NASMA Conference 2019 - It's Complicated #NASMAconf19 - the National Association of ...
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NASMA
Conference 2019
It’s Complicated
Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel, Manchester
Monday 24th - Tuesday 25th June 2019
#NASMAconf19
Sponsors and
Supporters
TO ALL OUR MEMBERS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED NASMA BY:
Being on a NASMA Committee
Representing NASMA at meetings and events
Delivering training
Being a Regional Chair
Responding to Consultations
Providing training/meeting venues
A HUGE THANK YOU FROM THE NASMA BOARD
2
Save the Student Future Finance
Written by students and recent graduates, Save the Student Bridging the funding gap - The team at Future Finance are
aims to get you clued-up about cash and in less debt. Featuring passionate in backing the next generation, striving to make
the kind of straight-talking advice you won’t get at school, the higher education accessible to all. We work together with
site has everything you need to know about managing money leading Universities helping secure further enrolments and
without the migraines: student finance explained, banking & support retention strategies across the HE sector by helping
budgeting, insider info on careers and making extra cash, plus students fund their tuition fee and cost of living expenses. www.
ways to save and scrimp without the stress. FutureFinance.com/Partners
Save the Student was founded in 2007 by Owen Burek during his
first year at The University of Manchester. Created in response
to the growing costs of higher education, the site is now the
leading student money website in the UK, serving 2.5m visits a
month: www.savethestudent.org
3
Institute of Money Advisers (IMA)
Samaritans - Our Listening volunteers
The IMA is the only professional body acting solely for money
advisers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; our mission is Our listening volunteers are here so that people can talk to
to assure quality in the money advice profession. We provide a them about anything that is troubling them and explore their
comprehensive training programme, with courses led by sector options. They give people time to think things through, and listen
experts, as well as the only individual accreditation scheme for with an open mind and in confidence, for as long as needed.
money advisers, comprising our Certificate in Money Advice Samaritans offer callers a 24 hour service, 365 days of the year.
Practice qualification and a CPD scheme. We also publish With over 20,000 volunteers based in 201 branches across 5
Quarterly Account, the only dedicated money advice legal journal, nations, we’re actively involved in a community near you.
and provide a quality assurance service for organisations. To We reach out and work with schools, colleges and universities,
find out more about the IMA visit www.i-m-a.org.uk. workplaces, health and welfare services, homeless shelters,
prisons and other charities. We also promote awareness of
our service at local social venues, community events and music
festivals. Please highlight our service at your student events
and request additional free information packs where you feel
these could be useful to you.
4
Housing Hand Blackbullion
Housing Hand is the UK’s first and only rent guarantor Blackbullion is an award winning edtech company on a mission
service offering fully comprehensive cover of rent, damages/ to make the world money smart working with almost 30
dilapidation’s as well as professional eviction costs for university partners in three countries.
international and UK students and working professionals. Private
Halls, letting agencies and landlords who use our award-winning Blackbullion is deployed through money advice teams to
service can expect a higher level of occupancy, no financial risk maximise student success through enhancing retention,
from arrears and increased leads from secured applicants - at recruitment, mental health and diversity initiatives. Often
no extra cost to them! learning is embedded within the hardship disbursement process
to support students to best use their money for maximum
We stand as rent guarantor for thousands of students every impact.
year across the majority of higher education institutions,
working closely with Universities and Student Unions. For more It is our goal to ensure engaging and effective financial education
information about how you could work with Housing Hand is embedded at every point where people and money intersect
contact us on 0207 205 2625 or alternatively via email team@ on campus and beyond.
housinghand.co.uk
5
Welcome
It gives me great pleasure While I hope this conference is a real learning experience for
you, I also hope that you enjoy the comradery of meeting each
to welcome you to the 2019 other again. We also have some members for whom this is
their first experience of conference. I know I can rely on you all
NASMA Conference and to welcome them, and should you see anyone on their own,
Annual General Meeting in maybe introduce yourself and welcome them to the NASMA
family.
the wonderful surroundings of the
“All you really need to know for the moment is that the universe
Renaissance Hotel, Manchester. is a lot more complicated than you might think, even if you start
from a position of thinking it’s pretty damn complicated in the
The theme of this year’s conference is “It’s Complicated!” first place.” Douglas Adams, author.
Nothing in life is ever simple – or is that just because
I’m getting older and can’t keep up with all the modern Enjoy your conference experience!
technology and changes to our world. On the other hand, am I
complicated? Not at all … I’m just interesting!
The students we work with face an ever more difficult world of
finance, and the hoops that they are made to jump through to
access it are ever increasingly getting smaller!
It’s not all doom and gloom for them though as they are able Enjoy your conference experience!
to talk to expert NASMA members who will keep them on the
right track. And we have a responsibility to keep as up to date
as we can by attending events like this which offer training and
showcase the very best of practice.
