Burns studied physics at Heriot-Watt University before being elected as Vice-President [Education & Welfare] (2006–2007) and subsequently President (2007–2008) of the university's Students' Association.[2]
While at Heriot Watt he was a member of the rowing club [3]
He went on to serve as NUS Scotland's Deputy President from 2008 to 2009 and as the organisation's President in 2009–2010 and again in 2010–2011, before being elected as NUS President in 2011.[4][5]
Burns, who supported the idea of a graduate tax to finance education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, was re-elected by delegates at NUS National Conference in April 2012 after running on a manifesto criticising government cuts to education.[6][7]
After leaving the NUS in 2013, Burns has worked with The Scout Association, most recently as Chief Programme Officer.[7][8]
He became the Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Scouts Canada in May 2023.[9]
