SROC26
From Delegate to Organiser: Cath Beck’s Journey to SROC 2026
From Delegate to Organiser: My Journey to SROC 2026
Every year, the Student Records Officers Conference (SROC) brings together a variety of student records professionals from across higher education—people who keep universities running, who solve the unseen problems, and who champion the student experience from enrolment to graduation. What many attendees don’t see, though, is the SROC committee volunteers behind the scenes who design, plan, rethink, and reimagine the conference long before the first delegate arrives.
My first SROC was at the University of Warwick in 2007 and was the first time I had ever been to a proper conference. Although I had been working in HE since 2000, it was such an eye opener into the world of student records and all the potential roles there were. I learnt so much and was able to reflect on what I wanted to do and that there may possibly be a career in this crazy world of student records.
From there, I became more confident within my professional life, building on SROC networks and attended another 6 SROC conferences and numerous day events. When SROC put a call out in 2018 for new members, I took the plunge and I have had the privilege of being part of the SROC Steering Committee since. And here we are, 2026 and I am now the local organiser for this year’s conference at the University of Winchester.
Being on the SROC Steering committee has been an experience filled with collaboration, creativity, problem‑solving, and the shared commitment to give our sector the space it deserves to learn, connect, and grow.
What It’s Like on the Organising Committee
Being on the committee is a little like being part of a passionate project team that spans campuses across the country. Every member brings a different area of expertise—student records, data, compliance, enrolment, and more—which means every discussion is grounded in real challenges and real solutions from our sector.
Our year starts early:
- reviewing feedback from the previous conference
- shaping themes that reflect the changing HE landscape
- reaching out to potential hosts
- planning breakouts, keynotes, and the all‑important networking opportunities
There’s a lot of logistics, yes—but there’s also a lot of laughter, creativity, shared learning, and a genuine sense of purpose. You quickly realise that you’re helping shape something bigger than a single event. You’re contributing to a community.
Why Winchester? Why 2026?
The University of Winchester is a beautiful and welcoming setting for this year’s conference. From the historic campus surroundings to the modern learning spaces, it strikes the perfect balance between inspiration and practicality—exactly what SROC needs.
With our theme ‘Collaboration for Change’, we’ve designed the 2026 programme to reflect the challenges and opportunities facing higher education.
Whether you’re new to your role, stepping into leadership, or simply looking to refresh ideas and reconnect with colleagues, this year’s agenda offers something meaningful for everyone.
Why You Should Join Us
SROC has always been more than a conference. It’s a space where people understand your day‑to‑day reality. Where you can ask questions without judgement. Where someone in the room has definitely been through the obscure student-records headache you’re wrestling with.
By attending, you’ll leave with:
- practical takeaways to improve your processes
- inspiration from innovative practice across the sector
- connections with colleagues who “get it”
- renewed confidence in the impact of your work
And, perhaps most importantly: a reminder that you’re not doing this alone.
See You in Winchester
This will be my last SROC as a committee member as I step down later this year. Organising SROC 2026 has been an amazing experience—and I can’t wait to welcome you to the University of Winchester this year. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a familiar face, I promise you’ll leave feeling inspired, supported, and connected.
Bookings are open now—so secure your place, spread the word to your colleagues, and perhaps take that next step toward joining the committee.
We’d love to have you.
