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Alkhemy

Alkhemy are a social impact company which has been created to support organisations representing and engaging students and young people. We aim to empower true student voice and ensure accessibility is at the centre of our work. We are highly experienced in the education and charity sectors but we also want to be respectfully disruptive to current practices.


Who we work with

We partner with organisations that champion or engage students and young people. This includes Students’ Unions (Guilds or Associations), universities, colleges, accommodation providers, as well as student-focused companies and charities.


Alkhemy is here for everything that empowers students

Whether it’s advice services, democratic engagement, co-creation, or campaigning, we support organisations that put students at the heart of everything they do. From elected officers and frontline staff to senior leaders and volunteers, we work alongside teams navigating change, challenge, and opportunity.

We offer embedded capacity, learning and development, strategic thinking, and insight; all grounded in lived experience, not templates or cut and paste solutions. We listen, we build trust, and we deliver work that’s practical, thoughtful, and responsive to real needs.

We’re also known for our work in wellbeing. While we’re not clinical providers, we support services and strategies that put care and safety at their core, especially for those facing barriers to access or inclusion.

Above all, we help you do the work that matters, with the resource and clarity to do it well.


Fancy a chat?

We would love to have a chat over a cuppa about how we can help you. If you have any questions or want to book an initial meeting with us, let us know by clicking below.

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The Alkhemy Team

Ollie Kasper-Hope

Ollie Kasper-Hope is the Founder and Chief Alkhemist and lead practioner for Alkhemy. He leads the organisation’s strategy and approach, designs Alkhemy’s training as well as developing other services. Ollie has 15 years experience in HE including 10 years working at 4 different Students’ Unions and has most recently worked as a senior manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity. A self-confessed student voice geek and advocate for wellbeing, Ollie also enjoys following football and is a long suffering fan of Middlesbrough FC. He also likes to spend quality time with his wife and daughter.

 

Amy Kasper-Hope

Hey! I’m Amy Kasper-Hope, Managing Director at Alkhemy. I lead our operations, branding and design, business development, and head up key projects like the Alkhemy Adviser Programme. I also dabble in some student advice work too.

I’ve worked in Higher Education for over 10 years, across three different Students’ Unions and as Peer Support Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity.

When I’m not working, I love swimming, playing video games, and spending quality time with my husband (he’s the one on the left!), our young daughters, and our dog. We’re always up for an adventure and enjoy exploring new places together.

Our Alkhemy Student Advisers
Ali

I have worked in the sector for nearly 15 years, encompassing several roles in student engagement and welfare. I have a background in academic advising, university regulations and analysing emerging trends. I also have experience of working on disciplinaries and complaints, as well as fitness to study & practice procedures. This was gained at a wide range of institutions in the UK. I have attended training on working with survivors of sexual harassment and those that are at risk of suicide.

I also have experience in other areas as a manager, a trustee and in project roles.

Candy Preater

Candy has worked in student support for more than 4 years as a strong advocate for students rights and before this as an advocate for looked after children and young people. Candys passion is to see people succeed in life, overcoming any obstacles by helping them navigate the situation. Candy experience covers GBV, safeguarding, academic processes, housing rights and immigration issues. 

Emily Lovett

My name is Emily, and I take a holistic approach in advice-giving to ensure complete support for students. I’ve assisted students through complex and intense disciplinary processes, including sexual misconduct cases, and have great expertise in Finance and Housing issues faced by students. Academic advice is my bread and butter, with wellbeing support undercutting everything, made possible by my Level 2 Skills in Counselling and Mental Health First Aider qualifications.

Previously working as a Senior Advisor with people management, training and policy-related responsibilities, I have a rich breadth of experience working in an Advice Service with over 6 years’ experience across 3 Students’ Unions. I have a great understanding of the issues impacting students, and how to support and empower them while improving a service from within to make efficient support available.

I will fire off comprehensive, detailed and accessible advice emails to ease the inbox pressure and maintain excellent, thorough case notes and uphold confidentiality at all times. I also excel in creating resources for students, running advice-related social media campaigns, refreshing internal and external information sources and other administrative and Advice Service operating standards tasks.

Declan Katwala

I am a highly experienced caseworker, having worked in the support sector throughout my career, with a direct focus on providing person-centred and effective advice guidance and support to individuals. I have significant experience working in Students' Union Advice Centre as an Advisor and Advice Service Manager, both in a short-term and long-term capacity. In addition to supporting students with academic procedure, housing and financial issues, I have also worked closely on service delivery improvement and supporting Sabbatical Officers in de

I am currently working towards a Professional Coaching Accreditation, which is furthering my ability and knowledge in working with individuals to get the best out of their situation.

