Let's say hello to...
Students at the Heart of Every Decision
Hi, I’m Kathy, Chair of the Trustee Board for the Student Union. Although I’m now retired, I’ve been involved with the Union since 2018, and with Heriot-Watt for far longer than that. My whole career in Higher Education has been about supporting students and shaping services that help them thrive. Before becoming a Trustee, I was the Academic Registrar and Deputy Secretary at the University, and even studied here myself, completing my MBA at Heriot-Watt. My first career was at the Ministry of Defence based in London. I moved to Edinburgh for family reasons and love being here.
While working at the University, I was the key link with the Union, making sure student voices were heard. After I retired, I was asked if I’d be interested in becoming a Trustee and here I am. My role as Chair is about ensuring the Union is strong, sustainable, and student-focused. That means helping keep the organisation legally compliant and financially viable, ensuring we’re a safe place for students and staff, and guiding our strategic decisions for the future.
What I value most is hearing from student representatives and FTOs, making sure their ideas shape what we do. I’m particularly proud of our recent work to improve staff benefits. We were struggling to retain brilliant people but through significant changes we’ve been able to make that no longer the case. We’ve found a more sustainable approach and built a team that loves working here.
No surprise that the Union value that resonates most with me is student-focused. If what we’re doing doesn’t benefit our students, then what’s the point? I’ve always tried to champion students first, ensuring services and support provided reflect what students want and need.
Outside of the Union, I’m passionate about travel. My work took me all over the world and this wanderlust has stayed with me in retirement. I’m a keen walker, love dancing (when the music grabs me!), enjoy films, reading, and the Edinburgh festivals.
And for a fun fact? Some people may not see this coming but I’m the family go-to person for DIY projects and a dab hand at home repairs, wall papering, plastering, you name it! What might be less surprising to those who know me is the ability to throw a spanner in the works from time to time!