Celebrating Gold Accredited Student Groups
79 Bristol SU groups go for gold!🏅
For the past eight years, Accreditation has been our way of recognising Student Groups who go above and beyond. It celebrates groups running high‑quality activities, supporting their members, and making a real difference to student life at Bristol.
Now that accreditation has closed for this year, we caught up with some of our brilliant Gold Accredited Student Groups to hear about what makes them special, what they’re proud of, and how accreditation helped shape their communities.
Women in STEM 👩🔬
Tell us about your group
Women in STEM is a welcoming community for women and marginalised genders studying a course under any of the STEM disciplines!
“What makes us unique is how much a single activity can offer at once. Through things like primary school outreach, members build friendships, support the wider community, and gain valuable experience for their CVs… it brings personal, social and professional development together really naturally.”
Accessibility is a big part of Women in STEM’s approach. Members can dip in and out of events without pressure to commit long‑term.
“People can come to one‑off events without feeling like they need to have been involved from the start… that really helps create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.”
What are you most proud of?
At the heart of the group is a strong commitment to inclusion.
“What we’re most proud of is the inclusive environment we’ve built. The accreditation process encouraged us to think more intentionally about the experience we offer and how to make it accessible and engaging for everyone.”
Cat Soc 🐈⬛
Tell us about your group
Cat Soc is a wholesome, welcoming Student Group built around a shared love of cats. They host free, sober socials every Wednesday during term time, creating a calm space where students can unwind and make friends.
Most events are arts‑and‑crafts based, so members can make something together and take it home. Popular events include tote bag painting, art nights, board games, pumpkin carving, movie nights, and collaborations with other Student Groups.
A key part of Cat Soc’s identity is their partnership with The Moggery, a local cat shelter, where around 15 members volunteer each week to help care for the cats.
“We think Cat Soc stands out because we offer something different. Our socials are low‑pressure and accessible, especially for students who prefer a calm space over the pub.”
What are you most proud of achieving during your accreditation journey?
“Accreditation encouraged us to reflect on what we already do well and find ways to strengthen it. It helped us be more intentional about being wholesome, welcoming, accessible and community‑focused.”
The process also supported Cat Soc to think more strategically about the future.
“It pushed us to think about accessibility, sustainability and partnerships… and it even led to us securing our first sponsor.”
How did accreditation help build your community?
“It helped us think more deliberately about the kind of society we wanted to be. For members, that translates into a group that feels more intentional and cared for.”
Accreditation also encouraged stronger links with Bristol SU and the wider Bristol community through collaboration, volunteering and democratic engagement.
University of Bristol Netball Club 🏃♀️
Tell us about your group
The University of Bristol Netball Club is a high‑performing yet inclusive Student Group, built around the ethos Together Everyone Achieves More.
With six BUCS teams, a development squad, and a large social netball group, the club balances competitive success with a strong sense of community.
This year brought plenty of standout moments, including their first alumni event, a Bristol Uni Sport Instagram takeover showcasing BUCS fixtures, and a packed Derby Day that brought the whole club together.
“UBNC is more than a sports club. It’s a supportive, ambitious community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
What are you most proud of achieving during your accreditation journey?
“Achieving Gold accreditation reflects the work that goes on across the club all year. It’s shown just how much we do, both on and off the court.”
Highlights included Give it a Go sessions, Movember events, and community initiatives — including placing second in a sanitary product collection drive supporting local causes.
“The scheme helped reinforce an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute.”
How did accreditation strengthen your sense of community?
“It gave us a clearer structure and purpose, helping us move beyond just being a training and social club.”
Accreditation supported new initiatives like the club’s family scheme, bringing together players from different squads and breaking down barriers between performance, development and social teams.
“It helped create a more connected, club‑wide identity and a more inclusive culture.”
Well done to all of our Accredited groups!
We're really proud to say that this year we have:
79 gold groups
26 silver groups
36 bronze groups
You can find the full list of groups over on the Accreditation webpage. Congratulations everyone!
