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- Tasks: Shape strategic direction and support a student-led organisation.
- Company: Join the University of Portsmouth Students' Union, a vibrant charity focused on student success.
- Benefits: Gain leadership experience, enhance your CV, and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team impacting every Portsmouth student positively.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, leadership skills, and finance experience preferred.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible meeting times, perfect for students.
Volunteer External Trustee / Deputy Chair | University of Portsmouth Students\’ Union
The University Of Portsmouth Students\’ Union is seeking an External Trustee / Deputy Chair who has enthusiasm supporting and guiding a student led organisation.
What difference will you make?
As part of our Board, you will shape our strategic direction and help us achieve our goal of \’having a positive impact on every Portsmouth Student.\’ As Deputy Chair, you will support and mentor the Chair, acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante.
What are we looking for?
- The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation.
- They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills.
- Finance experience to support our current strategic direction and bring new skills to the Board; preferably charity finance experience outside the SU sector, with understanding of financial oversight and the ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making.
- Chairing experience, with the ability to deputise for the Chair and chair Board meetings.
- Ability to build a strong working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair and foster constructive relationships between Trustees.
- Support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board and act as a confidante in the execution of their role.
- We welcome candidates from other sectors or regions and encourage first-time Trustees to apply; EDI is embedded and we strive for a diverse, inclusive Trustee Board.
What will you be doing?
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance the education of all students at the University of Portsmouth. Our vision is to have a ‘Positive Impact with every Portsmouth student’ and we aim to have both immediate and legacy impacts through our services and activities. UPSU employs approximately 30 career staff, a further 40 student staff, and works with over 1000 registered student volunteers and over 100 student groups. We are looking for one Trustee & Deputy Chair to join our Charity Trustee Board to support the Union through its next steps. A strong and active Board is crucial for developing and implementing our strategy and ensuring flexibility to meet the needs of our student members.
Our three-year Strategy (August 2023 onward) focuses on: Academic Success, Social Capital, and Future Readiness. Board meetings are held 4-5 times per year, and Trustees may support one of our sub-committees. Roles are voluntary; regular meeting attendance should suit those within easy travel time to Portsmouth.
Seniorities and Roles
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Volunteer
- Job function: Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Strategy/Planning
- Industries: Higher Education
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from all talented people, including from underrepresented groups.
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Volunteer External Trustee / Deputy Chair | University of Portsmouth Students\' Union employer: University of Portsmouth Students' Union
Contact Detail:
University of Portsmouth Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer External Trustee / Deputy Chair | University of Portsmouth Students\' Union
✨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. They can give you tips that aren’t in the job description and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the board, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. Share your ideas on how you can make a positive impact – they’ll love your energy!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your finance experience can help the board and be ready to discuss specific examples. This will show you’re not just a great candidate, but the perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 the team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer External Trustee / Deputy Chair | University of Portsmouth Students\' Union
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for supporting student-led organisations shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about making a positive impact on Portsmouth students!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any finance or leadership experience you have, especially if it relates to charity work. We’re looking for candidates who can bring new skills to our Board, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic: When writing your application, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to our strategic direction.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 University of Portsmouth Students' Union
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Trustee and Deputy Chair. Familiarise yourself with the University of Portsmouth Students' Union's mission and current strategic direction. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Demonstrate your passion for supporting student-led organisations. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact in similar roles. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the opportunity.
✨Prepare for Financial Questions
Since finance experience is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of financial oversight and decision-making. Brush up on key financial concepts and think of examples where you've successfully interpreted financial information to support strategic decisions.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how you can contribute. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also demonstrate your ability to foster constructive relationships within the Board.