NASMA Chair
Yes, with changes in government, the possibility of Brexit,
and shrinking budgets, our advice giving has become more
complicated, but it is our job to simplify it for our clients. This
year’s conference has been very cleverly designed to meet
your needs, at various levels of expertise. We hope to extend
your skill levels both professionally and personally.
6
General Information
Conference Desk Car Parking
The NASMA Conference Desk is located on the Mezzanine floor, The hotel has its own area of the NCP car park which is accessed
directly in front of the lifts. The desk will be staffed by the via the entrance on Deansgate. The rate is £18 per 24-hour
NASMA team throughout the conference. You can leave your period. Upon arrival at the hotel, you must provide your car
luggage at the Hotel Reception on the ground floor upon arrival registration number to the reception desk on the ground floor.
until your room is ready. Room keys will be issued during the The fee is payable upon check-out at the hotel reception desk.
afternoon coffee break on Monday 24th June (15:00-15:30) and
can be collected from the staff at the hotel reception desk. Leisure Facilities
Hotel guests may enjoy complimentary use of the Nuffield Health
Hotel Information Gym which is located at the Printworks just a five minute walk
The Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel, Blackfriars Street, from the hotel. There is a fully equipped gym, swimming pool,
Manchester, M3 2EQ. Telephone: 0161 831 6000. Website: http:// spa, steam-room and sauna and is open from 6.30 am to 10.00
renaissance-hotels.marriott.com/renaissance-manchester-city- pm. Delegates will need to collect a pass from the hotel reception
centre-hotel desk beforehand.
WIFI Marketplace Exhibition Area
There is complimentary high speed WIFI in all areas of the hotel Please visit the Marketplace exhibition area in the Medici
and the code will be provided upon registration. lobby during Day 2 of conference (Tuesday). The Marketplace
exhibition area will be open from 09.00 am.
Smoking
The Renaissance Manchester is a no-smoking hotel. If you wish Check-Out
to smoke you must do so outside the front entrance of the Check-out on the day of departure is 12.00 noon. Please return
hotel, and you may also smoke outside on the balcony area by your key to the hotel reception. You can leave your luggage
the Medici lobby. with the concierge until you are ready to leave.
In the Event of a Fire Getting the most from your AGM
There are designated fire exits throughout the hotel. In the NASMA is a membership organisation. The Board acts on
event of a fire, delegates should leave by the nearest exit and each member’s behalf to seek to further the organisation’s
hotel staff will be there to direct you. There are no plans to objectives and the Annual General Meeting is the principle
hold any fire drills during the conference therefore if you hear opportunity for you to engage with the Board. Please
the fire alarm you must leave the building immediately. familiarise yourself with the agenda for the AGM and the
supporting documents (minutes, accounts and motions) before
Charges the meeting begins, which you will find in your delegate pack.
If you wish to charge any purchases to your room, for example Above all, we hope you’ll enjoy the AGM. It’s really important
drinks from the bar or use of the telephone, you will be that as many members as possible attend – please support
required to present your credit card to the hotel reception in this important part of the NASMA Conference.
advance. You will be responsible for any subsequent costs
Meals
Breakfast will be served in the restaurant located on the Ground
Floor. Breakfast is available from 06.30 - 09.30. Monday
evening’s pre-dinner drinks will be served in the Medici Lobby Conference Evaluation The Board is looking into using
(outside the Medici Ballroom) at 7.30 pm, followed by the Gala a mobile App for this year’s conference evaluations and
Dinner at 8.00 pm which will be served in the Medici Ballroom more information about this will be provided at the Chair’s
on the Mezzanine floor. Welcome. We really appreciate your feedback and use this
information to help plan future training events.
8
Overview
Monday 24th June 2019 Tuesday 25th June 2019
08:30-10:00 Registration and Refreshments 09:30-11:00 Workshop (Session 4)
10:00-10:10 Welcome by Stephen McCartney, 11:00-11.20 Refreshments and Networking
NASMA Chair
11:20-12:20 Finance Regulations
10:10-10:45 Keynote Plenary - Guest Keynote Cross Nations Plenary
Speaker: Jim Dickinson WONKHE & NHS Bursaries Update
10:45-10:55 MAS Project Toolkit Overview: 12:20-13:00 Lunch
Claire Elford, MAS
13:00-14:45 Workshop (Session 5)
11:00-12:00 Workshop (Session 1)
14:45-15:00 Refreshments and Networking
12:00-12:45 AGM
15:00-16:00 Final Plenary -
12:45-13:30 Lunch Q&A with Panel of Experts
13:30-15:00 Workshop (Session 2) 16:00 Conference close and Departure
15:00-15:30 Refreshments and Networking
15:30-17:15 Workshop (Session 3)
19:30-20:00 Drinks Reception
20:00-24:00 Gala Dinner, Awards Presentation,
Evening Entertainment
9NASMA Board
Board Achievements
2018-19
Jack Cain: I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to Beryl Dixon: I have developed a close link with the Higher
support NASMA and its members over the last year. As a Education Division of The Welsh Government and through this
board member I have got to see a lot of the amazing work connection I have been able to assist Welsh students sort out
that the members do for their students and I have been proud some of their funding issues with SFW.
