Student Trustee

Could you help direct the strategic direction for the Students’ Association? 

Following a review of the Students’ Association Board and the restructure of the full-time officer roles, the opportunity has arisen for an appointed student trustee to serve alongside the elected officers, elected student trustees, external and University Court appointed trustees as a full member of the Board.   

The role description is below, and this also sets out the commitment expectations of the role.  

If you feel that you could contribute to the Board in at least one of the areas listed on the role descriptor and would like the chance to influence the strategic direction of the Students’ Association at the highest level, we would be delighted to receive your application. 

The term of office is for one year from the date of appointment. 

About the role

Student trustees are intended to ensure that the Students’ Association Board is in touch with student voices and desires, and that the overall control of the Association remains in the hands of its members. Their role is to provide scrutiny, a membership-based perspective, and strategic direction. You will aim to ensure the Association meets its charitable objectives and provides outstanding services for its members to attain a world leading student experience. You will be an active and contributing member of the Board and its subcommittees, working with lay trustees to help ensure organisational compliance in all areas of legislation, policy, and procedure, and using your perspective as a student to help the Board in reaching structured and sound decisions in the interests of the charity. 

Specific Duties 

• Discharge with due care and diligence the duties of a charity trustee under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. 
• Ensure that the Association fulfils its legal and statutory duties, and that all Association activities are consistent with its charitable objectives as stated in the Constitution. 
• Ensure the financial stability of the organization and sound risk management. 
• Actively contribute to strategic decisions and planning. 
• Help to monitor the implementation of the Students’ Association Strategic Plan and strategic decisions taken at meetings. 
• Attend and actively contribute at meetings of the Students’ Association Board four times yearly. 
• Be a member of such standing subcommittees and working parties of the Board as required; attend meetings of these groups and actively contribute to their work. 

Expected Time Commitment 

Student trustees are expected to attend and contribute at meetings of the Board, which are held four times per year, normally in weekday afternoons, lasting approximately two hours each. Papers will be circulated at least one week in advance. Additional time to read these papers and to communicate with other Board members will be required. You may occasionally be asked to attend additional meetings or may be consulted at other times.  

Subcommittees also meet four times a year.  These are held online and typically last 90 minutes.  Papers are circulated in advance.  No student trustee is expected to be a member of more than one subcommittee. 

Useful skills and Characteristics 

• The Board is made up of members from a range of backgrounds, experience and skills.  The Board requires its members to have the following skills between them: 
• Knowledge and understanding of duties of charity trustees 
• Ability to offer creative strategic direction 
• Excellent planning and organisation skills 
• Understanding of accounts and financial reporting 
• Experience in dealing with commercially and personally confidential information 
• Collaborative, diligent, analytical, and positive 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• High standards of integrity and professionalism 

Benefits 

Being on the Board of Trustees gives members the opportunity to: 

• Gain valuable experience serving on the Board of a registered Charity. 
• Develop public speaking and professional communication skills. 
• Help set the strategic future of the Students Association and gain a deep insight into the functioning of a Students' Association. 
• Gain experience relevant to the higher education industry. 

Eligibility 

Must be a currently enrolled student at the University of St Andrews (and must maintain student status for the full duration of your term as a trustee). 

Qualified to be a trustee under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. 

Training 

Annual training in Charity Law and the responsibility of Trustees is given to all Board members.