M·E·L Research Partners with CUBO for In-depth Membership Study
M·E·L Research is pleased to announce that we have been commissioned by College & University Business Officers (CUBO), the association for leaders and teams working in commercial and campus services within higher and further education sectors across the UK and Ireland. Our task is to undertake a comprehensive study aimed at understanding CUBO’s current membership dynamics, engagement levels, and perceptions of the value provided by the association. This project underscores our track record of delivering insightful research that informs strategic development and enhances member experiences within professional associations and other membership bodies.
CUBO has a well-established mission to lead and promote excellence in the development of campus life, services, and the student experience. Serving over 1000 professionals from more than 100 institutions, CUBO is dedicated to ensuring its offerings meet the evolving needs of its members. In alignment with this mission, our research will provide critical insights that will help CUBO to enhance its membership engagement and value proposition. Elliot Simmonds, the project lead, said:
“Having worked with CUBO previously with a specific focus on the Accommodation Code of Conduct, it is great to be able to partner with them at a whole organisation level. We’re looking forward to engaging with CUBO members from across the UK and Ireland, hearing their views, and providing guidance on what the next steps for the organisation might be in terms of membership offer.”
Study Focus Areas:
Membership Composition and Demographics: We aim to map out the geographical distribution and demographic profiles of CUBO’s membership to understand the diversity within the association. This will include an analysis of professional roles, disciplines, and the distribution of members across different regions and institutions.
Engagement Levels and Patterns: Our research will assess the current levels of engagement among CUBO members, exploring the factors that influence engagement, including seasonality and specific events. We will analyse how engagement varies among audiences and institutions and identify what drives these differences.
Membership Benefits: Understanding members’ awareness and utilisation of CUBO’s benefits is crucial. Our study will evaluate how effectively these benefits are being used and identify opportunities for improving communication and expanding offerings.
Current Offerings and Engagement Gaps: We will review the effectiveness of CUBO’s current services, identify less engaged segments, and explore reasons behind reduced participation.
Research Approach:
Our approach to this study encompasses a thorough review of existing data, in-depth interviews with CUBO’s board members and the wider membership, and an extensive online survey to capture a wide range of member perspectives. The findings will inform strategic decisions and initiatives aimed at enhancing member value and engagement.
A key component of our methodology is a follow-up co-creation workshop, designed to engage CUBO members directly in the development of future strategies based on the research findings. This collaborative effort will ensure that the insights gained through the study directly inform actionable strategies for CUBO’s continued growth and success.
We look forward to sharing our progress and findings with both CUBO and its wider membership as the study advances. Together, we are committed to shaping a future where the association continues to thrive and deliver exceptional value to its members across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
As of April 2024, CUBO members should have received an invitation to take part. If you have not, please email: Katherine.Atkinson@melresearch.co.uk with the subject line ‘CUBO Link Request’.
M·E·L Research is pleased to welcome four new colleagues to our growing team, strengthening our research and evaluation expertise as we continue to expand our services and support clients.
The appointments of Laura Karban, Associate Director; Bethan Jewsbury, Senior Evaluation Managers; and Chloe Parker, Research Manager, alongside Rhoslyn Davies, who joins us on a short-term basis to provide additional senior evaluation support, bring a wealth of experience across social research, evaluation, public policy…
It was an absolute honour to attend the Women’s Health Conference in London this week, bringing together clinicians, policymakers, campaigners and others passionate about improving women’s health.
As a researcher specialising in women’s health social research, I was excited to have the opportunity to learn, be challenged and exchange ideas with people who share that passion. And I wasn’t disappointed.
There has (quite rightly) been a lot of discussion recently about the gender health gap. But some of the evidence shared…
We are pleased to be working with the MS Society on new health and care social research exploring how health and care services can better support people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and help reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
The health and care social research study will focus on opportunities for earlier intervention and more coordinated, preventative support, while recognising that hospital admission is sometimes clinically necessary. It will…
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at Collections Inside & Out, a symposium hosted at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden, bringing together people working across gardens, horticulture, heritage, collections and interpretation.
I was, perhaps, a slight interloper among so many people with deep horticultural expertise but every presentation was incredibly interesting and I learned a lot – and broadly managed to follow the general flow of what was being said (still not 100% au fait with taxa…
We’re pleased to share that our Commercial Director, Elliot Simmonds, will be speaking at the Collections Inside & Out symposium at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden on 24 September 2026. Bringing together professionals working across heritage collections, gardens and landscapes, the symposium will explore the relationship between indoor and outdoor heritage and the opportunities created by thinking about them as part of a connected visitor experience.
Elliot’s session, “Integrating Indoor…
M·E·L Research has been named the winner of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Value & Ethical Research 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards.
The award recognises the values that shape both the work we choose to undertake and the way we deliver it. From building trauma-informed practices into our research to improving inclusion and reinvesting in the communities around us, social responsibility is part of how we operate every day.
M·E·L Research joined the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) at the House of Lords this week for the launch of a new report exploring the experiences of dyslexic young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Tamsin Maries, Senior Research Manager, and Elliot Simmonds, Commercial Manager, represented M·E·L Research at the event…
New UK-wide research from M·E·L Research’s SPARK report shows improving mental health indicators alongside continuing exposure to suicide, widespread lifetime suicidal thoughts and significant gaps in practical knowledge.
Suicide prevention depends on understanding not only how many people are affected, but also how confident the public feel about recognising risk, starting difficult conversations and finding appropriate support. The Spring 2026 SPARK report from M·E·L Research brings these issues together, providing a detailed picture of attitudes…