to have supported this in my role as VC Finance. My biggest
achievement is reviewing how NASMA reports its accounts to Kellie McAlonan: It’s been a busy year in Scotland as we
members, I believe it is vital that all members have the ability move into the next phase of the Student Support Review which
to understand where their membership fee is going and what it is looking at non-core funding. We have worked to maintain a
is doing to further support the work of NASMA. positive link between SAAS and NASMA in the region, ensuring
that NASMA members are involved at all junctures as this
Jude Cringle: In August I was co-opted as Vice Chair progresses. I have also been representing NASMA as SAAS
Governance & Operations. It has been interesting to learn develop a new IAG and Financial Literacy Portal, due to launch
about the responsibilities of running a Charity. For example, in 2019/20, which I am very excited about!
keeping trustee information up-to-date and filing the accounts,
preparing and keeping to the tight deadlines for the AGM. With
Stephen McCartney:
a different hat I co-planned and delivered the new Introduction
This has been a challenging year, not just for me personally,
to Student Funding 1 day course with my colleague from King’s
but also for the Board. While Chairing the Board, it is hard to
College, Julie Roberts. We had 17 delegates and from the
pick one thing that I have personally achieved, but I think the re-
feedback the day was a great success.
negotiation of the contract with the publishers of the “Student
Money Matters” magazine is one of my successes. NASMA now
gets £18k per year from this publication which is more than
double the amount we previously received. Quite pleased with
that…
10Gareth Pearse: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the
NASMA Board this year, meeting new people with different
areas of expertise. One of my biggest achievements is
compiling the 2017/18 NASMA Annual Report - it was a stretch
at times but thanks to NASMA colleagues I’m glad to have
completed it in the end!
Andy Withey: I’ve really enjoyed joining the NASMA board
and chairing the T&D committee, from which I’ve learned so
much. Pulling our T&D activity into one coherent programme
has been a real achievement and I’m so proud of all the hard
work the T&D committee have put in to make this, and so much
more, happen.
Alison Young: This year has been a very productive year for
me on the NASMA Board. However, the achievement I am most
proud of is my role of Acting-Chair for the NI Region. I have
particularly enjoyed engaging with members in my region and
developing new partnerships with external stakeholders
11Regional Round-Up
North East Region Welsh Region
Regional Chair: Emma-Jane Quirke Regional Chairs: Emma Griffits
This year we have had 3 regional meetings:
and Delyth Lewis
• November 2018 Northumbria University
We have had another great year in Wales. Myself and Delyth
• February 2019 Leeds Beckett University
have continued to enjoy the challenges of being Regional Chairs.
• May 2019 Newcastle University Students Union
Our first meeting of the 18/19 academic year was held in
Newport. Our 2nd meeting was held at Bangor University. Both
All meetings have been well-attended as usual with members
meetings have been followed by Welsh HE hardship Fund
discussing and sharing ideas about NASMA accreditation
administrator’s group meeting. Thank you to everyone who
scheme, NASMA training events; the SFE childcare grant system,
hosted meetings. Members are always keen to share ideas,
SFE processes, SLC fraud investigations; Hardship Funds and
success stories and discuss on-going issues faced by students
the expectations of students, the ‘just eat’ epidemic; NSMW;
from Student Finance Wales and England.
Universal Credit; and proactive ideas for reaching applicants and
vulnerable students.
Key Achievements
We have had fantastic training from Natwest ‘friends against Swansea University won the What Uni award for University of
scams’ and YGAM (Young Gamers & Gamblers Education the year.
Trust) so we now know all about smishing, phishing, loot
boxes and e-sports! In May we welcomed Kevin McMullan Aberystwyth University won the What Uni award for
from the SLC so we are all ready for the new childcare grant postgraduate study.
assessments and process. University of Wales Trinity St David won the What Uni award for
courses and Lecturers.
Members have again been working hard to support students
with all their student finance, benefits and other problems but Bangor University Won the What Uni award for Clubs and
have also been coming up with new outreach ideas, campaigning Societies.
for university bursaries, and new hardship fund pots for
University of South Wales won a Guardian University award.
vulnerable students.
Bangor and Swansea where nominated for best student support
award.
Beryl Dixon from Glyndwr University nominated for best
operational staff member as voted for by students.
Gwenda Blackmore from Bangor University was nominated for
Best Student Service Department.
This year we have challenged policies, had decisions over turned
and assisted in obtaining funding for many students.
We look forward to the challenges ahead.
