Job Description

Lay Trustee: What we are looking for:

As an External Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of Chester Students' Union, ensuring it is delivering effectively for its members and challenging the University to deliver the best possible University experience.

We are seeking individuals who bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to contribute to our dynamic and student-focused Board. If you are passionate about higher education, student well-being, and making a positive impact, we invite you to consider the following criteria:

In particular we are keen to see people with experience of the following areas:

• Financial Strategy and Governance.
• High level leadership experience within the Students’ Union/Charity sector.
• Strategic Partnerships and Measuring impact within Charity, Public Sector and/or membership organisations.
• Governance, and
• Human Resources/People Leadership.

1. Commitment to the Mission: Demonstrated alignment with the mission and values of Chester Students' Union, with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within higher education.
2. Governance and Leadership: Previous experience serving on boards or in leadership positions, preferably within the education or non-profit sector. Strong understanding of governance principles and a commitment to upholding ethical standards.
3. Strategic Vision: Proven ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of long-term organisational goals. Experience in strategic planning, risk management, and performance evaluation.
4. Financial Acumen: Familiarity with financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting. Ability to analyse financial information and make informed decisions in the best interest of the organisation.
5. Legal and Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of the legal and regulatory obligations of charitable companies in the UK. Awareness of governance and compliance issues relevant to the higher education sector.
6. Networking and Advocacy: Strong networking skills with the ability to advocate for the Students' Union and build collaborative partnerships. A willingness to represent the organisation at external events and engage with stakeholders.
7. Student-Centric Approach: A genuine commitment to student welfare and the enhancement of the student experience. Ability to empathise with and understand the diverse needs of the student community.
8. Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences. Comfortable engaging with students, staff, and external partners.
9. Innovation and Adaptability: A forward-thinking mindset with a focus on innovation and adaptability to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
10. Time Commitment: Willingness and availability to commit the necessary time to fulfil trustee responsibilities, attend meetings, and actively contribute to board discussions.