Join the RGU:Union Trustee Board

RGU Students' Union is a registered charity in Scotland, and is governed by a Trustee Board. The main role of the board is to ensure that the charity is compliant with its legal obligations, and to oversee the governance, budget and strategy of RGU:Union. The Board is comprised of elected student Presidents, elected and appointed students, a university representative, as well as external trustees from industry. This combination of people helps bring together the necessary skills and attributes required for the Union to manage its affairs. 

RGU:Union is now looking to recruit new members to the Board. Could you use your skills, knowledge and expertise to help drive the strategic direction of a vibrant Scottish charity?

What does the Trustee Board do?

The role of the Trustee Board at RGU:Union is to be "responsible for the strategic oversight of the Union and shall be untimately responsible for all of the affairs and property of the Union and may exercise all of the powers of the Union as it thinks fit.." Specifically, the Trustee Board shall be responsible for the governance, budget and strategy of the Union.

The Board meets four times a year and will consider updates from the elected officers and staff, review the management accounts, consider the risk register, and receive updates on the strategic plan.

As a Trustee, you will be a full member of the committee, and will be required to attend meetings and actively contribute. The Board also features a number of sub-committees, focusing on finance and nominations. These groups meet between the main Board meetings and contain some members from the full committee. 

Click to download more about the Trustee Board

What skills are the Trustee Board looking for?

The Board are looking for passionate and engaged individuals who can help bring some of the following experience and skills:

What type of person are the Board looking for?

The Board are seeking to have skilled, committed individuals with a good range of professional skills, appropriate background experience, and desireable personal charateristics. These may include:

• understanding of the ethos of student experience 
• professional experience of a desired skills base
• an understanding of the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee
• experience of governance , charities and strategic development
• dedication and availability to contribute to the Board
• developed communication and interpersonal skills
• knowledge of students unions, voluntary organisations or the North-East of Scotland 

What are the benefits of being a Trustee?

The role of Trustee is voluntary, but the functions of the Trustee Board are essential to the running of the Union. Trustees get first hand experience of the powerful work of student officers, and lead the direction of an organisation which makes a huge impact on thousands of students. Trustees will also be given induction and training to fulfil their role as well as invited to social events such as student award balls. 

Lesley Wilson, external Trustee and Chair of the Board said: "RGU:Union’s Trustee Board is now three years old, and we have worked to create a Board with a diverse mix of skills and talents.  We have enthusiastic and committed student trustees and sabbatical officers, and external trustees and a University trustee, all of whom bring experience and objectivity to the Board’s decision-making.  Student trustees and sabbaticals are especially important on the Board as they are so connected to the student experience.  Our meetings are quarterly, last around two hours, and are lively, friendly, focused and informative." 

John Barr, external Trustee and Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee said "As a Board member you are separate from the operational work of the organisation, but have the opportunity to help set the strategic direction of the RGU: Union. The diversity of RGU: Union activities give the opportunity to be involved in everything from trading activities to welfare.  As a trustee you are key to providing input and knowledge. The 2 hour meetings are held quarterly with a relaxed atmosphere welcoming input from all. Please consider putting yourself forward to ensure your voice is represented"

How do I join the Board?

If you are an external Trustee, then all you have to do is fill in the interest form on this webpage and tell us a bit about yourself. These registrations of interest will be reviewed and considered by the Board.

If you are a student Trustee, then get in touch with the President (Communication and Democracy) at RGU:Union on prescd@rguunion.co.uk to find out about any vacancies, and information about up-and-coming elections.

If you have any more questions about the Board or it's work, then e-mail hello@rguunion.co.uk