12Midlands Region North West Region
Regional Chair: Alan Humphries (Acting Chair: Jack Cain)
This will be a brief report as I only took on this role in December Dates and locations of meetings:
2018 and the Region hadn’t met for some time before that. • 7th December 2018 – Liverpool John Moores University
The region is currently without a Chair which has made meeting
We held meetings at Loughborough University on 13 December up a bit more challenging.
2018, at Nottingham University on 5 March 2019 and the next
one is planned for 8 July 2019 at Warwick University. The region has had one meeting this academic year, back in
December 2018. Thank you to Lynne Condell and Liverpool
A big thank you from me to all of these Universities for hosting John Moores University for hosting it. There was a reasonable
the meetings and for their hospitality. Also, thank you to Jack Cain turnout and a wide ranging discussion at the December meeting
for his support in helping to get things up and running again. covering consent forms, NSMW, universal credit, doctoral loans,
hardship funds and training for advisors.
The 2 meetings held covered a wide range of topics including
National Student Money Week, Student Finance payment The region urgently needs a Chair to organise events for the
processing times, finance/loans in general, training/ 19/20 year. Please do contact the NASMA office if you are
development and the Money Charity to name a few – robust interested. Thanks to those that made sure we managed to
discussions were held and I’m indebted to colleagues for being meet in 2018/19.
kind to me as this was/is very new to me.
It is my intention to continue these discussions adding new
topics along the way as well as getting guest speakers to come
to our meetings covering as many student money related topics
as I can.
I’m very aware that there are many institutions that, for a variety
of reasons, can’t always make our meetings and I’m keen for
their voices to be heard as well. I’m working on a plan that will
hopefully involve me having meetings – face-to-face or virtual
– with them so that their views can be taken on board and fed
back to the appropriate place(s).
The Midlands is a big area to cover but I am confident that
between us all we can contribute to the wider NASMA picture – I
certainly sense the desire to do so.
Finally, sadly this year I won’t be at Conference so I would like
to say one final thank you to Catherine and all working at Head
Office for dealing with my constant queries when they are
undoubtedly very busy; without them this role would be very
much harder.
13LASER Region
Our second meeting at the University of Greenwich. It was great
to hear how well NSMW had gone for members. Sharing ideas
Regional Chair: Claire Evenden and resources. Particularly members liked the Tombola and the
Confessions box. Hopefully these will be added to the resources
on the NASMA website for you to replicate.
Dates and Locations of meeting
We received a really great awareness session from Friends
• 14th December 2018 – British and Irish Modern Music Institute
Against Scams. Augusta Cook-Overy, Community Banker from
• 22nd February 2019 – University of Greenwich
Nat West presented the session which was engaged with by
• 5th June 2019 – Imperial College London
attendees extremely well. We all agreed we learnt something we
didn’t know. I had no idea there was such a thing as a ‘victims list’
Huge thanks to BIMM and ICL for hosting the meetings.
that criminals use! The session received very positive feedback
Writing this prior to the last meeting, the first two meetings
and is highly recommended.
have been very well attended this year and we were especially
pleased to welcome so many new members to the region.
We also had an update session provided by Anne Thompson
The first meeting of the year hosted by BIMM gave us the
from the SLC. Anne covered CoC’s and where these go wrong.
opportunity to discuss the NASMA logo and its use and
She emphasised the ‘Right first time’ email address and
accreditation, both of which were discussed at length with some
confirmed that as always, she is happy to review any instances
extremely good ideas and suggestions put forward for future
where things have gone wrong and you are unable to achieve
enhancement consideration. One particularly popular suggestion
a resolution. Anne went on to answer many questions from
was NASMA Pin badges.
members. If you are interested, some of these are detailed in the
meeting minutes on the NASMA website.
With planning for NSMW about to commence for many
institutions it was great for the attending members to be able
A massive Thank You to both Augusta and Anne for their
to discuss their ideas and to discuss the resources provided
informative and interactive presentations.
through Blackbullion. There were lots of ideas and some
institutions had different themes such as ‘Good Money Habits’.
We would also like to say a big Thank You to Vee Melvin, Gretta
Overall it was agreed that participation is key, no matter what
Gavin and the unwitting volunteer yet to be identified for the
the theme or the time of year.
summer meeting, for taking the Minutes.
We were grateful to Kevin Ward for delivering some very
interesting presentations from his local DWP UC Team. He
encouraged members to identify and contact their regional DWP
Customer Services Managers to tap into their expertise and
resources. Feedback regarding the session – ‘Kevin re-humanises
Universal Credit’. Thank you Kevin.
Also, a huge Thank You to Will Cooper for providing lunch
to the members. It made for a really lovely social, as well as
professional event.
