As the oldest students' union in the UK, KCLSU has always been at the forefront of championing student voices and creating transformative university experiences.
In 2025, our environment is much changed from our last five-year strategy; the direct impact of cost of living, ever-increasing levels of competition in the employment market and a rapidly evolving world are the backdrop for the incredibly diverse, international and growing community of students at King's College London.
In this context of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, we are renewing our commitment to ensuring every King's student has the opportunity to thrive.
Our strategy is built on four powerful objectives:
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Equipping students to lead
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Developing communities for all students
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Building collective student power for educational and social change
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Protecting student rights and interests
These aren't just aspirational statements - they're actionable commitments backed by concrete priorities and measurable outcomes.
Through our strategic approach, we will continue to honour our long-established charitable objectives for The Advancement of Education of Students at King's College London for the public benefit by...
- Promoting the interests and welfare of students at King's College London during their course of study, and representing, supporting and advising students
- Being the recognised representative channel between students and King's College London, as well as any other external bodies
- Providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities along with forums for discussions and debate, to support the personal development of its students
"A Future where every King's student belongs and has the opportunity to thrive"
This strategy is not just about what we do - it's about who we are. Guided by our values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Bravery, and Openness, we will work tirelessly to translate our vision into tangible impacts for every King's student.
As we put our vision into action, we will ensure that our services not only enhance the student experience but also contribute to our financial sustainability, while meeting commitments in partnership with King's to environmental sustainability. Through innovative approaches and student-centred services, we will create spaces and opportunities that foster community, support learning, and enrich the overall university experience.
- InclusiveOur work and ethics are honest, clear and trusted
- CollaborativeWe work together, supporting one another
- OpenWe empower a student-led community
- BraveWe dare to push boundaries and encourage students to do so
Equipping students to lead
Facilitate accessible, equitable and democratic opportunities where members aspire to become leaders and are empowered by their communities to lead.
Value, accredit and celebrate student leaders' participation, impact and skills development where they can recognise their achievements and inspire others to lead.
Deliver high-quality training where members gain the knowledge and skills to grow as leaders, so they can serve their communities now and in the future.
Create a positive experience for members in leadership, where they are enabled to succeed through a quality and trusted support service.
KCLSU equips members with the skills to lead
"I have developed leadership skills at university"
Net promoter score for KCLSU community leader support services
"I would recommend doing this role to a friend."
Developing communities for all students
Develop thriving student-led groups that connect and enrich members across a diverse range of shared interests, identities, goals and values.
Grow empathetic, compassionate, and nurturing communities where anyone can belong and feel supported throughout their student journey.
Curate events with student groups and partners, bringing the wider membership together and collectively learn, serve, agitate, perform and celebrate.
Develop bespoke activities with underserved members, providing inclusive opportunities for everyone.
Members find their community with KCLSU
"I feel part of a community that appreciates me for who I am"
Student group members 66%
Non-members 59%
Members are supported by their student communities
"I feel supported by my student community"
Student group members 60%
Non-members 55%
KCLSU enriches members' student experience
"Participating in student life beyond my academic commitments enriches my student experience"
Student group members 81%
Non-members 61%
Ensure our services are the safest possible places for our members
"I believe Guy's Bar is a safe and inclusive space"
Ensure our services are the safest possible places for our members
"I believe The Vault is a safe and inclusive space"
Provide our members with best value for money on campus, across our outlets
"I believe KCLSU bars are good value for money"
Building collective student power for educational and social change
Develop innovative participation structures so that members can identify shared interests arising from the membership and build collective voice.
Support members to escalate student insights and navigate institutional governance so they can influence decision making towards collective student interests.
Synthesise members' experiences with critical contextual insight so members understand their individual, collective, and institutional circumstances and are motivated to act.
Develop bespoke activities with underserved members, providing inclusive opportunities for everyone.
KCLSU has collective student power
"I feel empowered to work with my community to influence change"
Community leaders 57%
Non-leaders 43%
KCLSU represents members' interests
"My student representatives are working on issues that are important to students' experience"
67% How well does the Students' Union (association or guild) represent Students' academic interests
Protecting student rights and interests
Become a trusted and credible confidant by listening first without judgement feel their individual concerns are heard. so members.
Deliver advice and support tailored to individual's circumstances for members to defend their rights.
Provide accessible resources and information on members' rights and responsibilities individuals can act with agency, confidence, and choice.
Maintain, uphold, and enforce members' rights, representing them where necessary, to ensure fair treatment.
1,280 Monthly advice cases