Our Campaigns and Democracy Unit is here to provide expert project management and experienced capacity for Organisations Representing Students (SUs, Guilds and Associations) across the UK and Ireland. We specialise in supporting student voice, democracy, and influencing initiatives, offering flexible services to suit your needs and budget.
Whether you’re seeking help to manage democratic processes, run student-led campaigns, or train your elected officers, our team can provide tailored support.
Democracy Reviews
A Democracy Review? Why? 🤔
In the world of SUs we meet many passionate staff members and officers who courageously say “our democratic system doesn’t work”. This could be for multiple reasons, but we often find the following are the most prevalent:
- Lack of diverse engagement in Union forums and meetings
- No clear or easy model for creating change for students
- Failing approaches to liberation and representation relying on the free emotional and physical labour of volunteers
- A sabbatical structure that is out of date and not serving ALL students
- Policies that, if they do pass, go nowhere and do not engage the student body
- Sabbatical officers that are too operational in nature
It could be for these reasons or others that your organisation needs a democracy review.
What do Alkhemy offer? 💡
A “Democracy Revolution”; Alkhemy can offer the following support and expertise running your review process.
- A co-creation approach; working with a panel of engaged and unengaged students Alkhemy will support a working group of your members to run the rule over your current structures, profile new approaches and work with your reps and staff to put together a proposal for change.
- Alkhemy will cater specifically to fit the review around the SUs existing rules and procedures.
- Interviewing key stakeholders both within and external to the Union.
- A host of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather insight into the student experience.
Testimonials ⭐
“Alkhemy really impressed us throughout the project. Their work was tailored to Chester with Ollie using his expertise and passion to help us review our democratic structures. Ollie asked the difficult and challenging questions in a supportive way and got us to think differently about some of our future ways of delivering student representation and democracy. The project was ambitious in scope and taking place over quite a short span of time. It was delivered on time with an extensive report on different options for us to consider. We enjoyed working with Alkhemy, valued their expertise and would happily work with them again.“
Matt Webber (CEO) and Jack Rankin (President 21-21), Chester SU
“Ollie conducted a thorough process and worked successfully with our team to produce an objective, thoughtful and insightful report with clear recommendations, which was fundamental in our change process. I would have no hesitation in recommending him and in engaging his consultancy services in the future.”
Lorna Reavley, Chief Executive, Solent Students’ Union
Democratic Processes and Governance
We assist with the management and administration of elections, democratic structures, and governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with bylaws and charity law. We help to build strong, transparent decision-making processes, empowering students to lead and shape their union.
Student Representation and Voice
We develop and support student representation structures, provide training for representatives, and help build stronger relationships between student reps and university staff. Our innovative approaches capture and amplify student voice, ensuring underrepresented groups are included and heard.
Campaigns and Policy Development
We help students launch and lead impactful campaigns by providing resources, mentoring, and strategic advice. Our team can also carry out research and draft policy briefings, ensuring your campaigns are backed by solid evidence and align with broader policy contexts and student voice.
Officer and Student Leader Support
Our comprehensive officer support includes induction programmes, ongoing coaching, and tailored training to help your elected officers succeed. We also assist with action planning, meeting preparation, and leadership development for student leaders.
Community Building and Engagement
We foster inclusive student communities and empower students to become leaders within their own networks. Our strategies help you engage a diverse student body, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Impact Measurement and Reporting
We develop robust systems to measure the impact of your campaigns and democracy work, providing you with clear insights to report to stakeholders and continuously improve your services.
Campaign Model Analysis
Are you mobilising, organising or advocating for/with students? With our help we can help you create a unique campaigning model for your organisation.
Flexible, Tailored Support
We understand that each SU is unique. You can access our services on a flexible basis, booking the hours and support you need, whether it’s during busy election periods, for ongoing officer training, or to support specific campaigns.
Ready to get started?