14Northern Ireland Region Scotland Region
Acting Regional Chair: Alison Young Regional Chair: Joyce Lapeyre
This year has been another quiet one for Northern Ireland as It has been a busy year for our members in the Scotland Region.
the political stalemate continues. We have had three meetings We have held 3 meetings throughout the academic year, in
this year and the meetings have been facilitated by a temporary November, March and May, each hosted by a different institution.
acting chair. The format of these meetings has changed at the Representatives from the SAAS Policy Team attended our
request of the membership and seems to be working well. November member to discuss and seek members’ feedback
Issues around students and their entitlement to Universal Credit as part of the SAAS Discretionary and Childcare Funds Review.
continue. The group had a useful training session and update on This is part of the next stage of the Student Support Review that
Universal Credit provided by the Law centre NI. is looking into non-core funding. This lead to a very productive
dialogue and we look forward to continued engagement as the
There are a number of projects in the pipeline, including an review progresses.
“Open morning” to recruit new members, particularly from the
Further Education Sector. This is in the final stages of planning We welcomed members from Gamblers Anonymous Scotland
and a date will be confirmed to coincide with the start of the to our March meeting, who very bravely shared their personal
new membership year. stories, giving members a deeper understanding of how this
type of addiction can impact students, and how best to support
An opportunity for partnership working with the Law centre students who might be facing these challenges.
NI has arisen and is in its very early stages. Members will be
updated on this as plans progress. As has become tradition, we welcomed colleagues from SAAS to
our meeting in May for a very informative discussion covering a
range of topics including the progress of the SAAS Discretionary
South West Region and Childcare Funds Review, and progress of 19/20 applications
since these opened in April. We continue to enjoy a very positive
Regional Chair: Gareth Pearse and engaging relationship with SAAS, and also used the meeting
to engage members in a focus group on the new IAG and
There have been no meetings in the South West region this Financial Literacy portal that is being developed, and due for
membership year: as Regional Chair I have not been able to release in 19/20.
coordinate or arrange these meetings due to a combination of
work commitments involving a mass restructure, as well as Our Regional members continue to benefit from Angela Toal,
some personal matters. from Child Poverty Action Group, being an Associate Member,
especially when discussing the current situation surrounding UC
In light of the above, I will be standing down from the position and students and the many difficulties.
of South West Regional Chair - I’d like to thank everyone in the
region for their support and hope that there is another Regional Many thanks to Kellie McAlonan, our NASMA Regional Board
Chair among us South West members that would be happy to Member for all her hard work on our behalf as Scotland Policy Rep.
take up the position - it really is a great opportunity!
15Training & Development 2018/19
Accreditation
Would you like to gain recognition for the personal development and training you have undertaken this year?
If you have been a Member of NASMA in the 2018-19 Membership year and have completed 16 hours of CPD (a minimum of 8 hours
must be from formal training, the remaining hours could be from formal training or other activities) then you can apply for NASMA
Accreditation. You can claim CPD for attendance at training events like the NASMA Conference and formal training courses, as well as
for delivering financial capability sessions and project work in your own institution.
You will need to keep track of your activities by completing a CPD Activity Log, and writing a short summary to show how your
activities have aided your personal development and ensured you are better prepared to undertake your role. A comprehensive
guide to gaining accreditation can be found in the Members Area of the NASMA website at: http://www.nasma.org.uk/members/
Accreditation-2/
Why should I apply for Accreditation – what does it mean?
Accredited members demonstrate that they have maintained their continued professional development throughout the previous
academic year; equipping them with the skills necessary to advise students in the year to come. The process of applying requires
members to reflect on the training that they have received and ensure that this meets the required minimum, in order to maintain
the knowledge and skills required to give quality advice.
Members struggling to secure a sufficient budget to pay for training may find the requirements of NASMA Accreditation a
useful benchmark when making the case that professional development is essential to service delivery.
16Training 2019/20
NASMA offers a range of training events to help develop your skills and enhance your professional knowledge. These are delivered
through formal training courses and conference workshops. We work with a range of partners in the advice sector, including
Advice UK and CPAG as well as local services and organisations who often support our regional meetings. This year we worked in
partnership with Disabilities UK to deliver training on Universal Credit and Students in Higher Education. We also rely on the vast
knowledge and experience of our members, whose lived experience of managing student issues and financial needs may be more
nuanced and relevant than that of public sector advice operating outside of a university setting.
Our current training portfolio includes core subjects like Introduction to Student Funding, as well as more specialised areas such as
US Federal Loans and Immigration for Non-Immigration Advisers. All our sessions are delivered by experienced practitioners and
subject experts. Our courses provide comprehensive training on a specific subject, giving attendees the time and space to understand
and test the complex regulatory framework that underpins our student finance and benefits systems. Conference workshops,
which are shorter and more targeted around a specific problem or issue, encourage the sharing of good practice, as well as pooling
opinions and solutions to potentially bring about change on a much broader scale.
