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.

Food, skills, charity week

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.&nbsp; 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. <a href="https://www.salfordsu.com/who-we-are/policy/policybook/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saford’s policy book</a><a href="https://wonkhe.com/blogs-sus/students-should-be-co-authors-of-their-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Portugal study tour</a><a href="https://su.sheffield.ac.uk/making-change/academic-reps" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Academic reps at Sheffield SU</a><a href="https://wonkhe.com/tag/commuter-students/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commuter students on Wonkhe</a>

Policy, Portugal, commuters, academic reps

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. <a href="https://www.nusconnect.org.uk/articles/new-research-report-international-sabbs-and-their-experiences" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NUS: International officers</a><a href="https://www.uml.edu/universitycrossing/ucrossing-gaming.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UMass Lowell Gaming Zone</a><a href="https://studentsunionucl.org/leadership-race" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UCLU Leadership Race</a> Membership Services Conference <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6u9rwV5pJ1v_mVQLMh3Yrehc8vAnTv8nXn0O2HILHrm55XQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">session proposals are now open</a>! 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.

Elections, AI, gaming, international officers

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.&nbsp; 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 <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6u9rwV5pJ1v_mVQLMh3Yrehc8vAnTv8nXn0O2HILHrm55XQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">session proposals are now open</a>! 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 <a href="https://shows.acast.com/the-membership-services-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Acast</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8ec40ed1-d071-4643-97e0-fda4fdab4f21/the-membership-services-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon Music</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-membership-services-show/id1734868494" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7xyWZ1TA7BIN7ziEqzjWaE?si=5d1a46642dec40e0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a> or via your favourite app with the <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/the-membership-services-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RSS feed</a>, and if you’re interested in being on, do get in touch. Hallam SU <a href="https://www.hallamstudentsunion.com/cost-of-living/shop/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hallamstudentsunion.com/cost-of-living/shop/</a>&nbsp; Arts or algorithim&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arts-su.com/news/article/6013/Art-or-Algorithm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.arts-su.com/news/article/6013/Art-or-Algorithm/</a>&nbsp; DMCC&nbsp;<a href="https://wonkhe.com/blogs/honesty-and-accuracy-is-about-to-get-even-more-important/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wonkhe.com/blogs/honesty-and-accuracy-is-about-to-get-even-more-important/</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/consumer-protection-law-has-changed-and-the-changes-apply-to-universities-now/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Consumer protection law has changed, and the changes apply to universities now</a> <a href="https://www.nusconnect.org.uk/quality-students-unions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quality SUs</a> <h1> </h1>

Swap shop, AI, SU quality

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. <a href="https://wonkhe.com/blogs-sus/why-students-helping-students-is-a-game-changer-for-advice-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Students in advice at Herts</a><a href="https://www.dr.kth.se/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KTH Doctoral chapter</a><a href="https://wonkhe.com/blogs-sus/study-tour-2025-48-hours-in-stockholm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KTH/Sweden tour notes</a> Membership Services Conference <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6u9rwV5pJ1v_mVQLMh3Yrehc8vAnTv8nXn0O2HILHrm55XQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">session proposals are now open</a>! 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.

PGRs, students in advice

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.&nbsp; 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 <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6u9rwV5pJ1v_mVQLMh3Yrehc8vAnTv8nXn0O2HILHrm55XQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">session proposals are now open</a>! 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. <a href="https://www.luu.org.uk/your-spaces/essentials/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Essentials is LUU’s basic needs hub created for students with financial difficulties.</a><a href="https://www.goldsmithssu.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goldsmiths SU</a><a href="https://sfs.se/en/sfs-slapper-ny-rapport-om-lararledd-tid/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SFS: Low, lower, lowest – new report on teacher-led time</a>

Basic needs, education quality, innovative governance

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 <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6u9rwV5pJ1v_mVQLMh3Yrehc8vAnTv8nXn0O2HILHrm55XQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">session proposals are now open</a>! 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. <a href="https://www.yorkvision.co.uk/opinion/an-interview-with-the-accountability-and-scrutiny-officer/26/02/2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Accountability at York SU</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrisonkirsty/?originalSubdomain=uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kirsty on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.ucbguild.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UCB Guild</a>

Open sourcing, becoming a CEO, officer accountability

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.&nbsp;

Student nights, policy agendas, basic needs

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&nbsp;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.

Speak weeks, Community leaders, City Assemblies

Every week Livia Scott (Wonkhe) and Alan Roberts (Counterculture) chat to SUs around the UK to showcase their projects, activities and initiatives that are making a difference to students.

The Membership Services Show

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