For information on the memorial event for Ian King, please click here.

Ian King was undoubtedly one of the people who made some of the most significant contributions to the national students’ union movement since its inception. Over the past 35 years there has rarely been a significant strategic move that has not included his wise counsel and assistance. His unique political skills and antennae coupled with the trust of officers both locally and nationally made him a ready source of ideas and advice.

He devoted his life to improving students’ lives and he always had this in mind when undertaking his many roles within students’ unions.

Ian started his involvement in unions whilst he was a student at Stirling University and his interest led him, on leaving Stirling to decide on applying for posts within students’ unions.

In 1976 he was appointed General Manager at York St. John’s University Union where he served for two and a half years. This was followed by a spell at the Polytechnic of Wales, as General Manager from 1978 until 1981.

He was then appointed to Manchester Polytechnic Students Union which was described at the time as one of the most challenging roles in UK students’ unions. He steered them through very difficult times politically with their ongoing support for the miners at the time of their srike. This is undoubtedly where he honed his political management skills and gave wonderful support and guidance to an often ‘besieged’ officer team and divided executive.

Despite this, during his time at Manchester, in 1981 he joined with seven other unions to form Alice’s Restaurant – an alternative to the existing National Purchasing Consortium at that time. They negotiated contracts on amusement machines, stationary and sweatshirts and did much to eventually move the Purchasing Consortium into a more effective and democratic function – a role he would return to later in his career.

His next role was as General Manager at Birmingham University Guild of Students where he enjoyed ‘ten happy, satisfying and innovative years’. During this time he not only reorganised their commercial services but, after attending a number of Association of College Unions International Conferences in the USA, brought back and introduced one of the first student development/ activity strategies in UK unions. It is interesting to note that although remembered by most for his commercial work he was one of a few people who first advised officers that the future of students’ unions should concentrate on non commercial activities. At the time of his leaving the Guild had become one of the UK’s leading student organisations.

During his time as a General Manager he also served in numerous national roles. He was a driving force behind the Bars Consortium which made such a significant difference to local union’s finances. He was involved in the strategic development of national purchasing eventually assisting in steering it to its present structure. He was also involved in the students’ union’s management organisations – SUSOC, then becoming AMSU.

He was also consulted during this time on major NUS issues by many national officers who respected his opinion and could be sure of his integrity, confidentiality and availability.

After ten years at the Guild he decided to apply for the post of Chief Executive at NUS Services Ltd based in Macclesfield. This was a difficult decision for him as he and his family loved the Birmingham area and he loved his job at the Guild. They decided that if he were successful with his application, which he was, they would remain in Warwickshire and he would travel to Macclesfield.

As with all his other posts he introduced rapid change to NUSSL, increasing its effectiveness and making it more accessible to its members.

Amongst numerous achievements in this role he will be remembered for defending the value of the purchasing contracts despite declining markets returning the organisation to its members and enhancing the volunteering experience from that encountered previously.

He enjoyed the role and was at his happiest when visiting individual unions giving advice to officers and staff, not only on NUSSL issues but on local issues too.

During this time he extended his contacts with union officers and staff. As a result he was a confidant, advisor and support to many, particularly when they needed urgent help.

The hours and effort that Ian put into his jobs were astonishing and reflected his commitment to, and belief in his work.

Unfortunately Ian had ill health for the last eleven years of life. During that time he had major surgery many times and became increasingly ill. Ian faced this with courage, fortitude and humour which was an inspiration to all who knew him at this time. He was determined that a brain tumour was not going to restrict his activities in any way and it was this attitude that assisted him in fighting his declining health for so many years. He carried on working, virtually at his usual hectic pace until 2009.

He continued with his many interests in life, mainly travel, sport and the arts. He was a keen cricket fan and a supporter of the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Ian gained most joy in his involvement assisting in the development of individual unions but most important to him was his role in the development of people – both students and staff.

His legacy is that many people have gained much for him being part of their lives and in many instances he has been one of the people who has had most influence on them in their future lives. In 2010, Ian was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the student movement.

Ian will be rightly proud that he made a difference. His was a life of service, devotion and care to individuals. His spirit lives on in many, many people and we thank him for it and celebrate a great life lived. We remember his courage, humour, motivation and generosity.

To many people he will be irreplaceable.

We think particularly of Becky, Amy and the rest of Ian’s family at this time.

To read a collection of tributes to Ian, click here.

Donations can be made to either to Myton Hospice, Warwick or to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) through
Alison Cannings, John Taylor Funeral Services, 178 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HU. Cheques can be made out to Myton Hospice or CBSO with a cover note saying it's for Ian.