National Association of Student Money Advisers

Delivering an effective support network Student Money Advisers since 1995

Types of membership The membership year runs from September to August.

Type / Eligibility
Ordinary / Ordinary members must be in post as a student money adviser or discretionary fund/bursary administrator in either a university, college of higher education, student union or guild or association.
Accredited / Accredited members must meet the criteria for ordinary membership, have been a member of NASMA for one year and completed 16 hours of continuing professional development (refer to CPD Activity Matrix). Working towards to Accredited status demonstrates an individual commitment to professional development. Members will keep a learning log as they access and disseminate training in order to continuously review their development. Fully accredited members will be the only membersof NASMA entitled to use the Accredited logo in all correspondence.
Associate / Associate membership is available for those not working in a student money advice role but feel NASMA would benefit their role or organisation. This may apply to wider advisory roles or charities.

NASMA benefits matrix

Item / Details / Ord. / Acc’d / Assoc.
Training
Accessible year round. To include a variety of topics to cater for the needs and diversity of members / Delivered free of charge via the regional meetings and incorporating topics such as welfare state benefits and debt management. / Yes, / Yes / Yes
National briefings provide essential funding news to keep advisers abreast of all the latest funding changes as they occur. Available at a reduced rate. / Yes
/ Yes / Yes
(Assoc. rate)
Training is organised each yearand varies from Introduction to Student Funding, Cross Nation funding and Welfare benefits. Available at a reduced rate. / Yes / Yes / Yes
(Assoc. rate)
The Annual Professional Development Event (APDE) includes a programme of training workshops, IAG and networking. Available at a reduced rate. / Yes / Yes / Yes
(Assoc. rate)
Mailbase 365 days / Access to the mailbaseprovides an opportunity to learn from and contribute to an activeand thematicdialogue of funding topics. Memberscan post daily in line with a protocol of conduct. / Yes / Yes / No
Website Resources / The website contains useful andinformative training materials and resources. There is a dedicated members’ area. / Yes / Yes / Yes
Regional MeetingsNetworking / Regional meetings provide training and a safe platform to share information relating to the administration of funds or responses to governmental changes. / Yes / Yes / Yes
Sub groups and Working groups CPD / Sub groups and working groups include training & development, communications, research & fundraising and policy development participation is ideal for ordinary members wishing to contribute to their accredited status and on-going CPD development. / Yes / Yes / Yes
NSMWRaising profiles / National Student Money Week, established by NASMA helps to raise awareness and improve financial capability of students whilst alsoshowcasing the importance of financial support, advice and guidance. / Yes / Yes / Yes
Voting rights / Enables members to have their say on NASMA policy and the election of futureBoard members. / Yes / Yes / No
Accredited NASMA logo / Use of accredited status logo demonstrateson-going professional development. / No / Yes / No

Good Practice Guidelines
NASMA’sGood Practice Guidelines formthe professional commitments placed on all members (Ordinary and Associate) working in the field of student money advice.

Competence and Behaviour
  • Uphold professional knowledge and competence
  • Act in conjunction with the representative institution
  • Understand personal limits and seek appropriate support in areas of uncertainty
  • Provide professional, up-to-date and intuitive advice services and sign-post where appropriate
  • Accept responsibility for their own professional actions and decisions
  • Remain professional at all times providing a high standard of accurate and relevant information to all stakeholders
  • Continuous monitoring and review of the delivery of your service.
/ External Representation
  • Always act in ways which support and advocates the reputation of the profession
  • Be considerate of their responsibilities as advisers towards the wider community
  • Observe and act in accordance with the legal and regulatory context of advice and not encourage, assist or collude with others who may be engaged in unlawful conduct
  • Understand the distinction between acting in a personal and professional capacity
  • Participate and be proactive in the engagement of others as a role model for maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in the role of adviser
  • Contribute to the overall aims of NASMA and work where possible work within appropriate regions

Ethical Standards and Integrity
  • Act with impartiality and build relationships based on confidence, trust and respect
  • Demonstrate professional and personal integrity and honesty at all times
  • Demonstrate sensitivity for the customs, practise, culture and personal beliefs of others
  • Disseminate information, advice and guidance that promotes equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion
  • Treat the opinions and ideas of other members with respect, adhering to the mailbase protocol and in recognition of the diversity of membership organisations.
/ Safe Practice
  • Safeguard all confidential and personal data acquired and dispose of it according to the law relating to data protection and representative institutional guidelines and not use it for personal advantage or the benefit or detriment of third parties.
  • Demonstrate and promote fair and reasonable standards in the treatment of people seeking information, advice and guidance
  • Operate within the confines of the law and challenge or bring to the attention of others if they suspect unlawful or unethical conduct or behaviour
  • Promote development and participation in training and personal development appropriate to the role undertaken
  • Ensure that individuals and those working for them have the appropriate level of competence, supervision and support.

I agree to the good practice guidelines laid out above and understand that failure to do so may result in the termination of my membership in conjunction with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Signed: ………………………………..Job Role: …………………………………….

Institution: ……………………………………………………………………………………