Queen Margaret University Students’ Union (QMUSU) is a registered charity (SC012608) in Scotland. We operate independently from Queen Margaret University but work closely with the institution to enhance the student experience and represent the student voice.

As a small union we are proud of our impact and achievements, having scored in the top 3 in Scotland for NSS for consecutive years, having ranked 1st in Scotland in 23/24 for representing students’ academic interests. QMUSU is undergoing an exciting period of transformation as we strengthen our foundations and explore new ways to support our students effectively. A new strategic plan is in development, which will shape our future impact on campus and ensure we provide meaningful opportunities for our students.

To help us achieve this, we are opening recruitment for an External Trustee to join our board.

As a Trustee, we want you to bring your passion, expertise, and fresh ideas to help us grow as a Students’ Union. Your role will primarily involve providing strategic oversight, evaluating organisational performance, and challenging us to innovate. Your experience and insights will contribute to shaping the direction of QMUSU and ensuring we serve our students effectively.

You will be joining a diverse and dynamic Board, where different perspectives and experiences are valued. We believe that diversity leads to better decision-making and a more inclusive environment for our students.

Currently, our Trustee Board consists of:

• Three elected student officers
• Three appointed Student Trustees
• Four External Trustees (volunteers bringing external expertise)

The role of a Trustee is voluntary, with all reasonable expenses reimbursed. The commitment includes attending four in-person Trustee Board meetings annually (each lasting a few hours and participating in one of our sub-committees up to four times per year.

Background

The Royal Scottish Forestry Society, formed in 1854, is an educational charity focussing on promoting the understanding of trees, woods and forestry. Every year RSFS puts on what we believe to be the most extensive programme of practical forestry events across Scotland.

The Society has published a semi-academic journal, Scottish Forestry, since 1858 promoting all aspects of good practice in forestry. All back issues are available to Members via our website.

The Society has a mix of individual and organisational Members. Our membership includes professional foresters and managers, woodlands owners and many others with an interest in trees and woods.

RSFS is also the parent entity of Cashel Forest Trust, a charity based near Balmaha, in East Loch Lomond.

Who we are looking for

In response to expanding the capacity of the Board and succession planning, we are seeking up to 6 new trustees. We anticipate that you can provide evidence of transferable skills at senior level, or experience of operating as a trustee or non-executive director. Applications of those with experience of the following areas will be prioritised:

• Communications, stakeholder engagement and public relations;
• Forestry at senior leadership level;
• Vocational learning, development programmes, learning in the context of CPD;
• People, HR, employment law and organisational culture;
• Business, finance or operations at senior executive level.

We would like applicants to:

• Empathise with our vision, mission and aims;
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort;
• Exercise sound and independent judgement;
• Think and apply knowledge creatively and strategically;
• Keep themselves and the charity mission-focused;
• Analyse and evaluate information and other evidence in the execution of their duties.

Get in touch

If you would like to have a discussion in advance of making an application, please contact our President, Wilma Harper or our Treasurer, Tom Mitchell by email at recruitment@rsfs.org.uk to arrange a call. No agencies.

The Scottish Policy & Research Exchange (SPRE) is seeking new trustees to help shape the organisation as it moves into the next phase of its growth. SPRE exists to support more equitable public governance and positive outcomes for people and the environment in Scotland. We do this through a range of capacity strengthening activities aimed at supporting meaningful connections and learning between researchers, knowledge mobilisers, policymakers and practitioners.

SPRE is a values-led organisation seeking to live these values through our intersectional praxis. We are particularly keen to appoint new Trustees who align with these values and have strengths in any of the following skills and experience:

• Scottish politics and policy.
• Entrepreneurship and start-ups.
• Third sector governance.
• Business development and consultancy.
• Organisational policy development.
• Human resources and people matters.
• Experience as a Treasurer or with the financial governance of small charities.

We aim to recruit 5-7 Trustees, including a new Treasurer. We would welcome applicants with experience in setting up financial systems and good governance in a new, small, organisation.

We are currently seeking to enhance our Board of Directors through the recruitment of suitable volunteers. A commitment to young people and youth work is essential and experience in GDPR, management of voluntary organisations or strategic development would be advantageous.

The Board of Directors meet bimonthly at our office in Dumbryden Drive; meetings are held in the evening. There is no remuneration for Directors, however, all reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

This role is subject to PVG Membership.