Helping you
Providing professional training and development to those working within Students Money Advice.
Training & Development
NASMA offers a variety of training and development events throughout the year both regionally and nationally. Events include formal training by nationally recognised experts which ensures our members are kept up to date with the latest funding changes as they occur, and properly equipped to tackle difficult cases, as well as those issues that they deal with on a day to day basis.
NASMA Mail-base
NASMA members benefit from access to the mail-base 365 days a year. This is a JISCMail forum which provides an opportunity for members to learn from and contribute to an active and thematic dialogue of funding topics.
Regional Meetings
Regional Meetings take place around 3 times per membership year. These meetings provide regional training opportunities and are a platform to share information and best practice. As NASMA is member-led, the agenda and guest speakers are always relevant to members’ needs.
Delivering an effective support network since 1995.
We have members in all four countries in the UK and collectively we are recognised as the leading authority on all matters relating to student advice and funding.
Join a national community of student advisors
NASMA is the National Association of Student Money Advisers. We have members in all four countries in the UK and collectively we are recognised as the leading authority on all matters relating to student advice and funding.
Kellie McAlonan
NASMA Chair
Jess Bates
Vice-Chair Governance & Operations
Shahida Ahmed
Vice-Chair Training & Development
Louise Reid
Financial Capability Champion
Graham Wright
Campaigns Coordinator
Ann Clowes
England Policy
Debbie Forsey
Northern Ireland Policy
Vicki Kinninmonth
Scotland Policy
Einir England
Wales Policy
Benefits
Why Join NASMA?
NASMA membership provides a community of support. The website contains useful and informative training and development along with a dedicated Members Area containing additional resources and materials.
Annual Conference
The NASMA Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to network with other NASMA members from across the UK, as well as to attend a programme of high-quality training and development workshops.
Student Money Advice Awards
Our prestigious Student Money Advice Awards are awarded annually at the Gala Dinner that takes place as part of our conference. They provide a great opportunity for members to showcase their hard work, and to share this best practice and success with the sector.
Accreditation and CPD
NASMA operate an accreditation scheme for members, at no extra cost. There are lots of opportunities to work towards this, such as attendance at Regional Meetings and NASMA training events which contribute to CPD hours. There are also opportunities to join committees and working groups which is an ideal way of gaining additional CPD development.
Representation
Through the NASMA Board and experienced NASMA members, we are able to reach key decision makers with the experiences of those working directly with students. Through the strength of the membership and our excellent links we can raise matters of relevance and are often consulted before final decisions are made. This extends beyond student funding, across to debt and welfare benefits and other issues that impact on students.
Learn live, refresh later.
Our courses are live and interactive with real case studies. Following the session, we carefully collate the session information, removing sensitive information, into a summary document so you can check back to refresh your knowledge whenever suits.
Featured Courses
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EXPLORING AI IN STUDENT MONEY ADVICE
More infoEXPLORING AI IN STUDENT MONEY ADVICE
Date:
12th February 2026
Time:
10:00 -
11:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
Matt Townsend
AI is enriching professional services, and NASMA members have told us they want to explore its potential. Join this open discussion forum around AI in student money advice, facilitated by Matthew Townsend (Senior AI specialist at Jisc), to build on the inspiring AI session at last year’s conference and share practical ideas, challenges, and good practice.
You don’t need to arrive with polished answers or technical knowledge. Curiosity is enough. Sharing an example, a concern, or even something that didn’t work is hugely valuable.
Buy now pay later debts: what does the future hold?
More infoBuy now pay later debts: what does the future hold?
Date:
27th January 2026
Time:
10:00 -
11:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
IMA
This workshop explores Buy now pay later debts (e.g. Klarna, Clearpay) and the new rules that are set to be introduced to regulate them next year. These new rules will grant greater protection for consumers, including those outlined under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act as well as the option to raise a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman.
Debt & Mental Health: What You Need to Know
More infoDebt & Mental Health: What You Need to Know
Date:
17th February 2026
Time:
10:00 -
11:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
IMA
This session explores the link between debt and mental health. In particular it will focus on the use of the Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form when dealing with creditors as well as the possibility of requesting write-offs as an option for debtors who have been affected by their mental health.
All Courses
National Student Money Week 2026 Launch Event
More infoNSMW26 Launch
Date:
15th January 2026
Time:
14:00 -
15:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
NASMA
NASMA are pleased to host a launch event for National Student Money Week 2026, delivered by Kellie McAlonan, NASMA Chair.
The theme this year is Future Ready: Money Skills for Success, taking place the week of 2nd to 6th March 2026.
At this event we will showcase the Campaign Pack and resources that will be available to help you deliver this campaign on your campuses, as well as the external partnerships that have been developed to support this national campaign.
Join us to kick start you National Student Money Week 2026 planning.
This online event is also open to non-members, who are keen to engage in National Student Money Week activity.
National Student Money Week 2026 - Members Discussion Forums - Session 1
More infoNational Student Money Week 2026 - Discussion Forums - Session 1
Date:
19th January 2026
Time:
14:00 -
15:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
NASMA
NASMA are pleased to host National Student Money Week 2026 Discussion Forums. These events will provide a platform for discussion and sharing best practice, to help you kick start your campaign planning.
Tell us what you are doing in your institution, what has worked and what hasn't. This is also a great platform to ask questions of fellow members if you are new to National Student Money Week.
Space is limited as we want to keep the numbers of participants at a level conducive to an effective discussion, so please book quickly to avoid disappointment.
There are two different sessions to choose from. If more than one member of your team wishes to attend, we recommend attending different sessions to benefit more fully from the varied discussion we expect.
