Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board as a Lay Trustee and provide strategic oversight for student representation.
- Company: LSE Students’ Union, a vibrant charity supporting over 11,000 students.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered; make a real impact on student life.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working in Central London with opportunities for mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student experiences at a leading institution during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Proven board experience and expertise in governance, commercial management, or advocacy.
The London School of Economics and Political Science Students’ Union (LSESU) is a high-profile, student-led charity representing and supporting over 11,000 students at one of the world’s leading social science institutions. Our aim is to help students make the most of all the lifechanging experiences available to them during their time at LSE. The Union plays a vital role in ensuring that student voices shape the LSE experience and influence wider conversations across the higher education sector.
We are currently embarking on a defining period of transformation. With a newly appointed Chief Executive in post and a major review of our governance, democratic and commercial strategies underway, we are entering a phase of significant development and growth. Our goal is to balance robust student representation with long-term organisational sustainability, ensuring we deliver maximum impact for the students we serve.
We are seeking three experienced and strategic Lay Trustees to join our Board and provide the professional expertise required to navigate this next chapter. One of these appointees will also take on the responsibilities of Deputy Chair, acting as a mentor to our elected student leadership and serving as a vital bridge between the Board and the Executive team.
As a Lay Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight, ensuring the Union operates with clarity and accountability. You will use your professional wisdom to coach our student leaders, navigate complex reputational risks, and support the Senior Leadership Team in delivering a renewed partnership strategy.
Organisation: LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)
Remuneration: These roles are a voluntary commitment. Reasonable expenses such as travel or childcare may be claimed.
Location: Holborn, Central London (Hybrid). Meetings are held on the LSE campus or virtually.
Time commitment: Approximately 10–12 days per year. The Deputy Chair will require an additional 2-4 hours per month for coaching and executive liaison.
About you
We are seeking seasoned professionals and collaborative leaders with:
- Established Board Experience: A proven track record of strategic leadership at Board level. This role is intended for an experienced trustee who can provide immediate stability and insight.
- Specialist Expertise: Significant experience in at least one of our priority areas:
- Governance & Leadership: Experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair (essential for the Deputy Chair appointment).
- Commercial & Venue Management: Pragmatic experience in asset maximisation, hospitality, or strategic partnerships.
- Advocacy & Campaigning: Expertise in navigating legal/regulatory constraints within a charity, think-tank, or government context.
- HR & People Strategy: Experience managing complex stakeholder groups, high-level complaints, or organisational change.
- Mentorship & Coaching Skills: A genuine desire to empower young, elected leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of board leadership while respecting democratic boundaries.
- Strategic Resilience: An "unflappable" approach to risk management, with the ability to remain objective and decisive in a fast-paced, politically active environment.
- Values-Led Approach: A deep commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life and a passion for student voice, equity, and inclusion.
Crucially, you will understand how to provide both support and challenge to a CEO, helping to guide the organisation through a period of transformation with wisdom and pragmatic judgment.
How to Apply
For further information, please click on the Apply button. If you have any queries, please contact our retained advisor Omar Begg via email with a copy of your CV: Omar.Begg@prospect-us.co.uk
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: May 10. Interviews with Prospectus: May 19 – May 22. Interviews with LSE Students’ Union: w/c June 1.
Lay Trustee in London employer: LSE Students' Union
Contact Detail:
LSE Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lay Trustee in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or those who have experience with student unions. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even recommendations that could help you land that Lay Trustee role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for student representation! When you get the chance to meet with the board or during interviews, share your thoughts on how to empower student voices. This will demonstrate your commitment to the values of LSESU and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of a Lay Trustee. Be ready to discuss your strategic leadership skills and how you can support the student leaders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the LSE Students’ Union team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lay Trustee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at LSESU, so don’t hold back on sharing why you care about student representation and empowerment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant board experience and specialist expertise in your application. We’re looking for seasoned professionals, so connect your past roles to the skills we need, like governance, commercial management, or advocacy.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages come across clearly. This will help us understand your qualifications and vision without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Omar Begg, but make sure your application is in by the deadline!
How to prepare for a job interview at LSE Students' Union
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with the governance structure of the LSE Students’ Union. Understand their current challenges and how your expertise can help navigate these issues. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also invested in the organisation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Mentorship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored or coached others in the past. Highlight your ability to empower young leaders while respecting democratic boundaries. This is crucial for the Lay Trustee role, especially if you're aiming for the Deputy Chair position.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to risk management and organisational change. Think about specific scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions and how you maintained clarity and accountability during those times.
✨Align with Their Values
Understand the Nolan Principles of Public Life and be prepared to discuss how your values align with them. Show your passion for student voice, equity, and inclusion, as this will resonate well with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.