A Year of Connection and Conversation: Student Opportunities Managers Network 2024–25

People sharing their scavenger hunt finds.

When we kicked off the very first Student Opportunities Managers Network (SOMN) meeting back in October 2024, there were just 13 of us on the call. We swapped ideas for super-niche clubs and societies we’d love to start, laughed over a scavenger hunt, and shared our experiences of the Welcome period. It was informal, friendly, and full of practical ideas - exactly the kind of space we wanted to create.

Fast forward to today, and our network has grown to over 100 members. Each with knowledge and experience that makes the network what it is, a place to share what works, tackle challenges together, and leave each conversation with something tangible to try.

From the start SOMN has been all about what the members need. We started with an aim of four sessions a year, but soon bumped that up to six because of requests for more topics. We’ve covered all sorts:

  1. Welcome & Belonging – informal introductions, reflections on Welcome period.

  2. Sense of Community Among Student Leaders – exploring intentional and incidental spaces for connection, thanks to guest speaker Elisabeth Whittall from University of Manchester Students’ Union 

  3. MedSoc and MedSport – practical tips for engaging medical societies and sports clubs, from understanding timetables to respecting traditions.

  4. Grant Funding – guest speaker Rhys Davies from ARU Students’ Union shared insights into funding models, allocation challenges, and how to support committees through disputes.

  5. Academic Societies – with guest speaker Kara-Jane Senior from Sunderland Students’ Union, we looked at blended models, opt-in vs. opt-out memberships, and faculty-level communities.

  6. Reflection and Summer Jobs – a space to take stock of the year and spark ideas for the future.

These sessions were packed with valuable learning moments for people, but we can’t cover everything. That’s where the WhatsApp channel comes in! Members told us that some of their most helpful moments came from the open and supportive discussions there. 

One of the things members have told us repeatedly is how valuable it is to have a friendly, informal, and supportive space for sharing practice. In SOMN, there’s no expectation to present or perform - just a willingness to listen, swap ideas, and be honest about challenges.

Looking Ahead to 2025–26

We’ve loved supporting SOMN this year and look forward to the year ahead! Here’s what’s changing:

  • Longer sessions - 90 mins rather than 60

  • More opportunities for members to lead topics with the option of facilitation and planning support from Organised Fun

  • Structured format for every session so everyone knows what to expect 

  • A lunchtime slot so you can eat and chat (12-13:30 every time) 

An Open Invitation

If you work in student opportunities - whether you’re brand new to the role, managing a whole team, or somewhere in between - you’re welcome in SOMN. It’s free to join, and you can sign up here:

By joining, you’ll:

  • Connect with peers who understand your challenges.

  • Swap ideas and find solutions that work in the real world.

  • Build your professional network in a friendly, low-pressure space.

Help us shape the next year

This year we’d love every session to be led by SOMN members. This can be done by an individual or you can team up with a pal from another SU. Topics suggested in the end of year survey were: 

  • Initiations and creating positive cultures in student opportunities 

  • Reward and recognition 

  • Training and development of student leaders and volunteers 

  • Student complaints and conflict management 

  • Personal development and training of student opps staff

  • Risk management and student safety

  • Doing more with less - having an impact on shrinking budgets 

We’re looking for willing SOMN members to present for 15-20 minutes on one of these topics (or something else), either talking about what you’ve done or a problem you’re facing. A bit of context setting and food for thought. You don’t have to know the answer or be an expert in that area! If you’re interested, email jamie@organised.fun and he can work with you on the session.  

SOMN Dates (all 12-13:30)

  • 14th October 2025

  • 9th December 2025

  • 17th February 2026

  • 14th April 2026 

  • 16th June 2026

Thank You

To everyone who’s been part of SOMN this year: thank you for bringing your time, energy, and ideas. Every session works because people are willing to share openly and listen generously.

Here’s to another year of connection, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. We’d love you to be part of it! 

Jamie Robinson