community engagement in SU, opening up data and processes to encourage collaborative improvement.Livia also speaks to Kirsty Morrison from Teesside SU about becoming a CEO, and Alan talks to Jacob Hartmann, the Accountability and Scrutiny Chair at York SU about the strategies they've implemented to improve the outward accountability of their student officers, ensuring they are effectively serving the membership.With Alex Harden-Way, CEO at UCB Student Guild, Kirsty Morrison, CEO at Teesside SU, Jacob Hartmann, the Accountability and Scrutiny Chair at York SU and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.Membership Services Conference session proposals are now open! The conference team will use submissions to shape the agenda, with sessions potentially accepted as is, modified, or reworked. Engaging discussions are encouraged, and presenters can platform their work via NUS, Counterculture, and Wonkhe through podcasts and articles. Submissions should have clear yet engaging titles, accurately reflect session content, and specify the format, with one presenter per union eligible for a 10 per cent fee discount; the deadline is 1pm, Monday 12th May.Accountability at York SUKirsty on LinkedInUCB Guild Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Alan and Livia explore the power of collaboration in student events.Josh from South Bank SU and Dan from Sunderland SU in London share how they’ve built a cooperative model for events, from freshers to Halloween and beyond. By joining forces, they’ve created bigger, bolder, and more financially sustainable student nights - challenging the idea that students no longer go out and proving that unions can still be major players in the late-night economy.Livia also catches up with Jørgen from KCLSU to discuss their Union Agenda—an ambitious, long-term framework designed to shape the student experience beyond annual officer priorities. Plus, Alan talks to Phil Smith from Rutgers University about their sector-leading Basic Needs Centre in New Jersey, offering everything from food and clothing to textbook assistance and peer support.With Dan from Sunderland SU in London, Josh from South Bank SU, Jørgen from KCLSU, Phil Smith from Rutgers University and hosted by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Livia and Alan explore how SUs are evolving their representation and engagement models.Steph from UCLan SU shares the success of their revitalised Speak Weeks, with a creative twist on traditional engagement. Caroline from Bath Spa SU discusses their shift to student community leaders, bridging the gap between representation and community building. Mems from Sheffield SU delves into their ambitious Sheffield Student Assembly project, aiming to connect students with local representatives and amplify student voices in citywide conversations.With Steph Street-Lomas, Advocacy and Insight Manager at UCLan SU, Caroline Dangerfield, Head of Membership Engagement at Bath Spa SU, Mems Ayinla, Director of Student Influence at Sheffield SU, and presented by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show, Livia and Alan dive into SU elections.Charlotte from NUS Charity shares insights on election trends, including rising turnout and the growing number of international student candidates. Mack discusses evolving officer structures, the impact of AI on manifestos, and challenges in student engagement. And Adam from Tampere Student Union in Finland compares UK and Finnish election models, highlighting differences in representation and participation.With Adam Zeidan. Secretary General, Tampere SU, Charlotte Britton-Stevens, acting Head of Union Development at NUS Charity, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe and presented by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.  It’s a popularity contest, but not as we know it - Tampere's SU election system Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia talks to Bath SU about revamping its student council into a Student SUmmit to increase accountability and policy-making impact. Plus Alan catches up with Josef from Campus Hybernská in Prague - a collaboration between Charles University and the city of Prague which serves as a public gateway to higher education and interdisciplinary dialogue. And Livia speaks with Student Minds and Citizens UK about their community organizing campaign to improve student mental health.With Jimena Alamo and Charlie Slack from Bath SU, Josef Heřmánek from Campus Hybernská, Nicola Frampton from Student Minds, Tom Snape from Citizens UK, and presented by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator, and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture.Bath SU’s SUmmitKampus HybernskáStudent Minds has joined up with Citizens UK to develop a new approach to our campaigning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia talks to Edinburgh Napier SU about redesigning its student council to boost engagement and influence.Plus, Alan talks to ELTE SU in Budapest about its mentor training program for international students, and Livia talks to Royal Holloway SU about improving support for commuter students.With Réka Judit BOROS, Vice-President for Foreign Affairs at Eötvös Loránd University Student Union, Daniel Wright, Head of Representation and Leadership at Edinburgh Napier Students' Association, Elise Thornton – Research and Insight Coordinator at Royal Holloway Students’ Union and presented by Livia Scott, Wonkhe’s Partnerships Coordinator and Alan Roberts, Director of Western Europe at Counterculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Membership Services Show - where we discuss practice in SUs - is back for a second season. This week Alan talks to St Mary’s SU in Twickenham where against the odds, they’ve just launched a new venue - we talk how and why. Plus Livia and Alan field a question on what’s happening this year in SU elections, and Alan talks to a union in the US about their fascinating Spring Day event.Bentley University Spring Day 2024St Mary’s SU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special festive edition of the Membership Services Show, Alan and Livia have insights from the ACUI conference in the United States, innovative approaches like free grab-and-go breakfasts and sip-and-sketch events, and discuss the role of smaller, daytime activities in boosting student participation. They also explore the impact of cost-of-living pressures, the push for bilingual operations, and the differences in student rights frameworks across Europe.With Aisling Knox, SU President at Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Adam Zeidan, Secretary General of TREY in Tampere, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe, and presented by Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe and Alan Roberts, Partner at Counterculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in our final episode