At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a charity by providing HR expertise and strategic guidance to empower students.
- Company: Values-led charity dedicated to enhancing student experiences at a local university.
- Benefits: Gain valuable board experience, network with professionals, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible commitment and reimbursement for reasonable expenses.
- Why this job: Use your HR skills to shape an inclusive culture and support student success.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or equivalent HR leadership experience required.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Contract: Voluntary Trustee Position
Time commitment: Approximately 10 - 12 days per year
Are you an experienced HR leader looking to use your expertise to support a values‑led organisation making a real difference to students' lives? The organisation is seeking an External Trustee with a strong background in operational and strategic HR to join its Board of Trustees.
About the Organisation
The organisation is an independent charity representing and supporting students at a local university. Through student representation, communities, opportunities and independent support services, they empower students to fulfil their potential and create a connected, inclusive student experience. The charity group also includes two trading subsidiaries, with profits reinvested to support their charitable objectives.
About the Role
As the HR specialist on the Board, you will support effective governance, independent advice and constructive challenge for people, culture and organisational development across the organisation. In this role, you will:
- Provide HR expertise to support decision‑making and long‑term workforce planning.
- Contribute ideas on people, culture and organisational development.
- Help develop and review people strategies in line with the organisation's goals and values.
- Support the identification and management of people‑related risks, such as wellbeing, retention and compliance.
About You
We are looking for an experienced HR professional with leadership and/or Board‑level experience, who is CIPD qualified or with equivalent experience. You will bring:
- Experience of organisational design, workforce planning and change management.
- Experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
- Strong employee relations experience, including performance and disciplinary matters.
- Understanding of EDI and creating inclusive workplace cultures.
The ideal candidate will ideally be based in Lincolnshire, although candidates able to commit the necessary time and support to the role will also be considered.
Commitment
The Board of Trustees meets approximately four times per year, alongside sub‑committee meetings. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and actively contribute to discussions and decision‑making. This is a voluntary position, however reasonable expenses including travel will be reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial three‑year term, with the possibility of reappointment, and the organisation will provide an induction before joining the Board.
How to Apply
To apply, please click Apply Now below. You will need to include:
- An up-to-date CV
- A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your motivation for applying and how you meet the role criteria.
Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 22 June 2026
Interview date: Anticipated Friday 10 July 2026 (in person)
External Trustee (HR) employer: EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM
Join a values-led organisation in Lincoln that is dedicated to empowering students and making a meaningful impact on their lives. As an External Trustee specialising in HR, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive culture that values your expertise while offering opportunities for personal growth and development. This voluntary role not only allows you to contribute to strategic decision-making but also provides a chance to engage with a passionate community committed to fostering a connected student experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Trustee (HR)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for trustee roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or charity functions. This not only helps you meet like-minded individuals but also shows your commitment to making a difference, which is key for a role like this.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the organisation's values and goals. Be ready to discuss how your HR expertise aligns with their mission to support students and create an inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace External Trustee (HR)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your motivation for applying and how your HR expertise aligns with the organisation's goals. Keep it concise, but don’t shy away from showcasing your passion for making a difference.
Tailor Your CV:When you send us your CV, make it relevant to the role! Highlight your leadership experience and any specific HR projects that demonstrate your skills in organisational design and workforce planning. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Values:Since we’re all about values-led work, make sure to reflect this in your application. Share examples of how you've fostered inclusive workplace cultures or tackled people-related challenges. This will help us see how you fit into our ethos.
Follow the Application Instructions:We love it when applicants pay attention to detail! Make sure you include everything we ask for: an up-to-date CV and a covering letter. Following the instructions shows us you’re serious about the role and ready to engage with our governance.
How to prepare for a job interview at EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the organisation's mission and values. Understand their approach to student support and how your HR expertise can align with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Prepare Real Examples
Think of specific instances from your past experience where you've successfully implemented HR strategies or tackled challenges. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the organisation, especially in areas like workforce planning and employee relations.
✨Show Your Passion for EDI
Since the role involves creating inclusive workplace cultures, be prepared to talk about your understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Share any initiatives you've led or been part of that promote inclusivity, as this will resonate well with the Board.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's current HR challenges or future goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
