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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape strategic direction and ensure effective governance for a vibrant student-led charity.
- Company: Join a dynamic Students' Union representing over 10,000 students in South East London.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with leaders, and contribute to meaningful change in higher education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while collaborating with passionate peers and professionals.
- Qualifications: Bring expertise in governance, law, finance, or higher education; passion for student advocacy is essential.
- Other info: Meet six times a year; prepare for engaging discussions and decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Atkinson HR is delighted to be partnering with a London-based Students' Union to recruit a new Trustee to join their Board. The Students' Union is a vibrant, student-led charity representing over 10,000 students at a distinctive university in South East London, renowned for its creative and progressive approach to education. They exist to support, empower and advocate for students on the issues that matter most to them, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences enriched during their time at university. They operate as a democratic organisation with a Student Assembly and a well-established Trustee Board. Day-to-day operations are delegated to the Chief Executive, who leads the staff team of over 120 permanent and casual employees in delivering their strategic goals.
The Role
As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping their strategic direction and ensuring the organisation is governed effectively and responsibly. Working alongside elected Student Officers, the staff team, and students, you’ll help guide their long-term development and contribute to the delivery of innovative, high-quality services.
Key Responsibilities
- Helping to shape and oversee their strategic vision
- Ensuring good governance and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks
- Providing oversight of finances, risk management, and organisational performance
- Supporting and challenging the Chief Executive and senior leadership team
- Acting as an ambassador for the organisation and championing its values
- Participating actively in Board meetings and contributing to the collective decision-making process
Candidate Profile
We’re looking for someone who brings both relevant expertise and a passion for supporting students. You may have previous experience as a charity trustee, or bring knowledge of charity law or governance issues, particularly as they relate to student organisations. Professionally, you’ll likely have a background in areas such as law, HR, finance, strategic leadership or higher education. An understanding of how democratic, membership-led organisations work and the challenges they face will be highly beneficial.
We’re looking for someone who is thoughtful, collaborative, and committed to the values of student leadership and representation. You’ll need to be able to analyse complex information, contribute constructively to discussions, and offer both challenge and support to the organisation. Above all, you’ll bring a genuine enthusiasm for the organisation's mission and a willingness to contribute your time, skills and insight to its continued success.
Time Commitment
The Trustee Board meets formally six times a year, usually midweek in the early evening. Meetings typically last a few hours, and trustees are expected to prepare thoughtfully for each session and engage fully in discussions. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your expertise to a dynamic, student-focused charity making a real difference in higher education.
How To Apply
Please click 'apply now'. More information on how to contact Atkinson HR if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion is available on the application page.
Key Dates
Closing date: 2nd June 2025
Interview date: 9th-10th June 2025
External Trustee at a London-based Students\' Union, Atkinson HR Consulting employer: Guardian Jobs
Contact Detail:
Guardian Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Trustee at a London-based Students\' Union, Atkinson HR Consulting
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Students' Union's mission and values. Understanding their goals will help you articulate how your expertise aligns with their strategic vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former trustees of similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the role and expectations, which can help you prepare for interviews and board meetings.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current issues facing student unions and higher education. This knowledge will enable you to contribute meaningfully to discussions and demonstrate your commitment to student advocacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions for the interview that reflect your understanding of governance and the challenges faced by democratic organisations. This shows your engagement and readiness to take on the trustee role.
We think you need these skills to ace External Trustee at a London-based Students\' Union, Atkinson HR Consulting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trustee. Familiarise yourself with the Students' Union's mission and values, as well as the specific skills and experiences they are looking for in a candidate.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that aligns with the role of a Trustee. Focus on any previous governance roles, knowledge of charity law, or experience in strategic leadership, and ensure these are clearly articulated.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting students and your commitment to the values of student leadership. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the organisation's goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-structured and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and seriousness about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guardian Jobs
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take the time to research the Students' Union and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their values and the issues they advocate for. This will help you demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for their work and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
As a Trustee, you'll need to ensure good governance. Be ready to discuss your understanding of charity law, governance issues, and how they relate to student organisations. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to navigate these complexities.
✨Showcase Collaborative Skills
The role requires working alongside elected Student Officers and the senior leadership team. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles, highlighting your ability to support and challenge effectively while maintaining a constructive dialogue.
✨Engage with Strategic Vision
Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the organisation. Think about innovative ideas or approaches you've seen in other organisations that could be beneficial. This shows your proactive mindset and commitment to the organisation's long-term success.
