Changes to student communities at Open SU

For decades, Open SU has helped students connect through a wide range of communities, including societies, clubs and groups. These spaces have grown over time, and we’re really proud of the positive impact they make on the OU student experience – from building friendships to growing support networks and more.    

Last year, we reviewed how these communities are set up and how we support them. This included an independent review by Organised Fun, who specialise in student opportunities, including societies and volunteering. The review found that some changes were needed to make sure everything is clear, consistent and safe across all communities. This includes important elements like safeguarding, data protection and how responsibilities are managed.   

Our Trustees reviewed the findings and agreed on next steps. Trustees are legally responsible for protecting the SU, its members and its reputation. They were clear that Open SU cannot take responsibility for the governance and finances of societies if it’s not directly involved in how they operate. If it did, this would require much closer oversight, which would limit who can take part (for example, alumni) and reduce the independence that societies currently have. 

Changes were needed to:

• Make sure societies are genuinely student-led.

• Ensure that our members (current OU students) benefit from the funding and resources we provide.

• Clarify how the Open SU name and branding can be used.

• Reduce legal and reputational risk.

• Achieve the right balance between student freedom and legal clarity.

These changes are about making sure student communities can continue to grow in a way that is safe and sustainable for years to come.

 

What is changing?

Societies

Up to now, societies have been linked to Open SU’s governance structure and finances. Going forward, they will become independent groups that, if they choose to, are affiliated with the SU. This means that societies will run their own governance and finances, complaints processes, insurance and policies. For most of our current societies, this reflects how they already operate. The main difference is that there will now be a clear affiliation agreement in place.   

To be affiliated with Open SU, societies will need to: 

• Clearly communicate that they are independent.

• Use an affiliate badge instead of the Open SU branding.

• Make sure that at least 50% of their members are current OU students.

• Report student membership numbers twice a year.

• Not allow under-18s to join.

• Follow Open SU policies for shared or partnered events.

In return, affiliated societies will continue to receive promotion through Open SU channels, an affiliation branding pack and guidance, templates and support.

 

 Clubs and groups

Clubs and groups will be supported from within Open SU as Student-led Groups.

These groups will:

• Be supported by SU staff.

• Have trained volunteer leaders.

• Use Open SU systems for events and safeguarding. 

• Run on OU Students Connect.

• Be eligible for funding.

• Receive regular staff support and promotion.

  

What happens now?

Societies and clubs have been asked to choose the approach that works best for them. We’re developing clear guidance and resources to support this transition, and taking legal advice to make sure that the agreements are fair and robust.

Societies that choose not to affiliate can continue to operate independently of Open SU.

We’re here to support students through this transition. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please get in touch.