All affiliated student groups must be unique and have individual aims that do not overlap with existing groups. This is to ensure groups have the best chance at getting memberships and that our support is being used efficiently.

Take a look at our current student group offer and if you think your idea is distinctly original, move on to the next step.

If your idea could be folded into another group's activities, we'd suggest contacting them and suggesting you work together. 

It's really important we meet with you to discuss your idea before you move on to completing an application form. The Bristol SU Development Team has a wealth of knowledge and can best advise you on ways to take your idea forward and how to complete your application successfully. In the meeting we will cover:

• The originality of your idea and where we might see any overlaps
• Your aims for the groups
• Sustainability. What your plans are for the group in terms of financial sustainability and being able to find a keen committee each year
• Committee structure and roles
• Constitutions. What a constitution is and why you need to have one.
• Current activities. Any current activities you're running 
• First year planning. What would your first year look like and how would you ensure you run well

You can book your meeting in here

Once you've met with us, you will need to complete our New Group Application Form. This form will be used for two things:

1. Give potential supporters an overview of who your group is and why they should support your affiliation. A copy of your constitution and a statement on why you want to be affiliated (written or video statement) will be hosted on this webpage
2. Give the Affiliation Panel the information they need to decide on your affiliation

The Development Team will check your application to ensure you have answered all the questions and that there is nothing you are proposing which would breach our Code of Conduct or Byelaws. If further information is required, we will be in touch before your application goes live.

Once your application is complete, your group will appear at the top of this page and you should begin gathering supporters. This shows us there is a desire for your group to run from the wider student body.

It is up to you to promote this page to draw interest from prospective members.

Supporters:

• Should use the 'Supporters Form' found in each proposed group listing at the top of this page
• Must be a current UoB student
• Can only use their username (e.g. xy12345) to register support so we can check their student status
• Can only support each proposal once

When you have reached 30 or more supporters, your application will be considered by the Affiliation Panel. For this academic year the panel will be meeting:

• September 19, 2024
• January 23, 2025

Applications must be submitted one week prior to panel dates to be considered and still must reach 30 supporters in that time.

When the Affiliation Panel meet, they will consider your application against the criteria below, using the evidence you have supplied in your application.

The Affiliation Panel consists of the Union Affairs Officer, Sport and Student Development Officer, two Development Coordinators and the Student Opportunities Manager. The panel is chaired by the Training and Development Lead.

Successful groups will be notified and invited to attend New Groups Guidance Training which, along with some internal administration, will complete affiliation to Bristol SU.

You'll have a chance to meet other new groups, members of the Bristol SU Opportunities Team and learn about ways we can support you as you get started

And that's it! We'll actively support you in your first couple on months, ensuring you have the tools and confidence to take your group forward.

This is about who you have spoken to and consulted with before applying to affiliate. Think about the following:

• How many students want your group set up?
• In addition to the supporters obtained, have you consulted with other students to see if there is a real need for your group?
• Do you have a mailing list or active social media?
• Does your group have the support of other affiliated groups or networks?

• Is there another group currently affiliated to Bristol SU who already serve your group's aims or objectives?
• Is there another group currently affiliated to Bristol SU who already carry out the activities of your group?
• If there are similar groups or networks, is it possible to collaborate and include this activity within them instead of setting up a separate group?
• Could you become a subgroup of another group?
• What makes your group different from those groups that are already affiliated?

• Is there a potential for long-term interest in your group, or will it struggle to maintain 30+ members each academic year? Please note that groups with under 30 members for two consecutive years are not invited to reaffiliate with Bristol SU for the following year.
• Will your group be financially sustainable?
• How much will it cost to put on your planned activities and what plans do you have to generate income e.g. through memberships, ticket prices, sponsorship, fundraising?
• Is it practical for your group to run its activities?
• If you require specific facilities for your activity, are these available to you?