Student media is at its best when it reflects the full range of people who make it: every institution, every kind of publication, every background. That’s the thinking behind the Representation Officer role, a position members voted to formalise at the 2026 AGM to help make sure everyone in our network can fully participate in the SPA.

Over the past two months, I’ve been speaking with our members, as well as with current and former SPA volunteers, about how we can reach more of our membership and make sure everyone feels included in our work. Drawing on those conversations, I’m proud to share our plan for 2026/27, the first step in formally building representation into how the SPA works. 

This is a team effort. It’ll be led by SPA volunteers, working alongside members to improve things for everyone involved with the SPA. The hope is that this year’s work lays the groundwork for further action in the years ahead.

Our approach

Four ideas guide everything below:

• Open — build new routes into the SPA and improve the ones that already exist
• Belong — ensure that every member and publication has a sense of belonging within the SPA
• Evidence — let data guide our decisions
• Adapt — keep listening and always be willing to change course

What this means in practice

1. Being open about our progress. We’ll work to produce a detailed report on representation across the SPA. This will include who’s involved, who isn’t yet, and what we’re learning. We hope to publish it ahead of the 2027 AGM so everyone can see where things stand and have a say in what happens next.
2. Recognising every kind of excellence. We’re reviewing our judging criteria so they do a better job of recognising excellence in all its forms, whether that’s specialist expertise, bold thinking, strong audience engagement, or something else. 
3. Wider access to conferences and events. Cost and logistics are a consideration for all of us, but they shouldn’t be a defining factor in benefitting from SPA membership. We’re working to grow the Financial Assistance Scheme, publish clear guides on what to expect (including accessibility, accommodation, quiet spaces and travel), and encourage Students' Unions to help fund tickets for members who need support. 
4. Reaching more publications. We’re actively reaching out to student papers, magazines and other outlets that we haven’t heard from before, especially smaller and specialist titles and universities that haven’t had a voice in the SPA. We also want to build a dedicated space for specialist editors to share ideas, support each other and get the recognition their work deserves.
5. Backing our regional officers. They know their areas best. With monthly check-ins, we’re working to strengthen representation across every region and nation in our membership, with a particular focus on the distinct issues facing members in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Why this matters

Representation is at the heart of our decision-making. We will continue to listen, learn and adjust to ensure that we can represent every member of the SPA. If you’re part of a publication that hasn’t always felt fully connected to the SPA, we’d love to hear from you. 

If you have questions or want to get involved, please contact representation@spajournalism.com.