The SPA aims to provide support and training for student journalists, encourage best practice, and recognise success.

[2] It is a non-profit body run by a team of 26 volunteers, with six elected committee members, eight appointed regional officers, and up to eight trustees.

[4] The association was formed in 2012[5] and holds an annual national conference and awards ceremony for student journalists,[6][7][8] as well as other various initiatives throughout the year.

[9] The organisation is made up of five elected committee members, who are usually students or recent graduates.

[14] The conference is held across three days at a UK university, and features talks and workshops from professional journalists, as well as the annual SPA Awards presentation evening.