SUS Structure

The structure of SUS avoids being prescriptive or procedure-lead, and is instead flexible enough to work, and to respond, quickly and effectively to the benefit of the sector. There are three main strands to the organisation (best summarised as competitive sports; physical activity; and professional development), with representation in each of these by both institutional staff, students, key volunteers and partners from across the network.

There are hence three standing Committees: the Competitions Committee (COMPS), delivering competitive sporting opportunities of the highest standard; the Physical Activity Committee (PAC), developing the role physical activity plays in the lives of students and wider university communities; and the Professional Development Committee (PDC), improving the high professional standards throughout the organisation and its members through the development and sharing of good practice.

Each of these bodies sends representatives to the Executive Council of SUS, to join other elected officers, and consider the wider policy of the organisation, its strategy, and steer the aims of SUS as a whole. In doing so, the Executive is outward-facing, works with partners (including sportscotland, BUSA and FE representatives), and seeks to establish structured links with the Scottish Institute of Sport network, Scottish Sports Governing Bodies and other national agencies. Crucially, the Executive works to ensure that the voice of the sector is heard in relevant national policy or strategy discussions on Sport.

In addition, there are further discussion fora - for Directors of Sports Departments, Sports and Athletic Union Presidents, Sports Development Coordinators, and Institutional Administrators and Development Officers - for the sharing of information, networking, policy discussion, support and training. Additionally, there is the capacity for the formation of a number of working, interest and research groups on specific issues.