When do I need to be verified?

There is no mandatory need to be verified. The framework is open source and is available to unions to use as best suits them to enhance the quality and the impact of their work. Verification is optional and the processes involved are outlined here. 

 

If we want verification, who will verify us?

For Part A verification, NUS Charity completes your verification on-demand. For Part B verification, once a year NUS Charity recruits and trains volunteer verifiers to undertake verifications. We're aiming for a diverse mix of verifiers. Some of them will come from unions who have been verified in the past, others won't, but all will have a passion for SUs, strong experience of leadership, be trained in organisational development and be trained in the whole process. It will be done with lots of peer support too. You can find out more about the verification process here, and what we look for in our verifiers here.

 

Does the verification have to involve all themes or could a union request verification on a group of themes?

Verification is there to work for unions as a (whole) quality framework. Students' Unions and Associations looking to be verified, will submit their evidence for all themes. If you have identified a few areas where you'd like to focus, please contact us at uniondevelopment@nus.org.uk and our development consultants can help and signpost you to the resources available. 

 

Can I upload my evidence in advance?

As soon as you have been signed up, you will receive an email with information about access to your folders. You can then start submitting your evidence, the sooner you submit this the sooner your verifers can work through the evidence. Submiting in advance also allows you more time to ask any queries to the team at NUS Charity.  

 

How many SUs are presently verified?

You can see the list of accredited Quality Students' Unions here. 

 

How much will verification cost?

The charge for Part B verification is £900 plus VAT. This is to cover the administrative costs of verifications and ensuring the framework is up to date and relevant as well as ensuring all verifiers are fully trained. We will always keep costs as low as possible as we don't want this to be a barrier to participation. 

Verifications are expected to continue to take place online in Autumn/Winter, unless face-to-face verifications are requested and can be accommodated by the verifier. If face-to-face verifications are requested, an additional cost to cover travel and accommodation may be incurred.  

 

What if we're not meeting 'Good' in one/some of the sections?

The framework is there to showcase what good, very good and excellent practice looks like for a students' union/association. You can use this to benchmark your own practice and use it to develop and improve your work. If you're not meeting Good in one of the sections, you can use the framework to develop, and use the help and support available to you where you need it. If you're seeking verification and your verifier doesn't think they've seen sufficient evidence to consider your practice Good, they'll say that you're "working towards Good" and give recommendations to help you improve. 

 

How does the sustainability section of the QSU framework link to Green Impact?

If a union has GISU status from the last two years, that will apply directly to QSU, and the union doesn’t need to complete the Sustainability section of QSU. There is no need to duplicate activities or reflections. If a union has not completed GISU in the last two years, they self-assess against the Sustainability section of the QSU framework. This has been written in consultation with SOS-UK.  

 

How long does QSU status last for?

We recommend undertaking QSU every 3 years to support regular reflection and celebration of your union’s practice.