At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the strategic direction and governance of South Bank Students’ Union.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation dedicated to transforming student experiences.
- Benefits: Annual training, networking opportunities, and a chance to mentor student trustees.
- Other info: Meet four times a year and engage in strategic conversations.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference for diverse students while influencing key decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial management and understanding of HR principles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
External Trustee South Bank Students’ Union
South Bank Students’ Union is unapologetic about doing things differently. Bring your expertise as a Trustee to their Board and support their next strategic phase.
- Location: London, SE1
South Bank Students’ Union is the representative body of 15,000 students at London South Bank University. We are dedicated to creating a Union that is relevant, responsive and transformative for a diverse student body, from carers and nurses to entrepreneurs and last‑chance learners. Our bold changes over recent years have doubled student engagement and positioned us for an ambitious strategic future.
The ideal candidate will have experience in, or a strong understanding of, financial management, especially with regard to charity finance and developing long‑term strategic financial plans and reserve strategies. The candidate will also understand HR principles.
If you are enthusiastic about using your skills to make a tangible difference for students from all walks of life and want to be part of a forward‑thinking, inclusive organisation, this is the role for you. You will play a key part in shaping strategy while influencing key decisions that directly improve student experiences, and helping to ensure the Union maintains robust governance, financial resilience, and a strong foundation for continued success.
About the role
As a Trustee for South Bank Students’ Union, you help shape the strategic direction, governance, and long‑term success of the organisation. Working alongside student and staff trustees, you will help ensure that South Bank Students’ Union remains financially sustainable, legally compliant, and impactful in delivering for its members, the students of London South Bank University.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic oversight to ensure South Bank SU achieves its charitable objectives and vision.
- Ensuring the Union’s financial health, governance standards, and compliance with charity law.
- Supporting and holding the Chief Executive accountable through sound governance and performance monitoring.
- Safeguarding the organisation’s assets, values, and reputation.
- Contributing expertise to board discussions and sub‑committees, helping to shape policies and strategic initiatives.
For all Trustees, we provide annual training for board members and meet at least twice a year for developmental and strategic conversations.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a trustee with experience of, or a good understanding of, financial management, particularly in the context of charity finance, long‑term strategic financial planning, and the development of reserve strategies. A solid understanding of HR principles would also be valuable, enabling the trustee to contribute their expertise in support of a students’ union that is unapologetic about doing things differently as it enters its next strategic phase.
The ideal candidate will be energised by the diversity and potential of our Students’ Union and student body. You will bring commitment, insight, and the ability to provide constructive feedback, contributing to a Board that values inclusivity, openness and fresh perspectives. Finally, as an external Trustee, you would also be expected to mentor and develop our student trustees.
Time Commitment
Trustee Board meetings are held at least four times a year. Meetings are held in person at our Elephant and Castle campus. Additionally, Trustees can expect to sit on sub‑committees and get involved with other areas of the Union’s work. We provide annual training for board members and meet at least twice a year for developmental and strategic conversations.
Our Trustee Board and Development Day dates for 2025/26:
- Monday 26 January 2026 – Board of Trustees, 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 16 June – Board of Trustees, 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 21 July – Contingency Board Meeting (Strategy Approval), time TBC
Learn more about South Bank Students’ Union
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners.
If you would like to know more about this role please contact Conor Naughton.
South Bank Students’ Union is on a mission to totally transform the way a students’ union works in a modern university.
Based at the heart of London’s Elephant & Castle, we have been working towards our 2025 ambition to become a relevant, responsive and truly transformative students’ union that improves the lives of students on every course and beyond at London South Bank University – representing students’ academic interests and contributing to a prosperous, thriving and civic learning community.
Timetable
Closing date: Monday 17th November 2025
Candidates informed of outcome: Friday 21st November 2025
Interviews: Thursday 27th November 2025
Peridot and South Bank Students’ Union are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement.
The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.
External Trustee | South Bank Students’ Union in City of London employer: Peridot Partners
South Bank Students’ Union is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Located in the heart of London, this forward-thinking organisation offers unique opportunities for professional growth through annual training and collaborative board discussions, ensuring that every trustee can contribute to shaping a transformative student experience. Join us in our mission to innovate and enhance student engagement while being part of a diverse community that values fresh perspectives and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Trustee | South Bank Students’ Union in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current trustees or professionals in similar roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you care about student welfare and how your skills can make a real difference. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare for the Boardroom
Brush up on your governance knowledge and financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the strategic direction of the South Bank Students’ Union. Showing that you understand their mission will set you apart!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly 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 our forward-thinking team at South Bank Students’ Union.
We think you need these skills to ace External Trustee | South Bank Students’ Union in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your skills and experiences align with our mission to create a transformative students' union.
Be Specific:Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your understanding of financial management and HR principles. This helps us see how you can contribute to our strategic goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the unique aspects of South Bank Students’ Union. Highlight how your values align with ours and how you can help us achieve our ambitious future.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your Financial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your financial management knowledge, especially in charity finance. Be ready to discuss how you've developed long-term financial plans or reserve strategies in the past. This will show that you understand the financial health of the organisation and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Understand HR Principles
Since a solid understanding of HR principles is valuable for this role, think about your experiences related to governance and performance monitoring. Prepare examples of how you've supported teams or organisations in maintaining strong governance standards, as this will highlight your ability to contribute effectively.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusivity
South Bank Students’ Union values inclusivity and fresh perspectives. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how diversity can enhance student experiences. Think about specific initiatives or ideas you could bring to the table that align with their mission to transform the students' union.
✨Engage with the Board Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the role of a trustee and the dynamics of board discussions. Be ready to discuss how you can mentor and develop student trustees, as well as how you can contribute to strategic conversations. This will demonstrate your commitment to the organisation's long-term success.