James White

I have been an Advice Caseworker since June 2023 in an accredited service. I previously worked in administration roles at the university with extensive admissions experience. I provide accurate and comprehensive advice, guidance and representation to students on a range of issues. I am experienced in all aspects of academic regulatory processes, such as exceptional circumstances, academic appeals, complaints and disciplinary processes. I also support students for Academic Offence Panels and Fitness to Practice Panels etc.
I also advise students through casework relating to personal circumstances such as housing (tenancy takeovers, disrepair, evictions, finding accommodation etc), first-contact wellbeing (trained in suicide prevention and mental health first aid trained), sexual misconduct and sexual abuse, harassment, violence, 3rd party hate crime reporting. I advise students on any financial matters they may have and what support may be available to them. I am an accredited budgeting coach. I am also trained in mediation.

Susie Mellor
Hello I'm Susie, I have been working in the advice sectior 11 years with the last 7 in student unions. I am currently working as a money advisor but have experience in academic support and housing issues. My specialism allows me to break down the student finance myths, ensure students get the funding they are entitled to and support students to success with a person-centered, empathetic approach. 
With current student recruitment issues and the global economic situation, financial support is crucial for student retention and success. I am lucky enough to be working in an institute that has successfully been awarded AQS for a decade, having gone through this process, I know the advice I give is high quality, confidental and impartial. 
Tracy Phillips

I have been working with students for more than 20 years as an educator and an adviser. I have lived and studied in the US, Switzerland, Canada, Poland and personally experienced the higher education systems in the United States and the United Kingdom, having completed post graduate programs in both countries.
I find my most significant career satisfaction comes from working in higher education environments and with helping students overcome difficulties to achieve their educational goals. My life-long interests have been education, customer service, and international experience. I have worked as a senior international student adviser and a senior immigration adviser, an international exchange program coordinator, a corporate language trainer, and as a volunteer English teacher for refugees. I am also an OISC registered immigration adviser.

Jamie Robertson

I’m Jamie. I’ve spent over twelve years working within the Students’ Union sector, supporting hundreds of students through everything from Fitness to Practise and Fitness to Study procedures to academic appeals, disciplinaries and wellbeing concerns. I started my career in a Students’ Union, focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion, and that foundation has shaped everything I’ve done since.

In recent years, I’ve moved from front-line academic advice into people management and representation, leading teams that empower student leaders and influence policy across higher education. I care deeply about ensuring students are heard and supported, particularly when they’re at their most vulnerable, and I bring a calm, empathetic and pragmatic approach to even the most complex cases. I find empowering students deeply motivating and look forward to returning to frontline casework.

Tecola Smith

I have a wealth of experience working within higher education, focusing on safeguarding, student life, student wellbeing and mentoring. These experiences are the driving force behind my motivation to becoming an advisor as I have been able to see first hand the gaps in support within these environments and how this can truly enhance the student’s experience.

Melissa Adams

I have worked within the field of advice and guidance since 2010 as a careers advisor and have worked within the education field for the last 8 years.  My experience with students includes mentoring, student support, careers, placements, safeguarding, widening participation and student engagement.  I am incredibly passionate about supporting students to overcome issues to enable them on their journey. I know how pivotal effective advice and guidance is and the impact this has.  

Fleur Porter

I am an experienced student adviser, having worked in the student advice setting for the last four years at two of the largest Higher Education institutions in the UK. Achieving good outcomes for students is my central focus and something that I feel extremely passionate about; I have developed a particular interest in both advocating for and empowering disabled students to access the support that they are entitled to. I have significant experience representing students in academic and behavioural misconduct hearings, as well as supporting students to navigate complex academic procedures such as Fitness to Practise, Faculty Reviews, appeals, complaints and extenuating circumstances. Having previously worked as a Housing Adviser for Shelter, I am also trained to advise students on their rights and responsibilities under UK Housing Law, as well as supporting students in applying for financial support and benefits and navigating Student Finance issues. I am passionate about providing non-judgemental and inclusive support, and have seen first-hand through my work the value that advice can give in fostering a sense of belonging for students in education.

