Co-President for Employability & Education

Briefing: Co-President Education & Employability

The Co-President (Education & Employability) is a role focused on championing the academic experience and future opportunities of students at Edinburgh Napier University. This role is about listening, collaborating, and making meaningful changes so that every student can thrive during their studies and beyond.

Working closely with the University and external partners, the Co-President ensures that student perspectives are central to academic decision-making. They advocate for inclusive, supportive, and high-quality education, while helping to shape learning environments that reflect the diverse needs and ambitions of the student community.

What the role involves

As Co-President (Education & Employability), you will have the opportunity to:

• Support and strengthen the Programme Rep system through inclusive communication, training, and ongoing engagement
• Facilitate Programme Rep Forums and Student Council meetings, creating welcoming spaces where students feel confident sharing their views
• Encourage students to take an active role in their learning and academic development
• Promote awareness of student support services and help students feel empowered to access the support they need
• Campaign for a positive, inclusive, and high-quality academic experience for all students
• Advocate for courses and programmes that equip students with skills, confidence, and knowledge for life after university
• Promote employability opportunities and help students navigate pathways into graduate careers
• Collaborate with other student representatives, the Department for Learning & Teaching Enhancement, and School Support Services to ensure student voices are heard at every level

Making a real difference

Previous Co-Presidents (Education & Employability) have led and supported initiatives such as:

• Creating the Project Management Challenge and Uniforce, offering students practical, confidence-building opportunities to develop employability skills and explore new ideas
• Expanding student representation through the introduction of Academic Community Reps, ensuring students in every School feel supported and represented
• Hosting ENSA stalls to share information, build connections, and create approachable spaces for students to speak directly with ENSA staff
• Supporting a wide range of student voice initiatives, including academic skills mentoring, academic societies, and enhanced Programme Rep training

Why consider this role?

This role is ideal for students who care about fairness, collaboration, and positive change. You don’t need to see yourself as a “typical leader” — empathy, communication, and a desire to support others are just as valuable as confidence and experience. The Co-President (Education & Employability) role offers the chance to build skills, make lasting impact, and help shape a more inclusive and supportive university experience for everyone.

Hear from past Co-Presidents

Check out what some of our previous Co-Presidents had to say about this job: