You don’t want to do that: 10 reasons why you shouldn’t work with Alkhemy

You know, you really shouldn’t work with us - I don’t think it’s for you.

Not convinced? Take a look at 10 reasons why you shouldn’t work with Alkhemy.

1. You don’t need any additional capacity to deliver student voice services and projects.

Here’s a really great reason not to work with us.?

Overflowing with capacity to deliver student voice services? No need for us, then! Alkhemy's capacity building programmes offer experienced practitioners, but you've got it all covered, right?

Here at Alkhemy our capacity building programmes can help you deliver projects, services and areas of work for less that it would cost to employ someone, without all the hassle.

But, if you’re all set you certainly don’t need to work with us.

2. You’re not interested in increasing engagement and participation

We can help run your structures and processes for you OR we can work with you and your members to review your structures so you can engage more students and offer a relevant and accessible way for students to engage with your organisation.

You could work with us on your own Democracy Revolution, but why would you want that? You’re happy with your participation levels, aren’t you?

3. Your Advice Service does not need any additional support

You’re all set in your advice service, you understand the changing needs of your students and that is reflected in the service you provide. You are also managing the volume of case work without the need for additional help and support.

Alkhemy can review your advice service offer but can also offer cover, support and capacity to help ease the burden on your team and offer a great service to students. But this is probably not for you, so keep scrolling.

4. Wellbeing of your people and officers is top notch, burnout is not an issue for your team.

From auditing your approach to wellbeing, drafting a wellbeing and mental health strategy to offering training on how to be a mindful and empathic leader - we got you and your wellbeing needs covered. IntentionWell: Intentional Wellbeing

But burnout isn't even in your dictionary, you’re good.

5. You’re quite happy living in the past and not up for challenging the status quo and being disruptive

We believe in polite disruption and challenging the status quo - you can expect that to be embedded in all our programmes and services. If that’s not for you, don’t work with us - it’s that simple. Stick with the tried-and-true.

6. Relationships within your officer teams and staff team are continually thriving?

We can develop your officers into a functioning and thriving team. We also specialise in building working relationships and positive cultures between officers and staff, by leaning into conflict and honest conversations.?

7. You don’t want your student engagement staff to be part of an innovative support programme for coordinators and middle managers.

Our Student Voice Support Programme is… well, here’s a lovely testimonial:

“I would absolutely recommend the Student Voice Support Programme to anyone in a Student Voice role position right now who wants to develop their career and be successful in all that they do. It’s been a genuinely life changing experience for me and one which I will forever remain grateful for.“ – Cohort member 2021/22

Here is another one:

"My team was part of Alkhemy’s Student Voice Support Programme last year and they spoke highly of their experience, both the coaching element and the collaborative sessions with other Students' Union staff on the programme.

I myself have had coaching and mentoring from Alkhemy during a challenging time of change and it was definitely time well spent, not only did we explore the different challenges and avenues, the Alkhemy and Ollie's approach and philosophy enabled me to think with a positive mindset and how to work forward whilst also thinking about the reasons why we need to change our approach or perception.

At this time, I needed someone who could question and challenge me but also had all the knowledge I needed for me to work through to solutions.

I would highly recommend this programme. Thank you!" - Cohort member 2022/23

8. You’re happy running the same, predictable campaigns every year

You’re quite happy running legacy campaigns, events and awareness-raising initiatives - students don’t change so why should you, right?

We develop bespoke training programmes for change makers. If you want your campaigning work to have a lasting impact and move beyond awareness raising and events - Alkhemy can support you.

We also offer coaching for delivery of campaigns and projects to ensure ongoing support - but you’ve got that down so no need to talk to us about that.

Our bespoke training and coaching for change makers might be too exciting for you. Keep things predictable.

9. You don’t need interim management support

Fair enough, but Alkhemy have first hand experience of senior management and leadership and so can offer you interim management and support

We can come into your team and offer a safe pair of hands, to give you the time to recruit, reorganise and regroup.?

10. You have lots of money and are not interested in getting quality consultancy and capacity for less

Money to burn? Our competitive day rates and service costs debunk the myth of expensive consultants, but you're not interested in quality consultancy for less, is that correct?

Our day rates for our consultants are extremely competitive. There is a myth out there that consultants and outside organisations cost too much to bring in. We’re debunking this.

We have options to suit all budgets and contexts.

Take a look: www.alkhemy.org.uk or email: [email protected]???

We’re recruiting: Come Join the Disruption

Listen, if you don’t want to partner with Alkhemy, there’s no way you’d want to join our team? Just in case here is some more information.

Alkhemy, a social impact consultancy, is expanding its team and seeking passionate individuals to join us in two exciting roles: Consultancy Development Officer and Student Advice Caseworker. Our mission is to empower student voices and ensure accessibility is at the centre of our work, all while bringing respectfully disruptive innovations to the education and charity sectors.

As our Student Advice Caseworker, you'll run and deliver our Alkhemy Adviser Programme, supporting Students' Unions with advice capacity on money matters, housing, general wellbeing, academic advice, and more. We're looking for experienced individuals who can manage caseloads professionally, build strong relationships with partners, and contribute to the development of our advice programme.

As our Consultancy Development Officer, you'll have the opportunity to work on bespoke projects, build partnerships, and shape your role as you grow within our organisation. We see this as an entry level role, but open to hearing from you if you think you'd be great fit. Our pioneering "Preemptive Recruitment" approach offers a more flexible and empowering experience for candidates, ensuring a better long-term fit.

Both roles offer a flexible 32-hour work week, competitive salary, uncapped annual leave, and primarily work remotely with occasional travel to university campuses.

Are you ready to challenge the status quo and be part of something innovative??

Check out the full job descriptions for the Consultancy Development Officer and Student Advice Caseworker positions and apply now to join our mission at Alkhemy.