Benefits of membership

Networking

The opportunity to link and network with other AMOSSHE members is a key resource for AMOSSHE members.  Training days and the Conference are great formal opportunities to network in person whilst the mailbase (email) network gives members an opportunity to share information or ask for advice and information about any issues that affect our work.

AMOSSHE members are extremely generous in sharing experience, policies and practices with their colleagues across the sector and this aspect of membership is tremendously helpful in assisting individual members and their institutions in their day to day and strategic work.

National Representation

A key aspect of the Association's work is to represent the experience and views of AMOSSHE members to policy makers and relevant fora. AMOSSHE has strong links with relevant sections of the DIUS, UUK and other key sector organisations; sitting on a number of committees and working groups.  A recent list of activities carried out by the Executive committee included meetings, groups and events with the DCFS (several fora), UUK, DRC, ECU, HERRG, SLC, AGCAS, GuildHE, HEFCE, the Leadership Foundation, Welsh Assembly, Scottish Executive, NASMA and HUCS.

AMOSSHE is often asked to comment on national policy issues and where it can do so members are strongly encouraged to participate in such consultations.  The Executive also feeds back to members, giving direct access to information that can be of use in members' own institutions.

Annual Conference and CPD events

The annual conference is an excellent opportunity for members to reflect on the year and look to the challenges of the year ahead.  Each conference is based around a current theme and offers keynote speakers, workshops and the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the sector.  We also run events throughout the year on issues of current interest or concern to members.

Members are encouraged to work with the Executive and National Office in developing and delivering the conference and CPD events, building upon the expertise amongst AMOSSHE's member insitutions.

Email Networks

AMOSSHE has several email discussion lists managed through the jiscmail network to enable members to quickly request, share and provide information to each other.  Current lists are for Institutional Representative Members (IRMs ), IRMs and Associate members and regional groups.

Regional Groups

The AMOSSHE regional groups are a good opportunity for student service providers to exchange ideas and to discuss the important issues in the sector within their geographical region.  Each regional group has its own mailing list to advertise meetings or to engage in discussion on specific issues.  Apart from being a useful forum it also facilitates the development of closer working relationships with colleagues in nearby institutions.

Members Section on AMOSSHE Website

The website offers a members area with specific resources to support and inform members in their work. In particular these include policies and procedures on key areas (eg mental health) as well as archives of informal surveys on imporant topics across the sector together with HR resources such as sample job descriptions for those roles usually associated with student services.

To download an application pack