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Union President Role

Check all the important information about the role of the Union President.

Union President

This role serves as the main representative of Strathclyde students as union members. The Union President provides strategic leadership, represents students at the highest levels of the University and beyond, and ensures that the views, needs, and concerns of students shape decision-making, policy, and practice. The role combines advocacy, governance, partnership-working, and leadership of the elected officer team to enhance students’ wellbeing, community life, and overall University experience.

Salary: £28,031

Term: 1st June 2026 to 11th June 2027

Working Hours: 35 hours per week (Full Time)

Annual Leave: 31 days plus 11 public holidays

Newly elected Full Time Officers are required to be available for handover and induction between 1st and 12th of June.

Useful Skills

Public speaking and communication skills

An interest in Education, Higher Education, or Education Policy

Time management skills and the ability to manage multiple, ongoing projects

The ability to listen to, and advocate for, the concerns of students

The ability to work as a part of a team

Negotiation, strategic thinking, and synthesis skills

Community engagement skills and the ability to build relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds, and who hold a variety of roles (from undergraduate students to university leadership)

The ability to navigate sensitive political, professional, and personal issues with impartiality and confidentiality

Relationships, Responsibilities and Committees

Click to expand and explore key relationships, repsonsibilities and committees.

Key Relationships and Responsibilities
  • Work closely with other Elected Officers to speak collectively and represent Strath Union at meetings and events.
  • With the CEO and Senior Management Team, embed robust governance and ensure Strath Union’s decision-making is transparent in its dealings and communications with its members.
  • Be accessible to students, field student enquiries and signpost them to appropriate resources and services.
  • Build relationships with members of university staff and faculty to support students with their enquiries.
  • Build relationships with other students' unions across Glasgow, and Scotland.
  • Work with Elected Officers on relevant projects and campaigns.
  • Work in partnership with relevant Strath Union staff, including the CEO, Deputy CEO, and Senior Management Team, Commercial, the Voice Team and the Advice Hub.
Key Committees
  • Chair Board of Trustees, the governing body of Strath Union.
  • Chair meetings of the Executive Officers, comprised of the Presidents of the Union, Education, Activities, Inclusion. Facilitates team building and collaborates with Executive Officers on their respective areas, where appropriate.
  • Co-Chair the University’s Student Experience Committee.
  • Serve as a member of University Court, the overall governing body of the University of Strathclyde.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between students and the University Principal and University Executive Team.
  • Serve as the student representative of the Glasgow City Council Local Licensing Forum.
  • In advance of committee meetings, review papers, prepare agendas, and provide Student Union updates as required.
  • Attend other committees whose participation is shared by all Elected Officers.

Policymaking

  1. Coordinate representation and participate in university review processes.
  2. Coordinate feedback about academic issues via Faculty Reps and Programme Reps.
  3. Facilitate input to university strategic initiatives and ensures student voice is heard in in corporate governance meetings.
  4. Engage with external education agencies on areas of policy development and implementation.

All Executive Officers

  • Sit on and fulfil the legal requirements of a Trustee on the Board of Trustees for Strath Union, which is responsible for the management and administration of Strath Union, and is made up of Sabbatical Trustees, Student Trustees and External Trustees.
  • Sit on the Senate, the academic governing body for the University.
  • Represent students at the Senate Disciplinary Committee, which considers individual disciplinary cases as well as makes recommendations on matters of disciplinary policy.
  • Attend and provide reports to Student Parliament.
  • Promote sustainability, entrepreneurship, and student welfare in their role, through their respective areas of influence.
  • Amplify and promote Union events, attending when relevant and possible.
  • All Executive Officers are required to meet eligibility criteria relating to employment and their suitability to serve on the Board of Trustees. Most students, including international students, are eligible, although there may be rare exceptions.

If you would like further clarification, please contact strathunion.dem@strath.ac.uk.

Role Specific Training

  • Extensive training and support will be provided to ensure you are fully equipped for the role.
  • Executive Officers are required to attend a handover and induction period between the 1st and 12th of June, during which annual leave cannot be taken.
  • The summer period also includes additional fixed training and conference dates, so Executive Officers should liaise with Students’ Union staff before confirming any summer holiday plans.
  • Further training and ongoing support will be provided throughout the academic year.
If you take on the role with positive objectives and a good attitude, then a strong legacy will be left for students.

Charandeep Singh, VP Equality & Diversity 2010/11 and Union President 2011/12

Being in an Exec role really develops your confidence, improves your interaction with other people, your ability to present.

Jo-ann Robertson, Union President 2000/01

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