Advertised from 7 April 2026

Role

UWS Students’ Union is seeking External Trustees to join its Board.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of a student-led charity at a significant point in its development. We are building on a period of strong performance, democratic reform and high student engagement, while preparing to develop our next Strategic Plan.

Our members are students at the University of the West of Scotland, Scotland’s leading widening access university. We are therefore seeking trustees with senior-level experience and strategic insight, who are motivated by social impact, equity and improving outcomes for students.

About the role

External Trustees support the governance, oversight and long-term sustainability of the Students’ Union.

Working alongside elected student officers, student trustees and staff, you will:

• Contribute to setting strategic direction and monitoring progress 
• Provide independent judgement and constructive challenge 
• Support effective financial oversight and risk management 
• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its charitable purpose and legal obligations

Trustees are not involved in day-to-day operational management.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking individuals with significant senior leadership experience who are comfortable operating at Board or senior decision-making level.

Following a recent review of Board skills and capacity, our priority areas are:

• Finance and income generation 
• Strategic planning and organisational change 
• People leadership and HR 
• Digital, communications or data-informed decision-making

We welcome applications from across the voluntary, public and private sectors. Experience of charity governance is beneficial but not essential.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who understand the importance of widening access to education and are motivated by supporting a diverse student community.

About UWS Students’ Union

UWS Students’ Union is a registered charity representing over 19,000 students across five campuses. We work in partnership with the University while remaining an independent organisation accountable to students.

Our members are drawn from the University of the West of Scotland, Scotland’s leading widening access university. This context shapes our work, with a strong focus on equity, student voice and ensuring all students are supported to succeed.

Trustees play a key role in ensuring our strategy, services and governance reflect the realities of students’ lives.

Time commitment

• Board meetings take place quarterly (typically evenings) 
• Additional committee meetings and occasional strategic sessions

Eligibility

As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, Trustees are both charity trustees and company directors.

Applicants must not:

• have unspent convictions involving dishonesty 
• be an undischarged bankrupt 
• be disqualified from acting as a company director

Application notes

How to apply

To apply, please download the recruitment pack and complete the Application Form and Diversity Monitoring Form.

If you have any questions, please contact:

recruitment@uwsunion.org.uk 

Closing date: 10am, Friday 8th of May 2026

For an informal discussion, please contact Sinéad Daly, Chief Executive: sinead.daly@uws.ac.uk

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