Getting Started

First Step – Training

Mandatory

1. Committee Training

   This will cover everything you need to know about running a society. Two committee members per society are required to attend this training, however, it is recommended that all committee members attend a session. Only committee members who have completed committee training will be able to access committee resources (e.g., room bookings, event planning resources, finances and grants).

   Committee Training

2. Finance Training

   The President and Treasurer of every society must attend to learn how to handle society finances. Completion of this training grants access to society payment and reimbursement systems.

   Finance Training

3. Grant Training

   The President and Treasurer of every society must complete this training to gain access to the society grant system.

   Grant Training

Optional

View all training sessions

1. Antiracism Workshop

   Join one of these sessions with Show Racism the Red Card to gain understanding and confidence talking about race and challenging racism. Participation counts towards the training requirement for Active and Engaged and your volunteering hours.

2. Consent Workshop

   Attend this workshop with SplitBanana to have positive conversations about consent in practice, sex, boundaries, and relationships at uni. Participation counts towards the training requirement for Active and Engaged and your volunteering hours.

3. Online Card Machine Training

   Attend this training on the safe operation of the union card machines. These can be booked out for society fundraising event using this form.

   Card Machine Training

Second Step – Planning Ahead

Societies who plan ahead are more likely to engage their members and run successful events. We recommend prioritising the following steps:

1. Risk Assessments

   It is mandatory to complete a general annual risk assessment for regular society events. You can find more information and access the template form in one place.

   Risk Assessment

2. Request your room bookings

   Submit your requests in advance using the form.

   Booking form

3. Make a budget and plan for the year

   This includes your society events, fundraising, trips and GMs for example. Be sure to take advantage of the grants available i.e. £45 Welcome grant for your first society event.

   Grant information

Third Step – Day-to-Day Running

1. Advertise your events on Native

   The society president should receive an email to activate their Native account. If anyone else in the society will be responsible for event planning, email Societies team and they can also be given access.

   If you're not sure how to create a Native event or add tickets to your event, watch the training video.

   Access platform

2. Incorporate Active & Engaged initiative

   This rewards societies who go above and beyond to positively engage with students, Strath Union and the wider community. There are three tiers to achieve: Bronze, Silver and Gold, with prizes for each.

   Active & Engaged information

3. Consider your storage needs

   If you need to store equipment that your society owns, send an email to Societies team with a description e.g. number/size of items, expected storage duration, intended usage and we will advise on how to store this safely.

4. Create a volunteering profile

   Committee members will receive a discount at Union venues and certificate at the end of the academic year. The discount process is being confirmed and we will share an update here when ready.

   Create profile

   Log hours

5. Selling Merchandise

   Societies have the option of selling merchandise on their webpage. This can be done by emailing the Societies team with all your merchandise details. Please go onto our designated merch page to find out the details we require and how you can manage your merch.

   Merch Page