Got an idea for a Society?
If a society doesn't already exist at Worcester, you can start one. Whether you're looking to bring together students with a shared hobby, interest, identity or academic passion, we're here to help you turn your idea into an official Students' Union society.
Starting a New Society
It's really easy to start a new society, here are the five steps you need to follow to set one up:
💡 IDEA →👥 COMMITTEE →📝 APPLY → ✅ APPROVAL →🎉 LAUNCH
1️⃣ Develop Your Idea
Before applying:
🔹Check for Similar Societies
Browse our current societies to make sure your idea is unique.
🔹Build Your Committee
You'll need three students to form your committee.
See the role descriptions for committee positions here.
Want to start a society but can't find enough committee members? Get in touch and we'll help connect you with interested students.
ℹ️Only current University of Worcester students can start a society or hold committee positions.
🔹Test Interest
Think about who might join your society and how you'll attract members during your first few weeks.
🔹Choose a Name
Pick a name that clearly reflects your society's purpose and activities.
2️⃣ Submit Your Application
Complete the New Society Application Form and tell us about:
- Your society's aims
- Proposed activities
- Committee members
- Expected membership
Applications are reviewed five times a year.
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First Window
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Second Window
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Third Window
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Fourth Window
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Fifth Window
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Application Submitted
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From 1st Sept to 31st Oct.
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1st Nov to 31st Dec.
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1st Jan to 28th Feb.
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1st March to 30th April
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1st May to 30th June
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Application reviewed by Exec
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November
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January
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March
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May
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July
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Set up period
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Nov/Dec
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Jan/Feb
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March/April
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May/June
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July/Aug
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Draft Your Constitution
Every society must have a constitution. This acts as your society's rulebook and explains how the group will operate.
Download the Constitution Template, complete the sections highlighted in red, and submit it with your application.
3️⃣Meet the Activities Team
Once we've received your application, we'll invite you to a 30 minute Start-Up Meeting.
This is your opportunity to:
- Discuss your society plans
- Explore funding or resource requirements
- Ask questions
- Receive guidance before your application goes forward
You'll meet with the Student Activities Team and the Vice President Student Activities.
4️⃣Executive Committee Approval
Following your Start-Up Meeting, your application will be considered by the Students' Union Executive Committee.
Applications are assessed against the Society Approval Principles.
The Committee may:
✅ Approve the application
⏯️ Request amendments
❌ Reject the application
You can also view the New Society Approval Process Flowchart for more information.
5️⃣Complete Committee Training
Once approved, you're officially ready to launch your society.
You'll need to:
This helps ensure you have the tools to set up and run your society successfuly.
While You Complete Training...
We'll be working behind the scenes to:
🌐 Create your society webpage
🎟️ Set up memberships
Once everything is ready, we'll let you know and you can start promoting your new society. Please don't set up any social media pages until you are approved and received guidance from us.
ℹ️ Most societies are expected to recruit 12 members within 6 weeks of approval (some exceptions apply for smaller academic, faith and cultural groups).
Need Support beofre applying?
Lois Stevens
Vice President Student Activities
✉️ STEL6@affiliate.worc.ac.uk
Sophie Smith
Student Activities Manager
✉️ Sophie.smith2@worc.ac.uk