Bedford College Staff Association Bedford College Assistant Staff Association

The Bedford College Staff Association was founded in 1917, and brought together (on an irregular basis) all members of staff, both academic and administrative, to deliberate on matters of common interest. Later it became responsible for organising the Senior Common Room and a varying programme of social events, such as Christmas celebrations and the end of session Summer party. The Bedford College Assistant Staff Association was formed in 1918 to ensure that the Assistant Staff had a voice in various issues affecting the government of the College and their own status. Its meetings were few, however, due to the creation of the Association of University Teachers in the following year (1919), which had the same preoccupations. The AUT was founded for the 'advancement of University education and research, and the promotion of common action among University teachers and the safeguarding of the interests of its members'. The first Annual Meeting of the AUT was held at Bedford College in Jun 1920.