Networks are informal groupings of u3as usually local to each other. Representatives from each u3a meet to share ideas, events, speakers, and training sessions, to discuss issues and to support each other.
Networks are vital links in the communication chain across the organisation and are recognised and valued by the Trust.
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Network Link
Network Link is an opportunity for networks and clusters of u3as from across the movement to meet, share news and connect. Network Link sends out regular News for Networks emails and holds three online meetings a year - details about the meetings can be found in the emails. To stay up to date with everything Networks-related, sign up to our News for Network emails.
Network Link Chair
Flintshire u3a member Karen Green is the Chair of Network Link.
Network Link supports the networks across the u3a movement and provides opportunities for members of these networks to connect with each other. There are three meetings a year, where member u3as learn valuable information that will help with the running of their networks and for members to share ideas and experiences with each other. Previous topics for meetings have included using AI to simplify the work of running a u3a and what it takes to run a large regional u3a event.
Karen replaced Sue Russell, who had been in the role since 2022 and is now Chair of the u3a Council. Karen has been a member of Flintshire u3a for three years and currently sits on its committee as Vice Chair. She says about her connection with u3a, "I am committed to the ethos of the u3a movement—lifelong learning, sharing skills and having fun!"
She continues, "Network Link is a vital forum within u3a. It offers a valuable space for network representatives to come together, discuss shared challenges, celebrate successes, provide mutual support, and explore new ways to support local u3as. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that members’ voices are heard and reflected in decisions at every level and I am keen to help strengthen these connections across the u3a movement.
u3a networks are informal groups of u3as, often local to each other, who share ideas and experiences with each other. Networks encapsulate the skill-sharing that is key to the u3a ethos, while also enabling members to build connections and friendships beyond their own individual u3as.
To stay updated on networks and Network Link click the button below:
Meeting queries
If you have any questions about Network Link meetings, please send us a message.
What Networks do
This depends on what the member u3as forming the Network want, and can offer, but it could include:
- Developing and sharing lists of potential speakers.
- Organising Network study/interest days for members of the Network's u3as (and sometimes neighbouring u3as).
- Organising training/information events for u3a committee members, potential committee members, group leaders/convenors etc.
- Organising shared learning projects.
- Establishing links with outside organisations, such as universities, and participating in local initiatives.
- Providing a regular forum for member u3as to meet to share information, disseminate good practice and discuss issues of concern.
- Sharing resources and setting up reciprocal interest group arrangements between members of the Network.
- Producing a newsletter.
- Arranging inter-u3a competitions.
- Increasing awareness of u3a in the community.
- Supporting communications to and from The Third Age Trust.
Network Structures
If you are interested in setting up a network, this section will provide further information. Networks can be regionally based or subject based. Or if you are looking for a network to join, please see the page Current Networks.
Each Network chooses its own organisational structure, some are very informal with no constitution or procedural rules, no committee, and no bank accounts, instead, the u3as could take it in turns to organise meetings and events. Other Networks may prefer to have a constitution which governs the running of the Network and defines the frequency of meetings, rules for elections to the committee, banking arrangements etc. If you intend to set up a Network bank account, you will need a constitution. Contact the Trust on
For further information about setting up a Network, please refer to: How to start and set up a network.
Funding and use of the u3a logo
Many Networks levy a small capitation fee on their member u3as. Others charge one flat rate, or a fee related to membership bands. Others choose different ways to raise funds. Some choose not to charge and ensure that all events are self-funded, but it is important that Networks remain solvent.
If your network wishes to use the u3a logo, you will have to sign a Network Affiliation Agreement (NAA) with the Trust. A copy is available from the u3a office and your signed copy will need to be sent to the CEO of the Trust for signature and retention:
Peer Support Groups and Role-based Networks
A Peer Group is defined as a grouping of members holding similar committee roles or other responsibilities within their u3a. (e.g. a ‘Treasurers’ peer group). A Peer Group or Role-Based Network would enable members to suggest ways of solving shared problems, describe best practice and exchange ideas for new developments, etc. The members could be current post-holders but could also be past or prospective postholders or an ordinary u3a member – wherever the interest or competency lies.
The Network Link Team has expanded the previous guidance on setting up and running peer support groups with input from various networks and u3as.
Download the latest Peer Group advice document below.
Peer Support Groups Guidance (72.02 KB)
Membership of any Network is voluntary. Some Networks cross regional boundaries. Some u3as choose to belong to more than one Network, especially if they are situated on county borders. It isn’t necessary to join the Network nearest to you. Networks can also work together.
In some places there may be small Networks of four or five neighbouring u3as working together inside a larger Network.
Click on the button below to view u3a's current networks.