In the 2019/20 Membership year, we will continue to expand our training programme and will update our schedule on a regular
basis. To find out more please visit: http://www.nasma.org.uk/Training-Events/ If you have identified a specific gap in our training
programme or feel that we should be offering training relating to other topics or skills please do email office@nasma.org.uk
17Annual
Reports
Hardship Funds Committee Training & Development
(Andrew Perry, Chair) (Andy Withey, Chair)
Changes to the 2019/20 guidance Our key objective this year was to pull together and rollout a
The main aim of the committee this year has been to review singular training and development plan that would encompass
the Hardship Fund guidance to assist with some of the types the whole year. To give us the best possible chance of doing
of queries that are regularly appearing on the mail-base. The this, the T&D committee met for a full day in Leeds to lesh out
committee met at Birmingham on 17 May and has subsequently training that would fit within this programme, workshops that
met online. The intention is that the guidance, while no longer would be suitable for conference and training initiatives that we
being statutory, does give institutions indications of best could pull together for regional chairs.
practice in order to hopefully create similar types of decisions
in areas of geographical or demographical similarity. As the The training we selected was also informed following a T&D
guidance is purely acting as a guide there was a recognition that survey which went out to our members.
maybe the core document should be smaller – with a series of
appendices added to give greater depth or clarification should The T&D committee has worked so hard over the last few
it be needed. Having said that, it was also noted that the main months to pull all of this together since November. Some of our
guidance was sometimes lacking in certain areas, such as how key achievements have been:
to treat students with student partners, study abroad and • The rollout of a singular T&D programme for the year.
placement situations, etc. Additional information has therefore This has helped ease the burden on the NASMA office and
been included to address these shortcomings. Finally, it was felt finances
important that case studies be added to the guidance, and this • Pulling together a conference that we are confident
is in the process of being done. The committee decided against encompasses a wide range of workshops for as many of
sending out another survey to members again this year in order our colleagues as possible
to gain feedback (as a detailed survey was undertaken last year) • Simplified the pricing structure for training programmes
but such a survey is likely to take place next year and is likely to • Continuing with the two-day conference format, while also
be accompanied by a more substantial overhaul of the guidance. increasing workshop length
Some of the challenges we encountered this year were due to
the T&D Chair being co-opted into the role relatively late and
the committee being unable to meet until November 2018.
With a bit of luck, I will remain the Chair of the T&D committee
in 2019/20 and that continuity may help us avoid some of the
challenges we faced. Overall, I think this has been a successful
year for NASMA in terms of our T&D, and I am looking forward
to an equally successful conference.
18FE liaison Update Communications Committee - report not
(Alison Young, FE Liaison Rep)
available at this time
As noted in the NI regional round up, there are plans afoot to
The Communications Committee have not formally met this
have a recruitment drive for FE members. This model will be
year, however, ongoing discussions and actions have led to the
reviewed and rolled out across the rest of the UK regions. These
development of a Communications Policy: outlining NASMA’s
plans are dependent on the outcome of the membership review
aims and objectives when communicating with our stakeholders,
that is currently underway.
as well as clarifying appropriate communications channels for
the various messages NASMA delivers as an organisation.
Policy Committee In addition to the Policy, a template communications plan has
Members: Jude Cringle (Chair), Jack Cain, Beryl Dixon, Alison been developed - a stepped process allowing us to communicate
Young, Kellie McAlonan different messages effectively and reach our target audiences.
The Committee has also developed a Rota for NASMA’s Twitter
During the year we have endeavoured to connect and have account with the aim of increasing the consistency of content
managed to meet physically once this year in March and have and frequency of tweets, to assist with developing our presence
further liaised via email and shared documents. in the sector.
The members of the committee have been busy representing The Communications Committee now has three members listed
NASMA at relevant events throughout the year. below - it would be great to increase our membership to further
develop NASMA communications - please do get in touch if
In Scotland we continue to have a great ongoing relationship you’re interested!
with SAAS and have been working closely with the Scottish • Gareth Pearse (Chair)
Government on the Student Support review. It has been a • Stephen McCartney
difficult year for Northern Ireland with no major changes to their • Andy Withey
policies due to having no effective Government. In Wales we
continue to campaign for representation at a meeting with the Financial Capability Committee - report not available at this time.
Welsh Government and SFW. Finally in England there has been (Anita Bailey, Chair)
the Review of Post 18 Education and Funding and the publication
of the Augur Report. Policy Reps also worked to update the
Cross-Nation funding table for 2019/20 which is on the NASMA
website. And of course there is Brexit – we’ll watch this space.
We look forward to the next year representing the membership
and building on our connections to help raise the profile of
NASMA.
