Warwick Students' Union offers a new opportunity to join the Board of Trustees. This is a pivotal point for Warwick Students’ Union, and key to our future success will be two new Lay Trustees that can broaden our diversity and add to the skills and perspectives of an already committed and engaged Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who offer depth of insight, experience, or influence within one or more of the following areas:

• Legal experience in the HE or Charity sector, bringing deep understanding of how to enable and influence the best outcomes for students, whilst balancing the framework of Charity Law.
• Accounting and financial governance, to maximise our funding and diversify our income, in order to deliver the best student experience to our diverse communities.

We are a values-based organisation, and our trustees are a critical part of an organisation that is student-centred and forward-thinking. More than ever, it is important that we have the strong strategic leadership and financial stability required to enrich the student experience, here at the University of Warwick Students’ Union. 

We are looking for exceptional people, with the right skills and expertise, and a passion for our vision of delivering the best experience for all students. If this sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Please click here to find out more about our Trustee Board.

Application process and dates

Closing Date: Monday 29^th July 2024 at 9am - We will let candidates know whether they have been shortlisted by 2^nd August.

First stage interviews for selected candidates: Online during w/c 5^th August 2024.

Final panel interviews: During w/c 19^th August 2024 at Warwick Students’ Union.

How to apply?

To make an application, please send the below to peopleteam@warwicksu.com with the following prepared:

• Your CV (no more than three sides please).
• A supporting statement (no more than two sides please) that sets out your motivation for applying for the role and how you can meet the Knowledge and Experience we are looking for.

An equal opportunities form will then be sent to you for completion; please return this to the same email address.

Trustee role description - Warwick Students' Union

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for the financial matters and financial procedures of Warwick Students’ Union. The Board accepts ultimate responsibility for giving strategic direction to the Union, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-governed, and delivering the objectives for which it has been set up.

The trustees will also annually review how the Union’s aims are to be achieved, which are found in the Governing Document – the Memorandum and Articles of Association and include:

• Promoting the interests of our members as effectively as possible at institutional, local and national levels
• Ensuring effective communication between our members, the University of Warwick and other bodies
• Providing for the educational, cultural, recreational, sporting, social and welfare needs of our members to the best of our ability
• Operating an effective equal opportunities policy while guaranteeing freedom of expression and minimising any adverse environmental impact, therefore providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all

The Board of Trustees has a responsibility not to implement any democratically developed policy which has damaging financial implications or breaches the law, if it is passed without a realistic financial plan.

MAIN DUTIES

• Working collectively and with the Chief Executive and other senior staff to ensure that WSU has a clear vision that recognises its values and meets the needs of its members.
• To monitor and evaluate the performance of WSU against targets and to ensure that it is focussed on achieving its vision.
• To ensure that WSU complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, including its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To agree any delegated authority and ensure such delegated authority is clearly expressed.
• To safeguard the assets of WSU, taking due care over their security and proper usage, ensuring that they are used exclusively in the pursuit of the agreed objectives.
• To ensure that the governance of WSU is of the highest standard and that it follows guidance from any relevant bodies.
• To recommend the auditors and name the bankers of WSU.
• To annually approve and amend the finance regulations, annual budgets and strategic plans of WSU.
• To appoint and appraise the Chief Executive and to appoint the Board of Directors of any direct subsidiary companies of WSU.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees, using any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions involving scrutinising board papers, focusing on key issues, providing guidance.
• Take or seek opportunities to enhance his or her effectiveness as a Trustee through participation in training and development programmes and by increasing his or her own knowledge of WSU.

TRUSTEE PERSON SPECIFICATION

• A champion of Inclusion and Belonging with the ability to demonstrate the commitment in all contributions and work
• Commitment to the organisation and its core values – Democratic, Independent, Ethical Fun, Informative, Enriching and Accessible.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, Board meetings 5, a mixture of day and evening meetings 
• Strategic vision and the ability to develop strategic thinking in others
• Good, independent, objective judgement
• Ability to think creatively
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Ability to exercise leadership when required to do so
• Enthusiastic commitment to voluntary and community contribution

Lay Trustees:

In addition to the above, external trustees require the following skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following key areas

• Finance/ Audit - accountancy professionals, from a practice or commercial background, with strong business skills
• Commercial/business – professionals with a breadth of experience who can advise and guide on the business of running a £5m-turnover operation.  Particular experience of charity trading would be extremely helpful
• Fundraising/ Funding – professionals with an in-depth knowledge and experience of high-level fundraising and/ or making applications to trusts and grant making bodies
• Legal/ Charity Law – legal professionals with expertise in charity  and / or company law
• HR – HR professionals with experience in the third, charity or public sector
• Marketing or communications professionals- particularly with membership or charity communications background
• An awareness of networks and areas of work that influence and inform the activities of Warwick Students’ Union
• Commitment to the development of young adults
• Appreciation of the Students’ Union movement and or Higher Education core aims and values

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

3 years initially, with potential for a further term of 3 years dependent on attendance and performance.

Further details are available on our website www.warwicksu.com 

As a trustee, the position is unpaid but your reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.