Help Shape the Future of Student Life at the Heriot-Watt Student Union

We’re looking for an exceptional External Trustee to join our dynamic and ambitious Student Union Board. With a new strategy underway and major change programmes taking shape, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on student experience and organisational growth.

Who We Are

We are an energetic, student-centred charity representing over 10,000 Heriot-Watt University students. We deliver services, events and welfare support to help students succeed academically, socially and personally.  In addition, our trading operations include a lively bar, a popular coffee shop, and a thriving shop.

We generate around £3M annually, all reinvested into enhancing student wellbeing and services. Guided by our long-term strategy, The Big Plan, we are transforming the way we support our members (our students) and strengthening our governance and leadership structures to match.

Why This Role Matters

As an External Trustee, you’ll play a key role in steering our next phase of development. Working closely with other members of the Board and our CEO, you’ll help shape strategic priorities, ensure strong governance, and guide us as we deliver meaningful change for our student community.

You will add value by helping the Board to focus on the Union’s strategic purpose, long-term direction, organisational health and impact, while supporting the executive team to deliver the operational detail.

Your contribution will help us:

• Keep student experience and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do
• Strengthen our charitable, governance and trading performance
• Deliver a modern, focused, high-performing Board culture
• Build confidence, ambition, and forward momentum across the organisation

Our Trustee Board

You’ll join a high-performing and diverse Board that includes:
• Elected student officers
• Undergraduate and postgraduate student trustees
• External trustees with relevant experience from sectors including finance, HR, charity, education and the private sector

Together, the trustees offer oversight, strategic leadership, and accountability, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, legally compliant and focused on student needs.

Who We’re Looking For

We warmly welcome applications from those with experience in governance, strategy, organisational development and student-focused environments. We’re especially interested in candidates with backgrounds such as:
• Business development or strategic planning

• Student engagement or wellbeing
• SME leadership
• Third sector leadership

If you have experience of chairing committees or boards or aspire to grow into a Chair role we’d particularly like to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As a Trustee, you will:
• Provide strategic oversight and strong governance, ensuring compliance with the requirements of OSCR (the Scottish Charity Regulator)
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Board and the CEO to shape and support delivery of The Big Plan
• Bring expertise to enhance performance, student services and organisational growth
• Help maintain a Board culture that is strategic, inclusive, and focused on impact and assurance
• Champion the Union’s values and commitment to student wellbeing

This is a non-executive governance role; as a trustee you will fulfil the role of providing strategic supportive challenge in respect of day-to-day management of the Union.

Time Commitment

• Four evening Board meetings per year (5:30–7:30pm)
• One full-day annual Strategy Day
• Regular meetings with the CEO (either in person or online)
• Involvement in sub-committees or project groups of the Board

Meeting papers are provided at least one week in advance.

What You’ll Gain

Serving as a Trustee offers a rewarding opportunity to develop and deepen your skills in:
• Governance and strategy
• Financial oversight and risk management
• Leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of student and higher education priorities
• Working within a dynamic, mission-driven charity

You’ll join a supportive, collaborative and ambitious Board committed to positive change, innovation, and enhancing the experience of every Heriot-Watt student.

Applying

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to HR@hwunion.com no later than 27 April 2026.
Interviews will be organised on the Edinburgh campus in early May 2026.

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses covered.
Induction will be provided on appointment.
Term length: up to two, four-year terms.