At a Glance
- Tasks: Join ULaw SU's Governing Board and contribute to strategic decision-making.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic student union on the path to independence.
- Benefits: Develop leadership skills, gain references, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible hours and virtual meetings.
- Why this job: Help shape the future of ULaw SU and support fellow students.
- Qualifications: Finance knowledge preferred; passion for governance and student support essential.
Join ULaw SU's Governing Board! We are currently looking to recruit two external / lay members to join our Governing Board. We are specifically looking for one of these members to have finance knowledge and experience. We welcome applications from all interested parties, as we are also recruiting to a generalist external position. This is an exciting time to join ULaw SU as we continue to grow and move towards registering as an independent charity in 2027.
THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE
We are currently on a journey to become an independent legal entity, following a student referendum in 2023. The Development Steering Group subcommittee is currently working on developing an updated Memorandum of Understanding through which the union‑university relationship would operate with the SU as an independent charity. We are consulting with internal stakeholders to ensure that we acknowledge and proactively identify any barriers or hurdles, with the aim to provide the best experience possible for students. We hope that by joining our Governing Board, you will be able to contribute professional experience in this exciting part of our journey which has the potential to make a real change for the way we can support students.
TIME COMMITMENT
We are looking for individuals who have time to commit to this role. This position is voluntary and the average time commitment is roughly 2 to 4 hours per month. This is spent across a combination of meetings, reading papers, and replying to correspondence. We expect board members to make every effort to attend scheduled meetings and play an active role in both full board meetings and any relevant subcommittee which they may be a part of. All meetings are held virtually via MS Teams, although we are considering one meeting in person each year. Reasonable expenses will be paid for any costs incurred. Meeting times are usually selected based on the availability of members, with main board meetings scheduled around 9-12 months in advance.
APPLICATIONS
Apply today and take advantage of the benefits of volunteering!
- Develop strategic leadership skills in governance, finance, strategy and law
- Be part of an exciting period of change in a fast‑developing organisation
- Work alongside like‑minded people across the HE sector and beyond
- Be part of tangible change and make a real difference to the next generation
- Be part of the solution for making ULaw SU better for everyone
- References and letters of recommendation provided for future applications
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Jack.Medlin@law.ac.uk which answers the following three questions:
- What skills, knowledge and perspectives could you bring to the ULaw SU Governing Board?
- From what you know about us, what do you see as our biggest challenges and opportunities?
- How does your motivation for applying align with our organisation’s values?
We recommend downloading our Board Recruitment Pack and the role description from our website before applying. The closing date is midday Monday 11th May.
External Board Member employer: The University of Law Students' Union
Contact Detail:
The University of Law Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Board Member
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former board members and ask them about their experiences. This can give you insider knowledge and help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with anyone from ULaw SU, make sure to express why you're excited about their journey towards independence. Genuine enthusiasm can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for virtual meetings! Since most meetings are online, practice using MS Teams beforehand. Being comfortable with the tech will help you focus on contributing rather than fumbling with the platform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your skills! In your CV and cover letter, clearly outline how your finance knowledge or generalist experience aligns with the challenges and opportunities ULaw SU is facing. Make it easy for them to see your fit!
We think you need these skills to ace External Board Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you’ve read the job description thoroughly. Understand what skills and experiences they’re looking for, especially around finance knowledge if you're applying for that role. This will help you tailor your CV and cover letter to show how you fit the bill.
Be Personal and Authentic: When writing your cover letter, let your personality shine through! Share your genuine motivation for wanting to join the Governing Board and how your values align with ULaw SU. We want to see the real you, so don’t hold back!
Answer the Questions Directly: Make sure you address all three questions in your cover letter clearly. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your points. This shows us that you can communicate effectively and understand what we’re looking for.
Check Your Work: Before hitting send, give your application a good proofread. Typos and errors can distract from your message. If possible, ask a friend or colleague to review it too. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might have missed!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Law Students' Union
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand ULaw SU's journey towards independence and the role of the Governing Board. Brush up on the current challenges and opportunities facing the organisation, especially in relation to governance and finance, as this will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Experience
When discussing your skills and knowledge, be specific about how your professional background aligns with the needs of the board. If you have finance experience, prepare examples of how you've used that knowledge to make impactful decisions or improvements in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Values
Reflect on ULaw SU's values and think about how your motivation for applying aligns with them. Be ready to articulate this connection during the interview, as it demonstrates that you're not just looking for any position, but are genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the board's future direction, the challenges they face, and how you can contribute. This shows that you're proactive and truly interested in being part of the solution for ULaw SU.