Tamko’s Financial Situation and Supplementary Budget
The Representative Council received an overview of Tamko’s financial situation for January–September 2026, as well as a financial forecast for the rest of the year.
Tamko’s financial situation is affected by, among other things, a decrease in the number of members, price increases by the student card provider, and higher-than-expected costs related to tutor activities and training. Personnel costs are also expected to exceed the original budget. On the other hand, for example, the Portti työelämään -programme has generated more revenue than budgeted.
Tamko’s cumulative result from previous financial years has been in deficit, and based on the current financial situation, the original 2026 budget is not sufficient to cover all expenses for the remainder of the year. In response to this situation, a supplementary budget was prepared.
The Representative Council approved the supplementary budget at the meeting. It provides for, among other things, the costs of renewing Tamko’s website, as well as other expenses that were not anticipated in the original budget. The aim is to keep the result for the 2026 financial year as close as possible to the approved budget and to secure Tamko’s operating capacity also in the coming years.
Tamko’s Website to Be Renewed
The renewal of Tamko’s website is part of the supplementary budget approved at the meeting. The current website does not currently meet EU accessibility and data protection requirements, which makes renewing the website necessary.
The aim is to launch the new website in January 2027.
CHANGES TO STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS
The Representative Council was informed about the changes made to Tamko’s staffing arrangements.
Due to Tamko’s financial situation, the position of the Member Services Specialist has been terminated. In addition, the leave of absence of the Advocacy Specialist will be extended until the end of 2026, and no replacement will be hired for the position.
The reorganisation of duties and the employees’ new areas of responsibility will be discussed during the remainder of the year. The changes will temporarily affect the availability of employees. During the remainder of the year, responsibilities related to advocacy, tutoring and international affairs will be shared among the current staff and members of the Board. Tamko has also published information about the staffing changes on its website.
Read more: Announcement on changes to employment relationships and their effects at Tamko
REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS ARE COMING
The Central Election Committee for the Representative Council elections met on 7 October and approved the list of candidates and drew the candidates’ election numbers. This year, a total of 34 candidates from eight different electoral lists are running in the Representative Council elections. The Chairperson thanked everyone who has already participated in election communications, campaign stands and social media activities!
The voting period is 15 October–4 November 2026, and the actual election day is 4 November.
Read more: Representative Council Election Bulletin 2026
OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS
- Next year, Tamko will celebrate its 115th anniversary. Tamko’s 115th anniversary committee has been established. The current Board members Akseli Savonen, Elina Pärssinen, Helli Mäkeläinen and Nita Nieminen were appointed to the committee.
- SAMOK’s 31st General Assembly will be held on 29–30 October in Helsinki at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences’ main campus. The General Assembly pre-event will be held on 28 October. Tamko has 12 votes at the General Assembly. The Representative Council appointed Saara Ahola, Ruvindu Gamage, Veeti Pulkkinen, Nita Nieminen, Akseli Savonen, Joel Leino and Jasper Reilson to the General Assembly delegation.
- The opening hours of Solu’s member services have been reduced since September. Member services are available Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 13:00 and on Fridays from 10:00 to 12:00. However, Tamko members can still access and use Solu on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00 even when member services are not present.
Upcoming Meetings
Tamko Representative Council’s upcoming meetings and evening schools:
- 26 October at 16:30 – evening school, downstairs at Solu; topic: SAMOK General Assembly materials
- 3 November at 16:30 – evening school, downstairs at Solu
- 10 November at 16:00 – Autumn Meeting, E1-06
- 23 November – organisational meeting
- 14 December at 16:30 – Representative Council meeting, E1-06