TCSU

Societies

TCSU recognises a variety of societies set up to provide a social means of participating in various activities. Whether your interests are sporting, academic or otherwise, there is likely to be already be a society set up to accommodate it ― see the online directory.

The majority of these societies are recognised by the Amalgamated Clubs Committee (ACC), which meets annually in Michaelmas term to discuss funding for those clubs and societies that have chosen to apply. The purpose of the ACC is to provide clubs and societies that meet the constitutional guidelines with funding to allow them to run successfully and without monetary concerns. Almost always societies will be approved, whilst the level of funding is at the judgement of the ACC. It should be noted that the requirements for recognition and for funding, as well further details about the running of the ACC, can be found in TCSU Consitution, Schedule Two.

How to set up a society?

Keen to get an idea off the ground but don't know quite how? First of all, you should check that there isn't already a society set up for this purpose. If not, then you'll need to do the following things:

  1. Provide the ACC with a constitution that includes the following:
    1. the name of the club
    2. the aims and objectives of the club
    3. regulations relating to membership eligibility
    4. provision for the election of a Committee or Officers by a vote of the membership
    5. the responsibility of such Officers
    6. provision for meetings of all club members
    7. provision for the presentation of any accounts
  2. Produce a letter from a senior member of the College stating that he or she is willing to be a Senior Treasurer for that club.
  3. Provide the ACC with:
    1. A budget for the coming year
    2. Demonstration that the club will maximise its potential subscription, sponsorship or other income
    3. Demonstration that the club will keep its own bank account solely for the purposes of the club
    The ACC funding will only be made available to a club if its Senior Treasurer is a signatory on the club bank account.

There are a few further points to note:

  1. The purpose of your society must meet those set out in Schedule 2 of the TCSU constitution. Societies that wish to be recognised by the ACC have to be open to all members of College.
  2. Only Trinity members are eligible for committee positions.
  3. Upon the dissolution of any club that has received funding from the ACC, any assets remaining after liabilities have been met must be returned to the ACC.

After you have taken care of these points you can either apply for ACC funding at the start of Michaelmas, at which point you can apply for funding for the entire following year, or for partial funding from the time of application to the end of Michaelmas, by submitting the relevant documentation to the Junior Steward.

What support can TCSU provide?

Clubs and societies are recognised independently from the ACC by TCSU as well. TCSU is able to provide services for societies, including:

If you have any questions about societies, please feel free to email the Junior Steward.