19Financial Position In terms of income, the change in membership fee from £110
to £120 has meant that despite the small decline in member
(Jack Cain, Vice-Chair Finance) numbers, the amount raised has stayed at the same level. Our
agreement with Student Money Matters Magazine has delivered
NASMA is a registered charity with income generated through £18,000 income in the last year and further to this, with the help
membership fees, training and development events and of a new part time member of staff in the office the NASMA
fundraising. Every effort is made to keep costs to a minimum office has been able to chase invoices more proactively, which
and also to maintain an operating reserve, salary reserve and a has led to the majority of our income coming in on time and no
contingency reserve. The reserves policy is designed to ensure income write offs in the last two years.
sufficient funds are in place to protect against future risk, as
developed in line with NASMA’s risk management policy. For the financial year 18/19 NASMA has moved its accounting
This year saw NASMA return to investing in training and over to SAGE, this is on the recommendation of our accountants
development. This has been led by the NASMA office and the and it should lead to better accounting and reporting on
Training and Development committee. NASMA’s finances. In preparation for this, myself and the NASMA
Office Manager have worked on our reporting structures and
The 17/18 annual report recognised that from July 2017 the categorisation of income and expenditure. This update which
NASMA’s running costs increased with the introduction of the will be shown in the verbal update at the AGM and any future
Workplace Pension Scheme. NASMA is now paying the full accounts by NASMA, breaks down the areas that the income and
organisational pension contribution for staff (5%) so no future expenditure relate to and allow for greater understanding of the
increases are required. NASMA financial position.
Across the last few years and the accounts have shown that
NASMA has made savings and efficiencies in a number of areas.
The decision to lease a photocopier rather than own one has
delivered savings of approximately £1000 on toner cartridges.
From January 2018 we have saved the salary of not having a
training manager position. Changing how we use the training
booking form has saved approximately £600. Our conference
bags are procured generically so are able to be used with
future conferences and other events. Board expenses
have been reduced significantly due to the reduced
offering of overnight accommodation and
using member institutions as a venue
where possible.
20YE 31.03.18 YE 31.03.17
Income
Donations - -
Charitable activities £157,146 £100,153
Other trading activities £1,580 £66,969
Investments 0 £509
Total Income £158,726 £167,631
Expenditure
Charitable activities
Staff Salaries £64,945 £72,135
Conference Expenditure £56,315 £67,715
Meeting and Training expenses £10,514 £10,653
Travel and subsistence £9,159 £9,428
Website costs £1,912 £3,222
Advertising £0 £441
Rent £15,709 £11,542
Insurance £927 £818
Legal and Professional fees £4,586 £7,996
Pensions £824 £385
Governance costs £366 £6,929
Total Expenditure £165,257 £191,264
Net Movement in Funds -£6,531 -£23,633
21Membership
Analysis
NASMA currently has 550 members, which includes 16 Honorary Life members.
Membership is concentrated in London and the South East, which is as expected given the number of institutions in the Region.
There is a network of members in all regions, reports on the activities that have taken place can be found in the Regional Roundup
section. It is recommended that all members attend a regional meeting at least once a year to receive vital updates from the
sector, share good practice and network with colleagues in their region.
NASMA Membership Demographics Institutional Types
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
HEI SU HLM FEC Other
16% of NASMA members are from Students’ Unions; our FE
members represent a small but much valued group who may
benefit from networking with members at institutions who
offer both FE and HE provision. As expected, the majority of the
membership (78%) are based in HEIs, however, their roles and
responsibilities are broad ranging and ever changing.
22Types of Membership
24% of the Membership are accredited
members. The Training and Development
Committee will continue to evaluate
the benefits of accredited membership
and explore how this can evolve to
demonstrate and support our members’
professional development. A review of
the current membership structure is 392 Ordinary
underway and the Membership Review
Accredited
Group are looking at a variety of models, 131
including institutional membership. 16 HML
Updates to members and consultations
9 Resigned
where appropriate will take place
throughout the process. 2 Associate
This year, we sought some additional information via the membership application process regarding the number of institutions that
have Money Advice Licences and those that offer financial capability support. In the three charts below, the Institution bars refer to
the number of different institutions that are made up by the members that gave positive responses to these questions.
Does your institution have a Does your institution offer online Does your institution offer Fin
Money Advice Licence? Fin Cap Support? Cap Workshops?
500 500 500
480
450 468 450 450 459
400 400 400
350 350 350
300 300 300
250 250 250
200 200 200
150 150 150
100 100 100
75
50 66 50 50
54 49
30 38
0 0 0
No Yes Institutions No Yes Institutions No Yes Institutions
(MEMBERS) (MEMBERS) (MEMBERS) (MEMBERS) (MEMBERS) (MEMBERS)
23NASMA Money Advice
Award Winners 2018
Our Student Money Advice Awards recognise, celebrate and Fund/Bursary Administrator of the Year
reward the excellent work undertaken by NASMA members
across the UK. An independent panel of judges, (selected from Winner: Sam Wainwright, Leeds Beckett
experts and professionals from across the sector), consider all University
nominations and have the difficult task of selecting the winners.
The results are announced each year at the Conference Gala Judges’ Comments: “Sam has led change in his institution,
Dinner. The Award Categories last year were: partnerships well with other departments and is dedicated to
• Student Money Adviser of the Year the role and to finding ways of supporting those students with
additional needs.”
