INFORMATION FOR THE ROLE OF TRUSTEE
AT THE STUDENTS’ UNION
QUEEN MARGARET UNIVERSITY EDINBURGH
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Students’ Union Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (Scottish Charity
Number SC012608), is a democratic organisation and exists at the heart of a
thriving and diverse student community. The Union is run by elected student
officers, working alongside permanent staff to support and enhance the
student experience of students at QMU. It achieves this through offering
representation, welfare, sports & recreation activities and services.
The Trustee Board has overarching responsibility for the management,
administration and finances of the Students’ Union, whilst ensuring its
activities remain in accordance with its objectives and charity law.
ROLE OF A TRUSTEE BOARD
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To oversee the Students’ Union business
To monitor the Students’ Union finance, strategy and legal issues
To ensure the sustainability of the Students’ Union
To act reasonably and prudently in the Unions’ interest
To have clear decision-making processes
To prepare and submit the Students’ Union annual report
To meet at least 4 times a year
APPROACH
You will be part of a trustee board made up of 3 external trustees, 3 elected
student officer trustees, the chair of Student Parliament and 3 student
trustees. You will have particular responsibility to provide the highest quality
services and standards in everything the Students’ Union does to achieve its
vision and objectives.
You will oversee the Students’ Union business and be responsible for the
management and administration of the Union, and ensure that its activities
and finances are in accordance with its strategic objectives and vision.
You will ensure that Queen Margaret University Students’ Union (QMUSU)
complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant
legislation or regulations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
work you do.
Principal Duties
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To ensure that the Students’ Union complies with its constitution, charity
law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
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To ensure the Students’ Union is always working in the interest of QMU
students.
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To ensure the Students’ Union uses its resources effectively and does not
spend money on activities outside its remit, no matter how worthwhile or
charitable those activities are.
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To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic
direction to the Students’ Union, agreeing and monitoring overall strategy,
setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
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To safeguard the good name, reputation and values of the Students’
Union.
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To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Union and its
long-term financial stability.
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To protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure proper
investment of the charity’s funds.
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To produce the Students’ Union annual report.
Additional Duties
Trustees are expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience
they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions (it is
anticipated that External Trustees will help to ensure an appropriate range of
skills, knowledge and experience).
This will involve:
 Scrutinising board papers
 Leading discussions
 Focussing on key issues
 Providing guidance on new initiatives
 Guidance on other issues in which the Trustee has special
expertise
For more information on the Trustee Role duties, see the attached Trustee
Constitution.
Specific Duties
Though External Trustees and Student Trustees have the same duties and
responsibilities, The Students’ Union does not expect from them the same
input.
External Trustees are expected to bring their high expertise in a specific field
(finance, law, human resources) in order to ensure the sustainability of the
Union.
Student Trustees are expected to represent students and to ensure the Board
acts in regards to students’ expectations and needs. They are expected to
bring their knowledge/experience in The Students’ Union activities and
services.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Period of Appointment
Successful applicants will be appointed by the current Trustee Board for a
term of one, two or three year if External, or 1 year if Student Trustee, with the
option of extending for one additional term.
Removal from post
Trustees may be removed from their position in the following situations:
- In case of a breach of duties or general lack of trust from the board,
trustees may be removed from office by a vote of no confidence by a
simple majority vote at a quorate meeting of the Student Parliament, or
a 2/3 majority vote at a meeting of the Trustee Board.
- In the event they fail to attend two consecutive meetings of the Trustee
Board without sending proper apologies and a 2/3 majority vote at a
meeting of the Trustee Board.
- In the case of student trustees, in the event they cease to be a student
at the University.
Meetings
Trustees are expected to meet at least 4 times a year.
Support and training
The Students’ Union aims to provide ongoing support and development for
trustees as far as possible. External Trustees will be expected to complete an
internal Induction Programme and to participate in any training programme,
meeting or conference considered relevant to the position.
Conduct
Trustees will be invited to attend all key events (e.g. Freshers Week events)
and key meetings (Annual General Meeting, Student Parliament Meeting) of
QMUSU.
Trustees are expected to portray a positive image, both internally and
externally of QMUSU by displaying high standards of service, integrity,
punctuality, politeness and professionalism.
Remuneration
Trustees will not receive any remuneration but will be reimbursed for their
travel expenses to Board meetings and any other official business as agreed
by the Board, and made available on request to the Student Parliament
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Qualifications
Desirable
Educated to degree level or possess
equivalent qualifications and training
OR
Possession of a qualification relevant to post
Experience
External Trustee:
Experience in Charity Law, Finance, Human
Resources, Voluntary Sector Management,
Marketing or Strategic Planning.
Working/Volunteering in
a democratic and
charitable environment,
such as a Students’
Union or a Voluntary
Organisation.
Student Trustee:
Experience in representation, campaigning or
involvement in a Students’ Union (sport, Previous experience as a
societies, clubs, SU Media) or student group
trustee.
Knowledge
Attributes
Qualities
Understanding of the role, legal duties, Understanding of
responsibilities and liabilities of Trustee Students’ Unions/
including legal responsibilities
Universities or the Higher
Education Sector
& Enthusiasm for the values of the Queen .
Margaret University Students’ Union as a
democratic,
participative,
student-led
organisation
Commitment to devoting necessary time and
attention to the role of Trustee
Ability to think strategically and creatively
and to focus on the ‘whole picture’
Ability to work effectively as a member of a
team with diverse levels of experience
Ability to make and express independent
judgements
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to work as a member of a team
Other
Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of
public life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity,
accountability, openness, honesty and
leadership.
Commitment to equal opportunities