of the season, Alan and Livia reflect on Membership Services Conference 2024 with a particular focus on on the plenaries - OfS' John Blake discussing students as consumers, a panel of sector reps discussing student experience, plus a panel on student rights where Jim asked if our theories of change need an update.John Blake gets interested in students – but what’s his theory of change?All the slides from all the sessions at Membership Services Conference 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this pre-conference special Alan and Livia discuss the big themes set to emerge from this year's event.With Alan, Livia and Rhiannon Roberts, CEO at Man Met SU.There’s more detail about Membership Services Conference - Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th August 2024 at The Union MMU here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show we talk to Organised Fun! about abandoning society risk assessments.Plus we chat to Birmingham Guild and Coole Insight about officer support.There’s more detail about Membership Services Conference - Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th August 2024 at The Union MMU - right here.Organised fun!Birmingham Guild Coole Insight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia talks to Arden SU about creating an SU from scratch, Alan talks to Man Met SU about its International student community, and Livia talks to Citizens UK about the community organising work it's been doing at Aston.There’s more detail about Membership Services Conference - Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th August 2024 at The Union MMU - right here.Aston SU Community organisingArden SU Man Met SU International Student Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan talks to the University of Nottingham SU about the changes they’ve made to course rep conversations.Plus Livia talks to UCA SU about turnaround, and Loughborough SU about their move to departmental committees.There’s more detail about Membership Services Conference - Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th August 2024 at The Union MMU - right here.Academic representation at UoNSUDepartmental Committees at LSUUCA SU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the show Alan and Livia talk to Strathclyde SU about the tenancy rights workshops they've been running. Plus Students' Union UCL has been running consent workshops, and the University of Nottingham SU has been training up its society committees.More about Membership Services ConferenceUCL - ConsentStrathclyde - Tenancy rights Nottingham - Committee Training Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan talks to Newcastle University SU about its bursaries for participation, SOAS SU about the way it’s tackling issues around sexual and gender based violence, and the University of Nottingham SU about the way it supports Part-Time Officers.There’s more detail about Membership Services Conference - Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th August 2024 at The Union MMU - right here.NUSUParticipation bursariesSOASEnough is EnoughNottinghamPart-time officers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Alan and Livia talk to Newcastle University SU about working class student representation, Leeds Beckett SU about its work on strategy, and the University of Manchester SU about research.There’s more detail about Membership Services Conference - Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th August 2024 at The Union MMU - right here.NewcastleWorking Class Liberation OfficerLeeds BeckettYour SU is changingManchesterInsight and Research  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show (which will be online at lunchtime on Friday) Alan talks to Bournemouth SU about data and dashboards in advice, UCL about their gender expression fund and UEA SU about social policy.Registration for the 9th Membership Services Conference is open.Taking place at The Union MMU on Weds 14th and Thurs 15th August, this is the conference for staff working in clubs and societies, advice, student reps, democracy, governance, campaigning – anything within membership services and the delivery and management of those services. The big news is that at the event, OfS’ Director for Fair Access and Participation John Blake will launch the regulator’s new strategy on student engagement. Register now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Membership Services Show Livia talks to Durham SU about how they're transforming advice.Plus Alan talks to Hallam SU about how they've changed how they support advocacy, and Livia talks to Aber SU about a new partnership approach on student careers support.Registration for the 9th Membership Services Conference is open.Taking place at The Union MMU on Weds 14th and Thurs 15th August, this is the conference for staff working in clubs and societies, advice, student reps, democracy, governance, campaigning – anything within membership services and the delivery and management of those services. The big news is that at the event, OfS’ Director for Fair Access and Participation John Blake will launch the regulator’s new strategy on student engagement. Register now.Durham SU’s ASK service Hallam SUAberforwards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the membership services show Livia chats to Dan from the Open University Students’ Association about the creation of their Manifesto for Lifelong Learning, and quizzes Tom from Citizens UK about what to do once you’ve registered students to vote. Plus Alan chats to Ben from NUS UK and the National Society of Apprentices about what on earth they mean by a “reverse husting”. Voter registration qualification Community Organising Residential for SU Officers & Staff - 2024 (actionnetwork.org)Community organising can make a difference in local actionGetting the student vote out with Citizens UKWhat should SUs do with a summer election? Apprentice General Election Hustings - National Society of ApprenticesOU Students Manifesto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the membership services show Alan talks to Strathclyde SU about its food bank and pantry, and Livia talks to Lincoln SU about its care packages. Plus Alan catches up with Students Union UCL about the Russell Group SUs manifesto.RGSU manifestoLincoln Advice centre donationsStrathclyde PantryStrathclyde Foodbank society Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the membership services show Livia and Alan talk to Lincoln Students’ Union about their housing accreditation scheme, and to UCL Students’ Union to hear about the future of their iconic active bystander program. Plus Alan chats to Salford Students’ Union about how they managed to get their hands on some lottery funding to support their cost of living work.Salford lottery fundingUCL Active BystanderLincoln Housing Accreditation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.