The Student Publication Association has announced its newly elected executive committee for the 2026–27 academic year.

The new team, voted in at our annual general meeting held at #SPANC26 in Norwich, will lead the organisation’s work supporting student journalists across the UK and Ireland, following another year of growth for the SPA and a record national conference and awards programme.

Emily Pitt-Shaw, incoming chair of the SPA and co-host officer for #SPANC26, said: “I’m so excited to be stepping up and joining a team of incredible executive officers to lead the Student Publication Association.

“I look forward to creating even more opportunities and offering additional support for student publications, as well as continuing to build a community of young journalists across the country.”

Executive committee 2026–27

Chair

Emily Pitt-Shaw - Concrete

Communications Officer

Anna Boyne - formerly of Impact Magazine

Conference & Events Officer

Oisín McGilloway - formerly of STRAND Magazine

Training & Opportunities Officer

Abbie Brown - The Badger

Sponsorship Officer

Jacob Robinson - The Mancunion

Membership Officer

Jack Walsh - formerly of POLITY

What happens next?

The executive committee will now begin preparations for the year ahead, including planning regional activity, training opportunities and the SPA’s flagship national conference and awards.

Further opportunities to get involved with the SPA through regional and project officer roles will be announced shortly.