• Fund/Bursary Administrator of the Year
• Best Partnership
• Innovative Activity Best Partnership Award
• Financial Capability Engagement Winners: University of Plymouth Student
• Region of the Year Funding Unit and UPSU Advice Team
• NASMA Chair’s Award (NEW for 2018) Judges’ Comments: “A solid partnership in every sense of the
And the winners are listed below: word. Excellent work with the university’s wellbeing team
as financial issues and mental health issues are very often
connected. They used innovative means of engaging students
Student Money Adviser of the Year through surveys, competitions and workshops.”
Winner: John Tate, Leeds Beckett University
Judges’ Comments: “John is clearly well-regarded by students,
he delivers workshops for particularly disadvantaged groups and
targets support to where it is needed most. He is committed
to partnership working within and beyond the institution,
contributing to money advice not only in his institution – a very
worthy candidate.”
24Innovative Activity Award
Winners: Swansea University – The Money
at Campus Life Foodie Tour
NASMA Chair’s Award:
Judges’ Comments: “Wow! What a fantastic project with positive This was a new Award introduced, judged and awarded by
outcomes for financial capability and student life skills but also Stephen McCartney, NASMA Chair. The award was given ‘in
going full circle to contribute towards engagement between ‘town recognition of continued outstanding contribution to NASMA’
and gown’. An interesting initiative that others could learn from.”
Winner: Lynne Condell,
Liverpool John Moores
Financial Capability University
Engagement Award
Winners: University of Stephen’s Comments: “Lynne is a
the West of England valuable member of NASMA and the
T&D Committee, she has helped
– FC Module to organize conference and regularly
delivers NASMA training events up and down the country. She
Judges’ Comments: “A sustainable way contributes to consultations, represents NASMA at external
of delivering critical skills and knowledge. stakeholder meetings and has been an incredible support to me
Really impressed with the programme and the vast range of in my first year as NASMA Chair.”
topics covered, as well as the increase in student numbers and
the flexibility of the team to reflect and consider continuous
improvement of their course. Well done.”
Region of the Year:
Winners: North East Region
Judges’ Comments: “The fantastic work that this region carries
out is commendable - from the extensive range of speakers and
training at regional meetings, to assisting with the consultation
process. The many initiatives and success stories from across
the region include: Northumbria University’s on-line application
process for Hardship Funds; Leeds Beckett’s summer workshops
for single parents and York University’s live chat facility, to
name a few. They have been pipped at the post several times in
previous years, so we are delighted to announce them as worthy
winners of this year’s Region of the Year.”
25NASMA Annual General Meeting 2019
AGM Agenda 24th June 2019
1. Minutes of the last Annual General meeting (25th June 2018)
2. Accounts for year ending 31 March 2018
3. Reports from Trustees/Directors
4. Reports from Committees
5. Motions
6. Nominations and Elections for Trustees/Directors
7. Honorary Life Membership
8. Any Other Business
26MINUTES OF THE NASMA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Monday 25th June 2018, Conference Aston, Birmingham.
Item Description
Minutes of the previous AGM
1 Stephen McCartney (Chair) presented the minutes of the previous AGM (26th June 2017)
The Minutes were accepted as a true record.
Accounts for the year ending 31st March 2017
2 Liz Lovett (VC Finance) presented the accounts - details were included in the conference brochure for members.
There was a request for income to be broken down. 17/18 unreconciled figures were presented.
Reports from Trustees/Directors
3 The Chair invited members to refer to the reports within the conference brochure and asked for questions from the
membership. Members had no questions.
Reports from Committees
4 The Chair invited members to refer to the reports in the conference brochure and invited questions from the
membership. Members had no questions.
Motions
The Chair introduced 3 Motions for the members to vote on:
1. A proposed increase in Membership Fees to £120.
5 2. Introduction of Administration Fee of £25 to transfer NASMA membership within institutions during a membership
year.
3. To Change the use of the NASMA logo.
The Chair explained how the voting would run from the end of the AGM until 5pm that day.
Nominations and Elections of Trustees/Directors
Those Present standing for election were invited to speak
Liz Lovett, (Vice-Chair – Finance)
Gareth Pearse (Vice-Chair – Communications)
Jack Cain (England Policy)
6
Alison Young (Northern Ireland Policy)
Beryl Dixon (Wales Policy)
Alison Young (FE Liaison)
The Chair explained how the elections would run and that the ballot would be open from the end of the AGM until 5pm
that day.
Honorary Life Membership
7
The Chair announced that the Board had received and declined 2 nominations for Honorary Life Membership.
Any Other Business
8
No other business was raised.
27Resources Claire Callender Jim Dickinson, WONKHE: https://wonkhe.com/staff/jim-dickinson/ https://wonkhe.com/about-us/ Save the Student: https://www.savethestudent.org/ National Debt Line: https://www.nationaldebtline.org/ Designed by Printing Services, University of the West of Scotland University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity. Charity number SC002520
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