But don’t just take it from us. Read the case studies and testimonials below to find out more about how we have helped others, and how we can help you.
- A Governance review was run to increase student engagement at a geographically diverse post 1992 university.
- Qualitative research with students through in-depth focus groups uncovered existing perceptions of the students’ union, unmet needs and reactions to a proposed community based model
- Creative visioning was used to project an ‘ideal’ students union model with flexibility for ad hoc engagement
- Projective scenario testing painted a vibrant picture of an inclusive students’ association to fit UWSU’s unique demographic.
- Depth analysis allowed UWSU to take the outputs to the Trustee Board and university. The model is being developed into a proposal for approval by students with a view to phased implementation during 2011-12.
- Popcorn Outdoor provide an income stream for unions through rental of union space for targeted student poster advertising.
- Quantitative research at their unions to understand the impact of appropriate advertising in the colourful student market.
- Targeted student sampling and robust survey techniques, NUS Services are working with Popcorn to gain feedback on the recall, value and appropriacy of commercial advertising within students’ unions.
- The resultant sales growth will increase income to unions through additional, demand-led sites and a sustainable rental stream.
- The Higher Education Academy implements and perpetuates a leading edge, academically rooted sustainable development programme across Higher Education.
- To understand the baseline attitudes towards and skills in sustainable development when commencing university, purposive, systematic desk research informed a robust quantitative online survey of almost 6,000 first year HE students, created alongside leading national experts.
- Rich insight was gained into the overwhelming demand for skills for sustainable development and their inherent role in employability leading to a national policy briefing and report aimed at universities, academics and experts in the field.
- The impact of the report has been well documented, the report being referenced in national press, championed by experts and the recommendations adopted by many pro vice chancellors.
- Further work, to continue the momentum of the initial report is planned for academic year 2011/2012.
- Northumbria Students’ Union have participated in the mystery shopping scheme for 3 years.
- Target score inclusion in union KPIs to ensure high quality retail solutions to their members:
"The NUS Services Mystery Shoppers are a great insight and tool for benchmarking customer care standards within bars, retail and catering outlets."
"They enable you to measure service and staff independently and objectively from a customer perspective. The recent changes to the scheme also mean that they are a great way to track standards over a period of time."
"The research is hugely valuable in developing customer service standards"
Michelle Berry, Director of Commercial Services
