At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board of Trustees to guide the strategic direction of the Students' Union.
- Company: UoGSU, a vibrant community focused on student welfare and governance.
- Benefits: Travel expenses covered, training opportunities, and skill development.
- Other info: Flexible meeting options and a chance to engage with exciting student events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in student life while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Understanding of business management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
UoGSU are currently looking for a new External Trustee to join our Board of Trustees. Our Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Students' Union. This includes effective use of resources, maintaining the long-term financial viability of the organisation and the well-being of staff. The role requires a careful balance; trustees need to respect the democratic will of the membership where possible but also be willing to think creatively, challenge constructively and point out potential risk.
The Board is comprised of Student Trustees, External Trustees and Officers and oversees the work of a team of permanent staff led by the Chief Executive. An eye for detail to ensure the SU is being well governed and the ability to see future opportunities are also important. The role is to serve on the board of trustees. Each term lasts 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Extensions are dependent on re-election to the board.
General candidate requirements:
- An understanding of business management.
- A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to attend board and other meetings, including preparing and reading for those meetings.
- A willingness to speak their mind and contribute.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical ability and good independent judgement.
- An understanding and acceptance of the role of a Charity’s Board of Trustees (including the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship).
- A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service and the SU own values.
Desirable but not essential:
- Recent experience of the higher education sector or of Students’ Unions.
- Experience or knowledge of board governance.
Commitment required:
Board Meetings: There are 5 scheduled hybrid meetings each year, usually held early evening and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, with extra meetings added if required (although this is rare). Each meeting will have associated reading and preparation work. Meetings are usually conducted face-to-face, but trustees may participate remotely depending on their schedule and other commitments.
Sub-committees: All trustees will sit on a remote board sub-committee – Audit & Risk or People Committees. These committees usually meet up to 4 times each year and are scheduled to fit trustee availability. Board members will also need to be available to approve decisions electronically between meetings if required. If feasible, Board members are also encouraged to visit the SU and observe major events such as Welcome.
Rewards:
- Travel expenses reimbursed
- Opportunity to attend external training
- Develop your skillset and experience
- Enhance the experience of the students we represent
External Trustee in Tewkesbury employer: University of Gloucestershire Students' Union
Joining UoGSU as an External Trustee offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of a vibrant Students' Union. With a commitment to ethical conduct and a supportive work culture, trustees benefit from travel expense reimbursement, opportunities for external training, and the chance to enhance their skills while making a meaningful impact on the student community. The role fosters personal growth and collaboration within a diverse board, ensuring that your voice is valued in shaping the future of the organisation.
Contact Details:
University of Gloucestershire Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Trustee in Tewkesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trustees and ask them about their experiences. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the board meetings! Familiarise yourself with the Students' Union's mission and recent activities. Showing that you’re already engaged will impress the selection committee.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your ideas! Think creatively about how you can contribute to the governance of the SU. Trustees need to challenge constructively, so don’t hold back on your thoughts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey.
We think you need these skills to ace External Trustee in Tewkesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding:Make sure to highlight your understanding of business management and the role of a Charity’s Board of Trustees. We want to see that you know what it takes to govern effectively and can balance the needs of the membership with strategic oversight.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value excellent communication and interpersonal skills, so show us how you can contribute to our board with your unique perspective and willingness to speak your mind.
Do Your Homework:Before applying, take some time to read up on our Students' Union and its values. Understanding our mission will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the student experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to engage with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Gloucestershire Students' Union
✨Know Your Governance Basics
Make sure you brush up on the legal duties and responsibilities of a Charity’s Board of Trustees. Understanding these fundamentals will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the Students' Union.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your analytical ability and independent judgement. Think about situations where you've had to assess risks or identify opportunities, as this will resonate well with the board's need for creative and constructive challenges.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Excellent communication is key in this role, so consider rehearsing answers to common interview questions with a friend or mentor to ensure you convey your ideas effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commitment
Be ready to discuss how you plan to devote time and effort to the role. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve committed to a cause or organisation, and express your enthusiasm for attending meetings and contributing to the board's work.
