Alan specialises in membership services management, governance, and organisational development. With a career spanning students’ unions, higher education, and arts organisations, Alan is known for his ability to lead complex reviews and drive strategic improvements in governance, business processes, and senior management structures.
Alan is a trained coach and project manager, combining these skills with extensive leadership experience to mentor individuals and teams across the sector. He is recognised as a specialist in Europe and North American students organisations and has a deep understanding of the international landscape, co-delivering annual tours of European students’ unions and universities to foster cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
Alan’s services include public speaking, bespoke training and facilitation, strategic and operational diagnostics, research and policy analysis, interim management and events management.
As the architect of the annual Membership Services Conference, now in its tenth year, Alan has established the UK’s largest professional development event for students’ union staff. He also co-hosts the popular podcast ‘How to Run a Students’ Union’ in partnership with Wonkhe, providing thought leadership and practical guidance to the sector.
Alan is a co-editor of the Student Support Handbook, published by CPAG, and is a regular contributor to sector publications. His work often focuses on enhancing student engagement, policy development, and innovative approaches to delivering member services.
A trustee of Aberystwyth University Students’ Union, Alan is deeply committed to improving student representation and support at all levels. Alan is also a keen linguist, cyclist, and musician, with over 20 years of experience playing and promoting live music in Liverpool and London.