Ben Stanley

I have been working as a student advisor within the UK Higher Education sector for the last 3 and a half years – one of which as a senior student advisor. During this time, I have managed a varied caseload of students, advising and safeguarding them on academic, housing, finance and wellbeing related issues (including domestic violence / sexual violence / discrimination / hate etc.). I have guided students through various complex issues falling under these categories and, as a result, have a deep well of knowledge when it comes to navigating university policy and procedure as well as student’s housing rights and Student Finance entitlement. As a senior student advisor, I have provided training to full- time staff members on all of these topics as well as on clear and effective case recording. I have also recently finished work at a globally recognised higher education institution in Australia to help ameliorate their advice-giving and admin processes.

Natalie Portman

I have worked as an advice and advocacy worker at a students’ union at a university for the last seven years. In this role I provided person-centred one-to-one and group advice on all aspects of student life; including housing, finance, discipline, academic and non-academic appeals and complaints, and submissions to the OIA.

More broadly, I have worked continuously in the field of advice and advocacy since 2006. My previous roles include eight years as a casework advisor and advocate at a disability rights charity, and four years as a Samaritans Listener. I also have qualifications and experience creating and delivering short-course training; most notably on academic and non-academic university processes, student accommodation in the private sector, and disability awareness. My personal and professional experiences have given me a passion for championing equality and inclusivity, with particular specialisms relating to people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Melissa Burns

I have previously worked in Students’ Unions and loved the variety of helping students with a range of issues and helping them to achieve their potential. I’m really passionate about higher education and ensuring students have access to the support they need during their studies and beyond.
For the past four and half years I have been working with victim-survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. Within my role, I work collaboratively with universities and colleges to raise awareness and increase access to this support so have gained lots of expertise in this area. This has also helped me gain an understanding of many associated issues such as mental health, domestic abuse, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles.
I am currently working towards my Masters degree in Criminology, Gender and Sexualities which has helped me to understand first-hand the challenges of studying during the pandemic and the knock-on effects of this. I’m really excited to be an Adviser at Alkhemy to utilise my experience across the board and to help students who may need advice or support.

Sophie Davis

I’m an experienced Careers Adviser and have been working within higher education for 9 years in a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate student facing roles.  My work has included career coaching, academic lecturing, managing a Year in Industry scheme, creating a placement mentoring programme, supporting several student clubs and societies, providing interview support to admissions teams, and running a bursary scheme to support students from widening participation backgrounds to gain valuable work experience.

I am passionate about supporting students in a client focused, inclusive and non-judgemental way, in order to ensure they feel listened to, supported, and ultimately given the right advice and guidance to develop and move forward.

Asra Hussein
I have worked in student advice setting for the last three years as an advisor and interim Senior Student Advisor. 
Supporting students that have experienced a range of issues including Academic Misconduct, Complaints, Fitness to Practice, Disciplinaries, financial and other welfare issues by focusing on communicating complex information clearly in written form and 1-1 meetings. I've got wealth of experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive case records, recording advise provided and outcome of any actions taken, as well as monitoring trends that emerge from student casework to report in meetings with the aim of improving policy and practice improvements. 
Our Alkhemy Engagement Associates
Dimitri Andreou

I am an experienced HE and Charity sector worker currently working for Refugee Action in the Fundraising, Brand and Insight team. Before this, I was the Student Communities Coordinator at City Students’ Union, supporting our Societies with committee training, events, building community and thriving. I led on a number of projects and events including our annual SU Awards and Society Committee Elections, while working on a number of policy and strategy changes from a review of our Academic Communities to a brand new External Speaker Policy. Alongside my passion for refugees and migrants’ rights, I am a passionate advocate for students’ rights and supporting students to thrive at university. As a former society leader myself, I’m a strong believer in the power of building communities and the skills and experience you can gain from this. I believe strongly in accessible communities, shifting power into the hands of students and centring equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do in the sector and beyond.

Connel Greenhorn

I have worked in the Scottish tertiary education sector for the last 2 years, primarily in roles which support student engagement in the learning and teaching and the quality assurance and enhancement landscape. I was the Vice President of Education at Heriot-Watt University Student Union, where I implemented a global institutional review of a student voice platform and enhanced the representation of students in policy and practice. I also currently work at the University of St Andrews as an Academic Policy Officer, supporting the institution to deliver on the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review with specific responsibility on enhancing student engagement throughout the review process. I am also a Student Reviewer with the Quality Assurance Agency where I investigate the standards of quality assurance and enhancement within tertiary institutions, with emphasis on student partnership and engagement at an operational and strategic level. I am incredibly keen to support work and projects which intend to review and improve student engagement activities with an impact and data-driven lens.

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