Chair and Trustees

University of Stirling Students’ Union 

Chair and Trustees

Stirling

Voluntary Position

At the University of Stirling Students’ Union, they are proud to be student centred with representation at the very core of all their work. They work in partnership with the university to deliver the best experience and outcomes for students building lifelong memories along the way.

The Students' Union is entering a period of significant change as they look to build strong foundations and look to do things differently. A new strategic plan will be launched later in 2024 which will help shape their influence on campus and how they better support students and provide opportunities for all.

As a member-led organisation they are committed to sustainability and positive change, providing platforms for students to develop their own projects that will have a lasting impact. Their work is guided by a values framework rooted in ambition, creativity, and responsibility. They are committed to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement and want Trustees to help embed these drivers in creating the foundations of a sector leading students’ union.

About the Roles:

As a Trustee you’ll bring your passion, energy, and ideas to make a better Students' Union. Primarily this will be by engaging in the strategic oversight of activities and organisational performance, challenging them to innovate and bringing your expertise to suggesting how they can improve. Trustees have an overriding duty, individually and as members of a Board, to always act in the best interests of the charity, with a commitment to promotion and support of the charity.

You will join a team of others, each with a unique outlook on the world. Their aim is to have a diversity of thought, experience and background across all Trustees as they firmly believe that diverse boards make better decisions.

The Trustee Board is made up of:

Four elected Sabbatical Officers (full-time paid representatives)

Three appointed current Student Trustees (volunteers)

Four External Trustees (volunteers)

The role of Chair is held by an external trustee, and we are seeking an experienced senior leader who has the ability to lead teams effectively, provide strategic direction formulating long-term objectives and plans to achieve goals, and inspire others. You should have a knowledge of the sector, particularly a strong understanding of Students’ Unions and Scotland HEIs. Knowledge of Students’ Union governance, legal compliance, and strategic partnership development is also required.

Additionally, we are seeking two further Trustees to bring their skills to the Board. We are particularly interested in:

• a qualified accountant with a keen eye for finance
• a communications/marketing professional

In addition to your professional qualifications, you will be passionate about Students’ Unions and understand the importance of good governance. With prior board experience and a member-centered approach, you'll help ensure that decisions always prioritise the needs of Stirling’s diverse student body. Your leadership skills, networking abilities, and understanding of legal responsibilities will be invaluable as you serve as an ambassador for Stirling Students’ Union.

External Trustees typically participate in four in-person Trustee Board meetings, which are either full morning or afternoon sessions. Additionally, they support one of our sub-committees, engaging in hybrid 90-minute meetings held up to four times per year. External Trustees are appointed for a standard three-year term and have the option to serve for a second term, ensuring continuity and stability in governance.

How to Apply:

Please contact us to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

Closing Date: Midday, Thursday 27th June

Interview Date: w/c 8th July

This search is being conducted exclusively for the University of Stirling Students’ Union

 by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.