BCUSU President, Shoukat Mehsud, has provided the following statement in favour of BCUSU disaffiliating from NUS:
This is a significant decision that affects student representation, financial priorities, and the Union’s ability to act in the best interests of it is members. As such, it is appropriate that this question is decided democratically through a referendum
It should be noted that NUS operates as two separate entities: NUS UK - a political membership organisation - and NUS Charity - which provides services such as training, consultancy, and research. This proposal concerns BCUSU’s political affiliation with NUS UK only and does not affect access to services provided by NUS Charity or other external organisations.
1. Context and Justification:
Over the past two years, concerns have increased regarding the effectiveness, governance, and representation provided by NUS UK. Many students across the UK, including those at BCU, feel that NUS no longer fulfils it is role as a national body, representing and advocating for students.
This concern is not unique to BCUSU. Several Students’ Unions, including those at the London School of Economics and the University of Cambridge, have previously voted to disaffiliate following similar issues relating to governance, representation, and value for money.
This demonstrates that reviewing affiliation is a legitimate and established democratic process. The purpose of this referendum is to allow BCU students to determine whether continued affiliation remains in their best interests.
2. Key Concerns
2.1 Failure to Support Student Advocacy: in multiple high-profile cases across UK universities, students engaged in advocacy have faced serious disciplinary action. There has been limited visible intervention from NUS UK to support or defend these students. Concerns have also been raised about insufficient advocacy for international students, particularly in relation to changes in visa policy and protections.
2.2 Treatment of Student Officers: there have been instances where criticism raised by student officers has been met with exclusionary or punitive responses rather than constructive engagement. This raises concerns about internal accountability, transparency, and democratic culture within the organisation.
2.3 Weak Engagement with BCU Students: there is limited evidence of meaningful engagement between NUS UK and students at Birmingham City University. Many students feel disconnected from national campaigns and decision-making processes, reducing confidence in the relevance of NUS to BCU students.
2.4 Lack of Clear Impact and Accountability: there is insufficient clarity regarding the tangible benefits that NUS UK delivers specifically for BCUSU students. Many students are unable to identify clear outcomes or measurable benefits, raising concerns about accountability and effectiveness.
2.5 A lack of effective representation, particularly for marginalised groups, including Muslim and Palestinian students.
2.6 Financial Value and Student Experience; BCUSU contributes approximately £25,572 annually in affiliation fees to NUS UK. At a time when students are facing a cost-of-living crisis, it is important that all expenditure delivers clear value. Redirecting these funds could directly improve the student experience at BCU through:
- Cost-of-living support initiatives
- Enhanced student services
- Cross-campus engagement activities
- Events, societies, and community-building opportunities
3. Impact of Disaffiliation
If students vote in favor of disaffiliation, BCUSU would:
- End its political membership of NUS UK
- Retain access to NUS Charity or other service providers where beneficial
- Reallocate approximately £25,572 toward student priorities
- Explore alternative partnerships and networks
Disaffiliation would also provide greater flexibility to focus on local needs while maintaining external collaboration.
There is a clear basis for reconsidering BCUSU’s affiliation with NUS UK. Concerns regarding representation, accountability, engagement, and financial value justify putting this decision to a student vote. This referendum will ensure that the outcome reflects the priorities of BCU students and supports the Union’s commitment to effective representation and student welfare.