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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to shape and support student life at Durham University.
- Company: Durham Students’ Union, a unique and historic student-led organisation.
- Benefits: Make a real impact, gain governance experience, and connect with diverse perspectives.
- Other info: Voluntary role with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy that empowers every student at Durham.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, enthusiasm, and knowledge of higher education or student unions.
Location: Durham
Commitment: Voluntary
Term: Four years (renewable)
Closing date: Midday on Friday 29th May 2026
Atkinson HR and Marble Mayne are pleased to be supporting Durham SU in their search for two External Trustees to join their Board. Durham students created Durham SU in 1899 as the Student Representative Council, the first and only thing owned by every single student at our university, no matter what their course or College. Over one hundred years later, student life is very different, but much of what we think is important and the way we work would be recognisable to our founders. We’re still unique at Durham, because we belong to every single student, and we’re where every single student belongs. Durham is a leading students’ union, working with a world-class university, in an exceptional city, and our foundations are strong. We’re proud and privileged to be able to use this heritage to be ambitious about our future.
Our Board of Trustees is now looking for two new members, and we’re so pleased you may be interested in helping us to bring students together to make Durham University fairer and better.
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students in Durham. As an External Trustee, you will play a key role in setting and monitoring Durham SU’s strategy, providing financial oversight, managing risk, and ensuring the organisation remains fit for purpose. The Board meets five times per year, with trustees also invited to engage in other opportunities such as sitting on an appointments panel, meeting with auditors or attending a student awards ceremony.
Durham SU is keen to hear from individuals who are curious, genuine and enthusiastic about Durham SU doing well. They are particularly interested in candidates who bring knowledge of the Higher Education sector or Students' Unions, and experience in political, corporate or financial settings. Durham SU will also welcome applications from first-time trustees and aim to have an inclusive Board with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV initially. You will then be asked to complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:
- Tell us why you’d like to join Durham SU as a Trustee and how do your personal values align with the SU’s?
- What knowledge, abilities, and experience can you contribute to our Board’s collective skills?
- How would you add value to the Board and our work to support students?
Each answer should be a maximum of 400 words. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Matilda at Atkinson HR or Jamie at Marble Mayne.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Midday on Friday 29th May 2026
Interviews: Monday 8th June 2026
Trustee in Durham employer: Marble Mayne Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marble Mayne Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trustees and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like. A friendly chat can give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for student life! When you get the chance to speak with the board, share your ideas on how to enhance the student experience at Durham. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills align with the role of a trustee. We’re looking for genuine, curious individuals, so be ready to discuss how your background can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Start with Your CV: Kick things off by polishing your CV. Make sure it highlights your relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Trustee. Remember, this is your first impression, so make it count!
Answer Thoughtfully: When you get to the application form, take your time with those three questions. Reflect on why you want to join Durham SU and how your values match ours. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Showcase Your Skills: In your answers, don’t just list your skills—show us how they can benefit the Board. Think about your experiences in the Higher Education sector or any relevant settings, and explain how they can help us support students better.
Keep It Concise: Each answer has a 400-word limit, so be clear and concise. Focus on the key points that demonstrate your passion and capability. And remember, we’re excited to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marble Mayne Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’ve done your homework on Durham Students’ Union. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you articulate how your personal values align with theirs and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Passion
As an External Trustee, enthusiasm is key! Be ready to share why you’re excited about the role and how your experiences have shaped your desire to contribute to student life at Durham. Authenticity goes a long way in interviews, so let your passion shine through.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Think about your background in political, corporate, or financial settings and how it relates to the role. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge of the Higher Education sector or Students' Unions. This will help the interviewers see the value you can bring to the Board.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the Board’s current challenges or future goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if this role is the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!