An experienced pair of hands, right when you need one
Short-staffed for a stretch? A project you can’t get started, a gap to cover, or a busy run coming up? Our associates step in to keep things running while you sort the longer-term answer. Here are two of them. Everything is arranged through Alkhemy, so it stays simple for you: one contract with us, and we handle the rest.
If either looks like a fit, or you’d like to know who else is on our books, drop us a line at hey@alkhemy.org.uk.
Hi, I’m Beth! I’ve worked in SUs across the country since June 2020, as President of Sheffield SU, in a range of coordinator roles, and for two years as Democracy, Liberation & Campaigns Manager at Bristol SU. I had the best time and learned so much, but decided the best thing for me was to take some time off work to travel at the end of October. In the meantime, I’m very keen to take up any temporary work that SUs may need.
How I can help
- Elections planning support. I’ve project managed two record-breaking, sector-leading elections at Bristol, so I know it all, from roles and rules to marketing, events and internal comms.
- An extra pair of hands with your new Officer team. Sometimes officers just need a bit of TLC and 1:1 support from an SU professional to feel confident going into September. I’ve been an officer myself, and helping them find their way through the SU/Uni/HE world is my favourite part of the job.
- Welcome support. I’ve duty managed and supported Welcome Fair set-up (and I really love a hi-vis), and led on freshers presentations, officers’ diaries, and internal comms and processes for staff.
- Admin and organising work. Got a bye-law that needs writing? A piece of work you can’t find time to start? Officers or senior leadership needing admin support over the next few months? I can pick it up.
- Reviewing or delivering your student-leader training. Developing student leaders has been at the core of my six years in SUs. I can help you revamp your package, get your ideas into a module, or support your staff on the day.
- Transition support. Cover while you wait for a new team member to take up their post.
Career so far
- Jun 2020 – Jun 2021 President, Sheffield SU
- Jul 2021 – Sep 2022 Activities & Representation Coordinator, Birmingham City SU
- Sep 2022 – Oct 2023 Student Development Coordinator, Bristol SU
- Nov 2023 – May 2024 Policy & Campaigns Coordinator, Bristol SU
- May 2024 – Jul 2026 Liberation & Campaigns Manager, Bristol SU
Hitting our 30% turnout KPI when I led elections, when two years earlier we’d laughed at the thought!
After a lifetime of hating being sporty, I started weightlifting two years ago, and now I love the gym!
Policy specialist with two years as a Democracy and Campaigns Assistant in higher education at University of Portsmouth Students’ Union. I help organisations increase representation, improve democratic structures and functions, manage events and projects, and facilitate campaigns, petitions and student engagement.
Ben is early in his career and open to interim and short-term placements as a way in, as well as longer-term roles. He’s looking mainly for policy and representation work at SUs and universities, and is open to insights and data, and student groups coordination.
A few highlights
- Built the UPSU campaigns toolkit and structure, strengthened democracy structures, and added practical ways for Student Council members to engage between meetings.
- Supported student petitions and coordinated 26 voluntary Council members.
- Hosted a student Q&A with Stephen Morgan MP.
- Won UPSU’s Unsung Hero Award (2025/26) for behind-the-scenes work that makes a difference.
- Three years as a Course Rep, and ran the logistics for a 60-person Model UN conference.
A little more about Ben
- A bit of a polyglot: English, Hungarian, French and German.
- Plays guitar and clarinet.
- Presidented his university Politics Society and was events secretary of the Music Society.
Education
- BA (Hons) International Relations and Languages (French), 2:1, University of Portsmouth, with the School Prize for Student Citizenship in Politics and International Relations.
- Accredited year abroad in Toulouse.
Could one of them help you?
Tell us where you need help and we’ll talk it through, no obligation. And if it’s not quite these two, we’ve other associates on our books, so it’s always worth an ask.
Email hey@alkhemy.org.ukInterested in being an associate with Alkhemy? Send your CV, your availability and more about yourself to hey@alkhemy.org.uk.