09 October 2025 
Bethany Hancock, CUBO Communications Officer
Sarah Pay, Deputy Director of Operations at the University of St Andrews, has been appointed as Chair of the CUBO Scotland Regional Group.
Sarah will lead the special interest group going forward, which will meet quarterly online and occasionally in-person.
“I think that associations such as CUBO, ASRA and ACUHO-I—I have attended 3 study tours and presented at Toronto in 2019, a career highlight—are integral to the sector, allowing members to develop and share best practice,” said Sarah Pay, Deputy Director of Operations at the University of St Andrews, “I am really looking forward to working closely with colleagues across Scotland.”
The group is open to any CUBO members working at an institution based in Scotland.
Meet Sarah
Sarah has over 28 years of experience in the Higher Education sector, all at the University of St Andrews. Sarah began her career as a Trainee Manager after earning a degree in Hotel and Catering Management, progressing through various roles including Residential Services Manager of the university’s largest residence. She then served as Operations Manager for over 12 years, overseeing the management of 4,500 bedspaces, before being promoted to Deputy Director in 2024.
In her current role, Sarah leads the Residential and Catering Operations and Student Accommodation Service, also working closely with the Commercial team to deliver a successful summer programme and support events and catering throughout the year. With over 4500 beds and just over 10000 students there is a unique blend of entrant and returning undergraduate students as well as postgraduate taught and research students and a significant international cohort.
Previously, Sarah served as the ASRA Scottish Regional Representative for three years, stepping down in April following promotion to Deputy Director. During her tenure, Sarah was actively involved in the PBSA Review and several Scottish Government consultations, including the recent Housing Act proposals covering rent controls, notice periods, and a potential Student Accommodation Code for Scotland.
As Chair of the Scotland Regional Group, Sarah brings established relationships with key government stakeholders and a strong understanding of the policy landscape.