National Student Money Week 2026 - Members Discussion Forums - Session 2
More infoNational Student Money Week 2026 - Discussion Forums - Session 2
Date:
22nd January 2026
Time:
11:00 -
12:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
NASMA
NASMA are pleased to host National Student Money Week 2026 Discussion Forums. These events will provide a platform for discussion and sharing best practice, to help you kick start your campaign planning.
Tell us what you are doing in your institution, what has worked and what hasn't. This is also a great platform to ask questions of fellow members if you are new to National Student Money Week.
Space is limited as we want to keep the numbers of participants at a level conducive to an effective discussion, so please book quickly to avoid disappointment.
There are two different sessions to choose from. If more than one member of your team wishes to attend, we recommend attending different sessions to benefit more fully from the varied discussion we expect.
Empowering Students Through Financial Wellbeing Workshops
More infoEmpowering Students Through Financial Wellbeing Workshops
Date:
3rd February 2026
Time:
11:00 -
12:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
Ellie Jacobson
According to the House of Lords, a young person needs 30 hours of financial education to be financially literate. However, across many campuses, students are arriving at university with little or no prior financial education. One effective way to build their financial literacy is through dedicated financial capability workshops that equip them with the tools and skills they need to thrive financially.
Join Ellie Jacobson from University of Manchester Students' Union who has delivered financial wellbeing workshops across two institutions. Her workshops have covered budgeting, money management, and finances after university topics to ensure students feel confident with money after graduation.
In this webinar, we’ll cover how to structure a Finances After University workshop linking to the theme of NSMW26 and makes money conversations feel accessible and relevant to current students. We’ll also share examples of effective activities and resources, along with tips for encouraging attendance and sustaining student participation.
Completed Courses
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Helping, Not Hindering: Rethinking How We Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
More infoHelping, Not Hindering: Rethinking How We Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
Date:
27th November 2025
Time:
14:00 -
15:30
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
NASMA
Across campuses, more students are navigating the challenges of housing insecurity and homelessness—often silently. When students face homelessness, good intentions aren’t always enough, and the age old question of 'duty of care' often arises.
Join us for this panel with sector practitioners, where we will discuss support approaches, looking at the key considerations needed to offer the best support to students, in a student-centred approach.
You'll hear from Amy Byrne from Manchester Metropolitan University who has been researching hidden student homelessness, and from Matt Parkin and Kellie McAlonan who will share the thought processes and approaches that go into their institutional responses in these cases.
There will be an opportunity to share challenges and best practice, so come prepared to ask questions, not just of the panel, but the wider NASMA audience.
SAAS Funding Awareness Team - Information sessions for HEI staff
More infoSAAS Funding Awareness Team - Information sessions for HEI staff
Date:
8th October 2025
Time:
11:00 -
12:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
SAAS
This sessions will provide a “back to basics” overview of the funding schemes administered by SAAS including residency and previous study.
This sessions will be suitable for staff across the institution including new staff, or those who would like a refresher and will allow staff an opportunity to ask questions which will enhance your engagement with students.
During the session we will:
- explain the funding available from SAAS for students planning to undertake higher education courses (HNC/HND/Degree courses); and
- provide advice on our general residence eligibility and previous study arrangements; and
- answer any questions attendees have about assisting students with their application and the funding available;
- provide advice on how students can provide the necessary supporting evidence for their application.
Hardship Fund guidance for 2025/26 webinar
More infoHardship Fund guidance for 2025/26 webinar
Date:
24th July 2025
Time:
15:00 -
16:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
NASMA
This session provides an update on developments within the Hardship Fund guidance for 2025/26, particularly with regard to developments for postgraduate assessments. There will also be some practical content regarding the use of the calculation sheets which accompany the guidance, including how to customise for your own institution.
Money Mentors Workshop
More infoMoney Mentors Workshop
Date:
9th June 2025
Time:
11:00 -
12:30
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
NASMA Members
This 90-minute workshop will let you hear more about successful Money Mentor schemes in different parts of the UK. Join us as members from 3 institutions tell you more about their individual experiences of employing students in a Money Mentor capacity. You will then have the opportunity to ask questions to find out more.
Money Mentors are paid student employees who work part time during their studies and assist Money & Welfare teams with the delivery of their services. How they participate can vary from helping out at events, writing blogs, helping with service delivery or developing resources. All depending on how the service is set up and the way they have been employed.
Join us to find out more.
Media Training
More infoMedia Training
Date:
21st May 2025
Time:
10:00 -
12:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
Matt Needham
This informative and engaging session will be a practical, easy to digest 2 hour virtual seminar. Matt will cover the basics from how to write a short, relevant press release, when is an appropriate time to do so and how to find and develop contacts with the local media.
- Key messaging
- What journalists are looking for
- Storytelling techniques – including approaching the media and writing press releases
- Key tips and advice re print, radio and TV
- Controlling the narrative – including bridging and steering
- Statements
- Q&A
SLC - Student Finance: Get ready for the launch
More infoSLC - Student Finance: Get ready for the launch
Date:
9th April 2025
Time:
14:00 -
15:00
Location:
NASMA Website
Facilitated by:
SLC
The Funding Information Services Team will be delivering a training session focusing on how to prepare students for Undergraduate application launch will be included, covering mailing lists, resources and key messages. During this session the FIS Team will also produce MI data to draw insight on application trends by household income, independent students and timely applications. This session should provide you with the tools and insight required to assist your students with readying for their student finance applications, ensuring they are applying on time and correctly.