Start a Society

Image of cheerleader

Jump to FAQ'sarrow down

Can't find something that interests you? Start something new!

This process can be used to apply to create a new society at BCUSU.

You may have an idea for a brand new group, or you might prefer to ressurect an existing one that's in need of a new committee - if that's the case, you can find out which are available on our adoption page.

We'll consider each application on its merits, but are looking to understand the impact you will make and for a plan which means your society will be sustainable for years to come.

We have provided information below to guide you through the process of establishing a society and to outline the expectations for your involvement. When you're ready to go, just press the button below!

Start a new society

How it works

 

form icon

1

Fill in the application form (we can set up a meeting to help answer any questions you might have).

review form icon

2

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a coordinator from the ART team, who will organise a society start-up meeting with you.

success icon

3

If your application is successful, it will be taken to the Officer Team for ratification.

email icon

4

Following ratification, your coordinator will be in touch to guide you through our society leader training.

black diamond

Adopting a Society!

Thinking about adopting a society?

The process is the same as starting a new society! Just refer to the step-by-step process above and fill out the Society Start-Up Form!

See our Adoptable Societies

Frequently Asked Questions:

Once you submit the application form it can take up to a week for the Activities and Representation team look over the application.

They're looking at four key things:

  1. Is there a similar society that already exists?
    We can't start a society which is materially similar to another which already exists. If you feel that your idea is different enough, you may be asked to explain the reasons why in more detail.
     
  2. Does your idea replicate a service that BCUSU or BCU offer?
    We also can't start societies who's sole intention is to compete with services offered by either BCU or BCUSU.
     
  3. Do we have the resources for the society to be able to function?
    All of our societies are stuednt led and, where possible, we will aim to work with you to find ways to help your group to excel. However, if you wanted to start a swimming club and didn't want to go off campus...we don't have a swimming pool!
     
  4. Have you filled the form in with enough detail?
    If your form is lacking the detail we need, or we need clarification on something, we'll likely contact you to find out more.

After the team have checked your form, they'll call you in for a meeting to go over the detail. Following that meeting, we also have to take your idea through the ratification process with our Officer Team.

Of course! If you have any questions, get in touch and we'll have a chat first.

You can email societies@bcu.ac.uk or pop in to see us.

Here's a list of our societies, this page updates throughout the academic year. If you're struggling for ideas, we've got some previously popular societies available for a new committee to adopt. You can find a list of them here.

To start a society, you'll need four committee members and a further ten interested, current students to show there's interest from the student body. The four roles we require, and their responsbilities are listed below:
 

President

 

The President is the figurehead of the committee and society and will ensure that everyone is working well as a team. They will oversee the signing of the society constitution and chair the monthly committee meeting. They will be instrumental in delivering the committees vision for the society. They are also required to attend the Student Members Meeting. When it comes to making decisions for the group, all committee members have an equal say, but in the case of a split opinion, the President has the deciding vote.

 

Secretary

The Secretary acts an administrator for the society, organising monthly committee meetings and ensuring minutes are taken. They make sure committee members knows the tasks they’ve been allocated and will take the lead when contacting the reception team to book rooms, order merchandise etc. They will be the person who submits risk assessments for events amongst other tasks.

 

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for checking how much money is in your group's account at the start of the year and maintaining records throughout the next twelve months to ensure the society remains solvent. They will plan how money can be spent across the year and will decide if the group will need to raise more money to achieve the group's goals. They’re also the person who will countersign any reimbursements or other expenditure from the societies account and should endeavour to make sure that there is some money left at the end of the year, ready for the next committee to take over.

 

Participation and Inclusion Officer

The Participation and Inclusion Officer makes sure that everyone feels welcome in your group and ensures everyone has the same opportunities within the society. They are the main point of contact for members to give feedback to, so that you can plan activities that allow as many students to participate as possible. This individual should keep themselves updated on inclusion issues.