Upcoming Exec Meeting: What you need to know.

Student Executive Meeting: What’s Being Discussed?

Our Student Executive (Exec) is meeting to discuss and shape two important new policies that reflect student priorities and help guide the direction of Heriot-Watt Students’ Union.

Here’s what’s on the agenda 👇

🌈 Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy

The first policy being discussed is a Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy.

This policy aims to ensure that trans, non-binary, and intersex students feel safe, respected, and fully included within the Students’ Union.

It sets out clear principles for how we can continue building a welcoming environment where every student can show up as themselves without barriers or fear of exclusion.

Because inclusion isn’t just a value we talk about, it’s something we actively build into how we work, decide, and support students every day.

🌍 Ethical Trading Policy

The second policy on the table is an Ethical Trading Policy.

This focuses on making sure HWUnion is making moral and responsible financial decisions, and that our spending and partnerships reflect our values as a student-led organisation.

In short: how we use our money should match what we stand for.

This policy is about strengthening accountability and making sure ethical considerations sit at the heart of our decision-making.

🧭 What is Student Executive?

The Student Executive (Exec) is a key part of how your Students’ Union is led.

Exec sets the political direction of the Union, making collective decisions that shape our priorities and strategy.

They:

• Listen to student feedback
• Discuss ideas raised by students
• Approve priority campaigns and policies
• Decide the Union’s stance on important issues

Think of it as where student voice turns into action.

📜 What are policies?

Policies are the guiding principles that set out a course of action for HWUnion to follow.

They’re often shaped by ethical or moral positions and help ensure consistency in how we operate, advocate, and make decisions.

You can view all current HWUnion policies on our website.

🗣️ How do we gather student views?

We take student input seriously, and how we gather it depends on the topic being discussed.

For these upcoming policies, we:

• Reached out to relevant student groups
• Collected initial feedback
• Held focus group discussions open to all students

This helps ensure decisions are informed by real student experiences, voices, and perspectives.

💡 Got an idea?

If you want to see HWUnion adopt a new policy or explore an issue that matters to you, you can submit your idea here:

👉 Tell us your Idea!