JMSU Associate Membership: What's Changing and Why
A decision has been made to remove Associate Memberships, therefore these will no longer be available.
This decision has been made after careful consideration of our legal responsibilities as a charity, alongside our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and well-governed Students' Union for LJMU students. Similar decisions have been made by a number of Students' Unions across the UK.
1. Why has this changed?
The review identified several reasons why continuing Associate Membership was no longer the right approach for JMSU. These included:
- improving safeguarding and welfare arrangements
- ensuring clearer governance and accountability
- reducing organisational risk
- ensuring membership is focused on the students JMSU exists to represent
- simplifying our membership structure.
As Associate Members are not current LJMU students, there are practical challenges around eligibility, verification and applying JMSU policies and procedures consistently.
2. What happens next?
Associate Membership will end on 1st August 2026.
We're working with student groups, LJMU and our partners to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. Where appropriate, alternative arrangements will be explored so that valuable relationships and opportunities can continue.
3. Looking ahead
3.1 Alumni
We know many alumni continue to make an important contribution to student life by volunteering, coaching, mentoring and supporting student groups.
We're currently working with LJMU to explore how alumni can continue to engage with student life through future alumni opportunities outside of Associate Membership.
We'll share more information once these arrangements have been developed.
3.2 Collaborative partners
We're also working with LJMU to ensure collaborative partners continue to have appropriate access where required and to explore alternative arrangements where needed.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Associate Membership been removed?
Following a review, the Trustee Board concluded that removing Associate Membership would strengthen governance, improve safeguarding and reduce organisational risk, while ensuring JMSU remains focused on representing LJMU students.
Can my family, friends or students from other universities still attend JMSU events?
Yes – in many cases they can.
The removal of Associate Membership does not prevent family members, friends or students from other universities attending student group events. For example, performances such as the JMSU Choir Show are open to family, friends and the wider community.
Where student groups wish to invite non-students to an event, they will need to follow the relevant JMSU procedures, including any safeguarding, health and safety or approval requirements.
Some events will remain exclusively for current LJMU students. Attending an event as a guest does not make someone a member of JMSU.
Who is affected?
Anyone who currently holds Associate Membership, including alumni, non-students, staff and members of collaborative partnerships. Current LJMU students are not affected.
I'm an LJMU student. Does anything change for me?
No. If you're a current LJMU student, your membership of JMSU continues as normal if you have opted in.
I'm an alumnus. Can I still be involved?
Although Associate Membership is ending, we recognise the important role many alumni play within the JMSU community.
We're working with LJMU to explore future opportunities for alumni to stay connected through new alumni engagement arrangements. We'll provide further updates as these develop.
Can alumni still coach or support student groups?
We're reviewing how this can work safely and appropriately under future arrangements.
Where alumni continue to support student groups, any involvement will need to meet the relevant safeguarding, insurance and governance requirements.
Further guidance will be published once these arrangements have been agreed.
What happens to student groups that currently have Associate Members?
We appreciate that some societies and sports clubs currently include Associate Members. We'll continue to work with affected groups to support the transition and ensure they understand what the changes mean for them.
Will joint societies with the University of Liverpool be affected?
We're working with the small number of affected societies to clarify future governance arrangements and support any transition that may be required.
Will collaborative partners still be able to access JMSU services?
Many collaborative partners already have LJMU accounts, meaning they can continue to access services as current students. We're working with LJMU to review any remaining arrangements and identify appropriate alternatives where necessary.
Why can't Associate Membership simply stay with additional checks?
The review concluded that verification alone would not resolve the wider governance, safeguarding and accountability challenges associated with non-student membership. Removing Associate Membership provides a clearer and more consistent approach across the organisation.
How were members consulted?
Before making this decision, JMSU carried out a consultation with members, with a particular focus on student groups who were most likely to be affected. The feedback received helped inform the Trustee Board's decision and highlighted the importance of maintaining opportunities for alumni and external engagement where appropriate. As a result, JMSU will continue to work with LJMU to explore future alumni engagement opportunities outside of Associate Membership.
Can someone appeal this decision?
The decision was made by the JMSU Trustee Board following a formal review and member consultation. As the Trustee Board is responsible for governance and membership classes under the Byelaws, the decision has now been implemented.
Can alumni still attend society socials?
Potentially, yes. The removal of Associate Membership does not automatically prevent alumni from attending student group socials. Where student groups wish to invite alumni or other non-students, they will need to follow the relevant JMSU procedures, including any safeguarding, health and safety, and approval requirements.
5. Who can I contact?
If you have any questions about these changes, please contact studentsunion@jmsu.co.uk
