Alumni Services

So you want to join the Business Committee?

As the General Council calls for nominations for the election of new members to its Business Committee, which acts as the direct voice for graduates in University-wide conversations and affairs, we asked current members to tell us just why graduates should put themselves forward for election.

Arron Ashton

Arron Ashton

Arron graduated from the School of GeoSciences in 2013 and has been a member of the Business Committee since 2018:

We graduates should rightly be able to hold the University to a world-leading standard and being able to influence and understand the issues the University faces is a vital function of the business committee, and one I really appreciate. 

Moyra Forrest

Moyra Forrest

Moyra retired in 2013 after 37 years working part-time in the University, latterly as Information Officer for the Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation:

Serving on the Business Committee provides me with a great opportunity to give something back to the University. I'm also gaining fascinating insights into current developments here - and all this while working with inspiring and thoughtful colleagues.

Gordon Cairns

Gordon Cairns

Gordon is a Law graduate and the current Vice-Convener of the Business Committee:

The role is rewarding, enlightening and makes me feel even more proud of our University. I get the chance to see behind the scenes and meet the people who make all the great work and achievements happen.

Sophie Marshall

Sophie Marshall

As part of her role on the Business Committee, Sophie is also Convener of the Public Affairs Standing Committee:

I have been a member of the Business Committee for just over four years now. I really enjoy it because it’s an excellent way of keeping connected to the University and remaining involved with the University community. I’ve met lots of great people and it has helped me to enhance my skills around leadership, strategy, communication and engagement – something I’ve been able to take into my day job!

Bruce Ritson

Bruce Ritson

Bruce is a medical graduate and former consultant and senior lecturer in Psychiatry at Edinburgh:

Being a member of the Committee has given me an opportunity to appreciate the challenges facing  our truly global University, which is world class and yet retains roots in the traditions of Edinburgh. It is a privilege to participate with other members of the General Council in discussions that help to shape the University's future.

Doreen Davidson

Doreen Davidson

Doreen is a graduate of Arts, and went on to do a postgraduate course in Human Resource management. She is a member of the Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD):

The Business Committee offers the opportunity to have your say as an alumna or alumnus of this great University. Being a member makes you part of discussions on the institution's future strategic direction, and offers you the chance to debate issues of significant importance with key members of the University’s senior management team.

Call for nominations 

The Business Committe meets five times per year, and its members also sit on one of the standing committees that meet to hear in more detail from senior staff and students about the key issues in the areas of academic matters, finance and services, international and public affairs and constitutional issues. 

In February 2020 there will be an election for seven members of the General Council Business Committee. Nomination are welcome from all alumni, regardless of background.

Further information is available on the General Council website. Nomination papers can be downloaded from the website or requested by e-mail or telephone from the General Council Office: +44 (0) 131 650 2152

Completed nomination forms must be returned to the General Council Office by 5pm on Friday 12 November 2019.

Business Committee elections

The General Council